I will admit, I’ve never been much of a popcorn fan… I have always associated it with cinema snacking and compulsive mouth stuffing as the film flashes in front of me. I didn’t particularly like the taste, and found the ongoing sweet vs. salty dilemma painfully frustrating. Recently however popcorn has undergone a bit of a makeover with several trendy little companies developing a snack that is both healthy and tasty, satisfying and flavoursome.
There is something instantly attractive and tempting about POP, Europe’s first popcorn boutique. This new concept store is the brainchild of London-based couple Matt Guarente (a former magazine editor) and Catherine May, a public affairs director. Priding itself on being the first of its kind, POP produces coated and dusted popcorn freshly made every day, in unusual and indulgent flavours.
Customers can choose in-store flavours or create their own bespoke popcorn for parties and events. We sampled each recipe from the current menu. I was amazed by how much I enjoyed eating this delicious snack… intensely flavoured, wonderfully fresh and pleasingly crunchy, it is the ideal grazing food, perfect for stylish cocktail parties or event openings.
The owners’ passion for food is obvious… each flavour has been carefully developed – innovative and creative components combined to make addictively good combinations. English Toffee and Sea Salt is the most popular and was definitely my favourite, a thick caramelly coating on the corn. My team of tasters preferred the luxurious Raspberry Dark and White Chocolate (a pretty pink variety with thick drippings of chocolate) and Sweetcrisp (a simple but scrumptious version of classic sweet popcorn). Of the savoury choices, I loved the Bloody Mary flavour.
POP also sells a number of cult drinks from America, strikingly bright vintage cans sit in a fridge waiting to quench your thirst after your popcorn!
I know it sounds corny but you too will be dancing for joy when you taste the latest pop sensation, I can’t get enough of it.
(POP has just launched delivery by post – Pop at Home – meaning their great corn is available across the UK, and they plan to be at a festival near you this summer.)
Visit the website for more information: www.popthewebsite.com
