There's a wide range of chocolate subscriptions on the market, from nostalgic classics and big brands such as Cadbury or Green & Black's, to luxurious truffle deliveries, small-batch bean-to-bar brands or quirky flavoured bars loaded with extras. A box of fresh truffles is perfect for bringing out at a dinner party, while the hampers loaded with a variety of chocolate treats will keep the cupboard stocked for whenever a sweet pick-me-up is needed. Whether you want to try a little bit of everything or treat yourself or someone you love, we've got the subscription for you.

We've tested plenty more subscriptions too: read our guides to the best sweets subscriptions, best cheese subscriptions, best beer subscriptions or baking subscriptions to keep you busy. For more gift guides including the best chocolate gifts, best coffee gifts and best cheese gifts, visit our reviews section to find over 400 buyer's guides.

Best chocolate subscriptions at a glance

• Best chocolate subscription for supporting a social cause: Harry Specters Chocolate Club, from £15 a month
• Best chocolate subscription for versatility: Hotel Chocolat curated collection, £29.95 a month
• Best chocolate subscription for fresh chocolates: Chococo, from £48 for 3 months
• Best vegan chocolate subscription: Nomo chocolate subscription, from £20
• Best for chocolate cakes and bakes: Chococo brownies and bakery subscription, from £56 for 3 months
• Best chocolate subscription for brand loyalists: Green & Black's, £46 for 6 months
• Best chocolate subscription for hot chocolate fans: Hotel Chocolat The Drinking Chocolate subscription, from £14.95 a month
• Best chocolate subscription for students and teenagers: Cadbury, £66 for 6 months
• Best boutique chocolate subscription: Melt's monthly chocolate subscription, £24.99 a month
• Best chocolate subscription for sharing: Hotel Chocolat the Sleekster subscription, £29.95 a month
• Best chocolate subscription compact chocolate subscription: Coco Chemistry, from £60 for 3 months
• Best chocolate subscription for curated brands: FodaBox, from £40 for 3 months
• Best chocolate subscription for fun flavoured bars: The Slabb, from £21 for 3 months

Best chocolate subscriptions to buy in 2025

Harry Specters Chocolate Club

Available from Harry Specters, from £15 a month

Best chocolate subscription for supporting a social cause

Harry Specters, founded by Mona and inspired by her autistic son Ash, began in 2011 during a family holiday in Scotland. Concerned about Ash's future, Mona, a passionate baker and chocolate lover, realised the potential for positive change through chocolate-making. She envisioned a way to blend her love for chocolate with a mission to support autistic individuals. Located in Cambridgeshire, Harry Specters involves autistic people in every facet of its business, from crafting and packaging to design and administration. Each piece of chocolate represents a commitment to improving the lives of autistic individuals, embodying Mona's vision of creating positive change.

There are three subscriptions to choose from in the Chocolate Club. A £15, nine-chocolate box, £18 for 12 chocolates and £22 for 16 chocolates. The brand tries to include chocolates with flavours that are in season and no two boxes are the same. Harry Specters were kind enough to send us all three boxes, so we were able to sample the full range. The chocolates are as delicious as they are attractive. Each chocolate is carefully hand finished with an intricate pattern or design. And inside you’ll find a range of flavours, from classic salted caramel and oh-so-popular pistachio, to more creative offerings such as fresh mint and lime, and mixed berries caramel. Monthly deliveries, minimum three-month subscription.

Available from:
Harry Specters, from £15 a month

Hotel Chocolat curated collection

Available from Hotel Chocolat, £29.95 a month

Best chocolate subscription for versatility

The monthly Hotel Chocolat curated collection subscription supplies four to five Hotel Chocolat items for you to try every month. The 'Everything' style subscription combines a little of all the Hotel Chocolat styles of chocolate in one delivery: Mellow (milks, white and caramels; no alcohol), Dark and High Cacao and Tipsy (think mojito truffles). The wide Hotel Chocolat range means you won't get bored or have too many repeat items.

Our box included caramel-filled bunnies, classic truffles and interesting raspberry & white chocolate batons. We love the variety of items in each box, combining truffles, bars, snacks and nibbles. It's perfect for sharing or enjoying through the month. At a maximum of three-month subscription length, it's relatively low-commitment, making it easy to switch up styles, too.

Available from:
Hotel Chocolat, £29.95 a month

Chococo chocolate box subscription

• Available from Chococo, from £48 for 3 months

Best for fresh chocolates

Dorset-based artisan chocolate makers Chococo offers a subscription for its fresh chocolate boxes, designed for gifting. You can be restrained with a small box of nine chocolates or indulge in the large 25-chocolate box to arrive each month. With every truffle intricately finished and a wide range of flavours, there's something for everyone in this beautiful box – use the illustrated guide to choose carefully. Subscriptions are available in 3, 6 or 12 month lengths.

Stand-out chocolates for us include a Dorset cream tea truffle and sweet 'golden crunch gem' with caramelised white chocolate. All are made using fresh, local ingredients including jam and clotted cream. A box makes a perfect gift – if you can bring yourself to share!

Available from:
Chococo, from £48 for 3 months

Nomo chocolate subscription

Available from Nomo from £24.99

Best vegan chocolate subscription

Nomo Chocolate specialises in vegan and free-from chocolates, so it's a good choice for those with dietary restrictions or allergies. Free from dairy, gluten, nuts and eggs, Nomo offers a range of chocolate bars, buttons and seasonal treats in flavours like creamy chocolate, caramel and caramelised biscuit. Nomo embodies the spirit of inclusivity, is Rainforest Alliance-certified and emphasises the importance of ethically sourcing ingredients.

Nomo’s chocolate subscription is available as 24 individual sized bars, 10-12 large bars, 12 bags of buttons or 72 chocolate lollies delivered to your door each month. Prices vary, and while you’re unable to mix and match the contents, you can choose a new flavour each month.

Our panel of vegans and non-vegans sampled various Nomo chocolate bars, from classic milk to caramelised biscuit, and shared their thoughts. Many appreciated the creamy texture, which is particularly for vegan chocolate. One tester felt the caramel and sea salt bar was slightly less creamy, but still had good texture and flavour. Another found the caramel bar slightly bitter and different from typical caramel, leading them to think it was vegan, despite its comparable texture to dairy chocolate.

The extra salt in the caramel and sea salt bar effectively balances its sweetness. A tester new to vegan products was very impressed with the caramelised biscuit bar, likening it to high-quality chocolate, though a bit too sweet. Some noted a fruity taste in the caramel bar that was off-putting. Overall, testers were happy with the texture and flavours.

If you’re a chocoholic vegan looking for a subscription to suit, this is the very best we’ve found.

Available from:
Nomo, from £24.99

Chococo brownies and bakes subscription

Available from Chococo (from £56 for 3 months)

Best for chocolate bakes

As well as their subscription of fresh chocolates, featured above, Dorset-based chocolatiers Chococo also make a range of bakes and brownies that are available on a subscription basis. This makes a great gift for the sweet toothed that goes beyond just chocolate bars or truffles.

Choose from a wide range of brownies, from triple chocolate to salted caramel or chocolate orange, plus bakes such as rocky road or millionaires shortbread. Subscriptions are available as a pre-paid three-, six- or 12-month subscription – although you'll get the same bake delivered repeatedly throughout the subscription, so make sure you choose wisely! It's a shame that you don't get to try a variety but handy if you know there is something someone particularly loves.

We chose the millionaire's shortbread. Our delivery arrived securely packaged in a slim cardboard box (packaging is 100 per cent plastic free) that would fit through the letterbox – ideal for gifting and hassle-free delivery. Inside, our square slab of millionaire's shortbread was uncut so that you can choose how to cut it up. The thick shortbread base was topped with Dorset sea salt caramel (with the perfect level of salt), all topped off with a layer of creamy 47 per cent Colombian milk chocolate. Overall, a lovely decadent delivery that would make an indulgent gift, especially for someone who has a sweet tooth but might not have the time or ability to bake themselves.

Available from:
Chococo (from £56 for 3 months)

Green & Black's chocolate club

Available from Green & Blacks, £46 for 6 months

Best for brand loyalists

Sometimes you just know what you like, and if Green & Black's is your brand of choice, the simple Green & Black's organic subscription is for you. Sign up and you'll receive two bars of Green & Black's each month, covering dark, milk and white chocolate. The subscription lasts for six months and costs £46. Sadly, there's no longer the option to stick to just one style of chocolate so you'll always be signing up to a variety and a mystery delivery each month, meaning it's best if you're not too fussy with the flavours you are hoping for.

This no-frills option means you'll never be overwhelmed by chocolate and you'll always have a bar on standby ready for snapping off a square or baking with.

Available from:
Green & Blacks, £46 for 6 months

Hotel Chocolat The Drinking Chocolate subscription

Available from Hotel Chocolate, from £14.95 a month

Best chocolate subscription for hot chocolate fans

A rogue choice perhaps, but if you’re looking for a subscription for a hot chocolate fan (or are just one yourself), this offering from Hotel Chocolat is perfect. Ensure you never run out of your favourite hot chocolate with this subscription designed to be used with the brand's Velvetiser. Set it up once, and enjoy regular deliveries every one, two, or three months, with free Standard UK delivery. There’s no need to commit to one subscription as these can be swapped and changed before your delivery, allowing you to explore Hotel Chocolat’s ever growing library of options. Plus, you can cancel or skip deliveries easily by updating your account before midnight the day before your next dispatch.

We opted first for the A Bit of Everything single serve box, and if you’re new to Hotel Chocolat hot chocolate, this is a great place to start. The box allows you to sample a good selection of the range, so next time you can pick your favourite. Standouts for us include the salted caramel: smooth and sweet with a welcome salty hit, and surprisingly the vanilla white: creamy but not sickly sweet, with a heady hit of fragrant vanilla.

Available from:
Hotel Chocolate, from £14.95 a month

Cadbury bar post box subscription

Available from Cadbury Gifts Direct, £66 for 6 months

Best for students and teenagers

For guaranteed nostalgia and milk chocolate sweetness, you can't beat Cadbury. The Cadbury chocolate subscription takes the fun of a Christmas selection box and delivers it to your door for six months for £66 total.

Each letterbox-friendly box contains 10 bars, including all the classics, from Freddo and Chomp, to Crunchie and Flake. They are cornershop favourites that mean you'll always have a sweet treat on standby – nothing unfamiliar or too grown-up. We think this would make a great gift for someone heading off to uni or a teenage chocoholic. The letter box delivery in Cadbury signature purple makes it the perfect surprise to come home to.

Available from:
Cadbury Gifts Direct, £66 for 6 months

Melt monthly chocolate subscription

Available from Melt (£24.99)

Best boutique chocolate subscription

Handmade in the Melt boutique kitchens in Notting Hill and Holland Park, these beautifully crafted chocolates combine classic techniques with bold flavour pairings, all wrapped up in plastic-free, recyclable packaging. Subscribers can choose between a box of luxury bonbons or set of artisan bars, or alternate between the two each month. There’s also the option to make the subscription vegan-friendly, plus flexible plans starting from three months.

We had the chance to sample both the bonbons and bars, and each felt like a gift. The bonbons arrived in a sleek box, showcasing chocolates in a range of intriguing flavours. The pistachio praline cup had a rich, nutty depth and satisfying crunch, while the blueberry cheesecake combined fruity sweetness with a hint of tang. Our favourite might have been the earl grey and bergamot: subtly floral, aromatic and wonderfully moreish.

The bars were equally considered. We particularly enjoyed the smoky milk chocolate and sugar-free milk chocolate, which didn’t compromise on creaminess. A dark chocolate bar had notes of honey, toffee and lemon.

Fast UK delivery means each box arrives fresh, and there’s real attention to detail in both flavour and presentation.

Available from:
Melt (£24.99)

Hotel Chocolat The Sleekster subscription

Available from Hotel Chocolat, £29.95 a month

Best chocolate subscription for sharing

The Hotel Chocolat Sleekster boxes are a signature from the brand. And this subscription brings 27 plus chocolates in chic packaging straight to your door. Choose from seven delightful genres: Everything, Milk to Caramel, Serious Dark Fix, Exuberantly Fruity, Tipsy Truffles, Patisserie, and Unbelievably Vegan, with each Sleekster showcasing some of Hotel Chocolat’s most famous recipes. Enjoy the convenience of having these delicious chocolates delivered straight to your door every one, two, or three months.. At £29.95 each, it's the perfect way to enjoy luxury chocolates regularly.

We opted for the Milk to Caramel Sleekster and enjoyed a variety of firm favourite chocolates, like the oozing salted caramel and the nutty and well-balanced pistachio selector. As well as new offerings like the raspberry macaron – tarte raspberry whip sandwiched between two caramel-milk discs – and the ultra indulgent salted caramel brownie. There’s so much to enjoy with the Sleekster subscription.

Available from:
Hotel Chocolat, £29.95 a month

Coco Chemistry

Available from Coco Chemistry (from £60 for 3 months)

Best compact chocolate subscription

The Origin Chocolate Club from Coco Chemistry introduces you to artisan, single-origin chocolate in compact form. Each month, you'll receive a box with a single-origin chocolate bar and bag of truffles, accompanied by a tasting card detailing the origins of the cocoa, tasting notes and suggested pairings.

In our first box from Coco Chemistry, the theme was Saõ Tomé chocolate – meaning we had a dark, 70% cocoa chocolate from Brazil. The intense bar has notes of deep roasted cocoa and red fruits. The truffles are sophisticated in flavour, with a rich and creamy centre.

In comparison to some of the other subscriptions we tried, this one is on the expensive side for the quantity of chocolate that you receive. However, it's great for learning more about chocolate styles, discovering which flavours you prefer and receiving a small treat of a delivery each month without being overwhelmed by sugar.

Available from:
Coco Chemistry (from £60 for 3 months)

FodaBox

Available from FodaBox, from £40 for 3 months

Best for curated brands

If you can't choose just one brand, don't! The FodaBox chocolate subscription does the work for you, curating a monthly box from a different small chocolate brand for delivery to you. This means you won't get bored or have any repeats, with the bonus of discovering new chocolate brands and supporting varied producers. In our box, we receive three bars of Love Cocoa chocolate, including an earthy crushed coffee and sweet milk chocolate.

Handily, you can specify a desired delivery date, which is helpful if you're timing it for a gift.

Available from:
FodaBox, from £40 for 3 months

The Slabb

• Available from The Slabb, from £21 for 3 months

Best for fun flavoured bars

There's no plain milk or dark at The Slabb. The Slabb chocolate subscription is all about fun flavour combinations, and delivers one or two bars a month (from £21 for 3 months) with a promise to never repeat flavours. There's also an option to sign up for a vegan subscription.

Originally focused on boozy bars, the 'slabbs' now come in a huge variety of crowd-pleasing flavours loaded with mix-ins and elaborate decorations. Our favourite is the toffee crunch, with rice cereal, salted caramel and thick wedges of toffee crisp bars. This box is one for those with a sweet tooth – it's a fun gift. Read our full review of The Slabb chocolate subscription here.

Available from:
The Slabb, from £21 for 3 months

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If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk. 

Join Melissa Hemsley as she delves into the art of sustainable living, offering practical tips and heartfelt insights. Sitting down with host Samuel Goldsmith, Melissa opens up about the messy joy of feeding her toddler, the pressure of healthy eating in a world dominated by ultra-processed food, and why she's proudly team frozen peas and batch-cooked soup. Together, they unpack everything from how to cook for picky eaters (of all ages), to the myth of perfect meal prep and the power of grated veg to transform a meal. Melissa shares practical tips for making real food easier, more colourful, and more fun without the guilt, overwhelm or pressure to be perfect.

Melissa Hemsley is a former private chef turned best-selling cookbook author, food columnist and real food advocate. Passionate about sustainable, seasonal cooking, Melissa champions feel-good food – meals that nourish the body, respect the planet and bring joy. She has written six cookbooks, including Real Healthy, which helps readers un-process their diets with easy, everyday recipes. Her writing has appeared in The Telegraph and Vogue, and she is a proud ambassador for Fairtrade UK, a volunteer for The Felix Project and judge for numerous food awards. Melissa also writes a popular Substack newsletter, sharing recipes, tips for reducing food waste, interviews and family life with her daughter, Summer, and dog, Nelly.

Bonus episode

Listen to the bonus cook-along episode.

Listen to more podcast episodes, including our Cook Smart podcast and Tom Kerridge podcast.

While the NHS is prescribing weight-loss drugs to certain obese people who fit the criteria, wholesale drug suppliers estimate around half a million people in the UK are taking the medication for weight loss via private prescription.

What are GLP-1 medications?

The most common GLP-1 medications come in the form of two different drugs – semaglutide and tirzepatide, sold under the names Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro.

The injections were originally intended as diabetes medication, but research found they suppressed appetite hormones, allowing obese people to lose weight through its usage as a weekly dose. These injections work by mimicking the actions of the natural gut hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate your appetite and blood sugar. They slow digestion, suppress appetite and can increase insulin production.

Many have praised their ability to reduce ‘food noise’ in everyday lives, the name given to the persistent and often intrusive thoughts about food. Importantly, studies have shown significant clinical benefits for people with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Potential risks have been highlighted too, namely concerns around possible increased risks of pancreatitis and thyroid cancer, and gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Despite this, the NHS and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency consider GLP-1 medications safe and effective when prescribed and used appropriately.

But what do the experts really think? We asked seven health professionals from personal trainers to diabetes specialists to give us their views, and tell us what they want us to know, about GLP-1 medications.

THE GP: “Weight loss medications should not be considered a standalone solution.”

Dr Semiya Aziz, GP and founder of say-gp.com

"Current evidence shows that weight loss medications like GLP-1 can offer significant clinical benefits for individuals with conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart failure, cardiovascular disease and sleep apnoea. They’ve also been linked to improvements in glycaemic control, cholesterol and mental health, as well as reduced cardiovascular risk and potential prevention of chronic disease. However, weight loss medications should not be considered a standalone solution. They work best as part of a comprehensive care plan involving nutritional therapy, physical activity and psychological support.

It's important to understand that weight regain is common once the medication is stopped - unless stringent lifestyle changes are maintained. These medications work by reducing cravings and increasing satiety, so without them and ongoing support, weight is likely to return. Using them without medical necessity or assessment carries risks, too. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation and dehydration. Rapid weight loss can also result in muscle loss and nutritional deficiencies, while there is also concern about long-term safety, as well as the potential for dependency or social pressure to use them for aesthetic reasons rather than health.

Finally, it's vital to remember that weight loss does not always equate to improved health, and treatment goals should focus on enhancing metabolic function and overall wellbeing, not simply achieving a specific body weight or image."

THE NUTRITIONIST: “This suppression of appetite comes with real nutritional risks.”

Zara Hiridjee, registered nutritionist

“Weight-loss medications can be genuinely transformative, especially for individuals with obesity-related complications. We need to move beyond the outdated narrative that obesity is purely a result of overeating or laziness. The reality is far more complex. For some, these medications offer a crucial physiological reset, reducing the constant 'noise' of food thoughts and helping people experience what it's like to feel satiated, perhaps for the first time in years.

But this suppression of appetite, while effective for driving a calorie deficit, comes with real nutritional risks. People may unintentionally consume so little food that they fall below baseline requirements for nutrients that aren’t just “nice to have,” but critical for healthy body function -essential amino acids, fatty acids, B12, folate, magnesium, zinc and iron – to name a few. Without enough high-quality protein, the weight lost isn’t just fat, it’s muscle, which slows metabolism and can worsen outcomes long-term. And when dietary fibre drops too low, we see knock-on effects on gut diversity, blood sugar regulation, and even mental health via the gut-brain axis.

So yes, the meds can get the ball rolling. But what truly protects someone’s health, confidence and sense of control, is the structure, the education and the support built around it. That’s why expert support is so important during this process. Without that support there’s a real risk that the weight just comes back when the medication stops.”

THE MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST: “It’s vital we talk about the emotional side of these jabs.”

Shelly Dar, Senior Mental Health Therapist and founder of MindSpa Therapy

“In my practice, I support many women navigating complex relationships with food, weight and self-worth. For some, weight loss medication can offer a sense of hope, a way to regain control when other methods have failed. But it’s vital we talk about the emotional side of these jabs.

If you have a history of disordered eating, weight loss medication can trigger old patterns, like obsessive tracking, guilt around food, or an overfocus on numbers instead of nourishment. It’s not the jab itself that causes harm, but how it interacts with underlying beliefs: ‘I’m only worthy if I’m thin,’ or ‘If I'm smaller I'll be accepted.’

What we need is a joined up approach. These medications don’t just change appetite - they affect identity. They can challenge how people see themselves, how they relate to food and what they believe health looks like. That’s why psychological support matters.

My message? If you’re considering weight loss jabs, bring compassion, not just willpower. Get support that helps you explore your relationship with food and body image, not just the scales. Because long-term wellbeing isn’t just about losing weight. It’s about feeling good in your skin, trusting yourself again and knowing you are more than a number.”

