Mad Hatter Floral Design in Aldermaston made member of the Good Florist Guide

An independent village florist has been crowned as one of the UK’s best after being accepted into an exclusive and prestigious guide for flower sellers and arrangers.

Kerry Thomas, of Aldermaston’s Mad Hatter Floral Design, was made a member of the Good Florist Guide, the gold standard of floristry in this country and the only merit-based industry guide in the world.

Mrs Thomas set up the business in Beenham in 2019 and moved it to Aldermaston in February.

She said: “The move has been a great success and we hope that consumers continue to want to shop local and continue to use us.

“We are delighted to be accepted into the Good Florist Guide.

“We are passionate about flowers, design, quality and the service we give to each of our customers, so it is wonderful to have this recognised.

“For us this is the icing on the cake.”

To get accepted into the guide, florists must undergo a rigorous evaluation process before being approved and invited to join.

Mad Hatter Floral Design submitted a detailed description of its floristry business, including the range available and services offered as well as images of its business premises, its design work, its team and even its delivery vehicle.

Mrs Thomas also said: “What’s special about our business is that we specialise in growing our own blooms and sourcing locally where we possibly can.

“I wanted to try and prove that we can be self-sufficient and provide British blooms where possible.

“We also make all of our green waste into compost to re-use elsewhere.”