Back in November 2020, when we were all giddy with the excitement of being allowed meet with family and friends again following the end of Ireland's second lockdown, a social experiment was just beginning on our doorstep.
The Woodland Honesty Store, situated in a tree lined green area in front of the Quarry Cottages on Collins Avenue, began to deliver treats to the taste buds of Killester and it's surrounds.
Woodland Honesty is based on the honesty box system and is self sustaining. In the words of Woodland Honesty, "the idea behind it was to bring something of interest to the community and for people to put a value and worth on the things they see everyday around them - unmonitored."
It wasn't a recipe for success in the beginning however. Mother nature took it's toll, dis-honesty, or maybe just a lack of understanding, both conspired to hinder the experiment.
On top of this, there was theft and vandalism to contend with. But in the words of Julia Child, "The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking, you’ve got to have a what-the-hell attitude."
With the new year and perhaps the joy of snowfall brought a new lease of life to the store. Cakes and curds and cinnamon rolls filled the shelves and customers couldn't help themselves!
New found enthusiasm and success brought with it big news for the store. It's first collaboration selling Croatian and Mediterranean goodies.
This author has been lucky enough to sample Woodland Honesty's delicious food, I highly recommend you do too!
Follow the Woodland Honesty Store on Instagram or better yet, take a walk down and treat yourself!