By Matt Lo
Popcorn, encased in a rich and buttery history, first started popping up in the Americas thousands of years ago – but has far transcended its original purpose as a means of ceremonial decoration, now a delicious snack enjoyed by all. Sweet, salty, caramel – popcorn comes in all shapes and colors, ranging from diabolical flavors to more subtle appreciations. Throughout my life, I have eaten popcorn from far and wide, trying innovative flavors from various manufacturers, however, there has always been one that stood out against the rest: Garret’s Popcorn.
Godfrey’s Popcorn, starting from humble beginnings, was born from a love of film, design, and flavor. Being a British soldier during the Second World War, Alfred Godfrey saw that cinema became a much-needed escape, with a particular fondness for fresh popcorn served in the picture house. Driven by a desire to create something tasty, Godfrey’s Popcorn was created; a sweet new maker who experimented with unique flavors, shocking customers. Luke Godfrey, Alfred’s grandson and the co-founder of the company, has recently opened a store in Covent Garden, reintroducing his grandfather’s techniques to a modern audience.
As you may have gathered, this article is not about the best popcorn I have tasted, but rather the second best. Last week, I mistakenly ordered a box of Godfrey’s Popcorn, thinking it to be Garret’s, the best popcorn I tasted as a kid. Ecstatic about the prospect of reaching this high again after a ten year wait, I cracked open a bag. At first, although shocked at the discovery that this popcorn was, in fact, an imposter, I was pleasantly surprised. The caramel was well balanced, perfectly savory and not too sweet, with subtle accents of vanilla and a crunch unmatched. The second bag was one filled with a Biscoff flavored delight. The choice of flavor intrigued me, yet it also left me with a bit of skepticism, fearing it may overpower the natural flavor of the corn. My doubt, however, quickly became a feeling of ecstasy as a moment of realization struck me – popcorn is the best medium for which the brilliance of Biscoff may shine. My fears instantly vanished as the two flavors danced in my mouth in a graceful pás de deux, balancing each other perfectly. The third and final bag was the one I was most excited for, a cheddar cheese flavored popcorn. As an avid cheese fan I knew instantly that I would enjoy this, yet I was not prepared for what came next. The savory cheesiness enveloped my mouth. Each bite, each crunch, left me craving more. Delivering on its signature funk, the cheddar cheese tasted authentic and of high quality, which paired beautifully with the popcorn, being a perfect vessel to deliver such deep flavors.
Although not my intended purchase, I was more than happy to receive this enormous box of popcorn, as one should be. The flavors were playful and inviting and worked brilliantly in the canvas that is corn, with enough surprise to keep taste testers on the edge of their seat. Mass-produced popcorn, being the preferred choice of many, has long overshadowed family run makers, often sacrificing quality for convenience. Commercialization of the product has led many small businesses to shut down due to rising pressure from larger companies, forcing smaller competitors to either bend the knee or leave. I hope, upon reading this, that we give more thought into the ethical concerns of our purchases, whether we are supporting a business worth our time, and if a tastier alternative is out there. The bright red logo of ‘Godfrey’s’ is sure to be a household name, being an example of dedication to craft, quality, and just a hint of luxury. With excellent customer support and a speedy response team, why shouldn’t you go for Godfrey’s?
Featured Image: Meg Boulden