Christmas ‘Pick & Fizz’ at Waitrose

9th December 2019

Waitrose at Christmas 2019 Title Photo

Christmas is just around the corner, so where better to shop for your Christmas party food than Waitrose.

This year’s selection of party foods from Waitrose’s is simply outstanding, from Beef Yorkshire Puddings to Pigs in Blankets and Mince Pies to Pistachio Stollen, there’s a lot to choose from.

Waitrose was founded in 1904 by Wallace Waite, Arthur Rose and David Taylor, the first shop was opened on 263 Acton Hill in London, but at this time it was called Waite, Rose & Taylor, but in 1906 David Taylor left the business, two years after that in 1908 Waite and Rose decided to rename the store, Waitrose, then in 1937 Waitrose was taken over by the John Lewis Partnership, at this time Waitrose consisted of 10 shops and 160 employees, now it consists of 349 stores and over 52.000 employees

Waitrose has an upmarket reputation for providing fine foods and drinks which is probably why Waitrose has a royal warrant to supply groceries, spirits and wines to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles.

We have a wonderful selection of food to choose from and fizz to pair with.

The Champagne & Award Winning Spumante

Waitrose Brut Champagne Tasting Notes – “Brioche on the nose. Pastries, yellow stone fruit and lemon zest in flavour.”

 

Waitrose Sparkling Pecorino Tasting Notes – “Floral and light & fruity both on aroma and in taste.”

This  Sparkling Pecorino from Waitrose won a Silver Medal Winner in the Spring Fling Category in The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2019.

The Food

Waitrose Christmas 10 Duck Spring Rolls – £5

Tasting Notes – “These Duck Spring Rolls from Waitrose give the classic duck rolls a spiced Christmas twist, the combination of the spiced vegetables and duck with the filo pastry creates a very good quality party snack.”

Waitrose Christmas 16 Pigs in Blankets – £5

Tasting Notes – “A wonderful meat feast.”

Waitrose Party pork crackling straws – £4

Tasting Notes – “A salty pork crunch that isn’t as hard as you’d expect.”

Waitrose Christmas 12 Beef Yorkshire Puddings – £6

Tasting Notes – “A smooth balance here, almost creamy beef flavours entertain you with a soft horseradish sauce to accompany.”

If none of the party food here piques your interest, then check out some of their other selection, including Breaded King Prawns, Bacon & Cheddar Twists, Caramelised Onion & Tomato Tarte Tatin plus more right here.

Waitrose Plum, Honey & Ginger Mince Pies 4 Pack – £2

Tasting Notes – “A calm and relaxing Mince Pie with honey and plum flavours.”

Heston from Waitrose Pistachio Stollen – £6.50

Stollen first originated in Germany, as we know it today, it’s a fruit bread with nuts, fruits and icing sugar normally eaten around the Christmas season, but when it was first created it was made with only flour, oats and water.

Tasting Notes – “A perfect combination of sweet and savoury, the nuts, berries and brioche pastry work wonderfully together.”

I also tried pairing the Pistachio Stollen with the Champagne and Spumante, it worked best with the latter with “subtle sweetness and fruits balancing in harmony.

Oliver Walkey

Champagne and Sparkling Wine Writer, Focused on Bringing the Exciting and Fascinating World of Bubbly to You.