We've teamed up with GREAT British Food to share our favorite dishes from across the pond, not to mention a few brilliant ideas for enjoying them at home. Great Britain has a global reputation for high-quality ingredients - from Scottish salmon and Welsh lamb to Northern Irish cheeses and English sparkling wine, UK food and drink is recognised worldwide for its taste and quality.
We're excited to highlight them all.
Across the UK, there's a long history of producing whiskies – a craft that has been honed over generations since the 1600s. From the rich smokiness of Scotch whisky to the smooth elegance of Northern Irish whiskey we clearly can’t get enough of it. In fact, the US is the top export destination in the world for UK whisky.
For the recipe below, we used Dunville's 1808 Blended Irish Whiskey, which adds a subtle vanilla flavor to our pie filling.
The UK has a global reputation for high-quality seafood for a reason: the area is home to some of the best fish and shellfish in the world. Its unique geographic position—where the warm waters of the Gulf Stream meet the cold waters of the Atlantic—makes for nutrient-rich feeding grounds for a huge variety of marine species. And we do mean huge; they've got everything from pelagic fish (psst...that means oily) to shellfish (lobsters, crabs, langoustines, mussels and oysters), whitefish (like hake, monkfish, and haddock) and flatfish (think: halibut, turbot, and sole).
Thanks to its climate and lush landscape, with plenty of rainfall and grass, the UK is an ideal place to produce lamb sustainably. From the delicate sweetness of Welsh lamb to the robust richness of Scotch lamb, UK farmers ensure their meat is fully traceable from farm to fork, and their animal welfare standards are some of the highest in the world. Even better, UK lamb is pasture fed and growth hormone free making this high welfare meat unrivaled in quality and flavor.
UK cheeses are in high demand around the world. Its vibrant culture of talented emerging cheesemakers are fearless in their exploration of innovative products, textures and flavors. Whether it's making artisanal, fresh cheese from ewe’s milk, soft cheese using goat’s milk or cave-aged hard cheeses with cow’s milk, UK’s producers are recognized for their sophisticated varieties.
This recipe uses Scottish crab, and pairs it with English cheddar for a supremely superior biscuit.
The UK, home to over 900 commercial vineyards, is one of the fastest growing wine regions in the world. Its world class English Sparkling Wine boasts impeccable quality and flavor and regularly wins prestigious international awards even beating champagne in blind taste tests. In just over a decade, English and Welsh sparkling wine producers have gained a world-class reputation for ultra-premium quality. Vintage and non-vintage wines and a range of styles including Classic Cuvée, Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs and Rosé are all produced in the UK. From Brut to Demi-Sec, these wines come in many different styles to suit every discerning palate.
We love the Gusbourne Pinot Noir—soft, elegant, yet richly layered on the palate—a perfect pairing with our Welsh lamb recipe. Another favorite, Wiston Sparkling Rosé, captures the essence of an English summer garden with notes of roses, berries, cherries, and a touch of strawberries and cream beautifully complementing our salmon noodle dish.
— Halen Môn Anglesey Sea Salt —
A favorite among chefs and home cooks alike, this sea salt is harvested on the island of Anglesey in Wales and crafted using an age-old technique combined with modern-day technology. Their pure sea salt is a kitchen staple for seasoning your favorite recipes and even giving sweet treats just-the-right salty kick, but their flavored salts are also worth trying (we've got our eye on the celery sea salt).
— Pri's Puddings Peanut Butter Pies —
Born in 2019, Pri's Puddings have quickly become a must-have treat in Great Britain and beyond (psst, they're available for shipping to the States). Nibble on their Pocket-Size Pies, in flavors from pecan to peanut butter, all on their own or—our favorite—chop 'em up and bake 'em into other confections like Samah Lakha's plant-based lava cakes.
— Joe & Seph's Gourmet Popcorn —
Joe first fell in love with popcorn after a few trips to the U.S.A., and when he realized nothing quite like it was available in the United Kingdom, he and his family teamed up to make their own delicious, flavored versions. What makes this gourmet crunchy snack oh-so special? Each batch is handmade by a small team of pastry chefs in London, while every kernel gets air-popped (instead of using oil) for better taste and texture.
— Montezuma British Chocolate —
We'll never say no to chocolate—especially an extraordinary chocolate bar from Montezuma, aka "Britain's Greatest Little Chocolate Company." Their vegan milk chocolate, made with rice milk, is a particular favorite, with all the smooth richness you'd expect from the classic confection. Use it to whip up Carolina Gelen's plant-based chocolate hazelnut bars (which also feature Montezuma's dark chocolate and a finishing sprinkle of Halen Môn Anglesey Sea Salt) for a sweet snack we guarantee won't last long.
— Jealous Sweets —
These plant-based sweets are free from just about everything you don't want in your candy (like synthetic flavors and artificial colors) and filled with everything you do, like real fruit juices. From Berry Sours to Tangy Worms, there are a ton of options to choose from, depending on what you're in the mood to snack on.
— Squirrel Sisters —
Founded by two sisters in 2015—hence, the name—Squirrel Sisters are the only brand in the U.K. to make a range of great-tasting snacks and kitchen essentials that are totally free of added sugar. Think: peanut and raspberry protein bars, brownie-inspired bites, gluten-free cereals, dried fruits, and other pantry must-haves, like quinoa, lentils, and coconut flour. For those that live in Texas, you can find Squirrel Sisters products at Central Market grocery stores.
— Thomson & Scott – Noughty —
Take one sip of Noughty non-alcoholic wine—like their bubbly chardonnay or sparkling rosé—and you might just prefer it to the real thing. Made with all-organic ingredients (that just so happen to be vegan, halal, and lower in sugar too), each bottle is ready for anything from low-key nights at home to a full-on celebration.
— New London Light —
For those looking to expand their repertoire of non-alcoholic spirits, consider New London Light— a bold and botanical zero-proof bottle made in the iconic coastal town of Salcombe, South Devon, England. It's an excellent swap for gin in classic cocktails, like the G&T, but also makes a great foundation for other creative sips.
— Seedlip —
A longtime Food52 community favorite, Seedlip is the world's first non-alcoholic spirit—and it's what we (and bartenders around the world) reach for to mix up mocktails that are just as sophisticated and flavorful as any traditional cocktail order. Today, it's available in three distinct flavors: the aromatic Spice 94, herbal Garden 108, and citrus-forward Grove 42.