THE PERSONAL TRAINER: “GLP-1s aren’t magic on their own, they’re part of the equation.”

Beth Johnson, personal trainer and founder of Lift Club gym

“As a personal trainer, I completely understand the appeal of weight loss medications like GLP-1s – they can be a powerful tool for people who’ve struggled with their weight and health for years. But what’s often overlooked is how essential it is to pair these medications with strength training. I’ve unfortunately seen cases where someone starts a GLP-1, sees the weight drop quickly, but along with fat, they lose a worrying amount of muscle mass too.

Muscle isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s vital for metabolism, strength, mobility and long-term health. If you’re losing weight but not actively working to preserve or build muscle, you risk weakening your body, lowering your metabolic rate and setting yourself up for fatigue or injury down the line.

That’s why I work with my clients who are on GLP-1s to maintain their weight training – and I recommend if you’re not already, starting a structured strength programme. You don’t have to lift super heavy right away – what matters is that you're challenging your body consistently and safely, gradually progressing over time. This helps offset muscle loss and makes the weight you do lose more meaningful from a health perspective.

GLP-1s aren’t magic on their own, they’re part of the equation. Strength training is what helps ensure your body stays strong, capable and supported throughout the process. It’s about losing the right kind of weight, in the right way.”

THE FERTILITY EXPERT: “We’re seeing hopeful signs these treatments may also help restore ovulation and improve the chances of conceiving.”

Dr Nikita Kanani MBE, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Aneira Health and Former Head of Primary Care at NHS England

“GLP-1 medications are transforming care for many women - especially those living with conditions like PCOS, insulin resistance or obesity that can impact fertility. We’re seeing hopeful signs that, by supporting sustainable weight loss and improving metabolic health, these treatments may also help restore ovulation and improve the chances of conceiving.

That said, GLP-1s aren’t a silver bullet – and we still need much more research into their specific effects on fertility and conception. We also know they can affect the absorption of oral contraceptives, so it’s essential that women are given clear guidance and options when using them.

We believe women deserve evidence-based, personalised advice when it comes to decisions about fertility, and we strongly support the research and conversations needed to fill the current gaps in understanding. GLP-1s are a powerful tool, but like all treatments, they work best when they’re part of a holistic, informed approach to health.”

THE DIABETES EXPERT: “I’m passionate that people are properly educated and supported before embarking on that journey.”

Alice Yeates, former diabetes nurse and nutritional therapist

“I’m a former diabetes specialist nurse and am now a nutritional therapist and naturopath. I work with women over 50 who are struggling with energy rollercoasters, diabetes and obesity. I’m hugely passionate about ensuring people using medication for weight loss are properly educated and supported before embarking on that journey.

It’s so important to teach people how things work, how they may be adversely affected and also what happens when they stop using the medication that they have been prescribed. For example, I’m seeing more and more clients who have begun taking Mounjaro without the proper support in place, and this means they’ve experienced bad side effects, like increasing their dosage and feeling extremely unwell.

While I think these medications certainly have their place for certain obese individuals in their weight loss journey, they need to be seen as part of a broader, more holistic approach with proper supervision for long-term lifestyle changes, with emotional support being a vital part of that journey.

The most important thing is to make sustainable and long-term lifestyle changes that will help you feel better about yourself, reduce your blood sugar levels and increase your energy, while losing weight along the way.”

THE EATING DISORDER SPECIALIST: “While these drugs may seem appealing to those who are struggling, they can be dangerous.”

Lisa Unger, Emotional and Eating Disorder Specialist

“Although GLP-1 medications may have a place supporting some people with obesity and related health conditions, they are not appropriate for someone with an eating disorder. Eating disorders are psychological illnesses, not simply issues with food or weight. While these drugs may seem appealing to those who are struggling, they can be dangerous, often worsening disordered thoughts and behaviours in those already unwell or triggering an eating disorder in someone who is vulnerable.

Weight loss medications can suppress appetite, but they don’t address the guilt, all-or-nothing thinking, or the belief that your worth depends on your weight – core issues in many eating disorders.

Regaining weight after stopping the drug can trigger shame, self-blame and relapse into harmful behaviours like restriction or bingeing.

Weight loss alone does not equal recovery, and without addressing the emotional relationship with food, these medications risk masking the problem, not solving it. We need a joined-up approach that prioritises both physical and mental health.”

Is there a consensus?

So, while GLP-1 medications are not a magic fix, they can be a meaningful part of a bigger picture when used appropriately and with proper medical oversight. They may help regulate appetite, improve blood sugar control and even support fertility. But every expert we spoke to agreed: they are not a standalone solution.

Without the right nutritional intake, strength training, emotional support and education, these medications risk doing more harm than good, from muscle loss to mental health challenges to a worrying rebound effect once treatment stops.

Crucially, weight loss isn’t always the same as health gain. Whether it’s addressing disordered eating, preserving muscle or restoring confidence, the message is clear: true wellbeing goes beyond the number on the scale. These jabs may be a helpful tool, but the real transformation happens when they’re paired with a compassionate, joined-up approach that supports body and mind.

Further reading:

All you need to know about diets
What is the 5:2 veg diet?
Healthy recipes
50 easy ways to lose weight

All health content on goodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.

There’s now an array of award-winning wines born from home-grown grapes like bacchus, ortega or chardonnay that not only rival that of neighbouring Europe, but are brilliant expressions of the land that they’re produced on; creating unique vintages and blends that have rightfully earned their place at the dining table.

English sparkling wine is even giving champagne a run for its money. Such is the quality that these vines are producing, that French wine house Taittinger bought up vineyards in Kent in 2015, with their first offering, Domaine Evremond Classic Cuvée released in 2023. The result? “A delicious wine and a great addition to the English sparkling scene,” as one critic described it.

With an estimated 1,030 vineyards currently in the country, sales are also going from strength to strength, with 8.8 million bottles of English and Welsh wine sold in 2023.

So what’s led to this change in British wine? A number of things, actually. An increased understanding of viticulture; more innovative people becoming involved in the wine-making scene, and the rising temperatures because of the climate crisis have all resulted in this new, celebrated generation of wines.

And there’s no better place to try out the wines than in the vineyards themselves. While places like Bordeaux, Douro or Tuscany are well-travelled wine-tasting locations, those in the know are now keeping it British, and heading off to wine tours in the rolling hills and rushing rivers of Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Somerset and Wales. These locations often offer immersive tasting experiences, boutique stays and Michelin star-level dining amid the vines.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the best British vineyards to visit – or their wines to try – from long-established producers like Nyetimber and Chapel Down to exciting newcomers carving out reputations in lesser-known corners of the country.

Can the UK rival California’s famed Napa and Sonoma Valley? It’s a yes from us – and with the additional bonus that an excellent cream tea is never too far away, too.

London

Forty Hall Vineyard

We start, almost unbelievably, in London – Enfield in North London, to be exact – where it’s likely to be one of the only vineyards in the world where tower blocks and skyscraper cityscapes can be seen in the distance beyond the vineyard.

Forty Hall Vineyard – just a 10-minute drive from Enfield Town or Turkey Street train station – was set up as a social enterprise in 2009 by Sarah Vaughn Roberts, who planted the vines as part of a project with the neighbouring environmental school, Capel Manor College.

Set within the stunning grounds of the Forty Hall Estate, a Grade 1 listed Jacobean manor house and its surrounding gardens and parkland, the place is worthy of a day trip in itself. But just past the working farm – where you might spot piglets or cows en route – are the two fields of vineyards.

The 10 acres of land produces about 30,000 bottles a year – though like all the winemakers in this article have commented, this varies according to the weather: 2023, for example, was considered a washout year for many because of the wet weather.

Emma Lundie is head of operations at Forty Hall, and as we wander through the vineyard on a sunny May day, she explains that producing great, certified organic wine is just one part of the not-for-profit project. “The people element is really important to us – we have about 100 people who volunteer to work on the vines all the year,” she says, as they focus on the eco-therapy benefits of time spent in the vines; physical and mental wellbeing, through social connection and gentle outdoor activity. “For a lot of people coming here, whether working or visiting, it’s like a little sanctuary,” she adds.

The must-try bottle here is their London Brut, with, fittingly, apple and pear notes; a real crisp and fruity treat, while their Bacchus sets the bar high for what’s becoming a signature English grape. Book their tasting tours (£21) in advance – there’s two a month from the spring time during their regular farmers markets – and it’s also a nice excuse to pick up some seasonal local fruit and veg while here.

Renegade

Jumping onto a double-decker bus to Walthamstow, there’s another urban winery in the capital city: Renegade. First set up in Bethnal Green in 2016, they moved to another site further out east in 2021, where – using grapes from both around the UK and Europe – they make modern, expressive wines. So while they don’t have a vineyard to tour, they have two venues where you can taste their wines, which all have the stand-out bottle labels featuring eyes of someone who lives in the UK, and also named after them too.

It’s worth searching out Jamie, their bacchus pet nat (naturally slightly sparkling), for an elderflower and apricot-like fizz, or the slightly more minerally still, skin-contact bacchus, Rahul. New for 2025 is their Pig’s Nose Pink, named after Renegade’s founder, Warwick, who described the sort of rosé he wanted to create. Animal-lovers will be pleased to know this wine – like all Renegade’s wines – is vegan.

Kent

OFFVINE

South of the capital, the county of Kent, often dubbed England’s garden, is fast becoming known as the Napa Valley of the UK, with around 120 vineyards currently growing the country’s best wines. This south-eastern region enjoys some of the warmest, sunny weather in the UK, and the chalky nature of the soil – similar to the terroir of the Champagne region in France — allows the grapes to flourish on the vines, which is why it’s arguably the heart of the new British wine production.

It’s something Kent-dwelling Rachel Proctor recognised when she set up OFFVINE, a wine-tasting tour of some of the best independent vineyards in the area in 2024. With the tagline 'you drink, we drive', the tour (from £125) picks up wine enthusiasts from Ashford train station, then ferries them around two or three local vineyards by minivan, stopping halfway for a charcuterie lunch laden with local cured meats and cheeses. It’s a simple, inspired idea; a new generation of wine tasting tours.

“I’m no wine expert,” she says. “But I’ve done my 10,000 hours of tasting and I want more to make it accessible for everyone. My aim is to get people who spend lots of time in wine bars but wouldn’t think to go on a tour discovering English wine. On the tours, you’ll meet the winemaker and hear their story as you taste the wine and enjoy the nature around you.”

Nine Oaks

There are plenty of vineyards to visit in the vicinity of Ashford. Nine Oaks is a young, family-run business who first took over three hectares of farmland to put in vines back in 2020, and asked ChatGPT what vines they should plant. This novel idea has paid off: their pinot noir rosé has won awards at the Independent English Wine Awards, and their Classic Cuvée is another big hitter. “We just wanted to make the best wine we possibly could,” says owner Martyn, which is a great mission statement. There are more exciting plans set for these up-and-coming winemakers, with them shortly opening bottles of their 2022 Blanc de Blancs for the first time. Tours here cost from £16.

Westwell

Westwell – set up by former music label founder Adrian Pike – is another big name in the Kent wine world. Set by the historic Pilgrims Way, close to Canterbury, its wines like the blanc de blancs have also become a legend in their own right, while those who prefer the more natural end of wine will enjoy a glass of its skin contact ortega, their signature on-site grape. Meanwhile, the Little Bit wine (a nod to the song by Lykke Li), is an lively, experimental drink made from the final, hard press of the grapes and is great value at £16 a bottle.

Tours at Westwell cost £28 a person and the large barn on the estate makes it a destination in itself. It’s become a popular location in the local community, hosting events like weekly pizza nights, cinema screenings, theatre productions – even an annual dog show.

Ham Street

Ham Street is one of the newer vineyards on this list, set up by husband and wife duo, Lucie and Jules in 2019. They are fiercely biodynamic, focusing on regenerative farming, and create small batch natural wines that are the toast of the area. Ham Street's chardonnay bacchus 23 (£27) lies somewhere between a natural white and an orange wine; and is perfect for long summer days, or pairing with grilled meats, fish or vegetables – one for the barbecue season. Tours and tastings at its bijou vineyard cost £25 per person, with a minimum of four people.

Chapel Down

Any guide to British wine would be remiss not to include two of the biggest names in the business, Chapel Down and Nyetimber. Chapel Down, one of the UK’s biggest producers of wine, is based near the market town of Tenterden, and its sprawling vineyards attract wine lovers all year long. Boasting 2.4 million bottles of the stuff a year, there’s plenty of unique opportunities to sample its offerings on a visit to their well-established site. There’s the option of taking a self-guided tour (£30), walking through the vines at a relaxed pace, or instead, there’s their vine, wine and dine tour (£110) where a guide will take you through a tasting of five of the signature wines, followed by a three-course lunch at its onsite restaurant, The Swan, whose elevated take on local produce landed it two AA Rosettes. For the more wellness-minded, sign up for the sunset yoga sessions, or in the height of summer, a popular event is the Bacchus Orchestra gig, where the band play classics and show tunes amid the vines. Does the music help the grapes better? Possibly – maybe that’s the reason that Chapel Down’s wines have won so many awards – its rosé brut previously won a platinum award in the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Nyetimber

Nyetimber – who have been making wine since 1988 – is the other behemoth of the English wine scene, with its fizz being regarded as the Great British standard and appearing in some of the best restaurants and fanciest events in the country. Its vineyards sprawl across several sites in Sussex, Hampshire and Kent, but the main site in West Chiltington, surrounded by its verdant hills, is best visited for one of its celebrated Open Day tours (£50). The two-and-half-hour experience takes in its celebrated vineyards – some of the oldest vines in England – and culminates in a tasting of the best of its sparkling wine. Meanwhile, foodies will want to splash out on its bucket-list fine dining experience (£195). Starting with canapés and classic cuvee in its White Barn, the sumptuous four-course dinner then moves to its 15th-century Medieval Barn: a total bucket-list experience, and the finest way to enjoy its vintages.

Sussex

Tillingham

A little further south, close to the charming seaside town of Rye, is Tillingham. This biodynamic vineyard is perhaps one of the best and most well-known natural wine producers in the country. Their speciality is a qvevri wine, an orange wine that’s fermented in clay pots, as per the centuries-old Georgian process. Its yearly offerings quickly sell out, so real fans know to get in there early to ensure getting their hands on its coveted floral and white fruity col, its vinho verde-like chardonnay or their tangy pet nat. There’s also 11 rooms of boutique accommodation, and if you’re staying overnight, then the tasting menu in the gourmet restaurant is a must. If you’re just stopping by for a wine-tasting (£35), it’s worth timing it for when the pizza oven is fired up, for a casual and cheaper dining experience among the vines.

Norfolk

Flint

To the north-east of Sussex, in East Anglia, Flint are leading the way in ultra-premium but small-batch wines. It's making big waves with its crisp, appley flagship fizz called Charmat, after the method of making the bubbles. While wine tasting tours cost £15 – probably the most budget-friendly on our list – it's also big on social events. Any given month might see a twilight supperclub, a yoga session held in the vines or live music on its lively Flint Friday summer nights.

Somerset

Wraxall

Wraxall’s vines might have been first planted in 1974, but Lexa and David, who took over the site in 2021 have taken the vines – and the wines – to heady new heights since then. Just a stone’s throw from Glastonbury, the couple are all about making great wines and presenting them unpretentiously and with as much accessibility to the public as possible. That’s why they’re equally happy giving vineyard tours and tastings (£30) themselves, or setting up self-guided tastings to let people enjoy it by themselves at their own leisure.

“In five years, we’ve seen some massive changes in how British wines have been viewed,” says Lexa. “I think there’s been more publicity about it, it’s more accessible and personally I think it’s better.”

“We’re noticing that groups of people, like birthday parties or hen parties are asking for English sparkling wine now, rather than prosecco,” she adds. “It feels like a younger generation are enjoying discovering it, while older people are also more open to it,” as evidenced by a recent 70th birthday party held in a marquee in the vineyards.

Wraxall’s on-site accommodation gives a quaint slice of English countryside life with several cottages next to the vineyards, while its green fruit-inspired bacchus – which won Best Still Bacchus in the 2024 WineGB awards – is best popped in its look-out restaurant and lounge situated at the top of the hill of vineyards, with the bucolic greens of the local farms stretching far out into the distance.

Durslade Vineyard

The pandemic and shortly afterwards saw a slew of London-based creatives swap city living for the more relaxed pace of life down in the countryside of Somerset. In particular, the charming village of Bruton, which, thanks to the arrival of the Hauser and Wirth Somerset gallery in 2014, has also made the place an artistic hub over the previous few years. Set within the converted Durslade Farm grounds is Roth Bar – with a steampunk-esque installation above the bar – and the excellent on-site Italian-inspired restaurant Da Costa, with fresh produce grown in the farm cooked to perfection over a wood-fire. The restaurant is also the best place to try the Maid Of Bruton wines, with the grapes grown in the nearby Durslade Vineyard, situated next to the river Brue. Vineyard director Elias Wirth says the site now makes an an average of 12,000 bottles a year: “It feels like the wine is really building a name for itself, I think because there’s not so many vineyards around here, and also because there’s so many restaurants in and around Bruton who are buying our wine. The sparkling wine is probably our most popular.” As is their lively, berry-like rosé, which gives any Provence pink a run for its money.

There’s a nice little nod to the fact the land used to be home to an ancient Roman settlement, who likely also made wine – Elias found a Roman coin once while doing some metal detecting, and its design now adorns the bottles. Plans are afoot for building a feasting and tasting events space above the vineyard – but in the meantime, the wines can also be taken home with other tempting local produce from the Farm Shop on site.

Cornwall

Further south west, the summer climes of Cornwall are also proving to be an ideal spot for a vineyard. Camel Valley – perched alongside the Camel river – is now almost one of the grandparents of the British wine scene, producing wines since 1989, with one of its favourites being the Cornwall brut. It's open for a 10.30am tour every Monday to Friday, from April to September, with tickets costing £20, but for those on a more casual, road-trip time frame, it’s possible to just visit for a glass (or half) of wine on its vineyard terrace where you’ll also be drinking up some incredible views, too.

Wales

Ancre Hill Estates

Over in Wales, Ancre Hill Estates in Monmouth is an exciting young vineyard making some of the UK’s most interesting natural wines. It is certified biodynamic and organic; but this is just a fancy way of saying they make wines with as little intervention as possible; leaving it to be as close to fermented grape juice as it was first made thousands of years ago. Perhaps you’ve seen the Clockwork Orange-themed label of its orange wine; or perhaps the reviews herald their “wildly delicious pinot noir”; but their wine is a must-taste if you’re in this part of the world. The vineyard isn’t currently open for visitors, but is available for sale online, from stockists across the UK – and you might see it pop up in the increasing number of British wine fairs in the country.

Llanerch

We finish the whistlestop tour of British wines with a bit of luxury. Llanerch, west of Cardiff, is a pioneering vineyard hotel. The farm property dates back to the 1800s, but in the 1970s was bought and transformed into a hotel by the previous owners, who also began experimenting with on-site vineyards in 1986 as a retirement project. Now the fruits of their labour can be tried on a trip to their stylish and high-end boutique accommodation. Like much of the aforementioned vineyards, it’s their fizz that’s the standout drink, and their Cariad sparkling brut has pleasing notes of brioche and honey.

There’s no better way to end a tour than with a glass on its rooftop terrace which overlooks the vines, or can be enjoyed as part of its wine-tasting session (£25). Those making a full weekend of it can try even more of its home-grown range at the on-site restaurant, Roots, which does a great Sunday roast, or for the sweet-tooth, pair it with a scone or strawberry and cream tart, as part of its afternoon tea set (£30). And there’s no need to leave pups at home – they’re welcome to join in the dog-friendly area of the restaurant.

For more like this, check out more UK travel recommendations

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In the UK, around 40 per cent of working adults reported WFH at least once a week in 2023 (ONS), and in the US, 35 per cent of full-time employees are still remote all or some of the time. But what’s that done to our diets? Is it helping us to eat better, or are we just snacking more?

Office lunches: the bad old days?

Before the pandemic, office life left many of us at the mercy of overpriced meal deals, vending machines, and a rushed lunch break. Research shows only 37 per cent of European workers took a full lunch break when working on-site, while 10 per cent of UK workers skip their lunch breaks altogether.

Data suggests that office lunches can lean heavily on ultra-processed foods (UPFs) – quick and convenient, but low in nutritional value. One survey found that as many as 17 per cent of workers in the UK consider themselves addicted to UPFs at work, largely because of stress and convenience, with these options being widely available in the workplace.

However, the data is mixed, and it’s up in the air whether the move toward WFH has enabled us to improve our health in the lunch hour or whether new problems have arisen.

In the US, a 2023 survey suggests that workers are 40 per cent more likely to skip lunch than they were a year prior, with almost half reporting that they skip lunch at least once a week. Having back-to-back remote meetings was one of the reasons reported for not having lunch.

