GET TO KNOW US
How it all started
In 2012 — the same year that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 60th year on the throne — Samantha opened The Queens Pantry.
Her aim was simple yet heartfelt: to provide the very best of British and Commonwealth foods and gifts, while offering a traditional shopping experience where every customer is treated like royalty.
Having grown up in the historic town of Royal Leamington Spa, just six miles from Stratford-upon-Avon — the birthplace of William Shakespeare — Samantha spent her childhood sampling the very chocolates, crisps, and cakes she proudly stocks today.
With an in-depth knowledge of every product on her shelves, she’s always delighted to put the kettle on and enjoy a good old chinwag over a cup of char and a plate of biccies (that’s tea and cookies for our American friends!).
It’s said that Napoleon Bonaparte once remarked that the English were “a nation of shopkeepers.” What was once meant as an insult is now worn as a badge of honour. Samantha proudly embraces her role as keeper of the shop and warmly welcomes everyone to browse the shelves of The Pantry — even the French!
Meet the staff
Sam
'Boss Lady'
Samantha was born in Royal Leamington Spa, England.
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Having spent her life drinking tea, eating chocolate and talking non-stop, the next obvious step was to open The Queens’ Pantry and share her passions with a wider, unsuspecting audience.
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Samantha loves Wotsits, Lemon Creams and Cadburys Whole Nut chocolate.. But what she loves most of all is having the opportunity to share these with her customers.
Aside from chocolate, Sammy loves Robbie Williams. Which is pretty embarrassing for a ** year-old.
Karen
'There we are then'
Karen was born in Winchester, England. Winchester is famed for its beautiful cathedral built in1079. Karen does not remember it being built. Cheeky.
Karens secret to looking and staying so young is to eat copious amounts of smooth Galaxy chocolate. She is also a veggie, so don’t ask her
about the bacon!!
As well as loving the fun community at The Queens Pantry, Karen also loves that drinking tea at every given opportunity is compulsory.
Richard
'King Richard'
Richard was born in North London in England. He supports Arsenal Football Club. But only when they’re winning.
You’ll usually find Richard drooling over the Keogh’s Truffle Crisps. Do not disturb him when he’s in that zone. You’ll catch something.
Richard says the best thing about working at The Queens Pantry is that he loves meeting lots of fun and interesting customers. The feeling from the customers is not reciprocated.
Carla
'Here for the meats & sweets'
Carla was born in South Africa.
But let's cut to the chase. Carla loves Biscoff Chocolate, Mint Crisp, Ouma Rusk Biscuit, Lemon Creams, Royal Creams, Biltong, Wors, Boerewors, Flings….you could say she misses the comforts of her homeland.
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If it’s full of sugar or used to have 4 legs Carla will eat it. Apart from dogs.
Carla loves dogs. But not on a barbecue.