Festive Hampers

Time From Deutschland

A selection of fine hampers from across London and beyond to create the perfect festive atmosphere or deliver the ideal culinary gift.

This festive season, Jikoni - the much loved restaurant in the heart of Marylebone from chef and restaurateur Ravinder Bhogal - are offering an exclusive new collection of Christmas hampers and tableware. Available online for delivery across the UK, the collection provides the perfect gift for foodies this Christmas with a selection of homemade treats made by Ravinder alongside small-scale, artisan products from craftspeople the world over.

The ultimate indulgence will come in the ‘Joy at Home Hamper’ with all the treats of the ‘Tea Total Hamper’ - presented in a hand woven jute tote bag by Maison Bengal, a trio of ketchups and chutneys with a heritage carrot achaar, a delicious spiced indian pickle, alongside Lalani & Co single estate tea, hand rolled in Oolong, India - with the addition of a bottle of South Pickenham English Sparkling Wine, Teroldego Rotaliano Elisabetta Foradori from female winemakers in Trentino, Italy, a full size Jikoni tablecloth and set of four napkins. The Jikoni cookbook, “Proudly Inauthentic Recipes + Stories from an Immigrant Kitchen” completes the hamper and offers a collection of Ravinder’s recipes for those looking to experiment with new flavours in the kitchen over the Christmas break.

This Christmas, hicce, the British wood-fired restaurant in Coal Drops Yard, have a collection of Christmas hampers full of fresh, artisanal produce, perfect for every festive occasion. In a year when staycations have given us a greater appreciation for our local landscape, the specially curated seasonal baskets, available for nationwide delivery or in-store click and collect, will offer a taste of treats from the nation’s best suppliers. The Christmas Breakfast Hamper is filled with Nuri mackerel in extra virgin olive oil, lobster and cognac pâté and, because it’s never too early, your hamper is finished with a Pierre Gerbais Champagne.

Melrose and Morgan, the North London modern grocer and kitchen have announced the launch of their new festive food and drink hampers.

For the ultimate luxury, the 12 days of Christmas Hamper will take you on a food journey like no other. Packed with the most delicious handmade artisan produce with the finest Champagne, chocolate and gourmet treats.

A bottle of the fabulous Michael Gonet 3 Terriors NV Champagne along with 6 bottles of some other favourites as well as a bottle of Negroni and a bottle of their very own mulled wine syrup.

Alongside come delectable dark chocolate coated oranges and candied chocolate ginger come coffee dusted chocolate hazelnuts; a tin of dark chocolate florentines; a luxury praline and ganache box; sea salted caramel box; and a gold Melrose

The 12 Days of Christmas Hamper £595.00 from Melrose & Morgan. melroseandmorgan.com

With a deliciously decadent selection of fine produce, Wild & Game are perfectly positioned to deliver one of the most spectacular meat-based hampers around. With items such as venison wellington; three bird turkey, duck and guinea fowl (2.5kg 6-8 person); three rib roast 4kg joint; partridge, pear and gin pâté; truffle bomb; Wookey Hole cave aged cheddar; and miniature chutney selection, you can indulge throughout the festive season or simply save everything for the big day - just make sure you've got plenty of guests to help. and Morgan coin. As well as a tin of artisan crackers; gingerbread snowflakes and stars; a shortbread selection tin; 12 mince pies; Somerset cider brandy butter; a large traditional Christmas pudding; and a large Christmas marzipan cake sure to finish you celebrations with a smile.

Enjoy with a fine selection of cheese and charcuterie including Cobble Lane Cured's charcuterie selection; a festive cheese board including: Keen's Cheddar, Wigmore, Vacherin, Brillat Savarin, Secret Smokehouse Smoked Salmon and Truffle crisps. All packaged beautifully in a luxury cane hamper basket.

CHOTTOMATTE

Renowned for its incredible offering of the Japanese Peruvian culinary fusion, Nikkei cuisine, Chotto Matte is recognised as one of London’s most iconic dining establishments in the heart of Soho. The first restaurant in London solely dedicated to Nikkei cuisine, the incredible food symbolises the integration of two cultures that share a deep appreciation for fresh fish and seasonal ingredients: Japanese sushi and sashimi, and Peruvian ceviche being central to their cuisine. Nikkei is a unique blend of these culinary traditions, a lively combination of Japanese and Peruvian ingredients and techniques that began over a century ago.