The British Dietetic Association (BDA) has highlighted challenges associated with home working, noting that it's easy to lose track of time and skip lunch when lacking the visual prompts from colleagues.

The shift to home cooking

Working from home has undoubtedly shifted the dynamic at lunchtime. In many cases, people now have access to their own kitchen, their own fridge and more control over what goes on their plate. That’s resulted in more home-cooked meals – at least some of the time.

An analysis of worldwide research during the pandemic suggested vastly different patterns emerging from different countries, such as increased fruit and vegetable consumption in Italy, Spain and South America, and a decrease in consumption of fruit, vegetables and lean proteins with an increase in processed meat and refined grains in the USA, and an overall reduction of fresh produce intake in China.

So it’s not all steamed broccoli and sourdough starters. While WFH offers more autonomy, it can also increase exposure to, and consumption of, calorie-dense foods, especially when boundaries between work and home blur. Having a fridge two steps from your desk can be both a blessing and a curse.

Interestingly, the Global Eating at Work Survey found that 67 per cent of hybrid workers make efforts to eat more healthily on days they are in the office and seek more guidance and support from employers to maintain healthy eating habits.

Jo Redmond, who works mostly from home in the UK, says: “I eat much healthier meals; homemade soups for lunch and balanced dinners. But I do find snacking hard as it’s all just there waiting for me!”

Snack attacks

So let’s talk snacks. When the vending machine is replaced by your pantry, are we more or less likely to indulge?

Despite research on home-cooked food intake among home workers varying dramatically depending on research paper and location, making it difficult to detect trends, one trend has been consistent in the literature and that is the increased consumption of sugary and high-fat snacks, backed by both large-scale global data, and small-scale qualitative research. Gen Z had the biggest uptake of snacking in the UK, averaging four snacks per day when working from home, often substituting main meals for snacks.

Unstructured workdays and stress can make us graze more than we realise. One of the biggest changes I see in my nutrition clinic is that people feel constantly ‘on’, so they snack more to break up the day or to cope with boredom, stress and fatigue. But if you’re regularly reaching for quick sugar fixes or caffeine, that’s often a sign your overall routine needs rethinking, especially your sleep, movement and meal composition.

In the US, emotional eating was also reported more frequently among those working from home, especially during the pandemic’s peak. However, this has started to stabilise as people find more sustainable routines.

Janine Ryan, an NHS worker in the UK, says her eating habits vary by environment. “If I’ve not packed a lunch, it’s a meal deal or samosas. At home, I’m more likely to take a break and make something healthy. Snack-wise, it’s more about workload – if I’m busy, I don’t snack much.”

Are we healthier now?

So, is this all good news for public health? Not entirely, though the data is mixed.

A 2023 Public Health Wales report noted that as of late 2022, about 30.4 per cent of the Welsh workforce primarily worked from home, a significant increase from the pre-pandemic figure of 12.4 per cent. While eating patterns were not specifically discussed, people did report a more sedentary lifestyle as a result of working from home, and almost half reported a decline in mental wellbeing linked to loneliness and isolation.

Contrary to the Welsh report, the Global Eating at Work Survey suggested that people who work from home are more likely to exercise during the day, unwind more thoroughly during breaks and spend time outdoors, which suggests there are more complex factors at play, such as health inequalities marked by social determinants of health.

Comparing pre- and post-pandemic obesity statistics, in the UK, the most recent data shows that 26.5 per cent of adults are obese, with women (26.9 per cent) slightly more affected than men (26.2 per cent). In the US, rates are even higher, with over 40 per cent of adults reportedly being obese. In England, 64.5 per cent of adults are overweight or obese – a figure that’s risen slightly from 64 per cent pre-pandemic in 2019. Interestingly, while the overall obesity rate has declined since before the pandemic (especially among women), the rise in people classified as overweight has been driven entirely by men.

These shifts may reflect changing behaviours, or perhaps the growing use of weight loss medications. One recent survey suggests that more than one in 10 UK women may be using weight loss jabs, raising questions about how medical interventions might be shaping public health trends.

Remote work may support better food choices for some, but it doesn’t guarantee them. Food insecurity, stress and loneliness can all impact how, and what, we eat. As the Wales report warns, home-working can exacerbate inequalities, especially for those living alone or without adequate kitchen facilities.

And while some enjoy leisurely omelettes between video calls, others are skipping meals altogether. A 2024 review of the evidence found that some people may be eating less frequently at home – not because of discipline, but due to workload, stress or social isolation.

Final thoughts

In short, working from home has changed the way we eat, but not always in predictable ways. For some, it’s meant fresher food, more home cooking and fewer impulse lunches. For others, it’s increased snacking, irregular mealtimes, isolation and even more sedentary hours.

The biggest takeaway? Our eating habits are tightly tied to our routines, environments and sense of wellbeing. As remote work continues to evolve, so too will our relationships with food.

Further reading

Why stress makes you hungry
Stress relief: How diet and lifestyle can help
What is burnout?
10 ways to manage your appetite

All health content on goodfood.com is provided for general information only and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.

I’m a daily coffee drinker, and while I consume less caffeine than some, my regular short blacks to-go and moka pot brews at home add up. The habit hasn’t been without its drawbacks: sometimes, I’ve struggled to sleep after drinking coffee too late in the day, and an excess of caffeine seems to make me feel jittery.

But, then again, don’t we all feel unusually lively or anxious from time to time? It’s tricky to isolate the effects of caffeine from other influences on the mind and body, and perhaps this is why there are lots of contradictory claims about coffee and the compound it contains.

To bring some clarity on caffeine and its effects, I interviewed Holly Dunn, a nutritionist who recently ran a literature review on coffee, and Seb Wilkey, head barista at Holding Patterns listening bar in Leeds, to establish which popular claims about caffeine are true and which are a steaming mug of myth.

They say: caffeine gives you energy

It’s often said that caffeine gives you energy, but that’s not quite what this compound does to us.

While we do things and expend energy during the day, a natural compound called adenosine builds up in the brain. We have structures called adenosine receptors that identify the chemical and cause us to feel sleepy.

Caffeine blocks these adenosine receptors, so we tend not to feel as sleepy after a cup of coffee or caffeinated drink.

We say: caffeine doesn’t give you energy, but rather reduces the urge to sleep.

They say: coffee and caffeine are bad for you

“How 'good' or 'bad' coffee is for you will always depend on contextual factors, such as when, how and how much you drink it,” says nutritionist Holly Dunn.

“The effects also vary with individual factors, such as your genetic makeup, age, hormones and pregnancy, your general health and whether you take any medications. Even your gut microbiota play a part.”

One health harm that seems common among moderate-to-heavy coffee drinkers (those who consume over 400mg of caffeine per day) is increased anxiety.

“This is because caffeine hinders an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, leading to increased nervous system stimulation, resulting in anxiety, jitteriness and sleep disturbance (for up to 8-12 hours after consuming),” says Dunn.

“Some people might also experience increased heart rate, headaches, digestive issues and other complications, and it’s generally recommended to avoid coffee and other caffeinated drinks during pregnancy, or at least limit your caffeine intake to 200mg or less per day.”

We say: studies have shown potential health downsides to coffee and caffeine consumption, especially increased anxiety and troubled sleep, but the effects vary depending on factors like your coffee drinking habits and overall health.

They say: coffee is good for you

Can drinking coffee improve your health? Dunn says that certain advantages have been shown to exist: “There are benefits associated with coffee’s anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, prebiotic, neuroprotective and performance-enhancing properties.

“In fact, systematic reviews and high-quality research consistently report inverse associations between coffee consumption and all causes of death, including several cancers and cardiometabolic disease. Based on this research, it is thought that around three cups of coffee per day may have measurable benefits for our health.”

While coffee’s apparent performance-related benefits are linked specifically to its caffeine content, other health benefits are rooted in its broader nutritional content.

“Coffee has a complex nutritional composition, comprising over a thousand bioactive compounds with the potential to influence our health and performance, including polyphenols and other secondary metabolites,” says Dunn.

“It’s also a source of micronutrients, including potassium, vitamins B3 and E, and a potentially important source of magnesium in modern societies, with one serving covering 6.4-7.5% of the daily requirement for men and women, respectively.”

We say: coffee has clearly been shown to have health benefits. Some of these are linked to caffeine, but most appear to stem from other plant compounds, such as polyphenols.

They say: all decaf coffee tastes bad

“I think decaf used to taste worse,” says Seb Wilkey, head barista at Holding Patterns.

“The original decaffeination process used benzene as a solvent, which degraded the taste and is now known to be carcinogenic.

“The methods now used, such as the Swiss water process, are both health-conscious and preserve the flavour of the coffee bean. They use a green coffee extract to achieve a full coffee flavour with very little caffeine.

“Decaf no longer has to be something bitter and horrible that people that would drink begrudgingly. Now, you have companies that can extract and put it through the more experimental processes caffeinated beans go through as well, so you can still have insane fruit flavours with 0.1% of the normal caffeine.”

If you’re aiming to reduce your caffeine intake but don’t need to cut it out completely, Wilkey suggests exploring the growing array of low-caff coffees now available: “I recommend two low-caffeine varietals in particular: aramosa, a cross-breed with 50% less caffeine than your typical bean, and laurina, which is grown in Yemen and has a natural mutation in the caffeine synthase of the bean, which reduces the content.

“Different roasters are starting to do half-caff blends with both low-caff and decaf beans to create a drink that a lot of people are moving towards.”

We say: decaf used to be considered worse-tasting than regular coffee, but improved decaffeination methods have allowed more flavourful decafs to emerge.

They say: coffee should be hot

The conventional wisdom is that coffee should be served hot. While preferences vary, the ideal brewing temperature for an espresso is generally given as somewhere between 90-96C.

However, cold-brew coffee is fast becoming a popular alternative among coffee lovers, and according to Wilkey, it offers some distinct benefits: “People in the UK used to want their coffee piping hot, but now with the rise of specialty coffees, producers are recommending we brew at lower temperatures to preserve the flavours of the coffee beans.

“You can prepare coffee via cold brewing – a pure immersion technique – using something like a toddy, or you can use a cold drip tower filled with ice and cold water, which drips from 6-12 hours to bring out a full-bodied flavour with a slightly different (and generally sweeter) profile to hot coffee.”

We say: hot coffee is still a treat, but lower-temperature preparation techniques, such as cold brewing, can produce a different flavour profile.

They say: caffeine is addictive

The evidence suggests that it’s certainly possible to become dependent on caffeine, both physically and psychologically.

“This dependence is often linked to caffeine’s perceived ability to increase energy and physical performance, as well as alertness, and focus,” says Dunn.

“Regular caffeine consumption can also lead to withdrawal symptoms like headache, low mood and fatigue if stopped abruptly. However, it is important to recognise that caffeine creates a false sense of energy, rather than providing actual energy to the body.”

Keeping your coffee consumption moderate should help reduce your risk of developing a dependency.

“For healthy adults, a safe upper limit for daily caffeine consumption is generally considered to be 400mg, lowering to 200mg in pregnancy. For my female clients wishing to conceive, I also usually advise observing the upper limit for pregnancy,” says Dunn.

“However, these suggested limits may be much lower in sensitive individuals, so it's always important to listen to your body. 400mg of caffeine equates to approximately four 200ml cups of instant coffee, two 200ml cups of filter coffee, or four to six cups of tea per day. It's also worth bearing in mind that the caffeine content of barista coffees can vary hugely, with a medium Costa cappuccino containing as much as 325mg caffeine.”

We say: caffeine can be addictive, but the risk of dependency can be managed by keeping your intake moderate.

Further reading:

Everything you need to make barista-quality coffee at home, from beginner to enthusiast
10 of the best coffee subscriptions to order online
How to keep your coffee beans fresher for longer
When is the best time to drink coffee?
Is coffee good for you?

All health content on goodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.

1. Red kidney beans

Raw or undercooked red kidney beans contain phytohaemagglutin, a natural toxin that can cause severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. To avoid these unpleasant effects, make sure to soak and properly boil the beans before eating. Canned and jarred beans have already been through this process when you buy them.

2. Potatoes

All potatoes contain natural toxins called glycoalkaloids, usually at low levels. Those spuds that have turned green or sprouted ‘eyes’ contain solanine, a natural toxin that can cause nausea, headaches and even neurological issues if consumed in large amounts. The best thing to do with sprouting and green potatoes is cut off this part and cook the potato well. If the potatoes taste bitter after cooking then don't eat them, the same goes with products like crisps if you find a green one. Potatoes should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place.

3. Undercooked poultry

Raw or poorly cooked poultry can be a source of numerous bacteria – like campylobacter and salmonella – that can make us unwell. Despite this, there have been incidences of people consuming ‘chicken sashimi’ (raw chicken). Always cook poultry meat all the way through, if you have a meat thermometer the temperature of the fattest part of the meat should be 75C.  If you are using a slow cooker or a lower and slower cooking method then check the temperature per timing here, bacteria can be killed off at temperatures lower than 75C but the temperature must be maintained for a longer time.

4. Cassava

Cassava is a rich source of carbohydrates and a staple food in tropical and subtropical regions. However, it must be properly processed and prepared before cooking in order to remove toxic cyanogenic compounds. These cyanogenic compounds can release cyanide into your body if eaten in large amounts.

5. Raw eggs

Consuming raw eggs is quite common, including in carbonara, mayonnaise, chocolate mouse and eggnog. But, is it safe? In some cases, it’s fine, but there's the risk of salmonella bacteria, which can cause food poisoning and an upset stomach. Look for eggs stamped with the British Lion Mark, which ensures the highest standards of food safety, including that the laying hens have been vaccinated against salmonella. Eggs produced by independent or smaller producers may be certified by the quality assurance scheme Laid in Britain. Keep eggs in the fridge if you can, or in a cool, dry place.

6.  Cooked rice

Cooked rice can be eaten cold, as long as it's cooled quickly (chilled) and eaten within 24 hours. It can also be reheated once, reheat so it's steaming hot all the way through. The danger is that uncooked rice may harbour bacillus cereus, a bacteria that can cause food poisoning and isn't killed by cooking. If left too long at room temperature, the bacteria can make the rice unsafe to eat. If you have leftover rice or rice that you want to cook in advance then it's best to cool it quickly and freeze it until you need it, then reheat it thoroughly.

7.  Rhubarb

While the stalks are edible, the leaves contain oxalic acid and anthraquinone glycosides, which are poisonous and can cause breathing difficulties, kidney problems or even death in large quantities. Consuming a small amount is still not recommended – they are best discarded in food waste bins or put on the compost heap.

8.  Nutmeg

In small amounts, it’s safe, but large quantities (2+ tablespoons) can cause hallucinations, nausea and even seizures due to the compound myristicin. This compound is psychoactive, so some people have experimented with it as a hallucinogenic drug.

9.  Apple seeds

Apple seeds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when broken down during metabolism. Swallowing a few whole seeds is generally not dangerous, but chewing large amounts can be toxic – it's generally advised to avoid eating apple seeds, especially for children, to minimise potential risks. The same applies to cherry, apricot and peach pips.

10. Raw honey

Raw honey can contain clostridium botulinum spores, which may cause infant botulism – a serious condition that affects the nervous system. Cases are rare, and it’s fine for adults/anyone over the age of one to consume, but for infants, it's best avoided.

11. Green tomatoes and aubergines (in excess)

These contain solanine and tomatine, alkaloids that can upset your digestive system if consumed in large amounts raw. Solanine, also found in potatoes is very bitter and unpalatable, green tomatoes do not taste good. It's best to choose red tomatoes unless they are varieties that are bred to be green;  always cook aubergine thoroughly.

12. Mushrooms (wild varieties)

Some edible-looking mushrooms are deadly poisonous if misidentified. Unless you are an experienced mushroom picker, it’s a dangerous game to start foraging and eating wild mushrooms.

13. Raw milk

Raw milk has risen in popularity in recent years, but can be dangerous, particularly for those with a weakened immune system. This is due to the potential presence of harmful pathogens. Unlike pasteurised milk, raw milk hasn’t been heat-treated to kill bacteria, which means it can contain salmonella, e-coli, listeria and campylobacter – these can cause serious illness, especially in young children, pregnant women and the elderly. The sales of raw milk in the UK are strictly regulated and it may only be sold in specific outlets.

From kidney beans to wild mushrooms, some foods can be risky to eat. While many of the 13 foods listed here are safe when properly prepared or consumed in moderation, their potential to cause illness or even death should not be overlooked. Whether it’s due to natural toxins, bacterial contamination or improper handling, these foods serve as a reminder that what we eat matters and some simple tips can go a long way in keeping meals both delicious and safe.

Further reading:

Is honey good for you?
Eat well for... immunity
5 different fats that people are eating now, and why
What not eating enough fibre does to your body
What your tongue says about your health

All health content on goodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.

See our guides to the best London bakeries and best afternoon tea in London for more sweet-themed inspiration. Or, discover our best foodie picks in Edinburgh, Bath, Oxford and Brighton.

Best ice cream parlours in the UK

1. Jack’s Gelato, Cambridge

This sleek Cambridge-based gelato parlour is renowned for its queues, but it's worth joining them. Serving inventive flavours made in small batches, ingredients are carefully considered, like coffee beans from Essex-based The Coffee Officina or Pump Street chocolate in the stracciatella. It's a constantly changing menu, but returning flavours include hazelnut brittle, sweet-salty treacle, alphonso mango sorbet, white peach, Greek yogurt and elderflower sorbet. In summer, enjoy rhubarb and rose sorbetti, or a mince pie flavour in winter. You can even buy a 1-litre tub of your favourite flavour to keep in your freezer at home. jacksgelato.com

2. Gelato Gusto, Brighton

Located in Brighton's North Laine, this parlour makes its own gelato using milk and cream from a local Sussex dairy. There isn't a simple strawberry or vanilla cone in sight; when we visited, flavour options included sea salt caramel and truffle & honey gelato plus alphonso mango, earl grey tea and vegan coconut milk sorbettos. Gelato die-hards should fill up on its latest invention, the ice cream burger (ice cream in a hot brioche bun).  gelatogusto.com

3. Moomaid of Zennor, St Ives

Holstein Friesian ‘moomaids’ graze on Cornish cliffs before their milk is used to make ice cream on this family-run dairy farm. West Cornwall is a battleground for ice cream wars, but this classy parlour wins with its imaginative flavours. Order the espresso martini flavour for a coffee kick, or Shipwreck Extra Stormy, a heavenly concoction of salted caramel ice cream with chunks of honeycomb and chocolate. moomaidofzennor.com

4. Morelli’s, Broadstairs

This art-deco-style parlour and cappuccino bar has remained a seaside classic since 1932. A must-visit for ice cream aficionados along the North Kent coast, it sells gelato in many flavours, from vanilla and pistachio, to Kilimanjaro coffee. Or, if you're feeling extra-peckish, order retro sundaes, indulgent milkshakes and hot waffles with a scoop on the side. morellisgelato.com

5. Swoon, Cardiff

A south-west favourite for gelato, Swoon serves classic strawberry and vanilla, plus Italian-influenced flavours like neapolitan coffee, bacio (chocolate and hazelnut) and outstanding chocolate sorbet. Seasonal specials lure regulars back in, from stand-out panettone and hot cross bun, to peanut butter & chocolate and ricotta & blueberry. You can even order a swoon on a stick (think posh Magnum). ‘Bambino’ sizes are available for children, winning brownie points with parents. swoononaspoon.co.uk

6. Alandas Gelato, Edinburgh

Located on Edinburgh’s historic Forrest Road, the shiny gelato parlour combines Scottish ingredients with Italian craftsmanship, churning Scottish cream and milk from East Lothian into gelato in its on-site micro-factory. Alandas’s gelato is served in waffle cones, cups or shakes, and ranges in flavour from lavender & white chocolate ganache, to cranachan and Scottish whiskey & caramel. There's also hot Belgian chocolate on tap, supplying the creamiest hot chocolates around.  alandas.co.uk

7. Morelli’s, Belfast

Opened in 1911 by Italian entrepreneur Peter Morelli, this family-run parlour spans five generations, making it Northern Ireland's oldest ice cream producer. It now sells gelato from five family-run outlets and 11 branded stores. It recently scooped the top prize at The National Ice Cream Competition, and also won a Great Taste Golden Fork award for its caramelised hazelnut ice cream in 2021. morellisices.com

8. Caliendo’s Gelato, London

Named Ice Cream Parlour of the Year by the Ice Cream Alliance in 2023, this artisanal Italian gelato shop in Kentish Town has inventive scoops with flavours like fig & walnut, marmite & toasted sourdough and pistachio macaron. Caliendo’s opened in 2019, but the Caliendo family has been making gelato for 150 years – owner Michelina’s great-great grandfather Donato Caliendo was a gelato vendor and confectioner in Naples in the 1800s. caliendos.co.uk

9. Darlish, St Albans and Hatfield

Sample English-style ice cream inspired by the flavours of the Middle East at this ice cream parlour. Try saffron, rose & pistachio or blackberry sumac, or the signature baklava ice cream stuffed inside a pistachio-filled baklava. With many vegan options available, like coconut raspberry sorbet, and five sites including Spitalfields in London, there’s something for everyone. darlish.com

