We are all the wiser for what we’d do well to be stockpiling ahead of Brexit. But, while dutifully lining our larders, we should also wise up to the very best of British, so that come crunch time – this Friday 31 January – when we will move into a ‘period of transition’ our defences are prepared. Better to be in the know than to be without.
Here’s the Tatler edit of the Best of British ahead of Brexit. Tatler is delighted to confirm that you will not be starved of luxury in the event of a no-deal – for we’ve got the complete English selection here.
Charbonnel et Walker Chocolates
These chocolatiers hold the royal warrant as the chocolate manufactures to Her Majesty the Queen. The immaculate, perfectly spherical bonbons founded in 1875 have heritage as well as royal advocacy on their side. Edward VII – who was then the Prince of Wales – encouraged the chocolate-making business in its earliest days. In celebration of all things British, enjoy the Union Flag Cocoa Dusted Truffles or go to town with the Billionaire’s Shortbread truffles, embellished with pristine dark chocolate piping.
charbonnel.co.uk
Exmoor Caviar
It’s reassuring to know that the former delicacy of the Russian tsars is now being harvested in Devon – and should Britain be stuck in a no-deal Brexit, this option will be available in the southwest. The clever – and pioneering – farm in Exmoor keeps between 20 and 30,000 Siberian sturgeon in huge tanks through which natural spring water flows each day. The freshness of the water is allegedly the USP of this caviar – and what sets it apart from foreign rivals.
exmoorcaviar.com
Loch Fyne Oysters and Mussels
Thankfully Brexit won’t mean that England is cut off from the lochs of Scotland in all its craggy glory. In Scotland, some of the world’s freshest and finest seafood can be found. There will be no need to limit the portions served up to dinner party guests while one is just a railway journey from Loch Fyne. Enjoy a pot of the freshest Scottish mussels or a plate of sea-salty oysters harvested from the rugged shores.
lochfyne.com
Lobster
For lobster, you’ll just need to pop to Harrods. Whilst you currently have the option of a Canadian or native crustacean, in post-Brexit Britain, you’ll simply have to take what you’re given – and odds are, it will be very nice. Floating around the tank in Knightsbridge’s most famous department store, then served up with lime or hollandaise sauce – standards ought not to be affected.
harrods.com
English sparkling wine
England’s answer to champagne is sparkling wine – and very good it is, too. Nyetimber is the Tatler choice, harvested in the South of England, on the perfect greensand and chalk soils of the Nyetimber estates that span Sussex, Hampshire and Kent. Brits may be forced to forget our fizzy friends in Europe – but, thankfully, post-Brexit Britain will allow us this solitary indulgence. Dinner parties will launch to the sound of the pop of home-grown bubbles.
nyetimber.com
Burberry
Come January 31, we will be safe in our Burberry trench coats and checked print scarves, regardless of whether we are in or out of the EU. Luckily British-born Burberry can guarantee to keep us warm, dry and chic.
burberry.com
Simon Griffin Antiques
You may not be able to source Italian antiques and Sicilian knick-knacks in the same way that you once could. In the absence of this – head to Simon Griffin antiques of Mayfair, that sits pride of place on the Royal Arcade. The perfect gentleman will advise on silverware to spruce up your home and you shan’t lament the absence of French porcelain.
royalarcade.london
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