Overseen by Executive Chef Jordan Sclare, Chotto Matte showcases an innovative menu ensuring the finest quality of organic and sustainable produce with no GMO ingredients. Jordan continues to reinvigorate the global menus and push the boundaries of traditional Nikkei techniques, producing delectable flavours that have guests coming back time and time again.

Elegantly presented dishes include the signature Sea Bass Ceviche, Yellowtail Nikkei sashimi and Tentáculos de Pulpo Octopus, Yuzu and Purple Potato. Each dish is carefully prepared in the theatrical open kitchen to create a unique experience that is a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

There are a variety of set menus, including a vegetarian menu starting at £50.00 per person, allowing you to experience the best of Chotto Matte. Highlights include Seabass Ceviche; King Oyster Mushroom Tostadas; Black Cod yuzo-miso; Wagyu Gyoza; and Spicy O-Toro Sashimi.

Located on Frith Street, the restaurant's interiors have been designed by the renowned interior designer Andy Martin who works on all Chotto Matte's locations across the globe. Set over two floors, stylish features include a striking spiral staircase, a bespoke cast glass wall panel, accents of natural lavastone (an Indigenous rock in southern Peru), alongside a Japanese inspired graphic backdrop.

The restaurant is particularly passionate about championing a ‘no waste’ approach to their food production by managing the cutting process of each ingredient. The chefs reutilise un-used ingredients in innovative ways and include them in key dishes; a notable example is that the lean part of the salmon flesh is used in the rolls, while the fillet parts are used for sashimi.

28°-50°

Independent wine specialists 28°-50° are delighted to announce the renaissance of their popular weekly Fondue Festival. Available every Tuesday and exclusive to their Covent Garden restaurant, the weekly alpine feast will run for 6 weeks as we head into autumn.

Cheese lovers can indulge in an authentic Fondue Savoyarde experience, featuring hand picked cheeses, dishes and wines from the French Alpine region of Savoie, where 28°-50°’s chateau and vineyard are located.

Though cheese fondue is generally regarded as being a Swiss creation, fondue Savoyarde originates from the French Alpine region of Savoie - and adheres to the traditional definition, using French cheeses such as Comté, Beaufort and Abondance. The cheese is then combined with garlic and white wine from Apremont and kirsch, the natural acidity of the wine making those delicious cheese strings and the choice of cheeses adding light floral undertones and notes of hazelnut.

Guests will be transported to a Winter wonderland, reminiscent of an alpine escape whilst they enjoy a traditional, three-course menu including a walnut salad to start, followed by a charcuterie platter and cheese fondue, served with crusty bread and potatoes. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the melt in the mouth chocolate mousse with blackberries for dessert, and all guests will be treated to a tipple of a Kir, showcasing 28°-50°’s expert wine selection, complemented with blackcurrant liquor.

The expert in-house Sommelier is on hand to guide diners through suggested wine pairings which will include wines from Apremont, Roussette and the wine from Chateau de Candie, 2850’s vineyard property.

The 6-week Fondue Festival is the perfect sharing meal and a great excuse for family get-togethers, post-work team dinners and early festive feasts. Diners should also take note that local Savoie tradition dictates that if your piece of bread slips off your fork and into the cheese, the next round is on you!

The Fondue Festival is priced at £46.95 per person and must be booked in advance. Members of the group who refrain from dairy can order from the daily à la carte menu.

28°-50°, 10 Upper St. Martin’s Lane, London WC2H 9FB | 2850coventgarden.co.uk

NoMad London

Bringing the outside in, thanks to the natural light in the Edwardian greenhouse style dining room, NoMad Restaurant has recently launched a brand new brunch menu for all to enjoy.

Bringing a taste of New York to central London, Executive Chef Ashley Abodeely has created an innovative menu that reflects New York's beloved brunch culture, while also including some much loved British classics with a NoMad twist.

Serving a host of local and regional ingredients from farm, field and coast, menu highlights include eggs benedict; avocado toast with sunflower seeds, radish and aleppo chilli served with a poached egg; fresh crudites; pastries; and fruit.

The Raw list is great for those looking to celebrate with friends and family alike with an indulgent Plateau of fruits de mer, oysters, scallop ceviche and a selection of caviar.