10. Ginger’s Comfort Emporium, Manchester

An ice cream van (and diner in Afflecks, an emporium of independent stores in the city’s Northern Quarter), Ginger’s has creative flavours (mint & fennel; plum, gin & juniper; blackberry, rose & sage sorbet; pear & tonka bean) and legendary desserts like the French Elvis – hot French toast filled with salted caramel & peanut butter ice cream, Skippy peanut butter, fresh banana and homemade raspberry sauce. gingerscomfortemporium.com

11. Joe’s Ice cream, Swansea (and other locations)

A classic Welsh institution founded in 1922, this blue-hued parlour's must-try is its vanilla flavour, which is designed to be eaten fresh at the parlour. There are now several branches across South Wales, and it also makes eye-catching ice cream cakes to collect from store, with fun flavours like raspberry pavlova, caramel fudge and strawberries & cream. joes-icecream.com

12. Snugburys, Cheshire

This charming parlour is set on a cobbled courtyard on a family farm with three sisters at the helm. Its on-site kitchen means every element of the ice cream is homemade, including the parlour’s chocolate brownies, pavlova meringues and crisp crème brûlée sugar. Snugburys’ Tropical Twist (mango sorbet with vanilla ice cream) and Yum Yum (vanilla ice cream with pecans, chocolate, biscuits and toffee) are must-orders. Seasonal specials like a delicately spiced christmas pudding and sloe gin & damson are also on offer. snugburys.co.uk

13. Jolly Nice, Gloucestershire

Set in a former filling station, what was a mobile parlour is now a stylish shop and café. It's considered a must-visit in the local area for gourmet burgers to-go, but it would be remiss to visit without trying some of the chilled stuff. The ice cream is made with quality ingredients (Madagascan vanilla pods, artisan coffee, honey from owner Harriet’s own farm, Valrhona chocolate, forced rhubarb from the Yorkshire Triangle) and flavours are seasonal – look for the beetroot & raspberry. jollynicefarmshop.com

14. Cadwaladers, Cardiff (and other locations)

Founded in 1927 in Criccieth, a small seaside town in Wales, this family-run business offers traditional ice cream across six locations in Wales and England. Toasties, sarnies and light bites are also on the menu, as well as freshly brewed coffees made using its own Cadwaladers 28/3 espresso blend. The Cardiff Bay location is a particularly popular spot for visitors, situated in a bustling location by the waterfront with views over the marina. cadwaladers.co.uk

15. Ruby Violet, London

This North London favourite exudes old-school glamour with a modern twist. With a dedication to fresh, seasonal and local ingredients, you can expect inventive flavours such as peach & rosewater, damson, English strawberry, Seville orange marmalade ripple and Kentish Town honey. Or, push the boat out with an ice-cold tasting menu or ice cream afternoon tea. rubyviolet.co.uk

16. Harbour Bar, Scarborough

This beloved Scarborough parlour is celebrated for its commitment to all things kitsch, with the entire place decked out in original 50s decor (a nod to its beginnings when it opened at the end of WWII). It serves a lot of sundaes using its own ice cream, churned in the one-man factory out back, alongside classics like peach melba (made with canned peaches) and soda floats. It’s big and brash, but hugely fun and buzzy. theharbourbar.co.uk

17. Gelupo, London

A Soho institution, Gelupo churns out both classic and inventive flavours daily. Notable options include blood orange, honeycomb & hazelnut, ricotta & sour cherry and bonet (a combination of coffee, rum, chocolate, egg yolk and amaretti). The gelato here is famed for its silky-smooth texture and, thanks to the churning process used to achieve the perfect density, lower fat content. Bring on that third scoop. gelupo.com

18. Krum Gelato, Chester

A relative newcomer to the area but already making waves, this Italian-owned business offers authentic gelato made using traditional techniques and machinery. Flavours change daily and showcase local seasonal ingredients – the current range includes gianduja, cinnamon biscuit and lemon, lime & bergamot cheesecake. In the colder seasons, warm up with Krum's hot chocolates and Krumble pots. instagram.com/krumgelato

19. The Little Ice Cream Shop, Cumbria

This charming parlour in the centre of Hawkshead makes gelato on a local farm using milk from its own small dairy herd. Flavours include comforting classics like Jamaican rum & raisin, rhubarb & custard and various takes on familiar desserts – think grandma’s apple pie and New York blackcurrant cheesecake. It scores extra points for the logo-stamped wafers that are wedged into each scoop. Dogs can also join in on the fun with its dog-friendly ice creams made from lactose-free milk and dog-friendly sugars, topped with a gravy bone. thelittleicecreamshop.com

20. Romeo & Giulietta, London

Husband-and-wife team Ciprian and Iuliana Sumanaru churn traditional Italian gelato in their small Stoke Newington gelateria. Flavours range from ricotta with sticky caramelised figs, to extra-dark chocolate sorbet. Along with cones, you can order an affogato or gourmet milkshake. Alternatively, pick up a large tub to freeze at home. Queues stretch down the road on sunny Saturdays, so get there early to nab one of the pavement tables. gelateriarg.london

21. Heavenly Chocolate Emporium, Carmarthenshire

This artisanal chocolate shop in Llandeilo just happens to make exceedingly well-churned flavoured gelato. With over 300 recipes up their sleeve, you can never guarantee what flavours are in store, but previous combinations include cappuccino cheesecake, pomegranate & rose and jaffa cake. The boutique interiors set a charming scene to polish off your iced treats. heavenlychocolates.co.uk

22. La Gelatiera, London

La Gelatiera stands out from the crowd due to its unusual flavour combinations, such as blue cheese & walnut or basil & chilli. All ice cream is made with natural, seasonal ingredients and Jersey milk, pasteurised on site for optimum freshness. The honey, rosemary & orange flavour is a highlight due to its fresh, slightly savoury profile. You'll find permanent shops in Covent Garden and Stratford, but it can also be seen popping up at Brick Lane Market during the summer months. lagelatiera.co.uk

23. Glaslyn, Snowdonia

Situated in the scenic Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), this 55-year-old family ice cream parlour won the Cadbury Trophy award for its chocolate ice cream earlier this year. Locals and visitors flock to sample its buttery, silky-smooth ice cream and intriguing flavours, such as Turkish delight and Halen Mon salted caramel. It also offers delicious pizza – perfect for fuelling a mountain hike in the local area. glaslynices.co.uk

24. Minus 12° Craft Ice Cream, London

Founder Gavin James believes -12C to be the ideal serving temperature for Italian gelato, hence the name. Tucked within Herne Hill railway station, this busy gelateria uses high-quality ingredients, fresh milk and cream, 100 per cent nut pastes, single-origin chocolate and cocoa powders and real fruit, with gelato and sorbets homemade in small batches on site. Recent gelato flavours include malt & miso caramel and birthday cake – a delightful scoop of soft cheese frosting smashed with homemade birthday cake. minus12.co.uk

More travel and restaurant inspiration

The UK’s best kept secrets: 6 underrated destinations to visit this summer
Best burgers in London
The best afternoon tea in London
Best restaurants in Edinburgh
The best kids afternoon tea in London
The best afternoon teas outside of London
The best themed afternoon teas
Best bakeries in London

I’ve always shopped without thinking much about where my food comes from. I’m the person who’ll happily grab ingredients for spicy gochujang noodles or fragrant curries, without a second thought. But recently, I started to wonder: what’s the environmental impact of all this? How many food miles am I piling up with my avocado toast and imported ingredients? So, I decided to try an experiment: what would happen if I only ate food grown in the UK for a week? Could I lower my food’s carbon footprint while still enjoying a varied, interesting diet?

The environmental benefits of eating local are obvious – less travel, fresher food and lower carbon emissions. But let’s be real, the challenge ahead isn’t going to be easy. I’m a fussy eater, not a fan of potatoes, and I’ve never really cooked meat. Meal planning feels like an uphill battle, too – seven days of pies and toad in the hole doesn’t sound appealing. And then there’s the social side: It’s hard enough trying to find places with decent vegan or gluten-free options to cater for the group, let alone convincing my friends to accommodate a self-inflicted challenge. Do I sit there while everyone enjoys their plate of curry, heading home later for a bowl of cabbage soup like some kind of sad, self-inflicted martyr?

Well, here goes. Will I survive a week of no imported goodies and find the joy in British produce? Let’s find out.

The rules

1. Focus on British-grown food

While eating seasonally is ideal, I’m not going to turn away a tomato just because it was grown in a polytunnel on the Isle of Wight. I’ll happily include foods grown under cover, like tomatoes, cucumbers and herbs, as long as they come from the UK. The goal here is to support local agriculture and reduce food miles – not lose my sanity over a lack of variety. Farmers’ markets will be my first port of call for fresh, homegrown bits. But on the odd evening when time (or energy) is in short supply, I’m grateful for supermarkets clearly waving the Union Jack on their meat and veg – some helpful marketing that saves me from label-squinting in the chilled aisle.

2. Decide your level of strictness

This is where I have to set clear boundaries for myself. I’m going to attempt to go full ‘purist mode’. This means that I’m cutting out tea (I can hear your gasps through the computer), coffee and even the pepper I put on my chips.

3. Cooking fat - no olive oil, no problem

Olive oil is definitely off the table. Instead, I’m leaning on trusty British butter, rapeseed oil or even old-school options like lard and beef dripping. These fats might be more traditional, but they’ll bring plenty of flavour to my dishes, so I’m excited to see how they transform my cooking.

4. Rethink your carbs

Rice and pasta? Out. Instead, I’ll be exploring grains like barley, oats and spelt. They’re not just for porridge.

5. Herbs and spices - choose wisely

Classic dried spices like cumin and coriander are off-limits, but there are workarounds. I’ll be using herbs like thyme, rosemary and sage – all of which thrive in the UK.

6. (Learn to) Embrace the meat and two veg

The classic British combo of meat (or fish) and vegetables is my new best friend. Pork with apples, mackerel with mustardy greens – these dishes are a breeze when it comes to supporting British produce. Plus, I’m cutting out processed foods by default.

7. Flour: the wildcard

Because wheat is grown in the UK, I’ll be using British flour to make bread, pancakes, scones and other baked goods. I’ll skip the imported toppings, though, and load up on British cheeses, veg and meats.

8. Eggs to the rescue

Eggs are a godsend in this challenge. Frittatas, scrambled eggs or even a good old egg sandwich will keep me going without feeling deprived. Free-range British eggs will be my staple.

9. Plan ahead

This challenge requires serious meal planning. I’ll batch cook things like shepherd’s pie, chicken pie and fish pie (can you tell a theme here...) It’s surprisingly easy to slip up. Things like salt, sugar, vinegar and butter can all be imported, so I’ll be reading the labels carefully. If it’s not from the UK, it’s out.

10. Embrace imperfection

Look, I’m not aiming for perfection. If I accidentally nibble on a piece of chocolate or sip a cup of coffee from a friend, it’s not the end of the world. This challenge is about understanding where our food comes from and how reliant we are on imports. I’ll embrace the bumps along the way and see where this journey takes me.

The week

Monday

I won’t lie; the start date of this challenge was delayed more times than I care to admit. The thought of saying goodbye to my beloved pasta and pints was enough to make me put it off for a bit longer than planned. But, eventually, I had no choice. It was Monday, I was out of food and needed to do a proper shop (perfect timing, really).

Breakfast was easy – scrambled eggs on homemade sourdough. Done. Lunch? Well, I hadn’t done enough prep, so you guessed it... eggs on bread. This time, I switched it up with an egg & cress sandwich, thinking it’d feel like a new experience. But after two egg-based meals in a row, I quickly realised this wasn’t going to cut it for the week. So, for dinner, I made a chicken pie – and let me tell you, this was a masterstroke. I knew it’d cover most of my dinners for the week, and it was a breeze to make. Minimal cooking, minimal washing up and utterly comforting (although I may have overlooked the freak heatwave in May. Eating a hot pie in 25-degree weather felt a bit off, I won’t lie).

Tuesday

Tuesdays mean office days, and for breakfast, I treated myself to my favourite peanut butter overnight oats (cue the joy when I realised Sunpat peanut butter is British – score!).

Alas, the smugness was short-lived. My manager, ever the bearer of inconvenient truths, pointed out that while the brand is indeed British, the peanuts themselves are not. Apparently, the UK isn’t exactly brimming with peanut fields (who knew?). She found it hilarious that I’d never questioned this, but in my defence, I’m a born and bred Londoner. I’ve seen more Pret a Mangers than actual fields. I’m not even sure I could confidently identify a field of anything beyond "green and probably muddy". Lunch was a simple pea & ham soup, and I repeated this on my other office day. Easy, no-thinking-required food.

Wednesday

By Wednesday, though, the cracks were starting to show. The idea of eating chicken pie yet again was making my stomach churn, and after work, I was supposed to play netball and enjoy a post-match victory pint. But, sheer laziness made me stay dry as I couldn’t face researching British breweries. A sad affair, but it was probably better for my bank account (and my liver).

For a treat, I decided to indulge in one of my absolute favourite meals: breakfast for dinner. There’s something delightfully rebellious about it, and it always feels like a treat. Baked beans on toast, with a fried egg, completely drowning in cheddar. A proper comfort meal, and honestly, just what I needed to keep me going through the week. Gorgeous.

Thursday

As you may have noticed, the week was looking very bread-heavy, and I can’t say it really changed much. I was quickly realising that my attempt to reduce air miles was coming at the cost of a balanced diet. And, I’ll admit it – my overly fussy eating habits weren’t exactly helping the situation. Sure, there were plenty of grains and fresh foods available, but none of them were making it onto my plate. I just couldn’t bring myself to eat things like cabbage, broad beans or any of those mysterious British grains.

By Thursday, things took a turn. While shopping for what I thought would keep me on track for the weekend (cottage pie, a classic), I walked past one of those in-store sushi counters. And, well, the temptation was real. I broke. Would you believe me if I tried to argue that I was unaware salmon maki and gyozas were, in fact, not British? Yeah, I didn’t think so. I didn’t even bother pretending; I just grabbed a pack of sushi and tried to convince myself that this was a minor slip-up in my otherwise noble quest for local produce. I suppose this is where the challenge got a bit too real – sometimes, the heart (and the stomach) just wants what it wants, air miles be damned.

Friday, Saturday & Sunday

By Friday evening, I was exhausted. After a week of work, the only thing I wanted was to collapse in front of the telly with an absurdly large portion of cottage pie. I tried to balance out the overwhelming guilt from both the portion size and my rather sad “night in for a woman in her mid-twenties” by pairing it with some runner beans (for health, obviously) and a face mask (for a touch of luxury). The rest of the weekend followed suit with a similar, tragic energy. Already spent from the effort of such intense meal planning, and unable to organise or partake in any social events involving food or drink because of the level of admin necessary, I just didn’t go out. So the weekend became less about the diet and more about me questioning all of my life’s decisions over one too many spoonfuls of mashed potatoes.

Unexpected discoveries

Yes it was a week of self-deprivation and difficulty, but there were also some bright points...

Surprising nutritional benefits of British produce 

What I didn’t anticipate was just how rich and varied the nutritional benefits of British-grown food could be. Take leeks, for example. In the past, I’ve always seen them as little more than a simple base for a soup or stew, barely noticing their nutritional perks. But it turns out, leeks are a real powerhouse. Packed with vitamins A, C and K, they’re also full of antioxidants that protect cells from damage and fibre to help keep your digestive system in check. When I added them to my chicken pie, the leek brought a subtle sweetness and a delightful texture that elevated the dish in ways I hadn’t expected.

Then there were the runner beans. I’ll admit, I’ve always found them a little on the rubbery side, but I couldn’t ignore how versatile they are. With a little imagination, they’re the perfect addition to curries and stews, where they soften into a satisfying source of protein, fibre and vitamin C. By the end of the week, I was starting to think of them as a go-to vegetable, rather than an afterthought.

Now, kale. Prior to this week, kale has always struck me as the kind of leaf you’d find on the floor of a forest rather than on your plate. The thick stems had always seemed a bit too chewy for my liking. But here’s the thing: a quick blast in the oven with a drizzle of British rapeseed oil and a sprinkle of sea salt transformed this leafy green into a crunchy, satisfying snack that genuinely scratched the itch for something crispy but healthy. Who knew that something I’d always written off could be so delicious when cooked right?

Reconnecting with traditional British recipes and cooking methods

Another unexpected discovery was how much I enjoyed reconnecting with traditional British recipes. At first, the prospect of "meat and two veg" felt uninspired, but as the week went on, I found myself leaning into classic British comfort food recipes in a way I hadn’t before, especially due to how well they lend themselves to batch-cooking.

By deciding what I wanted for the week, I only had to cook two dinners and that was enough to tide me through. The simplicity of these recipes made me realise how much we’ve lost touch with our culinary roots, in favour of more exotic, trendy meals. Roasting, stewing and slow cooking became a therapeutic ritual, where the focus was on quality, local ingredients, rather than complex seasoning or fancy techniques. I felt like I was truly engaging with food the way it was meant to be – simple, honest and comforting.

Environmental and economic impacts of choosing local over imported foods

By the end of the week, the environmental benefits of eating local became glaringly clear. Not only had I managed to shrink my food’s carbon footprint ("fewer miles, less packaging"), but I also began to feel a connection to the local farming community. It’s funny how buying British produce can make you feel like you’re part of something bigger – a movement towards a more sustainable food system. Knowing my leeks, runner beans and kale were grown just 20 miles down the road – courtesy of my ever-cheerful fruit and veg man at the local farmers’ market – gave me that warm, smug glow that only comes from doing something good without really trying. It’s not just about feeding myself; it’s about backing local farmers who are grafting to grow food in a way that’s kinder to the planet. Delicious and do-gooding – what’s not to love? For example, the UK farming industry has set itself an ambitious target: to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. That’s no small feat when you consider the challenges they face. But it’s a powerful statement of intent that’s helping to shape a future where local food systems can thrive sustainably.

I realised that by choosing local produce, I was directly contributing to reducing the environmental impact of my food choices – lowering transport emissions, reducing packaging waste and supporting a more sustainable agricultural system. It felt like I was making a small but significant difference in reducing my overall environmental footprint.

Conclusion

This challenge reminded me how important it is to know where your food comes from – but also to keep things realistic. Small, thoughtful changes matter, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time.

If you would like to learn more about what your food carbon footprint, then Good Food has a plethora of planet-friendlier content that you can delve into like how to cut your food carbon footprint, why eating sustainably is good for your health and more.

Our expert team of Good Food judges blind-tested products across favourite picnic categories to bring you our definitive shopping list for summer 2025. From sausage rolls to vegetarian pastries, read on to discover which supermarket products came out on top in our picnic categories.

For more, visit our Summer Taste Awards winners page, plus read about which barbecue products we love.

Good Food Summer Taste Awards 2025 winners: best picnic food

Best coleslaw

Winner: Co-op Irresistible Deliciously Rich Coleslaw

Here's a quality traditional coleslaw. All the elements are well balanced – it's creamy, nicely acidic, has good crunch and is well seasoned.

Available from:
Co-op in-store (£1.95/300g)

Highly commended: Lidl Deluxe Premium Coleslaw

Here's another good traditional coleslaw for your barbecue feast. It's got good crunch and a pleasant tang.

Available from:
Lidl (£1.29/300g)

Best sausage roll

Joint winner: Co-op Irresistible Perfectly Seasoned Ploughman's Sausage Rolls

As the name suggests, these sausage rolls are cleverly inspired by the flavours of a traditional ploughman's – meaning added cheese and sweet onions in the filling. The pastry is deeply golden with an onion crumb for extra flavour.

Available from:
Co-op in-store (£3.50/4 pack)

Joint winner: Lidl Chef Select Sausage Rolls

These long sausage rolls would be just as good for an on-the-go lunch as a picnic feast. There's a small amount of sausage to pastry, but the sausagemeat is richly seasoned with lots of black pepper. A classic.

Available from:
Lidl in-store (£1.69/360g)

Best vegetarian picnic pastry

Winner: Co-op Irresistible West Country Cheddar & Habanero Chilli Jam Pinwheels

These would be even better given a quick blast in the oven to crisp up the pastry and served warm. Ideal for enjoying in the garden, but they work well for a day out, too. Our judges liked the attractive pinwheel design and intense chilli jam filling.

Available from:
Co-op in-store (£3.50/88g)

Best picnic centrepiece

Winner: Lidl Deluxe Quiche – Maple Bacon

Topped with generous slices of bacon, this large quiche feels worthy of being a centrepiece. The filling is luxurious, firm and creamy, but as the quiche is not too thick, it isn't overwhelming. Instead, it's very moreish, with the bacon adding a pleasing saltiness.

Available from:
Lidl in-store (£2.99)

Highly commended: Tesco Finest Greek Feta & Spinach Quiche

France meets Greece with this quiche. It's attractive with tall pastry, a smart crimped edge, lots of cherry tomatoes on the top and clear chunks of feta. The filling is well seasoned with plenty of herbs.

