Reading supermarket proposal takes the biscuit

It’s a dilemma that has flummoxed those in love throughout history – where do you choose to pop the question?

For some, at sunset overlooking the ocean, for others, it would be at their favourite restaurant with a string quartet playing in the background.

But for Charlie Bullock, after his first choice of Barcelona failed, he instead got down on one knee at the bakery counter in Morrisons’ Reading store.

He said the supermarket had been a “staple in our lives for so many years” so it “felt like the perfect place to pop the question”.

Mr Bullock’s first attempt to propose to girlfriend Hannah McNaughten in Spain had failed in December when a thief tried to steal his phone while he was recording the big moment.

“It kind of ruined the moment [and] took the limelight sadly,” the 30-year-old told BBC Radio Berkshire.

Mr Bullock then had the idea to ask his local Morrisons store to “put a funny spin” on a new proposal.

He said: “I spoke to them and it was just a case of come along on your weekly shop and the bakers will bake a cake that says ‘Morri Me’ on it, and it can all be a surprise for Hannah.”

Ms McNaughten said: “I thought we were just heading out for our routine weekly shop, so when the bakers turned around with the giant cookie, my jaw dropped to the floor.”

The 26-year-old, who had already technically accepted the Barcelona proposal, said “yes” again.

“Our love for food is as strong as it is for one another, and the look on Hannah’s face – as well as other shoppers – was priceless,” Mr Bullock said.

Store manager Iain Perry said “playing Cupid” had been “fun” for staff, adding it would “live long in both our memory and theirs”.

The couple have already set a wedding date, with Mr Bullock saying the pair could not wait to “walk down the real aisle – not one at the supermarket”.