For a more substantial meal, the menu offers large plates including the must try adaptation of NoMad's classic chicken dinner in the form of a moreish French dip sandwich: truffle chicken sandwich with French dip, chicken breast, celery, pickled shallots and gravy. Other options such as the lemon poppy pancakes with blueberries and whipped ricotta; and the prawn BLT with apples and basil aioli are not to be missed either.

Fresh juice, coffee and tea are on hand, but it has to be said, that NoMad's innovative cocktails are the star of the show. From brunch classics such as the Bloody Mary, Bellini, and Porn Star Martini's; to tipples like Stranger Things with Hepple Gin, Svol Aquavit, lime, green apple, St Germain and Orgeat. There truly is something for everyone. Cocktails are focused on the seasonality of London, while Wine Director Guy Palmer-Brown and team offer an extensive wine list of classics while introducing new and exciting varietals and terroirs with a special focus on England’s viticulture. Having opened earlier this year, the NoMad Restaurant is housed in the magnificent NoMad Hotel. Once known as The Bow Street Magistrates' Court and Police Station, the historic Grade II listed building is located in the heart of Covent Garden. Brunch at NoMad Restaurant is served on Saturday and Sunday 11am3pm.

STEIN FISHMONGERS

Rick Stein Restaurants has opened an online fish shop; ensuring everyone can enjoy seasonal and sustainably caught fish and shellfish all across the UK.

With 45 years of experience in sourcing, preparing and cooking British seafood, the Stein’s Online Fishmonger not only stocks the very best native fish, but also features lots of information and videos on how to prepare and cook everything so even inexperienced home chefs can create something wonderful.

Arriving to your door chilled with all products able to be frozen and enjoyed at a later date, customers can choose their options from the virtual fish counter.

Catering for the home cook to the seasoned chef, Stein’s Online Fishmonger offers incredible choice like whole Plaice, Dover and Lemon Sole - starting from £7 - to ready-prepped fillets of Hake, Lemon Sole and Cod. There is also Bass, Red Mullet and John Dory as well as shellfish like Dressed Crab, Mussels, Lobster, Oysters & Scallops. There are two types of Smoked Salmon and splendid Smoked Pâtes. There is also a selection of mixed fish boxes combining fillets, shellfish and seafood (from £40).

Rick and Jack Stein’s recipes and short ‘how-to’ videos accompany all fish and shellfish ordered. Available via QR code, customers can learn how to get the perfect crispy skin, de-beard Mussels, master the art of filleting or deboning whole fish. What's more, to continue to protect the world’s oceans, Stein’s Online Fishmonger will donate £1 from every order over £50 to new marine conservation charity, The Dive Project: a charity which educates future generations on the importance of the planet’s marine environment. This enables teenagers to attend once in a lifetime trips to Cornwall, learning to dive with marine industry experts, and establishing the next generation of ‘Ocean Influencers’. The online fishmonger coincides with the launch of Rick’s new cookery book, ‘Rick Stein At Home’, which celebrates the bountiful produce on offer in Cornwall and the joy of home cooking. To order visit: www.rickstein.com/onlinefishmongers. Available nationwide with no minimum order.

DISHPATCH

Finish-at-home meal kit specialists, Dishpatch, have launched an array of festive feasting menus created by the UK’s best chefs and restaurateurs for delivery nationwide. Perfect for the big day itself, celebrations large and small, or for gifting to loved ones who adore flavour packed food, the indulgent pre-prepared feasts will include the likes of Angela Hartnett’s famous Risotto Milanese and Osso Bucco; and Parsons Steelhead Sea Trout En Croute.

A wonderful change from the usual dry turkey dinner, Dishpatch’s festive menus will play host to decadent dishes suitable not only for the big day itself but for celebrations large and small to see us through the festive season; all are delivered nationwide from 3 December up to Christmas Day. Come rain, shine, snow, or sleet, the boxes will make their way into kitchens across the British Isles.

Showcasing Dishpatch’s commitment to flavour, innovation and seasonality, pre-prepared feasts include the ultimate Thanksgiving menu from the master of Middle-Eastern flavours, Yotam Ottolenghi. Packed with vibrant spices, the boxes feature Rolled turkey or Roasted celeriac alongside festive trimmings including miso mushroom gravy, sweet potato with pecans and maple spring onions, brussel sprouts with balsamic and kale, and dried apricot and fig stuffing.