Available from:
Tesco (£4.25/400g)

Best sharing bread

Winner: Aldi Rosemary & Rock Salt Sharing Focaccia

Everyone will enjoy tearing into this very thick and fluffy focaccia. There is  a good sprinkling of rosemary on top and a strong initial olive oil flavour that gives way to soft, white bread.

Available from:
Aldi in-store

Highly commended: Sainsbury's Harissa & Honey Flatbreads

Serve a stack of these paprika-dusted flatbreads alongside dips, ready to tear and dunk, or use as wraps. Surprisingly moreish!

Available from:
Sainsbury's (£1.90/pack of 2)

Best antipasti platter

Winner: Waitrose No.1 Italian Grazing Platter

A grazing platter makes having a picnic a breeze. This has the best selection of ingredients with a good variety of tastes and textures, ensuring there is something for everybody. Artichoke hearts and large caper berries add a touch of luxury, and the meat is high-quality. Pickled onions are an unusual touch, but they're not too strong.

Available from:
Waitrose (£10/380g)

Best hummus

Winner: Waitrose No.1 Extra Virgin Olive Oil Houmous

Deliciously light and fluffy, not too oily or garlicky and with good chickpea flavour, this dip should go down well with everyone.

Available from:

Waitrose (£2.75/170g)

Highly commended: Aldi Specially Selected Extra Smooth Classic Houmous

This version had a complex, lemony flavour and it's decorated with extra chickpeas to look smart if serving up to guests.

Available from:
Aldi in-store (£1.49/170g)

How we tested

We invited 12 supermarkets to submit their best summer products across 16 categories. Packaging was completely removed and judges tasted all items blind. Comments and a weighted score out of 5 for taste, texture and appearance were submitted for each product in the category via anonymous online judging forms. The entire judging process was overseen by an independent adjudicator. This year, the team tested over 140 products.

This review was last updated in June 2025. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.

Our expert team of Good Food judges blind-tested products across barbecue categories to bring you our definitive shopping list for summer 2025. From burgers and buns to vegan-friendly barbecue products and sharing centerepieces, read on to discover which supermarket products came out on top in our barbecue categories.

For more, visit our Summer Taste Awards winners page, plus read about which picnic products we loved.

Good Food Summer Taste Awards 2025 winners: best barbecue food

Best sausages

Winner: Tesco Fire Pit 7 Jumbo Cheesy BBQ Pork Sausages

These sausages were a hit with the judges; they're plump and well seasoned with a nostalgic flavour. Ideal for a barbecue on a sunny day.

Available from:
Tesco (£4.75/595g)

Highly commended: Aldi Specially Selected Ultimate Honey & Chilli Pork Sausages

Our judges praised the coarse texture of these sausages, noting a good level of spice pleasantly balanced by honey sweetness.

Available from:
Aldi in-store (£3.49/480g)

Best vegan sausages

Winner: Aldi Specially Selected Ultimate No-Pork Sausages

For meat-free summer grilling, this is a great option (for vegans as well as veggies) at your next barbecue. The judges were impressed by its remarkably authentic sausage taste and meaty texture.

Available from:
Aldi in-store (£2.49/270g)

Highly commended: Morrisons Plant Revolution Italian-Style Sausages

Here's an alternative to the usual vegan sausage with a pleasant flavour and appearance thanks to red peppers, although the texture is not particularly meaty. Subtle undertones of paprika lend smoky notes.

Available from:
Morrisons (£2.50/300g)

Best burger buns

Winner: Co-op Irresistible Soft & Buttery Brioche Buns

These are crowd-pleasing, fluffy burger buns that come handily pre-sliced. They have a good level of sweetness to balance against any rich, savoury fillings.

Available from:
Co-op in-store (£1.95/4 pack)

Highly commended: Tesco Finest Buttermilk Rolls 

If you don't fancy a brioche bun, these Tesco rolls are a fine go-to. They are super soft and doughy and would be great with cheese for a picnic, but some judges were concerned they may be too soft to hold up against a dense, juicy burger.

Available from:
Tesco (£1.80/4 pack)

Best burgers

Joint winner: Sainsbury's Taste The Difference Dry Aged Aberdeen Angus Burgers

With a good balance of seasoning and staying juicy after cooking, this is a good all-round burger for piling on the toppings. It caramelised well around the edges.

Available from:
Sainsbury's (£4.25/pack of 2)

Joint winner: Tesco Finest Wild Garlic Beef Burgers

These are very juicy, with an almost buttery-soft texture. They're seasoned well, too, packing a good hit of herbs – so much so, they reminded judges of a quality Cumberland sausage.

Available from:
Tesco (£4.50/pack of 2)

Highly commended: Lidl Deluxe 2 Aberdeen Angus 6oz Beef Burgers

Judges felt these could have slightly more salt and a more even texture, but these are thick, chunky burgers that caramelise well around the edges while staying juicy in the centre.

Available from:
Lidl in-store (£3.95/pack of 2)

Best veggie burgers

Winner: Waitrose Vegetarian Aubergine & Feta Burgers

Almost like big falafels, these veg-filled burgers pack good flavour with a salty tang of feta. They also have a better texture than other veggie burgers our judges tried.

Available from:
Waitrose (£2.95/pack of 2)

Best vegan burgers

Winner: Lidl Vemondo Vegan Burgers

For a plant-based burger that truly celebrates veg, these beetroot burgers tick the box. As well as looking good, they have a satisfying beetroot flavour. They are quite soft, so serve with crunchy toppings or in a crusty roll to add some texture.

Available from:
Lidl in-store (£1.89/250g)

Highly commended: Tesco Plant Chef 2 Sri Lankan Inspired Burgers

These look meaty, with a texture to match and subtle sweetness. Load them up with toppings to balance out the flavour, which is otherwise slightly artificial.

Available from:
Tesco (£2.20/pack of 2)

Best meat or fish kebab

Winner: Morrisons The Best Tandoori Chicken King Kebab

The judging panel praised the juiciness of the chicken and the balance of sweet and savoury flavours in the (mild) marinade. Nigella seeds on top add a pleasing crunch.

Available from:
Morrisons in-store

Best BBQ hero for entertaining (meat or fish)

Winner: Aldi Specially Selected Coronation Chicken King Kebab

With a creamy coconut sauce and tender chicken, this king kebab reminded judges of a creamy korma or butter chicken. It also looks attractive for serving to friends or family. Serve with rice and salad.

Available from:
Aldi in-store (£5.49)

Highly commended: Co-op Big on BBQ Hot Honey Pork Belly Slices

Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy these pork belly slices; the honey marinade provides a sticky glaze for soft, tender meat.

Available from:
Co-op in-store (£4/340g)

Best BBQ hero for entertaining (fish or seafood)

Winner: Tesco Fire Pit Mango Coconut & Lime Fish Skewers

Want to try something different on the barbecue this year? These fish skewers are a top pick. The juicy fish has a lovely kick of chilli, tempered by sweet mango and zesty lime.

Available from:
Tesco (£3.75/6 skewers)

How we tested

We invited 12 supermarkets to submit their best summer products across 16 categories. Packaging was completely removed and judges tasted all items blind. Comments and a weighted score out of 5 for taste, texture and appearance were submitted for each product in the category via anonymous online judging forms. The entire judging process was overseen by an independent adjudicator. This year, the team tested over 140 products.

This review was last updated in June 2025. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.

Discover everything you need for those sun-soaked days when you'd rather be outdoors than in the kitchen, whether grilling up a feast or planning a picnic. From picnic essentials to best barbecue picks, our expert panel blind-tasted over 140 products to bring you the season's best summer supermarket buys.

Good Food Summer Taste Awards 2025 winners: best barbecue food

Best sausages

Winner: Tesco Fire Pit 7 Jumbo Cheesy BBQ Pork Sausages

These sausages were a hit with the judges; they're plump and well seasoned with a nostalgic flavour. Ideal for a barbecue on a sunny day.

Available from:
Tesco (£4.75/595g)

Highly commended: Aldi Specially Selected Ultimate Honey & Chilli Pork Sausages

Our judges praised the coarse texture of these sausages, noting a good level of spice pleasantly balanced by honey sweetness.

Available from:
Aldi in-store (£3.49/480g)

Best vegan sausages

Winner: Aldi Specially Selected Ultimate No-Pork Sausages

For meat-free summer grilling, this is a great option (for vegans as well as veggies) at your next barbecue. The judges were impressed by its remarkably authentic sausage taste and meaty texture.

Available from:
Aldi in-store (£2.49/270g)

Highly commended: Morrisons Plant Revolution Italian-Style Sausages

Here's an alternative to the usual vegan sausage with a pleasant flavour and appearance thanks to red peppers, although the texture is not particularly meaty. Subtle undertones of paprika lend smoky notes.

Available from:
Morrisons (£2.50/300g)

Best burger buns

Winner: Co-op Irresistible Soft & Buttery Brioche Buns

These are crowd-pleasing, fluffy burger buns that come handily pre-sliced. They have a good level of sweetness to balance against any rich, savoury fillings.

Available from:
Co-op in-store (£1.95/4 pack)

Highly commended: Tesco Finest Buttermilk Rolls 

If you don't fancy a brioche bun, these Tesco rolls are a fine go-to. They are super soft and doughy and would be great with cheese for a picnic, but some judges were concerned they may be too soft to hold up against a dense, juicy burger.

Available from:
Tesco (£1.80/4 pack)

Best burgers

Joint winner: Sainsbury's Taste The Difference Dry Aged Aberdeen Angus Burgers

With a good balance of seasoning and staying juicy after cooking, this is a good all-round burger for piling on the toppings. It caramelised well around the edges.

Available from:
Sainsbury's (£4.25/pack of 2)

Joint winner: Tesco Finest Wild Garlic Beef Burgers

These are very juicy, with an almost buttery-soft texture. They're seasoned well, too, packing a good hit of herbs – so much so, they reminded judges of a quality Cumberland sausage.

Available from:
Tesco (£4.50/pack of 2)

Highly commended: Lidl Deluxe 2 Aberdeen Angus 6oz Beef Burgers

Judges felt these could have slightly more salt and a more even texture, but these are thick, chunky burgers that caramelise well around the edges while staying juicy in the centre.

Available from:
Lidl in-store (£3.95/pack of 2)

Best veggie burgers

Winner: Waitrose Vegetarian Aubergine & Feta Burgers

Almost like big falafels, these veg-filled burgers pack good flavour with a salty tang of feta. They also have a better texture than other veggie burgers our judges tried.

Available from:
Waitrose (£2.95/pack of 2)

Best vegan burgers

Winner: Lidl Vemondo Vegan Burgers

For a plant-based burger that truly celebrates veg, these beetroot burgers tick the box. As well as looking good, they have a satisfying beetroot flavour. They are quite soft, so serve with crunchy toppings or in a crusty roll to add some texture.

Available from:
Lidl in-store (£1.89/250g)

Highly commended: Tesco Plant Chef 2 Sri Lankan Inspired Burgers

These look meaty, with a texture to match and subtle sweetness. Load them up with toppings to balance out the flavour, which is otherwise slightly artificial.

Available from:
Tesco (£2.20/pack of 2)

Best meat or fish kebab

Winner: Morrisons The Best Tandoori Chicken King Kebab

The judging panel praised the juiciness of the chicken and the balance of sweet and savoury flavours in the (mild) marinade. Nigella seeds on top add a pleasing crunch.

Available from:
Morrisons in-store

Best BBQ hero for entertaining (meat or fish)

Winner: Aldi Specially Selected Coronation Chicken King Kebab

With a creamy coconut sauce and tender chicken, this king kebab reminded judges of a creamy korma or butter chicken. It also looks attractive for serving to friends or family. Serve with rice and salad.

Available from:
Aldi in-store (£5.49)

Highly commended: Co-op Big on BBQ Hot Honey Pork Belly Slices

Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy these pork belly slices; the honey marinade provides a sticky glaze for soft, tender meat.

Available from:
Co-op in-store (£4/340g)

Best BBQ hero for entertaining (fish or seafood)

Winner: Tesco Fire Pit Mango Coconut & Lime Fish Skewers

Want to try something different on the barbecue this year? These fish skewers are a top pick. The juicy fish has a lovely kick of chilli, tempered by sweet mango and zesty lime.

Available from:
Tesco (£3.75/6 skewers)

Good Food Summer Taste Awards 2025 winners: best picnic food

Best coleslaw

Winner: Co-op Irresistible Deliciously Rich Coleslaw

Here's a quality traditional coleslaw. All the elements are well balanced – it's creamy, nicely acidic, has good crunch and is well seasoned.

Available from:
Co-op in-store (£1.95/300g)

Highly commended: Lidl Deluxe Premium Coleslaw

Here's another good traditional coleslaw for your barbecue feast. It's got good crunch and a pleasant tang.

Available from:
Lidl (£1.29/300g)

Best sausage roll

Joint winner: Co-op Irresistible Perfectly Seasoned Ploughman's Sausage Rolls

As the name suggests, these sausage rolls are cleverly inspired by the flavours of a traditional ploughman's – meaning added cheese and sweet onions in the filling. The pastry is deeply golden with an onion crumb for extra flavour.

Available from:
Co-op in-store (£3.50/4 pack)

Joint winner: Lidl Chef Select Sausage Rolls

These long sausage rolls would be just as good for an on-the-go lunch as a picnic feast. There's a small amount of sausage to pastry, but the sausagemeat is richly seasoned with lots of black pepper. A classic.

Available from:
Lidl in-store (£1.69/360g)

Best vegetarian picnic pastry

Winner: Co-op Irresistible West Country Cheddar & Habanero Chilli Jam Pinwheels

These would be even better given a quick blast in the oven to crisp up the pastry and served warm. Ideal for enjoying in the garden, but they work well for a day out, too. Our judges liked the attractive pinwheel design and intense chilli jam filling.

Available from:
Co-op in-store (£3.50/88g)

Best picnic centrepiece

Winner: Lidl Deluxe Quiche – Maple Bacon

Topped with generous slices of bacon, this large quiche feels worthy of being a centrepiece. The filling is luxurious, firm and creamy, but as the quiche is not too thick, it isn't overwhelming. Instead, it's very moreish, with the bacon adding a pleasing saltiness.

Available from:
Lidl in-store (£2.99)

Highly commended: Tesco Finest Greek Feta & Spinach Quiche

France meets Greece with this quiche. It's attractive with tall pastry, a smart crimped edge, lots of cherry tomatoes on the top and clear chunks of feta. The filling is well seasoned with plenty of herbs.

Available from:
Tesco (£4.25/400g)

Best sharing bread

Winner: Aldi Rosemary & Rock Salt Sharing Focaccia

Everyone will enjoy tearing into this very thick and fluffy focaccia. There is  a good sprinkling of rosemary on top and a strong initial olive oil flavour that gives way to soft, white bread.

Available from:
Aldi in-store (£1.99/220g)

Highly commended: Sainsbury's Harissa & Honey Flatbreads

Serve a stack of these paprika-dusted flatbreads alongside dips, ready to tear and dunk, or use as wraps. Surprisingly moreish!

Available from:
Sainsbury's (£1.90/pack of 2)

Best antipasti platter

Winner: Waitrose No.1 Italian Grazing Platter

A grazing platter makes having a picnic a breeze. This has the best selection of ingredients with a good variety of tastes and textures, ensuring there is something for everybody. Artichoke hearts and large caper berries add a touch of luxury, and the meat is high-quality. Pickled onions are an unusual touch, but they're not too strong.

Available from:
Waitrose (£10/380g)

Best hummus

Winner: Waitrose No.1 Extra Virgin Olive Oil Houmous

Deliciously light and fluffy, not too oily or garlicky and with good chickpea flavour, this dip should go down well with everyone.

Available from:

Waitrose (£2.75/170g)

Highly commended: Aldi Specially Selected Extra Smooth Classic Houmous

This version had a complex, lemony flavour and it's decorated with extra chickpeas to look smart if serving up to guests.

Available from:
Aldi in-store (£1.49/170g)

How we tested

We invited 12 supermarkets to submit their best summer products across 16 categories. Packaging was completely removed and judges tasted all items blind. Comments and scores (divided into weighted scores for taste, texture and appearance) were submitted for each product in the category via anonymous online judging forms. The entire judging process was overseen by an independent adjudicator. This year, the team tested over 140 products.

This review was last updated in June 2025. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.

Using a lunch box is better for the environment, will save you money in the long run, and avoids the annoyance of squashed sandwiches. You don’t have to think about borrowing your kids' Star Wars lunch box either – there are lots of stylish or just plain effective options for adults.

Whether you're on a mission to eat healthier lunches or just want to save a few pennies, taking a packed lunch to work or school is a great way to meet your goals.

The options are endless when it comes to buying the lunch box itself, so it comes down to your priorities. Do you want variety at lunchtimes and need a box with different compartments? Or perhaps space inside your bag is limited, and you need something slimline.

There is no right or wrong type of lunch box to buy, but try to make sure that you get one made without BPA and one that doesn't leak is crucial. Read on to discover our best lunch boxes to buy, and visit our product reviews hub to find reviews of reusable coffee cups, water bottles, personalised water bottles and more.

Best lunch boxes at a glance

• Best lunch box overall: Black + Blum stainless-steel lunch box, £26.99
• Best multi-compartment lunch box: Tefal MasterSeal To Go food storage 1.2-litre lunch box, £18.20
• Best blow-the-budget lunch box: Alessi food à porter, £59
• Best collapsible lunch box: Stojo collapsible lunch box, £30
• Best budget lunch box: Sistema salad & sandwich to go, £10
• Best stainless-steel lunch box: Life's a Beach Stainless Steel Lunch Box, £15
  
• Best insulated lunch box: Tatay 5-Piece Urban Lunch Pack with 4 Food Containers, £17.59
• Best lunch box for hot food: Mepal Ellipse Leak-Proof Lunch Pot, £16.99

Jump to section:

• Best lunch boxes to buy in 2025
• How to choose a lunch box
• How we tested lunch boxes

Best lunch boxes to buy

Black + Blum stainless steel lunch box

Best lunch box overall

Pros:

• Stylish with great features
• Leakproof design
• Freezer-safe

Cons:

• Pricey

This lunch box is really cleverly designed. It's stainless steel, with a brightly coloured silicone strap (we had an orange one, but it also comes in blue or green). The strap also holds a stainless steel fork on the outside of the box. There's a removable divider that slides up and down to make two compartments of whatever size you fancy.

Unusually, you can put the base section in the oven. It's also safe to use in the freezer, so when not pressed into service as a lunch box, it can be used for freezer meals. However, it's not microwaveable, and is only partially dishwasher-safe (the lid and strap should be hand-washed).

The box is lovely to look at and despite having no clips, is leakproof. It seals with a valve that you open and close. We packed a salad and liberally drizzled olive oil over it before turning the lunch box upside down and swinging it about a bit, but it didn’t leak a drop.

We also checked to see if it was big enough for a sandwich. It needed to be cut in half, but the box was tall enough for the sandwich halves to be stacked on top of each other. There was room for a small salad too.

Tefal MasterSeal To Go food storage 1.2-litre lunch box

Available from Amazon (£18.20)

Best multi-compartment lunch box

Pros:

• Good size
• Versatile
• Dishwasher-safe

Cons:

• No individual lids on compartments

This multi-compartment lunch box is designed for flexibility. There's one large compartment and two smaller ones. All of these sit inside the main box, so you can remove some or all of the compartments if you want a bigger space.

The whole lunch box sits on a plate, which helps stop crumbs getting all over your keyboard when you’re eating at your desk. The box is sealed with four long clasps, and a very broad strap keeps it together.

The lunch box passed our drip test admirably, with not a drop of olive oil seeping through – living up to the '100% leakproof' claim on the packaging. It also comes with a 30-year guarantee for good measure.

It ticks all the boxes, as it’s BPA-free and is safe to use in the freezer, microwave and dishwasher. We fitted a sizeable homemade roll in the main compartment, with carrot and dried apricots in the other two. It’s easy to open and close, and the lime-coloured compartments, plate and seal are eye-catching too.

Available from:

• Amazon (£18.20)

Alessi food à porter

Best blow-the-budget lunch box

Pros:

• Converts into a mini bag so you can easily carry it separately

Cons:

• The price tag

This oval-shaped bento box has a big main compartment and two smaller ones. The main one, though not broad enough for a whole sandwich, is plenty tall enough to fit two sandwich halves stacked on top of each other.

You secure it with a band, and, very cleverly, a silicone handle which can be wrapped around it so it can be easily carried. The seal is really tight – if anything, it’s hard to remove the lids – and nothing escaped from it.

We tried the grey model (it also comes in red and light blue) and overall it’s very stylish, with subtle Alessi branding on the box and strap. We liked the matte main compartment, which contrasted nicely with the glossy central section. The BPA-free box is user-friendly too, as you can put it in the freezer, microwave and dishwasher.

