Festive Food Guide – Isle of Wight gifts for foodies

The tastiest season of the year has arrived, but before launching into that lengthy festive food shopping list, consider the enticing options provided by the Island’s talented farmers, makers, brewers and bakers.

Surrounded by sparkling blue seas, carpeted with lush grazing and blessed with a few extra rays of sunshine than the rest of the UK, the Isle of Wight has some pretty perfect conditions for creating enticing food and drink. Not only that, but the Island is also home to a talented flock of artisans and producers, as well as a dusting of top-notch chefs, all helping put local food firmly on the map.

But it isn’t just us that thinks the Island’s culinary offering punches well above its weight. Food writer Grace Dent and TV chef Ainsley Harriott took a tour of the Island’s foodie outposts a few years back (praising everything from The Royal Hotel’s soufflés to Smoking Lobster’s seafood), and James Martin is known to be a fan of Woodford’s flaky Bembridge-made sausage rolls. Meanwhile, Arreton-grown tomatoes are sent to all four corners of the country and one of the UK’s youngest chefs to ever win a Michelin star was Islander Robert Thompson.

So, while you could easily fill your festive basket at the supermarket, why would you want to miss out on the tasty locally-made treats on offer? By shopping local, not only will you come home with your bags for life filled to the brim with unusual and interesting goods, but you’ll have more fun in the process. Just pop on that scratchy Christmas jumper and prepare to weave through the carol singers, as you explore the best in festive food and drink that the Isle of Wight has to offer.

For the cocktail connoisseur of the family, tie a bow around this twelve-pack of local pre-mixed cocktails from Wight Whisky. Each gently chilled can of Wight Garden includes a crisp blend of sparkling apple, zesty ginger and creamy single malt whisky distilled on the Nunwell Estate near Brading.

If granny needs an energy boost before rustling up her famous Boxing Day picky bits buffet, then consider sending over an afternoon tea. This one from Grace’s Bakery includes local cheese, Merstone-made chutney and buttery scones fresh from the ovens of the bakery’s H.Q. in Ryde.

Though Auntie Wendy might be fiercely loyal to her PG Tips, pop some Island Leaf tea under the tree and see whether she’ll become a convert. Blended in Newport, from a mix of Indian, Rwandan and Sri Lankan black teas, this loose-leaf All Day Breakfast is perfect with a dash of milk and a Hobnob.  Available from Caffè Isola, Newport.

After untangling endless reams of Christmas lights, Grandpa more than deserves a little local brew to wet his whistle. So, drop one of these South Island Pale Ales from Goddard’s Brewery in his lap. With hints of passion fruit, gooseberry and grapefruit, it’s the ideal escape from all the festive mayhem. Available from Goddard’s Brewery, Hale Common.

If you’re looking to elevate those Christmas canapés to new heights this year, then try this on your cheese-topped crackers. Made by The Garlic Farm, this blood-red tomato salsa provides some delicious tang and plenty of garlic (naturally). Alternatively, add a spoonful to that turkey if it comes out of the oven a little dry… again.

Perhaps you’re fed up with the younger members of the family making faces when you unveil the Christmas pudding. Well, make life simple and please everyone with this hefty 9-inch chocolate cake. Made to order by Ellie and Louisa at Frostbite Bakery, it uses free-range eggs from Hazelgrove Farm and tastes so decadent you’ll forget mince pies even exist!

Looking for something to post to aunts and uncles in chillier parts of the country? Send them a bottle of Mermaid Pink Gin to warm their cockles. Infused with local strawberries and coastal botanicals, it’s the ideal drink to mix with a crisp tonic and raise a festive glass with.

A true taste of the Isle of Wight Briddlesford Farm’s Cheddar is matured for up to 12 months to achieve a smooth, buttery richness with a gentle nuttiness. Made with golden Guernsey Milk from Briddlesford’s own herd, it’s a delicious celebration of local farming and tradition. Perfect for a Christmas cheeseboard or as a thoughtful foodie girt, this cheddar brings the flavour of our Island pastures to your festive table.

For anyone “resting their eyes” during the many repeats of Dad’s Army on TV, bring them back to life with a steamy mug of Jasper’s Coffee, roasted in the heart of Cowes. Choose from an assortment of sustainable single-origin coffees, including one transported from Colombia to the roasting plant via wind-powered sailing ship!

Is your niece the next Nigella Lawson? Then wrap her up a jar of small-batch romesco sauce made from Arreton Valley tomatoes. Rich, intense and inspired by Catalan tradition, it’s the perfect thing to liven up all manner of experimental dishes (and you can drizzle it over any leftover Brussels sprouts too).

Any stockings still in need of filling? We’ve got just the thing. Expertly brewed in Newchurch by a family of knowledgeable beer makers, this 4.0% Islander ale comes with hints of pine and spices – perfect for sipping alongside a slice of the deconstructed gingerbread house. Pick some up at The Garlic Farm or at other farm shops around the Isle of Wight.

If your homemade mince pies have already reached legendary status amongst family members, see if you can raise the bar a little further by sifting some Isle of Wight flour into that dough. Naturally higher in protein (thanks to our sunny climate), it’s bound to add an extra je ne sais quoi.