Angela Hartnett’s famous Risotto Milanese and Osso bucco takes centre stage, alongside Porcini and truffle arancini, Monkfish carpaccio and a one-off Panettone bread and butter pudding in the Italian Celebration box from Cafe Murano, her beloved Italian restaurants’ dotted around the capital.

Seafood experts and wine connoisseurs, Parsons, have designed a festive fish supper with the finest, sustainable British produce, including a Steelhead Sea Trout En Croute centrepiece with lobster bisque and avruga sauce, freshly-landed Scottish scallops and rich Ratte potatoes.

Available for Christmas day is The Beef Banquet from 10 Greek Street, - a true Soho gem serving the highest-quality, seasonal dishes to those lucky enough to get a table. The lavish menu will be delivered in time for Christmas Day and contains six courses, such as Braised beef shin stuffed with onion, Sirloin steak and Spiced ginger cake.

Extra special touches will also be available as add-ons. Expect wine St. John wine pairings that are exclusive to Dishpatch, and a cheese selection from much-loved Neal’s Yard Dairy.

Pre-orders will be available from 14 November, for first delivery on 3 December. The Christmas Day menu will be delivered on 23 December. All packaging is entirely compostable or recyclable.

Cafe Murano’s Italian Celebration - from £100 | Parsons Sea Trout En Croute - £85 | Ottolenghi Thanksgiving Menu - from £80 | 10 Greek Street’s Beef Banquet - £120 | Menus available for pre-order from 14 November at dishpatch.co.uk

A VERY CHAMPAGNE CHRISTMAS

With Christmas only six weeks away, Françoise Peretti, Director of Champagne Bureau UK shares her recommendations on how to pair your festive menu with Champagne.

As we approach the end of the year, we enter the muchanticipated festive season and prepare for all the celebrations that come with it. With families and friends reuniting, it is the time for gathering around marvelous dishes, refined tableware, and festive tipples. With styles to complement a number of traditional dishes, below are six Champagne and food pairings to elevate your festive menu and get your guests in the spirit of celebration!

Christmas Eve Aperitif - For a light yet tasty way to start your celebrations, opt for a Brut Non-Vintage Champagne. Superbly pairing with seafood canapes, caviar toasts and pigs in blankets, this will be an ultimately uplifting combination. A Brut Non-Vintage, also referred to as a “Classic Blend”, is typically made from a blend of the three major grapes (Chardonnay, Meunier and Pinot Noir). This results in a balanced style offering freshness, fruitiness, and structure.

Christmas Day Turkey Roast with cranberry sauce - Shall your Christmas roast lean towards a turkey or white poultry in general, I would recommend a Vintage Champagne. Vintage Champagnes are aged on lees for a minimum of 3 years, although most are in fact aged in the hundreds of miles of Champagne cellars for longer, sometimes up to a decade. This allows plenty of times to develop deeper layers of complexity and new aromas, resulting in a complex nature of style which will complete the more powerful festive flavours of your Christmas roast.

Christmas Cheeseboard - For a cheese-filled interlude, I’d recommend a Blanc de Blancs Champagne. A bright and floral style, ideal with creamy or rich elements, this 100% Chardonnay-made style is known for its citrus fruit notes and aromas. Pairing wonderfully well with goat’s cheeses, this style will balance any potential heaviness and make your experience taste lighter and memorable.

Christmas pudding, mince pies, and gingerbread - The quintessential Christmas desserts. For the most British Christmas tradition, I would suggest trying a Demi-Sec Champagne. Still incredibly fresh but slightly sweeter, this is a softer Champagne style on the palate when paired with sugary treats. Not to worry, although Demi-Sec has a little

Below © Coworth Park, Dorchester Collection more sugar in it, it is not “sweet” per se and will keep the unique freshness and acidity Champagne is famous for.

Christmas Day Roast Beef with cauliflower gratin - For red meat lovers, I’d recommend choosing a Blanc de Noirs Champagne. A white Champagne made from 100% black grapes - Pinot Noir and/or Meunier - this is a structured style resisting the powerful meat flavours, also opening on red fruit flavours.

Vegetarian Christmas - My recommendation for any vegetarian-based celebrations is a Zero Dosage Champagne, also known as ‘Extra Brut’. Beyond its delicate flavours, this low-to-no sugar style pairs exceptionally well with vegetables as it lets the natural sweetness express itself.

