DINING IN?
It’s no secret that in these times of staying put at home, the hospitality industry has suffered — restaurants and pubs that would usually be filled to the brim over bank holiday weekends and spring evenings are having to navigate these times of uncertainty by pivoting their usual offerings and getting creative.
The good news for us is there’s suddenly an influx of independents, and firm high-street favourites, offering a variation to beans on toast when we’re fed up of cooking yet another meal. Here are some of my favourite discoveries — let me know at hello@jasminehemsley.com if you’ve got any other suggestions to add too!
Missing your lunch break takeaway?
LEON
LEON - available across the UK
As part of its Feed Britain campaign, Leon has released some of its lunchtime favourites in “family meal” size delivered straight to your front door.
The Detox Kitchen - available within the M25
Healthy London hotspot Detox Kitchen has launched its “Fridge Fill” offering — nutritious, chef-cooked meals delivered to your door. Each delivery consists of six meals all freshly prepared using the highest quality ingredients.
Fancy a tipple in the sunshine?
Cocktail Porter
Cocktail Porter - available across the UK
Just-launched Cocktail Porter are delivering craft cocktail boxes complete with premium spirits, artisanal influsions, hand craft cordials, home grown garnishes and infused tonics perfect for sitting and sipping in the sun.
Fattoria La Vialla - available across the UK
My favourite natural wine direct from the organic/biodynamic farm and wine estate where it’s produced — throw in a few Italian delicacies in your order too to create a special Mediterranean-themed supper at home.
Want the luxe dining experience from the comfort of home?
Pineapple Express
Orasay - available in West London
One of my favourite restaurants, Jackson Boxer’s Orsasay, has transformed itself into West London’s favourite takeaway. I’m dreaming of my next visit to the actual restaurant, but for now seeing his food enjoyed by my more Central friends will have to do!
Dumplings 2000 - available in North and East London
Lockdown-launched, these frozen dumplings have been a sell-out numerous times since the brand started. Enjoy with noodles and broth for ultimate at-home comfort food.
Orasay
Wolf & Lamb - available within the M25
Successful catering company Wolf & Lamb has pivoted into home delivery, offering household essentials, and has now launched “Fancy AF” burger kits which feature patties from Jones The Butcher.
Selfridges Food Hall - available across surrounding area
Though I miss my visits to the Hemsley+Hemsley café at Selfridges, I’m so happy to hear that the store’s famous Food Hall is now back up and running with a delivery service with a bright yellow van. The new delivery offering includes make-your-own pasta, pizza, bread and banana bread kits for ultimate cooking ease.
Peardrop - available in North West, West and South West London
Having a digital dinner party with friends? Peardrop will deliver three delicious courses to your front door with wine and flowers too if you’re going all out for a special occasion.
Pineapple Express - available in London Zones 1-2
When catering company Rare had to shut up shop it launched Pineapple Express - a luxury restaurant experience delivered to your home. The weekly changing menus offering a 3 (or more) course dinner party in a box.
Feast Box - available across the UK
Offering a weekly curated box of global favourites, Feast Box have a whole array of meal options delivered in their recipe boxes.
Have a sweet tooth?
Cake or Death
Cake or Death - available across the UK
Did somebody say letterbox brownies? Cake or Death was a wholesale company until the virus hit, but now you can enjoy the delicious (and vegan) brownies as soon as they come through your door. Send them to somebody as a sweet surprise or fool the family into thinking you baked them yourself.
Does the table need sprucing up? Because what dining experience is complete without beautiful flowers to admire?
Pollenet
Pollenet - available across London
A brand born from a love of weird and wonderful floral designs. The beautiful designs that are colourful, unusual and unpredictable and make the most wonderful table decoration.
Fern Verrow - available in London Zones 1-4
The flowers on Fern Verrow’s biodynamic farm would usually be found in some of London’s top florists and restaurants, including Spring London, however you can currently order them to be enjoyed at home.