Easter is going to be a bit of a strange one this year, yes we might not be able to bring friends and family together, but there are some benefits: 1) No having to invite people we don’t particularly like but feel obliged to and 2) food has become an even bigger source of joy (nothing like a stockpiling panic to increase something’s value) and so we will feast and we will do it with gusto. Check out these independent producers and shops who can still deliver… Although if you really don’t feel like cooking, these restaurants will still do the hard work for you.
Meats
With five generations of knowledge and expertise and fans including restaurateur Oliver Peyton and Sir Richard Branson, C Lidgates is a top-class butcher who can supply you with all the meats you need for your Easter feast. You’ll find rare-breed beef, lamb, game, sausages and poultry but also salmon and hearty pies including a coq au vin pie and a lamb, leek and apricot pie.
Also Try: The Ethical Butcher, Direct Meats, The Butchery
Fish
Looking to serve fish on Good Friday? Then Notting Hill Fish Shop has you covered. Not only are they delivering to your door, but they have also opened up as grocers too, so alongside your whole lobster, octopus or sea bream you can pick up vegetables and fruits, pantry staples and cheeses. Do not fear, you won’t have to forgo your fresh sea urchins or cod roe not even in a pandemic.
Also Try: Staal Smokehouse, Mourne Fishbox, The Cornish Fishmonger
Cheeses
No celebratory feast is complete without a cheese board and when it comes to choosing your cheesemonger, it has to be Britain’s best, the award-winning Paxton & Whitfield. Making life just that little bit easier for you, Paxton & Whitfield have created an Easter cheeses and hams section on their website, we have our eye on the Spring selection which includes a pear and vanilla confit and a Crozier Blue.
Also Try: Teddington Cheese, The Fine Cheese Co., The Cheese Shed
Fruits and Vegetables
You may have bought Natoora produce from Selfridges, Waitrose or a handful of delis but now their delivery service, which is usually reserved for chefs, is available to all across London looking for seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as sustainably-produced dairy and charcuterie.
Also Try: Solstice, Farmaround, New Covent Garden Market
Chocolates
Master chocolatier, Le Jeune, is not only famous for its handcrafted, personalised chocolate creations but also for its boxes of truffles and pralines. Whilst we can’t currently visit them in Covent Garden, we can still order from them and a box of assorted chocolates will be perfect for that post-lunch sugar slump.
Also Try: Pump Street Chocolate, Amelie Chocolat, Godiva
Wines
There has never been a time when a good wine has been so important. Home schooling, being cooped up in doors and a constant low lying level of stress means that a glass of wine has never seemed so appealing. Luckily many wine merchants are still able to deliver, including Berry Bros. & Rudd, the highly respected wine and spirits merchants have a number of fine wine offers and last chance bottles, so time to stock the wine cellar.
Also Try: Hedonism, Lea and Sandeman, Jeroboams
Cakes
Keep the sugar high going (if you have children, this is at your own risk) with one of Primrose Bakery's delicious creations - naturally we’re going straight for the top dog, the Mini Egg pinata cake. For more bite-sized treats you’ll find Malteser bunny cupcakes, Easter biscuits and Mars Bar nests.
Also Try: Lily Vanilli, Flavour Town, Pearl & Groove
International Produce
If you’re looking to move away from the traditional Easter feast then don’t let the current climate stop you, instead check out Asianfoodie.co.uk for pan-Asian ingredients, Odysea from the best Greek and Mediterranean produce or Ardkeen for artisan Irish products. Vorrei is excellent for Italian foods, whilst Chanteroy can deliver French produce in London.
