Goswell & Bird’s Village Store

Goswell & Bird’s History

Named in honour of the families who previously supplied the village with their daily goods, Goswell & Bird’s is here to bring back a village stores and coffee shop to Finchampstead.

In Victorian times, Mr and Mrs Goswell were licensees of The Greyhound Inn who later moved to nearby The Thatched Cottage to start a village shop there. Their daughter Nellie along with her husband Graystone Bird took it over from her parents and ran it until they retired in 1973. For forty years it was the main supply of groceries, haberdashery and almost anything imaginably found in a village stores and well patronised by the local residents. For many, it was the only source of items which they could reach on foot.

Today, Goswell & Bird’s Village Store is creating a hub for the community. A traditional village store providing the local community and surrounding area with everything they need whether it’s everyday essentials, premium seasonal produce or a place to meet family and friends. Sustainably Sourced

Premium, seasonal produce At Goswell & Bird’s you can shop for everyday essentials! Whether you are shopping for seafood, rare breed meats, fresh bakery, dairy products, seasonal fruit and vegetables or that special ingredient, like a wonderful single estate extra virgin olive oil or a stunning rib of beef for your Sunday roast.

Zero Plastic

Of an evening Goswell & Bird’s is transformed into an exciting alternative dining and event space. You will be welcomed with traditional hospitality to a space for all to use and enjoy. Every item has been sustainably sourced and personally chosen by executive chef and owner, Jamie Dobbin and the team are committed to zero plastic across our operation.

Opening times: Mon-Sun 8.30am - 4pm www.goswellandbirds.co.uk

LONGWATER RD, FINCHAMPSTEAD RG40 3TS

Located in the heart of Wokingham, we offer fine Italian dining, exceptional service, a charming restaurant and exquisite food - we look forward to welcoming you! Buon appetito, Angelo.

Italian dining in Wokingham doesn’t get much finer than Ruchetta. This is a gorgeous, award-winning spot with roots in Calabria, southern Italy itself, and it’s led by chef and owner Angelo Colao. Angelo and his team create charming mouth-watering Italian dishes full of flavour, using only the finest seasonal and local ingredients, meaning the Ruchetta menu goes way beyond the norm in terms of what you might expect from an Italian restaurant in the UK. You’ll find Ruchetta on Rose Street right in the heart of Wokingham, just next to Waitrose. Advanced reservations are definitely a good idea. Please do make sure to ask about our ‘Seasonal Specials’ available every week! Angelo will be happy to recommend the finest of wines to accompany your meal from our well stocked wine cellar.

“Angelo and his team made us feel very welcome! We had the best experience and our taste buds received a wonderful selection of hand picked truffles and porcini mushrooms, delicious sauces and deserts that were mouth-watering.”

£20 OFF

You are invited to join us on Rose Street in the heart of Wokingham at

During the months of April, May & June, for a truly amazing Fine Italian Dining Experience.

Bring this invitation along on any Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday during the months of April, May and June, and hand it to a member of our team at Ruchetta for an amazing £20 discount, when you spend £100 or more in our restaurant. For further details contact Ruchetta.

Full T&Cs available at Ruchetta.