So, I was wandering into Bider & Tanner yesterday to order a tedious tome on French grammar when I literally stumbled over a treasure trove of British and American goodies in the form of a Peace Foods concession that has appeared in the book store. Self raising flour, bagels, baking powder, two (yes TWO) types of brown sugar, jelly babies, Cadbury's Fruit & Nut, custard powder .... I would go on but I am starting to get the jitters just typing this list. Of course it is all at the usual prohibitive prices (particularly galling when the Chocolate orange has £1.99 printed along the side next to the 9.95 Chf price tag) but oh it is lovely just to even know they are there.

Of course I exited the book shop minus one French grammar tome, but up 3 chocolate Aero bars, a pot of black treacle and some bat and pumpkin shaped cupcake sprinkles (what would life be without bat and pumpkin shaped cupcake sprinkles?).

I read they intend to stock the shelves every 2 weeks but if you want anything specific, you can order it by internet and they can deliver it to the store. Also they are having a Hallowe'en event there on Saturday afternoon, with face painting, cup cake somethings and general goodie heaven. Just leave your bank cards at home.

Apologies if this has been there for months and months and I am literally the last person to find out about it.

Herbstmesse starts on Saturday also. I think I just may need to wander "downtown" for a bit.

Have I misunderstood or is this a book store that sells food?

I dont live in Basel yet, but should I feel concerned that I can buy a cookbook, and the flour, and sugar at the same place? If so... this is bad news for my wallet.

Yes. Be very worried for your wallet. When you are far away, you can do crazy things for that touch of home

It's been growing as an English bookshop over the last few years. First was just a shelf or two, then a whole section, then most of the first floor, and now they've started adding the aforementioned British bits and bobs too.

I sometimes pop in at lunchtime, but much less in recent months since I got my Kindle.

Yes... I've got a Kindle too. But depending on the book... I still enjoy bookshops, and it feels like this place is going to be my new favorite hang out!