Cardiff’s alternative Christmas dinner

Q & A with Julia Hallinan

What’s the history of The CookShop?

My original CookShop opened in 1982 and used to sell frozen meals, this was all before the big supermarkets offered chilled food.  I shut the shop in 1995 to follow my passion for education and re-opened in September 2013. Although people’s attitudes and preferences as to what they like to eat has changed, we still stock all the old favourites! We also change the menu weekly and offer a range of frozen dishes that are perhaps a little different.

How popular has the dinner in a bag been?

It has been very popular, especially at the weekends and I now have regular customers who have one almost weekly.

What is the current favourite gourmet ready meal?

Beef Bourguignonne, Lamb Tagine and Fish Pie.

What audience has The CookShop attracted?

My old customers!!! Local people, professional people, people with young families and retired people.

Who is part of the team behind the idea?

I am the chef and I have one full time and one part time member of staff.  The part time member is in fact someone who I trained at the age of 16, when she came to the original CookShop back in 1982.  I come up with most of the ideas, although my staff, family and friends are very helpful.

Tell us more about Christmas dinner in a bag!

Orders have to be placed before the 14 December and will be available to pick up on Christmas Eve, click on the link below to see the full festive menu:

http://cookshopcardiff.co.uk/christmas-menu-2013/