Stojo collapsible lunch box

Available from OnBuy (£30)

Best collapsible lunch box

Pros:

• Easy to transport home
• Good looking
• Leakproof

Cons:

• Expensive

No more lugging home bulky lunch boxes with this sleek, collapsible model. Available in pastel blue or pink, this round design has ridged edges that fold down flat when empty to save space. Great if you’ve got plans after work and don’t want to carry a big lunch box in your bag.

When fully extended, the bowl has a generous 1100ml capacity. The round shape means it is best suited to transporting leftovers and salads rather than sandwiches. It is held in place by four clasps to prevent leaks.

Available from:

• OnBuy (£30)

Sistema salad & sandwich to go

Best budget lunch box

Pros:

• Well designed to fit two different lunch foods

Cons:

• A little bulky

With a generous 1.63-litre capacity, this box is surprisingly compact. There's a deep main section that's plenty big enough for a good-sized salad, and a removable top section for a sandwich. We also found it worked the other way round, with a large roll in the main section and a few carrot and cucumber sticks in the top.

The box is secured with four small but effective locking clasps, and we liked that the bright pink contrasted the clear box. It's deep, so it won't fit into the smallest of bags, but the shape means it wouldn't take up too much cupboard space. It's also highly practical, as you can put it in the microwave, dishwasher and freezer.

Life's a Beach stainless-steel lunch box

Available from ProCook (£15)

Best stainless-steel lunch box 

Pros: 

• Durable
• Generous 1.25 litre capacity
• Silicone band holds the lid shut for lasting freshness and no leakage
• 10% goes to help keep Britain's beaches and waterways clean
• 1-year guarantee

Cons: 

• Only one compartment
• Not dishwasher or microwave safe

This simple and stylish lunch box is designed with a generous 1.25 litre capacity. The lunch box container is made from stainless steel, making it durable. However, it only has one compartment, making it perfect for lunches such as sandwiches, but not great if you want to hold multiple food items. If you wanted a salad for lunch, you would need to store any salad dressings separately to prevent soggy leaves.

The silicone band that holds the lid to the bottom of the container allows for lasting freshness and ensures no leakage when you’re on-the-go. The lid is made of bamboo, which is considered a highly sustainable resource due to its growth rate.

10% of the sales on ‘Life’s a Beach’ brand also go towards keeping Britain’s beaches and waterways clean, so you’re helping out by not adding to the growing waste of single use-plastic implements, and you’re also investing in finding a solution to the problem.

Available from:

• ProCook (£15)

Tatay 5-piece urban lunch pack with 4 food containers

Available from Lakeland (£17.59)

Best insulated lunch box

Pros: 

• Contains four food containers
• Tough outer fabric
• Twin zips and shoulder strap
• Bag has 3-litre capacity
• Lakeland 3-year guarantee included
• Freezer, microwave (with lid off) and dishwasher-safe

Cons: 

• Bulky

If you’re looking for a lunch box that could double as your bag, then this urban black lunch bag by Tatay is the one for you. Practicality meets elegance with the woven carry handle and adjustable shoulder strap, making the Urban Lunch Pack effortlessly portable. The mesh pocket holds your cutlery or napkins, while the exterior pocket (with a secure hook and loop strip) keeps your phone or wallet accessible and safe. However, it could be a lot to carry if you’re already sporting a work bag with a laptop.

Inside, there's four robust food canisters. Keep your sweet treats separate from savoury with two 500ml oblong tubs featuring press-on/peel-off lids. Additionally, two 200ml round pots with secure screw-top lids ensure leak-free transportation of your favourite sauces or dressings.

Tatay's attention-to-detail shines through in the triple-layer insulation, ensuring your lunch maintains its desired temperature. Plus, the tough woven polyester exterior adds durability to your daily companion. Enhance its cooling capabilities by adding a freezer block, so your meals will stay fresh for hours.

Available from:

• Lakeland (£17.59)

Mepal Ellipse Leak-Proof Lunch Pot

Available from John Lewis & Partners (£16.99), Amazon (£18.20)

Best lunch box for hot food

Pros: 

• Can be stored in the fridge or freezer
• The large compartment is microwave safe
• Made from 100% BPA-free plastic

Cons: 

• Can't fit sandwiches
• Lid is very small

Embrace the convenience of the Mepal lunch pot's fridge and freezer storage capabilities. Your meals stay fresher for longer, ready to be heated in the microwave's spacious compartment when hunger strikes. It's not just a lunch container, it's a complete meal solution.

Cleaning up is a breeze with its dishwasher-safe design, making it a perfect fit for busy lifestyles. Whether it's a work lunch, on-the-go meal or picnic, this lunch pot has you covered. An effortless twist reveals a smaller compartment, which is a great way to keep your foods separate and flavours intact. The lid is perfect for holding accompaniments to soup too, such as croutons or dried chickpeas. However, it’s too small to store a separate course, such as a salad.

Crafted in the Netherlands with the highest standards, the Mepal lunch pot is proudly made from 100% BPA-free plastic, prioritising your health and the environment too.

Available from:

• John Lewis & Partners (£16.99)
• Amazon (£18.20)

How to choose a lunchbox

First of all, think about what you will use it for. If it’s just for a sandwich, you don’t need to worry too much about leaks, but if you like a salad with dressing, it’s important to find one that is airtight. Capacity is important, too – how big is your average lunch? Larger boxes will hold more substantial lunches, but also take up more space in your bag.

Fancy a sandwich, salad and some fruit too? If you don’t want it all mixed up together, search for one with compartments. Some of the boxes in our sample had adjustable dividers so you could move them around to make the compartments work for you. We also tested bento boxes, which often have two or three completely separate containers.

Some lunch boxes are insulated, so if you tend to have lunches that need to be kept cool, opt for one of these. Do you like taking leftovers to work? If you want to take last night’s curry to the office, find a lunch box that can go in the microwave.

Finally, think about style. If you’re going to use it every day, you might as well find a lunch box that you find attractive. You might prefer a no-nonsense, rugged lunch box, or you might prefer a model that’s so sophisticated, you become the envy of the office. Do you want one with a pretty pattern, or a see-through box so you can gaze hungrily at its contents?

How we tested lunch boxes

No leaks: We filled each box with salad and olive oil before shaking and turning them upside down. We also put the boxes in bags and swung them about as we walked before checking them for leaks.

Clever features: Does the box have removable compartments, keep your lunch cold, or come with a knife and fork?

Easy to use: No one wants to waste precious lunchtime minutes wrestling to open their lunch box. We checked for easy-to-open clasps and smoothly opening boxes.

Size: We looked for lunch boxes that were big enough to hold a grown-up lunch, and gave bonus points to ones that managed to do that without being too bulky.

Style: We were pleasantly surprised by how attractive some of the lunch boxes were and awarded marks for this.

Value for money: There was a big price range, but the most important question was whether the boxes merited their price tag.

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If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.

Do you have a trusty lunch box you can't live without? Leave a comment below...

Sleep trackers are phenomenally popular (one study showed one in three Americans have used one), whether they are integrated within a fitness tracker or a device in their own right, like an Oura Ring.

But their effectiveness is questionable – while they do a good job of tracking overall sleep duration, the sleep cycle monitoring is more indicative than an exact science. This information didn’t stop me instantly checking my deep sleep levels and daily readiness score (a tracker’s calculation of how well recovered your body is after sleep) each morning – and the results were usually disappointing.

My quest for optimum rest became an obsession. I have an entire library of lavender-based products. White noise is my most-played jam on Spotify. My days became framed around how early I could get into bed. Despite these militant efforts, I was constantly tired as well as downbeat from my poor tracker credentials. I started to struggle to drift off due to fretting about achieving sleep perfection.

Being knackered is no new thing – I have two small children and a busy career, travel a lot and do intense exercise. And, of course, these issues are far from unique to me. We’re living through an ‘exhaustion epidemic’ – 50-70 million Americans have disordered sleep and one in eight Britons is tired all the time. Studies have shown we’re sleeping more than ever but we’re just as tired.

For my fellow worn-out warriors, the impact of poor-quality sleep will be grimly familiar: physical and mental health problems, reduced cognitive function, poor productivity, appetite dysregulation and mood changes. It even carries a higher risk of death. It can impact every element of your life, including relationships, work and socialising. Sleep deficiency has played a role in major nuclear disasters and plane crashes. While the effects of my sleeplessness weren’t on quite such a scale, I was keen to tackle it.

Asking the sleep experts

Sleep clinics are part of huge boom in the sleep treatment market – an industry that was worth $12.8 billion in 2024. These specialised facilities investigate and help treat sleep disorders, including conditions like fatigue and sleep apnoea. While my issues felt more holistic than medical, I made an appointment with ResMed (which focuses on helping people with sleep issues) and came armed with pages of questions for sleep clinician Joshua Piper.

It turns out there’s a name for this fixation with improving your sleep: orthosomnia. Joshua explained: “Orthosomnia is the term used to describe an obsession with quality sleep – this strive for sleep perfection which is unattainable. It’s a vicious cycle. Stressing about the fact that your sleep isn’t perfect has the opposite effect.”

I told Joshua how my sleep tracker had fuelled my fixation. He said he’s pro tech but it has a time and a place. “I always recommend going by how you feel rather than what your app is telling you. That should come first, then use the tech to back it up. A tracker is a bit like a smoke alarm – it will tell you your house is burning but it won’t tell you the cause of the fire. The only way to truly know your sleep cycles is via an EEG [a scan that measures brain activity].”

Is your sleep tracker picking up anything serious?

“It can be difficult to know when things are chronically wrong,” says Joshua, “but traditional measures can be whether you’re falling asleep on the sofa every night. Are you suffering from mood changes? Do you get morning headaches? Do you find you need to visit the loo a lot in the night?”

Frequent wakings are often a worry for tracker users – mine shows around an hour is typically shaved off my total sleep time. But Joshua suggests these are to be taken with a pinch of salt – turning over in bed can be classed as a ‘waking’ – however, given a family history of sleep apnoea and my notorious snoring, it could be worth exploring further with my GP.

“One hour plus of wakings a night could be something to look into. Visit your GP and don’t minimise your symptoms – just saying you’re tired is the wrong language. Go the whole kaboodle and mention the suspected apnoea and ask for a test.”

Anyone who uses a sleep tracker will be familiar with the habit of chasing deep sleep – the hallowed stage that’s the most restorative. My own deep sleep range is between 45 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes per night. However, Joshua suggests I shouldn’t put too much store by this: “The deep sleep measurements on a sleep tracker are not accurate enough to draw any concrete conclusions, but generally speaking 12-20% of deep sleep is typical.” It’s normal to cycle between the stages of non-REM and REM sleep, with four to six cycles per night, and potentially a slight wake up between cycles.

Less stressful ways for better sleep

So now Joshua has enlightened me on the science of sleep stages, the dubiousness of trackers and the dangers of sleep perfectionism, what can I do about it?

While I’d love to practice consistent sleep rituals, not all of us have the luxury of being able to do so – shift workers, parents, carers and frequent travellers all face external factors out of their control that compromise being able to stick to routines.

Joshua says: “There are general good habits that you can get into. Nutrition, a balanced diet, staying active and keeping a healthy weight will all naturally help. And keeping alcohol to a minimum. A nightcap is a fallacy – it sedates you, which isn’t sleep. You wake once the alcohol has worn off. And you snore more as the muscles have relaxed.”

Also important for sleep are light and food. “You need to give your body cues so it can go to sleep – food is the antithesis of that. Eating at least 2-3 hours before bed is best practice. If you eat close to bedtime, your brain thinks it’s time to be awake.

“Light can be used for good. In the morning, being exposed to sunlight as soon as possible – at least 20 minutes of sun within the first hour of being awake – acts as a huge reset. This will have a positive knock-on impact at bedtime as you’ve preset your bedtime rhythm from the moment you woke up.”

This light therapy is free (hurrah!) but can have a profound impact. And it doesn’t need to be bright sun, cloudy days count.

On the flipside, how about the late night doomscrolling and evil light omitting from your phone?

According to Joshua: “It used to be that blue light was seen as a problem but it's actually becoming more acknowledged that it’s the act of scrolling that’s the issue as the brain sees this as a daytime activity.” Either way it’s best practice to put your phone down well before bedtime.

Other tricks Joshua recommends are temperature control, including keeping a cool bedroom whatever the time of year. You can utilise your bathroom, too. “Having a warm shower before bed means capillaries come to the surface. Your body then dumps this heat and your core temperature drops, which is a cue to fall asleep.”

“If you’re struggling to get to sleep, often the problem is that you haven’t given your brain the time it needs to shut down. For most people, the first act of switching off is when they get into bed to go to sleep. But your brain switches off its rational side first, then the emotional side shuts off second. This means irrational thoughts can pervade in the period before you drift off.”

Josh has a simple technique: “Think about a topic like animals, then run them from A-Z in your head. It’s a simple tactic as it’s not so engaging that you can overthink it.”

If you're stuck tossing and turning, it can be effective to remove yourself from the situation. “Go into a calm, new room, read, then go back into bed – the body needs calm to sleep and to not associate the bed with stress. The only healthy things to associate a bed with are sleep and sex.”

Making the changes

Armed with Josh’s wisdom, I made some changes to my habits. Firstly, I try to keep a consistent waking window of 6.30am-7.30am, even on weekends. My early bird kids are helpful in this respect, although I sadly mourn the 10am weekend lie-ins of my youth. I sleep with my curtains open so I wake up to instant sunlight. I’ve stopped wearing my tracker religiously every night. Finally, when possible, I’ve reduced my eating window so I finish eating several hours before bedtime.

Did it work? The morning sunlight hack undoubtedly helps my mood. Being less obsessed with my tracker means I’ve generally found it easier to get to sleep. I’ve stopped chasing deep sleep and instead base my readiness on how I feel after a shower, some stretches and a coffee. I don’t think I’m ever 100% ready for what life throws at me each day (who is?) but I don’t need a tracker to tell me that.

For those days when my new sleep virtues fall short, I asked Josh to give me one key sleep trick to live by, something that’s applicable to everyone regardless of their personal circumstances. “I bang on about routine because it is very important to long-term good sleep. But arguably more important is not to worry. One bad night doesn’t undo everything, so don’t panic. Short-term sleep blips are normal. The more you chase sleep, the harder it can be to find. Sleep thrives on rhythm not pressure.”

More wellbeing guides...

The benefits of exercise and mental health
Why am I always tired?
5 reasons you're waking up tired with no energy
What is burnout?
How much sleep do I need?
'I tried four ways to cut down on alcohol – here are the tactics I'd recommend'
You're not sleeping wrong, you're just overthinking it
Why stress makes you hungry
Best running hydration vests

Some hydration vests can feel like an added stress; chafing, moving as you run or adding unwanted weight – so, it’s important to find a vest that can work with you as you run, with comfortable and durable material that will wick away sweat as you run, keeping you dry and snug enough to feel like a second skin.

We’ve tested a range of running hydration vests for different budgets and for different needs, so whether you are training for a race or just need a backpack for all your essentials during your daily running commute, we’ve assessed the top picks for brands including North Face, Lululemon and Salomon.

Best running hydration vests at a glance

• Best running hydration vest for long runs: North Face Summit vest 8L, £150
• Best running hydration vest for races: Salomon ADV SKIN 5, £125
• Best running hydration vest for PBs: Ospray Dyna LT, £65
• Best running hydration vest for hiking: Vango Apex Hydro 10, £30
• Best running hydration vest for trail running: Lululemon fast and free train running vest, £118
• Best lightweight running hydration vest: Adidas Terrex techrock vest 2.5L, £120
• Best running hydration vest for training: Montane Gecko VP+, £120
• Best running hydration vest for shorter runs: MP hydration vest, £65
• Best budget running hydration vest: Kiprun 5L running vest, £49.99
• Best running hydration vest for men: Camelbak Zephyr Pro Vest, £145

Jump to section:

• Best running hydration vests 2025
• How should a hydration vest fit?
• When do you need a hydration vest?
• How we tested running hydration vests

Best running hydration vests 2025

North Face Summit run race day vest 8L

Available from North Face (£150)

Best running hydration vest for long runs

Pros:

• Smart pockets
• Water bottles feel secure

Cons:

• Full water bottles make it heavy
• Hand wash only

Star rating: 4.5/5

This vest was tested on a 10-mile run with a running club. Although the white fabric on it picked up dust quickly thanks to a route through a park and wooded trails, it carried all our tester's essentials with ease. The fit is true to size and the adjustable bungee cords help fine-tune the fit, so it feels secure and stable throughout the run.

Worn on a hot day, the vest impressed with its sweat-wicking performance. The FlashDry technology keeps it breathable and dry against skin, never feeling clammy or uncomfortable.

We especially like the thoughtful pocket design. Two larger pockets at the back could easily fit a hydration bladder or bulkier layers like a jumper or light jacket. The two soft flasks stayed firmly in place while running, thanks to supportive loops and held enough water to keep us hydrated for the 10 miles, though they did add noticeable weight when full.

In total, there are 10 pockets, including eight across the sides and front, some zipped, others open, offering lots of storage for running gels, keys and other small essentials. The smart pocket layout meant we were never worried about anything falling out mid-run. Overall, the vest was comfortable, breathable and well-designed for longer distances. Our only gripe? It has to be hand-washed.

Available from:

• North Face (£150)

Salomon ADV SKIN 5

Available from Salomon (£125), Runners Need (£125)

Best running hydration vest for races

Pros:

• Fits like a second skin
• No bounce
• Slanted pockets

Cons:

• Not cheap
• Keyholder wasn’t secure

Star rating: 4/5

This is an excellent hydration vest for racing, so good that our tester is planning to wear it for their next half marathon. It fits securely, doesn’t bounce and offers multiple hydration options. One standout feature is the large, slanted side pockets, which make it easy to grab gels and snacks as you run.

The chest quick-link system lets you adjust the fit across the chest, while additional adjustability around the hips gives it a second skin feel. It comes with two soft flasks held in place with elastic bands, they’re slightly slimmer than average, so they sit close to the chest without shifting. Like the North Face pack, it also has space for a hydration bladder, with capacity for up to 5L of water

For trail runners or hikers, there are secure sections at the back and sides to stow poles. There’s also a mesh top pocket with a clip and key holder, though we found it wasn’t quite sturdy enough, as our tester's keys slipped out during the run. While this is one of the pricier hydration vests available, its comfort and thoughtful design mean it’s worth paying a little more.

Available from:

• Salomon (£125)
• Runners Need (£125)

Osprey Dyna LT

Available from Ospray (£65), Amazon (£91.68)

Best running hydration vest for PBs

Pros:

• Premium material
• Great ventilation
• Light and compact

Cons:

• No space for a bladder

Star rating: 4/5

Although priced the same as the MP version below, this hydration vest immediately feels more premium and thoughtfully designed. It features smartly layered pockets throughout, including a large wraparound pocket at the lower back, which securely held extra layers during our run.

The pack comes with two 500ml soft flasks that sit comfortably and don’t feel overly heavy when full. However, there’s no space for a hydration bladder, which meant we ran out of fluids more quickly than we'd like, making this vest less suited for long-distance runs or routes without refill stations.

Extra padding around the neck and shoulders was a welcome touch, preventing any chafing. Inside, the 3D spacer mesh kept us cool and sweat-free, while adjustable chest straps made sure it was a bounce-free, secure fit.

The vest is made from recycled nylon, so top marks for sustainability. While the fabric feels high quality, it does mark easily and is hand-wash only. A lightweight, comfortable vest that’s ideal for race day, especially if you're chasing a new PB.

Available from:

• Ospray (£65)
• Amazon (£91.68)

Vango Apex Hydro 10

Available from Amazon (£30), Vango (£42)

Best running hydration vest for hiking

Pros:

• Comes with a 2L bladder
• Large amount of storage

Cons:

• Heavier and sturdier
• No pockets for flasks

Star rating: 4/5

This is more of a sturdy hiking backpack than a lightweight running vest, but for under £50, it offers excellent value. With two main compartments and a massive 10L capacity, it also includes a 2L hydration bladder housed in a separate chamber. The bladder is secured with Velcro, keeping it stable while walking or running and it was easy to refill, though it did feel quite heavy when filled to the max.

We tested it on an eight-mile hike and were impressed by how much it could hold. Alongside the bladder, we packed extra layers and snacks and still had room to spare. We didn’t run out of water until the very end. There are also two zipped side pockets – perfect for storing essentials like your phone, keys and wallet.

The back panel feels more rigid than some of the other packs we tried. While the chest and waist straps didn’t chafe during the hike, we could imagine them feeling less comfortable if we hadn’t been wearing bulky layers. Adjusting the straps took a bit of time at first, but once set up, they offer a good fit. We especially like the sturdy Duraflex buckles on the chest straps.

Airmesh on the straps and back panel help with ventilation, keeping you cool throughout, and a quick cleaning spray afterwards kept it smelling fresh. The polyester fabric is also waterproof and means it could withstand lots of wear and tear. It’s a great choice for long hikes or trail runs, just be aware it’s heavier and less streamlined than others.

