We believe that passion brings a quality and uniqueness’ that can be pure pleasure when like-minded souls meet. We seek out the best of the best with a no compromise policy in all our endeavours. If you also accept no less, then you have come to right place! All our offerings are carefully selected. Indeed, some are handmade by us (Michael and Sharran) and/or other selected artists/artisans. We are NOT about mass production handmade quality products and as the beginning of about us uniqueness.

Some of our customers’ comments can be viewed here.

Michael - The Trail Master - for many many years has been following the trail of the olive tree worldwide, which gave rise to the name "The Olive Trail". We share the view with many others that the olive tree is "the tree of life".

Six summers ago Michael was on a sailing holiday in Greece with five friends (a boys bonding!) when he was to learn that the Olive trees are protected by Solon's Law - during the Athenian democracy (600BC), in the first written legislation of the world. It was decreed that the cutting down of olive trees bar two per grove for cooking and warmth. This fitted with our environmental policy. Subsequently Michael's passion for the olive tree drove him and Sharran to Greece, headfirst! Living in the olive groves showed him that the olive is indeed a noble fruit and fresh is best! However, who was going to listen to him all those years ago! The time has now come to announce to the world, along with David Rosengarten and Judy Ridgway that Olive oil need not be a greasy and foul tasting. Indeed, it is a wonderful fruit juice that may be drank and will of course, enhance your food.

We lived in Greece from 2001 to 2006 in Galatas on the Peloponnese knowing very little of the culture and language. For those in the know "gala" and "tas" are formed from the ancient Greek words to be the milkman, whom of course must serve the masters of the Island, Poros - this by the way means a narrow straight of water.

We would like to thank all friends whom parted with the knowledge that made The Olive Trail possible, to whom they will be forever grateful. A special mention for Mr Grohmann and his family of the Trizinia olive groves for their kindness and help throughout our difficult times, and the laughter shared too. As Yannis said, you have to be Greek to live and work in Greece. Finally yet importantly for his wonderful fresh olive oils, which we enjoy and sell in our shop and on our web site. To Sharran's friend Fannie a wonderful lady in every sense of the word when the Greek system got too much for Sharran, Fannie would be there to make Sharran laugh she is the kindest lady that Sharran has ever met.

Here there is a special mention for Nicos, a potter and his family of Trizinia, the potter and a fellow artist.

Just recently, we have become the champions of Greece in respect of presenting their goods in London, a little late perhaps for fame, but one thing is for sure the "mosaic" of Greece still intrigues and more will follow!

Onward, if you are still here, browsers can read some of the FACTS about fresh olive oil.

Now, our little folly and onto Irish Peat bog oak! In 2003 we meet Paul from Kilcoo, Northern Ireland, an excellent greeting cards artisan. He asked if a pen could be made from Irish peat bog oak. Mike loves a challenge! The rest is history.

The new chapter of life in Bloomsbury, London ends 3rd Feb. and we continue operations from Frome, Somerset, watch the site for more details.

See you on the mulberry bush! - the first person to tell Mike what that means wins a prize! hmmm!?!