British Food and Travel

In this second part of our new regular series, we highlight another three Great British buys. With ongoing pandemic closures, it is more important than ever to help support British businesses, craftspeople, artisans, and so on. Today’s suggested buys are ideal as gifts for others or for treating yourself with something decadent. And let’s face it, after this year, you more than deserve it!

Irish Black Butter

In all honesty, when we first heard about Irish Black Butter, we weren’t sure what to expect. Maybe it had to do with the fact that I had been reading a lot about peat bog butter. In actuality, these preserves, made with Bramley apples, cider, spices, and brandy are well deserving of their billing as “a great new taste of Ireland”. Founder Alastair Bell launched the company in Portrush in late 2017. He had grown up hearing of a black butter preserve, said to date back to medieval times, and wanted to recreate the traditional recipe. Bell recruited award-winning chef Paul Clarke. Together they came up with this: “A combination of bygone days spent in the serenity of the Garry Bog near Ballymoney cutting turf,  enjoying homemade scones and  pancakes with apple jelly were some of the seeds of inspiration for  Alastair’s new venture – Irish Black Butter.”

The preserve uses European PGI status Armagh Bramley Apples to provide a taste of Ireland that is both traditional and modern. The product has already won a number of awards including the Chef’s Choice Award at the 2018 Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards. That definitely makes this a Great British Buy! Irish Black Butter is vegan and vegetarian friendly, and contains no wheat or dairy. Enjoy it with freshly-baked scones, as an accompaniment on your cheese board, or on meats. Check the website to find a stockist near you, or order online. They ship worldwide.

Caragh Chocolates

While not technically part of the UK, the Channel Islands are a British territory and, depending on who you ask, they may or may not be considered part of the British Isles. Either way, we can’t ignore these delicious chocolates from Caragh Chocolates on the island of Sark. Chocolate seashells, hot chocolate, chocolate bars… they all make great gifts. But just look at this box of chocolates! Caragh makes a selection of gift boxes, from champagne horses heads to hand-rolled truffles. But we’re drawn to the Contraband selection. As the name suggests, this collection of liqueur truffles recalls the pirates and smugglers of the island’s past. All Caragh Chocolates use thick local cream from Sark’s own cows.

Order online and get a 10% discount on your first order if you sign up for their newsletter. If you’re lucky enough to be in the area, ask about their chocolate workshops!

land&water

After two sweet treats, this week’s third British buy offers a different kind of indulgence. Land&water’s range of personal care products was dreamed up by Cornwall hotelier Pix Ashworth. She wanted something for her hotel guests that would reflect the therapeutic benefits of the Cornish coast, while also creating something that was earth-friendly. The products proved so successful that they are now available for purchase online. The range includes scent diffusers, hand and body lotions, bath oils, candles… everything you need for a spa-like experience in your own bathroom. All land&water products use essential oils and are tested on humans. They contain no artificial fragrances or colours, no microplastics, no parabens, and no sulphates. Products are packaged in glass or 100% post-consumer recycled plastic.

As mentioned earlier, these British buys all make wonderful gifts. However, you may find you want to order two of everything and keep one for yourself. Enjoy some scones and Irish Black Butter, followed by a nibble or two of Caragh Chocolate as you soak in a land&water bath. Bliss!