Available from

• Amazon (£30)
• Vango (£42)

Lululemon fast and free trail running vest

Available from Lululemon (£118)

Best running hydration vest for trail running

Pros:

• Soft, durable, sweatproof material
• Layered pockets

Cons:

• Flask and bladder sold separately

Star rating: 4/5

Given its premium price, it’s surprising that Lululemon doesn’t include soft flasks or a hydration bladder with this vest. However, its clever design helps justify the cost. There’s room for one 500ml flask on the left chest, and the vest features multiple tiered pockets on the sides and back. We especially liked the double-layered back pocket, which kept extra layers dry and sweat-free during a 10K run.

The side zipped pocket is both sweat and waterproof and kept our phone and keys bone-dry. The adjustable cross-body straps are a standout feature; the elasticated sternum straps clip into place with double clips. We initially thought they’d be fiddly, but they were intuitive and felt secure once fastened.

The vest has a slim, true-to-size fit and the four-way stretch material came in handy on quicker runs, allowing for full range of movement. The fabric feels soft and premium against the skin, and the Glyde material kept us dry during a rainy trail run while also offering protection from the wind.

Available from:

• Lululemon (£118)

Adidas Terrex techrock vest 2.5L

Available from Adidas (£120), Very (£120)

Best lightweight running hydration vest

Pros:

• Super lightweight
• Fits well and easy adjustment

Cons:

• No bladder sleeve

Star rating: 4/5

The first thing we noticed about this vest is how incredibly lightweight it is. Made primarily from the brand’s AEROREADY quick-drying material, it’s not the softest to the touch, but it kept us dry and comfortable throughout the run. It also features reflective details, making it a smart option for evening workouts.

We tested it on a short run, carrying just one 500ml flask. It stayed securely in place thanks to an elasticated cord near the top and was easy to grab mid-stride. While there’s no space for a hydration bladder, the vest makes up for it with plenty of pockets, including some clever double pockets that are perfect for small essentials like keys.

The fit is snug and adjustable, with quick-tightening bungee cords at the front and extra adjustment at the sides. Once on, it was so comfortable our tester barely noticed it until they reached for their phone in one of the pockets. It’s a great choice for shorter runs, but you may struggle without a bladder for longer runs.

Available from:

• Adidas (£120)
• Very (£120)

Montane Gecko VP +

Available from Montane (£120)

Best running hydration vest for training

Pros:

• Weightless
• Room for bladder and flasks
• Odour control

Cons:

• Not sweatproof
• Bottles aren’t as secure

Star rating: 4/5

If you usually avoid running vests but need hydration on the go, this one could be feel different, it’s practically weightless. While the two 500ml bottles do add some weight, they’re still lighter than many others we’ve tried, though slightly less secure.

The vest features three adjustable front straps, which help it sit securely across different parts of the torso and can be repositioned for a better fit. It also boasts multiple easy-to-reach pockets, some with zippers and enough room for a hydration bladder or bulkier items.

One downside was how warm it felt on a sunny test day. Despite the mesh panels, the breathability wasn’t great, and we ended up feeling quite sweaty. That said, a standout feature is the POLYGIENE odour control built into the fabric. Even after several uses, it stayed fresh, something you don’t always get with other vests.

Available from:

• Montane (£120)

MP hydration vest

Available from MyProtein (£65)

Best hydration vest for shorter runs

Pros:

• Cheaper version
• Lots of hydration space

Cons:

• Layered pockets felt bulky
• Redundant bungee cords at back

Star rating: 3.5/5

If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to the bigger-name brands on the list, MyProtein offers a more affordable alternative. However, it does come with a few compromises, fewer pockets and some noticeable chafing around the neckline.

The overall design is similar to the other vests, with a snug, body-hugging fit and mesh panels that offer decent ventilation during a run. We initially thought the elasticated front clips might be annoying, but they were easy to adjust and felt secure once in place. That said, the front pockets felt bulky, with gels and essentials sitting beneath the hydration flasks, making them tricky to access mid-run.

You can add a 2L bladder into the zipped compartment at the back, while the bungee cords on the back are intended to keep the pack tight, but we found them slightly redundant, side adjustments or additional storage would’ve been more useful.

It’s clear this vest is made from less premium materials: it felt like it might wear down quickly and the fabric was noisy and rustled as we ran. It also caused some irritation around our tester's neck when they took it on longer runs or were wearing fewer layers.

Available from:

• MyProtein (£65)

Kiprun 5L running vest

Available from Decathlon (£49.99)

Best budget running hydration vest

Pros:

• Cheaper price point
• Space for bladder and bottles

Cons:

• Comes up small
• Less premium feel

Star rating: 3.5/5

This budget-friendly option from Decathlon is comfortable enough, but the lower price point is reflected in the materials and fit. The adjustment clips feel a bit clunky and there isn't much flexibility to accommodate extra layers.

However, it offers impressive storage, with space for up to 5L of water via flasks and a bladder, plus 10 pockets in total. We tested it on an 8K training run, while it didn’t chafe, it felt less secure and not as soft or sweat-wicking as some of the more premium vests.

The pocket system is well thought out, with zipped and tiered compartments that make it easy to grab a phone and gels while running.

There’s also the option to attach trail running poles and a large rear pocket for layers or snacks, making it a solid choice for longer training sessions on a budget.

Available from:

• Decathlon (£49.99)

CamelBak Zephyr™ Pro Vest

Available from CamelBak (£145), Running Xpert (£145.99)

Best running hydration vest for men

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Comfortable (especially on the back)

Cons:

• Adjustment straps design
• Some chafing

Star rating: 3.5/5

This lightweight vest offers great cushioning at the back, making it a comfortable choice for longer trail runs. However, the design of the adjustment straps, both across the chest and at the sides felt less robust than other brands we tested. They also lacked length, which made the fit feel a bit tight when worn over extra layers. We can imagine the side straps potentially chafing on warmer days with fewer layers underneath.

The two front hydration bottles sat securely and were easy to reach mid-run. There’s also space for a bladder in the back, adding flexibility for longer distances. Most of the vest is made from engineered mesh, which kept our tester cool, and it features reflective trims for added visibility.

We appreciated how stable the vest feels while running, and the waterproof zip pocket at the front kept our tester's phone secure. There’s also a feature for attaching walking poles. While we enjoyed using it for a trail run, the design seems more tailored to men’s bodies.

Available from:

• CamelBak (£145)
• Running Xpert (£145.99)

How should a hydration vest fit?

When you’re running you want your vest to feel as though its part of you, almost a second skin, not another thing that could annoy you throughout the run. Equally, you don’t want it to feel constrictive or be too loose that it could chafe the skin as you run or bounce. This is where good adjustment straps come in – look for ones that have them on the chest and around the waist, meaning you can get that snug, second skin feel, without it chafing. Adjustment straps also need to account for when you’re wearing layers, so make sure they have a lot of give, with the ability to adjust their positioning.

When do you need a hydration vest?

Whatever type of run you’re going on, a hydration vest is a good idea. As we sweat, we lose water and salt from the body, so having water or a hydration drink handy means you’re less likely get dehydrated on your run. However, a hydration vest is a necessity if you’re doing a long run, 10K or more. Many runners like the ease of using a bladder and hydration pack when they’re training for a race, or on race day itself, as it means they can hydrate on the go and don’t have to worry about stopping.

Hydration vests are also great for hikes or trail runs, as these are longer days with more mileage, and you’re also less likely to stumble on anywhere to fill up or buy water. Having a hydration pack on you during warmer conditions, whether you are on a run or hiking also means you can concentrate on your PB, rather than stopping to fill up regularly.

How we tested running hydration vests

As a health and fitness journalist and keen runner, our writer, Sarah Finley, is  always either training for a race or taking part in one, so having a running hydration vest to store her essentials and help her hydrate is invaluable. She had hands-on experiences with all these backpacks, testing them when she went on multiple training runs, short runs, hikes and trail runs, making sure she tested them extensively for comfort and usability.

Most importantly we assessed how much water or hydration they could carry and whether they had room for flasks and bladders. We looked at how accessible this hydration was as we ran or hiked. We also reviewed the convenience on the hydration vests – how easy was it to store gels and snacks, plus other layers, and to grab them on the go? Other factors tested were: adjustability, how much sweat they wicked away, value for money and if they were made from sustainable materials.

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Burnout is a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion caused by long-term or severe stress. There are three main aspects that characterise burnout. These are:

• feeling exhausted or lacking energy
• being less effective professionally
• feeling removed, cynical or negative towards work

In 2019 ‘burnout’ became recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as an ‘occupational phenomenon’, but it is not classed as a medical condition.

What are the signs of burnout?

Common symptoms of burnout include:

• Feeling tired or drained most of the time
• Feeling helpless, trapped or defeated
• Feeling detached or alone in the world
• Having a cynical or negative outlook
• Experiencing self-doubt
• Procrastinating and taking longer to get things done
• Feeling overwhelmed

There may also be physical symptoms such as:

• Sleep disturbances or insomnia
• Digestive issues
• High blood pressure
• Headaches
• Poor memory or concentration
• Weight loss or weight gain

Am I close to burnout?

It can be difficult to determine whether you’re on the brink of burnout but classic signs may include the development of bad habits, such as over-reliance on alcohol at the end of a hard day. There could also be a craving for sugary foods to get you through the afternoon, less motivation to exercise and feelings of constant tiredness and fatigue.

Other indicators include feeling under-valued, avoiding social connection and becoming more susceptible to disappointment. You may also feel that the quality of your work is beginning to slip.

Check out the Maslach Burnout Inventory for a more definitive opinion, based on a test designed to measure levels of burnout.

Can diet help burnout?

Our physical health influences our mental and emotional well-being, and vice versa, so a nutritious, balanced diet is a great foundation on which to build better coping techniques.

Start with these practical tips:

Eat a balanced diet

Make sure that you are getting all the necessary nutrients – and that the focus of your diet is on whole foods – rather than heavily processed options, like refined carbs and sugars.

Find out more about a balanced diet.

Stay hydrated

Hydration is the number one rule of nutrition because it plays an important role in both our physical and mental health.

Learn the top 5 health benefits to drinking water and the 10 best foods that help you to stay hydrated

Limit or avoid alcohol

Studies have shown a strong link between alcohol use and misuse and the incidence of burnout. If you find yourself relying on alcohol, seek professional advice.

Consider these strategies to cut down on alcohol.

Include more foods rich in omega-3 fats

A 2019 study found that omega-3 fatty acids helped reduce symptoms of occupational burnout, so be sure to include these foods regularly in your diet – here are our top 10 sources of omega-3.

If you need recipe inspiration, try our salmon stir-fry or plant-based chia pudding (for a plant-based dose of omega-3).

Dislike or are allergic to fish? Read our guide to get more of these healthy fats in your diet.

Boost your B vitamins

B vitamins may help relieve stress, promote better mood and, as a result, help you cope more effectively. Consider adding B-rich foods such as yeast extract (Marmite) to your everyday routine.

Find out more about B vitamins and the benefits of Marmite.

High five!

Get your five-a-day of fruit and vegetables – this means you’re more likely to get adequate vitamin C. Low levels are linked with high stress levels and burnout.

Learn more about vitamin C and the top healthiest sources of vitamin C.

Mighty magnesium

Known as the body’s natural relaxer, a magnesium-rich diet may help both the mind and body. Chronic stress can negatively affect the body’s magnesium levels, causing a deficiency. What’s more, a magnesium deficit is thought to increase the body’s susceptibility to stress.

Include plenty of magnesium-rich foods in your diet, perhaps pumpkin seed butter on rye & pumpkin seed crackers for a snack, or dark green leafy vegetables in a smoothie or soup.

What other coping strategies are there for burnout?

Making slight adjustments to your daily routine can promote relaxation or at least help to make you feel more cheerful. If you think you’re suffering from burnout, there are a number of self-help approaches you can try – consider these additional steps:

• Reflect – take a moment to determine the cause of your exhaustion and overload
• Set boundaries – consider the tasks and activities you need to do and prioritise. Be ready to say ‘no’ when necessary
• Seek support – talk to friends, colleagues and family and help them to understand how you’re feeling
• Be selfish – self-care is essential, so always put yourself first – this includes getting adequate sleep, including physical activity and engaging in activities that make you happy
• Think outside the box – be prepared to try new things. Mindfulness techniques may help promote a new set of coping skills and, as a result, reduce the over-reliance on less favourable coping strategies

Don’t forget

You are not alone – a recent survey revealed that as many as nine in 10 adults experienced high stress or pressure over the last year. If symptoms continue, seek further professional help and guidance. Start with your GP; they may be able to advise you on appropriate therapies or refer you to a counsellor.

For more support and guidance, try these resources:

How to be mentally healthy at work
Half of work-related ill-health is down to stress, depression or anxiety

Further reading:

Top 20 healthy, mood-boosting recipes
10 diet and lifestyle tips to help manage stress
What is stress and how to reduce it
The benefits of exercise and mental health
Why am I always tired?
5 reasons you're waking up tired with no energy
Health benefits of magnesium

This page was reviewed on 28 May 2025 by Kerry Torrens

Nicola Shubrook is a qualified nutritionist registered with the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). Find out more at urbanwellness.co.uk.

All health content on bbcgoodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other healthcare professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local healthcare provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.

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Calling all West End buffs: did you know that you can enjoy the delights of a traditional afternoon tea inside one of London's most iconic theatres?     Don't miss your chance to tuck into a unique themed menu at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, where you can feast on savoury treats on an original stage floor and a sweet selection literally unveiled from behind a plush red curtain, plus a wide variety of teas, champagne and signature cocktails.     Prices start from £68 per person and you can find out more at lwtheatres.co.uk.

Best afternoon teas in London at a glance

• Best for timeless luxury: Ritz afternoon tea, from £79 per person
• Best for a sweet tooth: Fortnum and Mason afternoon tea, from £82 per person
• Best for exceptional service: The Langham afternoon tea, from £75 per person
• Best for vegan afternoon tea: Coda restaurant at Royal Albert Hall, from £57 per person
• Best for a generous selection: The Goring afternoon tea, from £75 per person
• Best for champagne lovers: Elizabethan afternoon tea, from £79 per person
• Best for a botanical setting: The Teahouse at Petersham Nurseries, from £60 per person
• Best for seasonal flavours: The Parlour at Great Scotland Yard Hotel, from £65 per person
• Best for Japanese flavours: Nobu Hotel afternoon tea, from £70 per person
• Best hidden gem: The Stafford, from £70 per person
• Best for airy ambience: The Landmark London, from £70 per person
• Best contemporary atmosphere: Sushisamba, from £65 per person
• Best for whimsy: Peter Pan afternoon tea at Aqua Shard, from £70 per person
• Best value afternoon tea with a view: oblix at The Shard, from £65 per person
• Best for central location: The Stage at The Londoner, from £59 per person
• Best for theatre fans: The Grand Saloon at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, from £68 per person
• Best for a family day out: Sweetshop afternoon tea at Chesterfield Hotel, from £75 per person
• Best for riverside views: The Bingham Riverside, from £39 per person
• Best for 1920's elegance: The Beaumont Hotel afternoon tea, from £75 per person
• Best for kids: One Aldwych Charlie & the Chocolate Factory afternoon tea, from £50 per child, £70 per adult
• Best for stunning views: Ting at the Shangri-La Hotel afternoon tea, from £78 per person
• Best for Halloween fans: Wizard afternoon tea at Georgian House Hotel, from £40 per person

Best afternoon teas in London 2025

The Ritz afternoon tea

At a glance…
Price: £79 per person/ £57 per child
Best for: timeless luxury
Contact details: The Ritz, 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR

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Afternoon tea at The Ritz is one of the most timeless experiences in London for a reason. Attention to detail and fantastic service make this afternoon tea well worth the splurge. Step into the glamorous Palm Court salon to admire their mirrored surfaces, gold detailing and leafy palms. The luxurious atmosphere is complete with a live pianist and harpist alongside a choir singing traditional carols.

The food is traditional with classic British flavours and generous servings; savoury sandwiches include Scottish smoked salmon, breast of chicken with chestnut and sage, cheddar cheese with chutney, and more. Fresh plain and fruit scones come with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve, and the pastries and cakes, which are the real stars of the show, have delicate details and stunning finishes.

When we visited during the festive season, we enjoyed a selection of gold-leaf topped choux buns, chocolate and chestnut pastries and cranberry and meringue topped cakes. There are 18 luxury teas to choose from, including everything from passion fruit and orange to chocolate mint rooibos and more.

We chose the classic Ritz Royal English – a breakfast tea with a blend of Golden Kenyan, Assam and Orange Pekoe. Consider upgrading with a glass of champagne for £23 for a well balanced Barons de Rothschild, 'Réserve Ritz', Brut NV. Overall, the service is a fantastic option for a special occasion with friendly and attentive staff and a gorgeous ambiance. The Ritz is a proud member of the Leading Hotels of the World.

Fortnum & Mason afternoon tea

At a glance...
Price: from £82 per person
Best for: traditionalists and lovers of classic, charming service
Contact details: Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER

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The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason has to be one of the top locations for a classic afternoon tea. Service is seamless without being stuffy, and we found the waiting staff charming, relaxed and exceptionally well informed – with 92 teas on offer, they need to know their stuff.

The sweet patisserie treats are an art form in their own right, and the lobster scone with cream cheese and caviar topping makes the savoury selection a must-try, especially if you’re sharing. Fortnum & Mason is a classic afternoon tea experience with an ever-evolving menu that’s subtly inventive. The care that goes into every aspect of the creation and presentation of the dishes, as well as the knowledge and charm of the staff, make this a truly special experience.

The Langham afternoon tea

At a glance...
Price: from £85 per person / £55 for children
Best for: exceptional service
Contact details: The Langham, 1c Portland Place, London W1B 1JA

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The Palm Court at The Langham is a haven of comfort and luxury in which to enjoy afternoon tea. From the teeny stool provided for your handbag to the seasonal flower displays, offer of more sandwiches and refills of tea, the Langham leaves no detail unconsidered. They’ve been serving afternoon tea since 1865, so they’ve had plenty of practice. The setting gives a stylish nod to art deco with the huge lights that really come into their own as the afternoon fades to evening, and there’s a relaxed air about the place that welcomes all ages.

No one hurries you here and the experience feels lavish from beginning to end. Teas can be chosen from a variety of flavours supplied by JING; there are lighter white teas and green teas, floral numbers like the Ceylon & rose and classics like Assam with milk. Or drink English sparkling wine from Gusbourne throughout the meal if you prefer.

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menus are available. We've also visited and tried the children’s menu for smaller visitors: highlights included Langham-themed colouring books, finger sandwiches with fillings for kids, beautiful bite-sized desserts and a large milk chocolate ganache teddy bear with a white chocolate bow.

Coda restaurant, Royal Albert Hall

At a glance...
Price: from £57 per person
Best for: vegan afternoon tea in central London
Contact details: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AP

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A vegan afternoon tea can oftentimes feel like an afterthought – margarine taking the place of rich clotted cream, an uninspiring selection of sandwich fillings, not to mention rock hard scones and cakes. This couldn’t be further from the truth at the Coda restaurant in Kensington’s Royal Albert Hall which offers a plant-based option to rival regular afternoon teas.

Start with freshly prepared finger sandwiches. Standouts were the kale, golden beetroot and vegan cream cheese sandwich, as well as a mini vegan brioche with whipped vegan feta, tomato chutney and black olive crumbs. Plant-based whipped cream is served with scones and strawberry jam, and you can choose from an impressive loose-leaf tea selection. A favourite of ours was the subtly floral Japanese cherry blossom with green tea and rose petals, although the classics are available, too.

A pretty pink iced macaron with a hidden jam centre and a delicate pastry case filled with passion fruit curd and torched meringue were highlights from the patisserie selection – the zingy curd was truly exceptional. Finish off the delightful experience by choosing a slice from the cake trolley to take home in a Royal Albert Hall box.

The Goring afternoon tea

At a glance...
Price: from £75 per person/£85 with a glass of Bollinger champagne
Best for: sumptuous surroundings and attentive service
Contact details: The Goring, 15 Beeston Place, London SW1W 0JW

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For anyone in search of a quintessentially traditional English afternoon tea, The Goring tops the list. Aside from the replenishable plates of fresh sandwiches, light scones and perfectly presented patisserie, the true standout feature is without a doubt the service. You won’t have to lift a finger in your opulent surroundings, not even to pour yourself a cup of The Goring’s very own blend. We certainly felt like ladies of leisure on our visit.

The heavily draped lounge could easily feel oppressive, but there’s a relaxed atmosphere and a nice buzz without being intrusive. Between sips of Earl Grey and chunks of bite-sized scones with dollops of homemade raspberry jam, take a moment to spot the sheep secreted in the room (the iconic symbol of The Goring).

