Sophie Farrah goes foraging for tempting, locally made foodie gifts as well as exploring all the latest foodie news in the borough
Shopping locally is brilliant for all sorts of reasons, like supporting the community and the local economy. This Christmas I’ve decided to go one better – I’ve been out foraging and found a selection of delectable treats that are not just for sale locally, but that have actually been made nearby too.
I start with the toughest present-buying challenge there is: men. Luckily Sambrook’s Brewery shop in Battersea has the answer. I plump for a selection of delicious local brews, including their signature ale called the Wandle, the London Pale Ale and a seasonal special called the Battersea Rye – a perfect wintery treat. For an extra £15 you can add a brewery tour, or if you’re feeling really generous you can also organise a special Brewer for A Day experience.
Next on my list is Mum, and what better than mother’s ruin? Nestled in Tooting Market is the small but perfectly formed Graveney Gin distillery, which produces organic, handcrafted, small batch gin guaranteed to delight mothers/wives/aunties and pretty much everyone else this Christmas. This glorious spirit contains seven organic botanicals, including baobab, angelica root and pink grapefruit, all distilled by hand in a copper still in Tooting Graveney.
Founder Victoria is not only passionate about gin but gorillas too, so for every bottle purchased a donation is made to conservation charity Gearing Up 4 Gorillas, so it’s win-win, or gin-win, you might say (sorry... did I say I’d done some sampling?).
For the grandparents I opt for something a little less potent – a jar of deliciously golden local honey. Richmond Park Natural Honey is collected from the hives located within the park itself, and is also available in a pollen-enriched variety, which is particularly beneficial for any local hayfever sufferers.
Next it’s time to tackle the little people and terrible teens; the brainchild of Wandsworth resident Farrah Boutia, Moose Maple Butter is the must-have stocking filler this Christmas (Nigella is already a fan) and it’s just hit the shelves in Selfridges. An indulgent combination of fresh British butter, pure Canadian maple syrup and just a dash of sea salt, it is heavenly smothered on crumpets, hot toast, or pancakes (or simply eaten with a spoon… ahem).
Children’s cookery school Cookie Crumbles in Sheen have produced some great baking kits perfect for budding bakers; the white chocolate and cranberry muffin mix is a fun treat.
Last, but by no means least, is something impressive for the in-laws, so I head for the Barnes institution that is Sonny’s Kitchen. Its neighbouring foodstore is an Aladdin’s cave of gourmet treats, including a selection of goodies made on site in the restaurant kitchen. Homemade jams and chutneys, tubs of tempting granola, crostini and tasty spiced nuts line the shelves, and not to be missed is Mrs H’s homemade dressing (the mysterious Mrs H, by the way, is in fact Sonny’s celebrity chef Phil Howard’s wife, Jennie).
And if all that shopping has left you feeling in need of replenishment, thanks to its recent refurb the stylish Foodstore is now eat-in, so you can take a seat and enjoy a fresh salad or homemade pasty from the deli counter, with a large glass of wine perhaps.
Well, it is Christmas after all.
The latest local foodie news – New brunch in Barnes
Another new restaurant arrival is the Alma Café in Barnes, which promises to be THE place for breakfast, brunch and lunch from mid-November onwards. I’ve had a sneak peek at the menu and spotted chargrilled octopus marinated in lemon juice and some interesting build-your-own salad options for lunch, plus a selection of organic live yoghurts and the obligatory smashed avocado on toast for brunch. Sounds fresh and healthy, but with an in-house pastry chef it might be worth leaving your New Year’s diet at the door…
Petersham (mince) pies
It wouldn’t be Christmas without mulled wine and mince pies, would it? Critically acclaimed restaurant and high-end garden centre, Petersham Nurseries, th‑rows open its doors for a very special candlelit Christmas carol evening this month. The braziers will be lit, the fairy lights will be glistening and its famous mince pies and delicious mulled wine will be available in exchange for a small donation to charity. It would be rude not to…
Dec 1, 6-9pm, free. petershamnurseries.com
It’s Stein time
It’s official – Rick Stein is opening his first London outpost in Mortlake. After 30 successful years the owners of The Depot, located right on the banks of the Thames, have decided it’s time to retire. The restaurant will continue in its current form until the end of the December, before a Rick Stein refurb in the New Year. Rick said: “I’ve often been asked if I’ll ever have a restaurant in London, and to be honest, I’ve always said I wouldn’t; but when I went to have a look at The Depot it struck me how perfect a place it was.”
The official opening date is still to be confirmed – watch this space for more news in the coming months.
Go nuts for Nutbourne
The talented trio of Gladwin brothers (Richard, Oliver and Gregory) responsible for the critically-acclaimed and super trendy restaurants, Rabbit in Chelsea and The Shed in Notting Hill, opens a new brasserie in the heart of Battersea. Situated in the historic restaurant site of Ransome’s Dock, Nutbourne takes its name from the Gladwins’ family farm and vineyard in West Sussex and offers diners a taste of rural life with all-British ingredients. Don’t miss their beef tartar served from a special tartar trolley, where you can personalise the exact quantities and level of onions, capers and seasoning...
Up on the roof
As you may or may not know, there was a brilliant Mediterranean-themed pop-up bar/street food market on the roof of the old BBC car park on Wood Lane this summer. Missed it? Well fear not, because Pergola on the Roof has re-opened its doors to reveal a enchanting Nordic winter forest, protected from the elements in a clear-walled, weatherproof dome 100ft above West London’s skyline. Complete with 18ft spruce trees, this amazing 600-seater venue features a trendy bar and food from some of the best restaurants in town, such as Patty & Bun’s brilliant burgers, East London Indian restaurant Gunpowder, plus Le Bab’s gourmet Asian kebabs.
Until Dec 23; pergolaontheroof.co.uk
Celebrate St Lucia
St Lucia’s Day on Dec 15 marks the start of Christmas in the Swedish calendar and Putney’s nordic café, Blåbär opens late for a traditional procession complete with white gowns, candles, and Swedish songs plus free glögg and pepparkakor (delicious Swedish ginger biscuits).
Dec 15, Blåbär, blabar.london
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