SPECIAL DELIVERIES
BEST FOR SEAFOOD LOVERS
A platter of oysters is a stunning way to start a Christmas meal, and they will last five days in the fridge (including a day in delivery) making them perfect to send as a present. Teardrop-shaped Rock or Pacific oysters are excellent, but if you want to push the boat out just a little more, rounder shelled natives are considered oyster nirvana by Ostreidae epicures. The Haward family have been cultivating oysters around Mersea Island in Essex since the 18th century, and can deliver either or both kinds. Rock oysters from 70p each, natives from 90p each, from richardhawardsoysters. shop; last orders by 10am on Dec 22 for delivery on Dec 23
BEST FOR GREEDY GROUPS
A whole truckle of cheese feels really celebratory, and lasts for several weeks. Rather than the small, heavily waxed pucks (generally made from large blocks, minced and then pressed together), look for cloth-bound cheeses that start at about 2kg. Leftovers won’t be hard to use, and everyone can take a slab home.
Stilton is the classic, and cheesemonger-to-the-Queen Paxton & Whitfield has a 2.3kg truckle that’s perfect for slicing or scooping. It also sells traditional woodenhandled scoops (£21).
Whole baby stilton
£60, paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk; last orders Dec 18 (delivery slots are filling up fast; if you find they are all booked up, call 01451 823460. The line opens from 8.30am on Monday)
Cheddar may be less traditional than stilton but it’s a great crowd pleaser. It’ll last even longer too: keep it in the fridge wrapped in waxed paper, or press cling film to the cut surfaces (not the rind). Montgomery’s cheddar has won dozens of awards for its mellow cheddar, and the whole truckles are currently on offer for £14.95 per kg, with each weighing about 2kg.
montgomerycheese. co.uk; last orders Dec 20
The Meat Merchant’s (aka Peter Hannan) Irish beef is legendary among connoisseurs and was the only steak chef Mark Hix would serve in his restaurants. Much of it aged in chambers lined with bricks of Himalayan salt, it has an unparalleled richness of flavour, scoring it Supreme Champion in the Great Taste Awards. Fortnum & Mason is the sole UK stockist, but The Meat Merchant is delivering boxes into the UK. The Steak Hamper containing 20 generous steaks, including a côte de boeuf and a T-bone, both serving two (all vacuum packed and suitable for freezing), £220 including delivery from themeatmerchant.com; last orders Dec 21