Home – Central England Co-op is here to help make it the best place to holiday this summer

Posted by stephanie forrester | Published: 09/07/2020

Summer is here and due to Covid-19, it looks like the most likely destination for holidaymakers this year is going to be their own home.

It’s important to take a break from routine and mark out this time as different, whether you are working or not. Frustrating as it may be, there are some positives in holidaying from home - a familiar bed and surroundings to relax in and a barbecue waiting to receive some delicious food can be the making of a pleasant break which is both budget-friendly and kinder to the environment.

Enjoying new flavours is one of the things to look forward to on holiday. You could choose fare from the place you were planning to visit, whether it’s fish and chips from the British seaside, Mexican style fajitas or a homemade Italian lasagne. Inspiration can be found at https://www.centralengland.coop/food/recipes or if you want a break from cooking, go for convenience with our delicious Co-op Irresistible Paella (400g, £4). Remember to accompany your creation with a glass of the national tipple from your fantasy destination.

Just as people plan for a holiday away, preparation is key on the cleaning front when staying at home. Get sprucing the week before to avoid getting distracted by everyday tasks while you relax. Perhaps treat yourself to some flowers or indoor plants to brighten things up.

Starting the day right (after a nice lie in) is a measure of a good break for many, so pop some freshly-baked bread or croissants from our in-store bakery and some Fairtrade tea or coffee in your basket at the start of your break and prepare a leisurely breakfast to set you up for a relaxing day.

“If the kids are happy, I’m happy” is the refrain of many parents on holiday, and a break at home is no exception. Central England Co-op has a great range of crafting materials to bring their creative ideas to life, including packs of 25 coloured pencils or fibre tip pens, pompoms and metallic star sequins, drawing pads, coloured card and PVA glue, each priced between £1.00 and £1.50 per pack.

For outdoor play, pick up an archery (£4), baseball (£5) or cricket set (£6) or have fun with a Bubblz Wand (£1) or Paw Paw Bubble Wavers (£2.50).

Ice creams are an iconic holiday item, so pick up some refreshingly different ice cream treats including the luxurious Co-op Mini Guilty Pleasures (£2.40, 8x50ml) or Co-op Strawberry & Cream Rose Cones (£2 for 4).

Treats, toiletries and a few magazines can help you to get that spa weekend feeling, all available at your local Central England Co-op.

Round off your break with a barbecue (please use them responsibly if you are having a cook out at a local beauty spot) and pop on some Co-op Incredible Meat Free Burgers (£2, 210g) or Co-op British Beef Sizzle Steaks (£2.75, 175g), accompanied by something delicious from our chilled picnic range, with selected items currently 3 for 2, including Co-op Irresistible Coleslaw (£1.30, 300g), Co-op Houmous Dip (£1.30, 200g) or Co-op Mixed Olive Trio (£3, 240g).

Your Staycation 2020 checklist:

• Plan ahead and pick up cleaning products and make your home sparkle before your break
• Shop in advance for the week
• Choose from our range of summer foods, whether it’s old favourites, new flavours or convenient ready meals
• Buy some flowers and plants
• Pop some outdoor toys in your basket
• Pick up some magazines and treats
• Relax!

Notes to editors

Photos: Make a holiday at home this summer and enjoy 1. Enjoy Co-op British Beef Sizzle Steaks (£2.75, 175g), 2. some Co-op Incredible Meat Free Burgers (£2, 210g) and 3. Co-op Strawberry & Cream Rose Cones (£2 for 4)

About Central England Co-operative

Central England Co-operative is one of the largest independent retail co-operative societies in the UK. 

It is a modern, forward-looking organisation employing over 8,000 staff, with the Society’s principal areas of activity being food, funeral services, travel shops, and property investment.

Central England Co-operative has over 400 trading outlets across 16 counties including; West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.  The Society has an ambitious food store development programme for 2020.

Central England Co-operative is proud of its reputation for ethical business practices and corporate responsibility.  It is a member of Business in the Community, the membership organisation that stands for responsible business, and has also won many business awards for excellence.  The Society supports a number of charities including Dementia UK and invests a percentage of its trading profit into local communities.

Becoming a member of Central England Co-operative offers a whole host of benefits ranging from collecting points every time you spend in store to earn a share of the profits, access to members activities and community initiatives including the Community Dividend Fund, which hands out grants of up to £5,000 to charities and good causes across the Society’s trading estate.

Find out how to become a Central England Co-operative member by calling 0800 0501 601, emailing members@centralengland.coop or visiting https://www.members.coop

For more information visit www.centralengland.coop, follow Central England Co-operative on Twitter: @mycoopfood, and on Facebook: facebook.com/centralenglandcooperative

Rob Smyth and James Brindle at Central England Co-operative on 01543 421390

Email – publicrelations@centralengland.coop