Is bigger best?

Having been into town today to visit my local butcher it got me thinking about using local shops versus the big supermarkets.

I have brought all of our meat at our local butchers for nearly two years and I have never been disappointed by the excellent quality. Many people hold the misconception that the meat is more expensive at a butchers, but believe me it isn't, it's either around the same or on many occasions cheaper.

I also really like the fact that the trip to the butchers each week is more personal than the service you receive at a supermarket. It's great to be able to talk to people who have a genuine interest in you and the local area. They take the time out to ask how you are, something which does not happen when you finally reach the till at one of the big stores.

In an attempt to help the local economy and the environment, we also use a milkman and get a number of products from him including eggs, potatoes, bread and fruit juice. I know for a fact the potatoes are from a farm about one mile away and the eggs come from a farm in Leicestershire.

My next mission is to buy our fruit and vegetables from the local greengrocers, I will try this next week when I go into town.

I know that it takes more time to go into several smaller shops rather than one big supermarket where everything is under one roof but the experience is so much nicer and you get the satisfaction of supporting your local economy and environment too.

Do you shop at the supermarket or local smaller shops? I would love to hear your experiences.