24/7 DUCK & WAFFLE

Sitting high on the 40th floor of Heron Tower, Duck & Waffle is back welcoming guests 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year offering breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and late night menus.

Redefining ‘all day’ dining under the watchful eye of the Executive Chef Elliott Grover, the menus offer an innovative twist on classic and well-known dishes with British and European flair, focusing on seasonal ingredients.

Highlights of the menu, which is designed to share together, includes a classic English Breakfast with victorian sausage, two eggs - any style, dry cured bacon, mustard, crumbed tomato, field mushrooms, hash brown, and sourdough toast; the Full Elvis PBJ, with caramelised banana, Chantilly cream; spicy ox cheek doughnut with apricot jam and smoked paprika sugar; roasted octopus with chorizo, potato, lemon and caper; mini lobster roll with Exmoor caviar; and the namesake - and must try - Duck & Waffle with crispy leg confit, fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup.

Complementing the menu are indulgent desserts, including Torrejas with maple caramel apples and cinnamon ice cream; and the caramelised banana waffle with hazelnut and chocolate spread, vanilla ice cream and peanut crunch.

Alongside the exciting menu, the atmospheric venue overlooking the City, offers a wide array of unique cocktails including the Breakfast Fizz with Grey Goose L’Orange vodka, pink grapefruit, citrus and a burnt toast infusion, and the Duck & Stormy with Bacardi Carta Negra rum, coconut, lime and ginger juice.

This relaxed all-day dining venue is perfectly positioned to enjoy a casual weekend brunch before venturing back down to ground level to soak up the vibrant City. Guests visiting on a Sunday can also enjoy the restaurant's new Roasted Dry Aged Sirloin Sunday Roast served with all the trimmings, every Sunday brunch.

THE BILTMORE BRUNCH

Café Biltmore Restaurant & Terrace at The Biltmore Mayfair, have launched their Biltmore Brunch menu. Available every Saturday, guests can enjoy an indulgent brunch on a large, semiopen, heated terrace, surrounded by the foliage covered walls in the heart of Mayfair.

From breakfast favourites to seasonal specials, Michelin-starred, Jason Atherton and Executive chef, Paul Walsh, have created the ultimate brunch menu for anyone looking for their new neighbourhood spot in Mayfair.

Those looking for something different can try the confit duck leg with kimchi and a fried Clarence Court egg atop an English muffin; 4 Porthilly oysters served with shallot vinegar, lemon, and a Vietnamese dressing; or even a perfectly cooked rib-eye or sirloin steak from the Japanese charcoal grill.

Clarence Court eggs take pride of place in the Biltmore Benedict, and Florentine Royale whereas, those looking for a sweeter start to the day can choose the buttermilk pancakes with vanilla cream, berries and maple syrup.

For those with a bigger appetite, the menu also features timeless all-day favourites such as the deliciously oozy croque monsieur or madame, served with a house salad, and foodie favourites such as fried calamari, two-day aged sourdough pizzas, and the signature buttermilk chicken burger.

Desserts are a retro finish with a knickerbocker glory or a crème brulee with Tahitian vanilla and caramelised apple compote. Those wanting to finish on a more savoury note can opt for the cheeseboard section of British and European cheeses, crackers and chutney.

Perfect for family get-togethers, as well as catchups with friends, for 90 minutes brunchers can also add free-flowing bubbles to their day for £25 per person when eating two courses or more, whilst bottomless Mojitos and Bloody Marys are £18 per person. The usual wine and cocktail menu is also available to suit any other preferences.

To make the experience even more special, Café Biltmore will be showcasing some of London’s greatest musical talents, kicking off with London’s number one roaming band, The Travelling Hands - guaranteed to make Saturday mornings the new Saturday night.

Ideally located a stone’s throw from Oxford Street, Bond Street and Regent Street, as well as upmarket Marylebone, those after a great brunch before hitting the surrounding shopping districts need look no further.

The Biltmore Brunch is available every Saturday from 11:00 - 17:00 with two courses for £32 and three courses for £38. Some dishes from the grill require a supplement. Drink packages for 90 minutes start from £18. Café Biltmore’s terrace is dog friendly, and pets will be treated to their own tasty nibbles while you dine.