In this episode, Chris is joined by good friend Michelle Brewer to take a delicious trip down memory lane.

Together, they reminisce about what food was like for them as kids growing up in Basingstoke from strict 80s dinner rules and exotic "sandwich spread" to memorable family trips to the Harvester. They discuss how food culture has changed from the days of Sunday trading laws and 10p sweet mixes to today’s era of 24/7 fast food delivery.

Key Topics Covered:

• 80s Food Nostalgia: Strict dinner tables, microwave chips in a box, and the wild world of sandwich spread.
• Dining Out as a Big Deal: Why family trips to the Harvester felt like a luxury, including memories of the iconic salad bar and bread baskets.
• Old Basingstoke Spots: Local haunts like the Mardi Gras, the sweet kiosk by the bus station, and the town's original fishmongers and bakeries.
• Then vs. Now: How food availability shifted from closed-on-Sunday supermarkets and local paper round pocket money to modern delivery apps and drive-thrus.
• The Basingstoke Smell: Unlocking childhood memories through the classic blend of sports centre chlorine and local chip shops.

Cloke Cooks is produced by Chris Cloke and brought to you by ProClean Direct.

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