Christmas Trees: Pines and Needles, Highgate  

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A rose-nosed reindeer walks into a bar and the elf barman says: "Why the long face?" Rudolf duly replies: "I've got pines and needles". Yes, yes... it's a shocker - but it's presumably the inspiration behind this London-based premier Christmas tree service. Pines and Needles was set up by brothers Josh and Sam Lyle in 1995 when the entrepreneurial pair (aged just 15 and 13) decided to travel down from Scotland to London with a horsebox full of Christmas trees in a bid to make their fortunes. The gamble paid off and now Pines and Needles is a veritable festive topiary giant, with 19 outlets all over London, including stalls at Notting Hill, Fulham and Brick Lane. The Brothers Lyle believe in sustainable forestry and all their trees are grown on their own plantations, and for every tree that is harvested they replant seedlings in its place. What's more, a percentage of all profits go to charity - and the boys will even come collect your tree after Christmas for recycling. It's an astoundingly accommodating service and they have a long loyal list of customers who faithfully return to them every year. And hats off must go to the friendly and ever-helpful staff, all of whom wear kilts even on the most freezing of days. Trees come in all shapes and sizes with traditional trees ranging from around £30 to £130, plus there is a huge selection of stands, lights, decorations, wreaths, holly, mistletoe, and garlands. Visit the website for more information on prices and products.

Alternate names and popular misspellings for Christmas Trees: Pines and Needles, Highgate