6 Christmassy London delis guaranteed to make you feel festive

"Whether you are filling a stocking or sourcing ingredients for Christmas recipes, there is something undeniably enjoyable about buying foodie bits from local London delis at this time of year. It is a real indulgence to browse these tempting larders - and there is something filmic about plucking a Christmas pudding or ripe clementine from a speciality store, knowing it has been chosen for its superior provenance and quality."

"Shelves are piled high with carefully selected items from small producers, Christmas songs hum in the background, and staff are usually on hand with tasty samples to try - it makes food shopping at this time of year a treat rather than a chore. Pick up a plump panettone from iconic Italian corner shop Lina Stores or head to Farm Shop to buy the best of British produce, all sourced from their sustainable Bruton-based farm."

"Now known for their group of pasta restaurants across London, the original Lina Stores deli opened on Brewer Street in Soho in 1944, named after the founder Emilio Crippa's wife, Lina. Traditional and charming, this turquoise corner shop exudes festive fun and is stacked high with Italian treats, from freshly made pasta to chocolate Baci kisses. There is surely nowhere better to pick up a pandoro or panettone - the selection here is unrivalled, from traditional to Limoncello or Amarena Cherry."

Local London delis provide curated larders of festive ingredients and specialty treats ideal for stocking fillers and Christmas recipes. Shelves are stocked with carefully selected products from small producers, staff often offer samples, and seasonal music creates a festive shopping atmosphere. Shoppers can find items chosen for provenance and quality, including panettone and pandoro, ripe clementines, and hard-to-find fruits and biscuits. Iconic stores such as Lina Stores offer extensive Italian selections with gluten-free and vegan options. Panzer’s stocks a vast global store cupboard with obscure fruits and unusual biscuits. Farm Shop supplies sustainably sourced British produce from a Bruton-based farm.

Read at CN Traveller