DELILAH FINE FOODS

Leicester

The original Delilah Fine Foods in Nottingham has always ranked highly in our list of favourite independent retailers. When we heard its second outpost was coming to St Martins in Leicester last year, we were keen to see if it could match its own high standards.

Sangita Tryner started the business in 2005 with the purpose of providing a home for small, creative producers who use the best-quality ingredients. It seemed like fate stepped in to lend a hand when the Grade II-listed Allied Irish Bank in Leicester became available, as the Nottingham branch is also housed in a former banking hall.

Take a step inside to discover a large ground floor with a horseshoe-shaped bar and a mezzanine level for eating. With freshly baked breads, countless varieties of cheeses and charcuterie, a host of chutneys, condiments and plenty of samples throughout the space, it really is a temple to temptation. The super-creamy Gorgonzola dolce, sold in small pots, comes with high praise from Tryner.

Fill the rest of your basket with smoky Yunnan loose-leaf tea, Rainha Santa’s bitter Portuguese marmalade or a bottle of Fantini sangiovese

IGT Terre di Chieti. The stock constantly changes according to what’s in season.

If you’re in need of some inspiration for what to make with your delicious haul, pull up a stool at the bar and order a spot of lunch. Everything on the menu shows off what’s in store, from the charcuterie boards piled high with wild boar salami and duck rillettes to its doorstop sandwiches crammed full of ingredients such as halloumi, roasted vegetables and harissa yoghurt. We particularly like Delilah’s take on Welsh rarebit with a sauce of melted Black Bomber cheddar, leeks and Magpie real ale, topped off with grilled Alderton ham and poached eggs.