While there’s an abundance of restaurant quality food and fantastic meal delivery kits around town at the moment, this week we’re focusing on another favourite meal; snack time.Whether you’re after something healthy to see you through your working day or are more of a coffee and cake for elevenses type, here are a few of our faves…
For A Bite from Down Under: Radio Lamington
You may have seen these sweet treats showing up on Instagram recently. Born, like so many businesses, during lockdown last summer, it started with the team from London’s Aussie chain of Daisy Green restaurants baking lamingtons to show support for the NHS, with over 40,000 going to frontline workers around London and resulted in the launch of Radio Lamington, an online platform delivering them across london. Now they offer a ‘Lamington for a Lamington’ - for every box purchased, they deliver one to NHS frontliners.
The range includes eight different flavours (plus vegan options) of these pillowy soft little cakes, using the finest flavourings and ingredients, all made fresh daily in their Paddington bakery. If you can’t choose between Tiramisu, with vanilla sponge layered with Mr Black Arabica coffee liqueur steeped mascarpone cream, Red Velvet with its whipped cream cheese frosting, or the Golden Gaytime Lamington, inspired by Australia’s most beloved ice cream, there’s the option of a mixed box of flavours to get a little bit of everything. I know what I’ll be ordering for next week. From £20 a box at www.radiolamington.com
For A Vegan Choccy Treat: Buttermilk Confectionary
Family confectioners Buttermilk have been bringing their homemade Cornish fudge to the world since the 1960s, but the recent addition of their dairy free and vegan range means comforting choccy treats can even be enjoyed by those on a plant-based diet. The range includes Salted Caramel Cups, Vanilla Fudge Bites, Peanut Butter Crunch, Vegan Hazelnut Duos and Choccy Truffles, all completely dairy-free.
We tried the truffles, individually wrapped in fully compostable paper, they melt in the mouth and taste as good as the real thing, plus with a portion of profits given directly to ActionAid you can indulge without the guilt. Available online at www.buttermilk.co.uk.
For Guilt-Free Snacking: Squirrel Sisters
Founded by sisters Sophie and Gracie Tyrrell, Squirrel Sisters is an award-winning snacking brand and the only one in the UK with a whole range of no added sugar snacks. From snack bars and share brands to nuts and crackers, their range includes a host of delicious recipes like the Peanut Raspberry Snack Bar, using natural, plant-based ingredients and no sugar. Since launching in 2015 Squirrel Sisters products are now available in over 2,00 stores around the UK from retailers including Waitrose, Holland and Barrett, Ocado, Selfridges and Whole Foods, as well as online at www.squirrelsisters.com.
For A Taste of Persian Flavour: Shuro Shirin
Persian food is undoubtedly delicious but it can be time-consuming and tricky to perfect. Which is why we were excited to discover the Persian frozen ready meal company Shuro Shirin which not only has a range of seriously delicious looking stews, soups and sides, but some sweet treats as well.
We’re looking forward to trying the Honey & Almond Shortbread, Pistachio Baklava and Persian Bamieh, handmade donuts sweetened with rose water syrup. Delicious. www.shuroshirin.com
For the Perfect Cuppa: Teapigs Tea School
Ok so this technically isn’t an eat, but given a cup of tea is such an integral part of snack time it deserved an inclusion in this week’s list. Teapigs has introduced its Tea School, where you can join the team via Zoom to learn all about the nation’s favourite beverage. You’ll become an expert on all things tea and receive a tasting kit (worth £17.99) included in the £25 ticket price. With dates in February and March, book yours at www.teapigs.co.uk