The crowning glory of the tea is undoubtedly the pastry plate – delicate macarons, squidgy cakes and light choux bites are on offer for hungry patrons. Save some space, as you’ll be wanting to replenish this selection to your heart’s content.

Elizabethan afternoon tea at InterContinental London Park Lane

At a glance...
Price: from £79 per person with unlimited Verve Cliquot champagne
Best for: Champagne lovers who appreciate a royal setting
Contact details: InterContinental London, One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, London, W1J 7QY

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The Crown and Saber Afternoon Tea is inspired by royal traditions, but the atmosphere is relaxed yet luxurious. Plush seating, huge windows overlooking Hyde Park and warm yet well-paced service all add to the ambience. A highlight has to be the free-flowing champagne, not only is it bottomless but they sabre open the first bottle at your table using a sword for extra flourish.

Everything is beautifully presented and impressively thought through, from the beautifully presented golden crown perched on top of a rhubarb mousse to the caviar-topped smoked salmon sandwiches. The savoury dishes are delicate but generous, from the classic coronation chicken sandwich to a delicately sliced roast beef served in a miniature Yorkshire pudding. The scones arrive warm – both plain and fruit – and are seriously good: fluffy, light, and served with clotted cream, jam, and a very moreish Earl Grey cream.

Then there’s the patisserie, which feels like a mini dessert tasting menu. Each little cake or tart is like a tiny edible sculpture – with mousses, jellies, sponges and pralines all making an appearance. If you can’t make it through the patisseries then these will be lovingly boxed up for you to take away to have at home.

The Teahouse at Petersham Nurseries

At a glance...
Price: from £60 per person/£70 with a glass of prosecco
Best for: a botanical setting with seasonal treats
Contact details: Petersham Nurseries, Church Lane, Richmond, TW10 7AB

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Down a narrow lane on the outskirts of Richmond, nestled between the water meadows of the Thames and grand houses, you'll find Petersham Nurseries. Each step through the network of charming greenhouses feels like a magical discovery with bulbs, pots, garden ornaments and more on offer. The afternoon tea is housed in a quiet corner, away from the hustle and bustle of the main restaurant, where every details seems considered without being fussy, down to a blanket to keep your knees warm.

Food is served on a uniquely botanical cake stand which doubles as a vase for fresh flowers. The menu changes seasonally – on our visits, the first course included smoked herb trout with cream cheese on a slice of brioche and a still-warm savoury muffin which struck the perfect balance between sweet and savoury. Scones arrive piping hot in a delicate basket accompanied by cream and strawberry jam. For sweets, the stars of the show were a delicate Eton mess choux bun and a chocolate and mocha love heart which was definitely a crowd-pleaser.

The Parlour afternoon tea at Great Scotland Yard Hotel

At a glance...
Price: from £65 per person/£75 with a glass of champagne
Best for: seasonal offerings and event themed experiences
Contact details: The Parlour, 3-5 Great Scotland Yard, London, SW1A 2HN

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Tucked away in the Great Scotland Yard Hotel is The Parlour serving up a luxurious afternoon tea experience, blending the traditional with the contemporary. Settle down in comfy wingback chairs or one of their inviting sofas, while sipping on a selection of bespoke teas. From classic black teas to herbal and fruity options, you can mix it up and try a few throughout your experience, just ask your server for more information on the teas or their recommendations. For an extra £10 per person you can sip on champagne.

The menu changes throughout the year to reflect seasonal events, but always offering a selection of savoury and sweet dishes. During our visit the offering was their Spring Afternoon Tea. With several plates for each course, for the savoury enjoy dishes like warmed asparagus and lemon mini quiche, dainty Yorkshire puddings filled with caramelised Jerusalem artichoke and Montgomery cheddar and a whimsical take on a classic smoked salmon sandwich, which is rolled to look like sushi and topped with caviar for true elegance.

When you’re ready, your sweet course will of course include traditional baked scones, we had plain and white chocolate options – don’t forget to spread them with plenty of clotted cream and raspberry and lemon jam. The standout for us were the eclairs filled with Veuve Clicquot champagne cream and strawberry crunch.

Nobu Hotel London Portman Square afternoon tea

At a glance...
Price: from £70 per person
Best for: Japanese-inspired flavours
Contact details: Nobu Hotel, 22 Portman Square, London W1H 7BG

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Settle into the upscale lounge at Nobu Hotel in Portman Square for afternoon tea. The relaxing ambiance is the perfect setting for a luxurious tea, right off the busy streets of Oxford Circus. The friendly service and and calming atmosphere make this trendy hotel approachable, a great place to celebrate a special occasion.

The menu combines contemporary Japanese flavours with traditional afternoon tea classics. The tea selection offers many unique options, like lychee & rose noir and Kabuse sencha. The selection of sushi cups showcase exquisite cuts of high quality salmon and yellowtail.

Canapés and savoury options include crispy fried chicken, mushroom Matsuhisa tacos and beef tataki buns with wasabi sauce. The snow crab roll with jalapeño dressing is a personal favourite, showing off the freshest of ingredients. The fluffy scones are served with Cornish clotted cream, raspberry mint jam and a tart yuzu curd.

The delectable sweets are visually stunning and full of creative flavours. Stand outs include miso chocolate caramel tart, Fuji apple shiso mirin pillow and a beautiful Hojicha cheesecake. Overall, this service is outstanding and full of unique treats for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Rosewood

At a glance...
Price: from £68 per person (£78 with champagne, £88 with a cocktail)
Best for: big flavours and colours – a richer alternative to traditional tea
Contact details: Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London

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With its dramatic ceiling, Rosewood’s light-filled Mirror Room is a glamorous spot in which to enjoy its 'Masterful Art' afternoon tea. The tea is served in three courses: sandwiches first, with some richer savouries including truffle egg mayo with confit tomatoes on onion brioche; two types of scone and two mini pastries resembling art by David Hockney (filled with blueberry) and Picasso (complete with lobster telephone); and a final course of colourful, glossy cakes inspired by art including a Banksy’s 'Girl with the Balloon', Andy Warhol’s 'Soup Can' and more from Vincent Van Gogh and Japanese sculptor Yayoi Kusama. Tea comes from the prestigious French tea importer Mariage Frères, and it's an expansive selection that features some rare varieties.

The Stafford

At a glance...
Price: £70pp/from £87 for champagne
Best for: hidden gem in London, quiet luxury
Contact details: The Stafford London, 16-18 St James's Place, SW1 1NJ

Tucked down a quiet street just outside St James’s Park, The Stafford is a luxury hidden gem to discover. This five-star hotel relaunched their afternoon tea experience and it's a very welcome addition to the London afternoon tea scene. You'll be warmly welcomed into the cosy restaurant (bonus points for extremely comfortable chairs!) and service is faultlessly friendly throughout.

We took the waiter’s recommendations on tea choices to begin and weren’t disappointed – the Stafford signature blends offer classic options, while the stunning white apricot fusion tea was deliciously fruity and jammy. Champagne is served from an ornate champagne trolley before the star of the show, the special cake trolley, is wheeled out for you to admire and choose from.

Take your pick of ornate patisserie from the trolley and they'll be brought back to you on a classic afternoon tea stand. Sandwiches were fresh and varied with the decadent addition of a truffled egg brioche bun. Along with classic fruit and plain scones we also particularly enjoyed a warm mini cheese scone, served with sour cream and chives. From the patisserie picks, the vanilla and raspberry ‘white mouse’ was memorable, and the fresh raspberry and elderflower macaron was a standout.

The Landmark London

At a glance...
Price: £70pp/from £83 for champagne
Best for: airy ambience, classic patisserie with a twist
Contact details: The Landmark London, 222 Marylebone Rd, London NW1 6JQ

Located in the heart of Marylebone, The Landmark London offers a special afternoon tea with classic British dishes and flavours. The eight-storey glass atrium is adorned with leafy palm trees and full of airy sunlight for a unique setting to take tea.

Service is friendly and attentive, with a live pianist for added ambience. There's a wide range of teas on offer, from classic English breakfast to our server's recommendation: a fruity mango black tea. The current afternoon tea menu has been curated pastry chefs Mauro and Daniel, winners of Bake Off the Professionals 2023. To start, sandwiches are traditional, with lapsang souchong smoked Scottish salmon, truffle egg mayonnaise, classic cucumber and coronation chicken on walnut bread – with trays of extras if you want seconds.

Scones were a highlight of the tea: alongside classic plain are memorable candied apricot and marzipan scones, studded with sweet melting chunks of marzipan. Both are served warm with clotted cream, jam and the special addition of a rich hazelnut chocolate ganache. The luxurious desserts take classics such as pavlova and chocolate swiss roll and elevate them with expert flair – our favourite was the white chocolate and yuzu cheesecake filled with a spiced pear compote. This would be a great offering for those looking for a classic afternoon tea with top-notch service.

Sushisamba

At a glance...
Price: from £65 per person (£80 with champagne)
Best for: non-traditionalists who prefer Japanese savouries to sandwiches
Contact details: Sushisamba, 35 The Mkt, London WC2E 8RF

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High above the famous Covent Garden piazza, this glass-ceilinged space has a lively, jungle-like vibe due to a living ceiling canopy and oversized plants. We tried both the signature tea – with luxurious ingredients including lobster and wagyu beef in sliders and mini tacos and caviar topped tuna – and the vegetarian alternative, all presented on elegant three tiered ‘trees’.

Cakes fuse Asian flavours with British classics, such as the Japanese Pandan custard tart and Battenburg with yuzu – and a separate final serving of traditional scones. Choose from five Canton teas, which can be topped up, and three champagnes.

Peter Pan afternoon tea at Aqua Shard

At a glance…
Price: £70 per person/ £90 with a glass of champagne
Best for: whimsical bites and literary luxury
Contact details: Aqua Shard, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY

Get transported to Neverland with magical views, as if you're Peter Pan flying over the rooftops of London. Children and adults alike will love the nostalgic treats and artistic touches included in this afternoon tea. From the custom crafted ship that holds the food, to the story behind each component (the cod brandade is in the shape of a hook, as Peter calls him a ‘codfish’, for example), everything is meticulously designed and pure magic.

Choose from either 'darling tea', which has delicious floral notes, or 'adventure tea', made from black tea with citrus, mango and ginger. The perfectly cut sandwiches are light, soft and fluffy, with flavoursome fillings of chicken, bacon and mustard, along with the standout truffle egg mayo (more vegetarian options are available).

Your next course, after a fresh round of specially designed plates with Peter Pan characters on them, are freshly baked scones served with delicious apple jam and coconut clotted cream. The magic continues into the desserts. The ‘Peter’s secret never tree entrance’ is particularly noteworthy – a soft chocolate sponge with chocolate mousse, ganache and raspberry jam.

Like the waitress spraying the Tinkerbell biscuit with edible gold glitter, the thought behind each element brought so much joy. From start to finish, this afternoon tea is a display of enchanting storybook delicacies in a stunning, picturesque setting.

oblix at The Shard

At a glance...
Price: from £65 per person
Best for: good value tea with stunning view
Contact details: oblix East, Level 32, The Shard, 31 St. Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY

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If you want brilliant views of London, then the 32nd floor of the Shard is a good place to start. Instead of buying a ticket up the Shard to see the view (which can cost approx £30 by itself), head to Oblix in the Shard instead and treat yourself to a special afternoon tea complete with those panoramic views.

We visited in December, where the menu had been given a light festive makeover but many of the classics are on the menu all year round. The tea kicks off with a plate of sandwiches including a standout buttery brioche roll filled with egg mayo and topped with a generous amount of truffle.

We also had a classic coronation chicken, smoked salmon, an avocado tartlet and impressive mini lobster roll. Scones were served warm with a perfect raspberry jam and sticky fresh honeycomb - although controversially also with whipped cream instead of clotted cream.

Patisserie was delicate but familiar favourites - our five treats included a nutty macaron, highly caramelised apple tart tatin and rich chocolate hazelnut ball. If you go for the rosé package, unlimited wine and a cocktail are included along with your pick of tea from the short tea menu.

The Stage at The Londoner

At a glance...
Price: from £59 per person, £75 champagne tea, £80 rosé champagne tea
Best for: central location
Contact details: The Londoner, 38 Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7DX, United Kingdom

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If you’re doing some central London shopping, The Stage afternoon tea is handily located right on the corner of Leicester Square. The tea is held in what is essentially the hotel lobby – there’s a buzzy atmosphere (especially when the live pianist is playing), although it can get chilly in winter if you’re sat too near the front door.

A surprise palate cleanser of elderflower sorbet drizzled with honey is delicate and refreshing. Sandwiches arrive playfully cut into tiny squares instead of fingers and served in three tiers – a chicken sandwich on basil bread was a standout highlight (plus you’re offered seconds if you’re still hungry).

Warm scones are light, fluffy and the perfect size, served with a unique floral and citrusy bergamot curd as well as strawberry jam. In a twist from other afternoon teas we’ve tried, for the patisserie course you head up to a cabinet to pick two larger patisserie items to finish off your feast. We visited near Christmas, so a ‘Joyeux Noel’ of chocolate cake, cream and boozy cherries was a perfect festive treat.

The Grand Saloon, Theatre Royal Drury Lane

At a glance...
Price: from £68 per person
Best for: theatre fans, visiting around a show
Contact details: The Lane, Catherine St, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5JF

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If you’re in London to see a show, an afternoon tea beforehand is an extra special treat. The Lane at Theatre Royal is ideally situated for this – set right in the theatre building (soon to be showing The Tempest) in Covent Garden. The tea takes place in a beautiful grand room with a large central bar, stunning high ceilings and marble panels on the wall, all in a teal and pale pink colour scheme. Friendly and skilled staff expertly pour tea and champagne.

The brand new immersive tea is inspired by the theatrical setting – divided into two sweet and savoury acts, plus a grand finale, with not a sandwich in sight but a range of creative sweet and savoury treats to enjoy.

Sweetshop afternoon tea at Chesterfield Hotel

At a glance…
Price: from £75 per person/ £85 with glass of Lanson Champagne/ £45 per child
Best for: a family day out
Contact details: The Chesterfield Hotel, Mayfair, London W1J 5EB

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If you’re looking for a magical afternoon tea for a special occasion that will inspire the imagination and excite the palate of both adults and children, then the Chesterfield is for you. Set in a grand, Georgian hotel on a smart Mayfair street, the service is exceptional from the moment you step into their large marble hallway.

Once you’re seated and have been talked through the extensive range of teas, your experience will start with a dramatic smoking pink lemonade topped with a flying saucer, you’ll then move onto a selection of beautifully presented finger sandwiches, our favourites were the Scottish smoked salmon with chive cream cheese and roast chicken with mustard mayonnaise and nibbed almonds.

Accompanying the sandwiches are endless fluffy scones, Drumstick macaroons, strawberry liquorice allsorts cheesecake, blue raspberry & bubblegum Battenberg, giant 'jazzle' lollipops, coca cola slice and a decadent take on a Reece’s peanut butter cup. When it’s time to leave you’ll be escorted to a traditional sweet shop stand where you can select a bag of your favourite pick and mix sweets to take home, any treats you couldn’t quite finish will be beautifully boxed up for you to take away too.

The Bingham Riverside afternoon tea

At a glance…
Price: £39pp/ from £55 with a glass of champagne
Best for: Picturesque views
Contact details: The Bingham, Richmond, London, Tw10 6UT

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Set along the banks of the Thames in the heart of Richmond, The Bingham offers an afternoon tea experience that is as refined as its picturesque surroundings. Stepping into the elegant Georgian townhouse, you’re welcomed into a space that blends classic Georgian charm with modern sophistication—think soft velvet seating, marbled tables, statement flower arrangements and sweeping river views through floor-to-ceiling windows. In the warmer months, the terrace is the perfect spot to linger over tea while watching rowers glide by on the Thames.

The afternoon tea itself is a celebration of British tradition with a contemporary touch. A selection of delicate finger sandwiches features classic flavours, from smoked salmon with lemon and dill to free-range egg mayonnaise with truffle and chives. Warm, freshly baked scones arrive next, accompanied by generous servings of clotted cream and homemade fruit preserves. The patisserie selection is where The Bingham truly shines—expect creations such as pistachio macaroons, miniature chocolate brownies, chestnut profiteroles and coffee & walnut cupcakes.

Tea lovers will appreciate the carefully curated selection, ranging from classic Earl Grey and Assam to more adventurous herbal infusions, or splurge on a glass of champagne for an additional £16.

The Beaumont hotel afternoon tea

At a glance…
Price: £75pp/ from £98 with a glass of champagne
Best for: 1920’s decadence
Contact details: The Beaumont, Brown Heart Gardens, Mayfair, London, W1K 6TF

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Afternoon tea at The Beaumont hotel is served in the aptly-named Gatsby room, which is home to a grand baby piano, a hidden door posing as a bookshelf and plenty of oil paintings to gaze at and soft furnishings to relax on. The menu has a transatlantic twist in true Gatsby fashion, you’ll find sandwiches filled with devilled egg mayonnaise, chicken caesar salad and beef pastrami (Reuben-style), which are replenished as much as you’d like.

A round of freshly baked scones and homemade strawberry jam is sure to satisfy all classic afternoon tea enthusiasts. You’ll also need to leave room for sweet treats such as the chocolate brownie, caramelised apple, rhubarb tart and pear choux, not to mention a selection of perfectly fluffy homemade marshmallows.

The afternoon tea here is a very generous affair with faultless service, so it’s the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion. The Beaumont's drinks menu boasts an extensive range of rare and seasonal teas, or you can opt for one of the cleverly paired cocktails (non-alcoholic versions also available).

One Aldwych Charlie & the Chocolate Factory afternoon tea

At a glance...
Price: from £50 per child under 12/ £70 per adult/ £85 for champagne afternoon tea
Best for: a whimsical treat for both big and little kids
Contact details: One Aldwych, 1 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ

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The Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-themed afternoon tea at One Aldwych starts with a magical opener – a chocolate, whisky & cherry cocktail complete with dry ice smoke and poured from a glass teapot. There’s also a non-alcoholic version so everyone can enjoy the drama. We opted for the chocolate tea (it seemed only right) which had a delicious cocoa aroma.

Three finger sandwiches, a savoury scone served with bacon jam, and a warm quiche went down nicely alongside our drinks. The attentive staff offered to refill the savoury plate, but we were saving space for the main event.

Scones arrived in baskets; they were okay, but not as light and buttery as we had hoped. However, as a vehicle for lemon curd, blackberry jam and clotted cream, they did the job. Everyone around the room was busily snapping photos of their sweets displays, and when ours arrived, we could see why. It’s a sweet tooth’s dream: rainbow layers of bubblegum-flavoured panna cotta, mysteriously flavoured candy floss and honeycomb cake pops take centre stage, but our favourite was a chocolate egg filled with vanilla cheesecake and fruit purée.

A bottle of chocolate milk washes it all down. This makes for a special afternoon that kids will remember forever, or an excuse not to act your age – whatever your reason for visiting, it’s a sweet treat not to be missed.

Ting at the Shangri-La Hotel afternoon tea

At a glance
Price: from £78 per person / from £88 with champagne
Best for: wonderful views, tourists, treat for friends
Contact details: Ting, Level 35, Shangri-La Hotel, 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9QU

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We visited Ting in the run up to the Royal Jubilee. The team of thoughtful pastry chefs and mixologists created recipes using the royal celebrations as inspiration; the platinum fizz cocktail combines strawberries, pineapple and lemon juice and is the perfect way to start a luxurious afternoon. Savoury bites included miniature duck pancakes, chicken liver parfait and a selection of imaginative finger sandwiches.

The themes here are taken very seriously, and there is excellent attention to detail, but never at the expense of flavour. The selection of cakes we tried were beautifully balanced in terms of sweetness, sharpness and richness (which made it even easier to try the whole range!). The chocolate & raspberry shard is served in a cloud of dry ice and is the final show-piece to your experience.

This is a generous afternoon tea and the waiting staff were extremely knowledgeable about their extensive list of teas on offer. Some could even predict instinctively which ones we would enjoy – with great success! Go for the views, stay for the scones.

Wizard afternoon tea at Georgian House Hotel

At a glance…
Price: £40 per person / £20 children
Best for: A family treat or fans of Halloween
Contact details: Georgian House hotel, Pimlico, London SW1.

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This fun and imaginative afternoon tea is one that’ll delight kids and adults alike, upon entering the smart Georgian house hotel you’ll be led to the basement where your spooky afternoon tea awaits. Expect plenty of surprises with overflowing cauldrons, salmon sandwiches served from a smoking box, bubbling cocktails and mocktails and golden chocolate wizard hats.

The afternoon tea is served in a gothic looking bird cage and is a very generous affair with a variety of delicate savoury treats from tiny tarts to a selection of open and closed sandwiches. Freshly baked eye of newt scones are served with curdled cream and crushed strawberries after which a fresh bird cage is brought out with an abundance of sweet treats, a favourite had to be the web topped passion fruit jelly which almost looked too good to eat.

The staff were attentive, relaxed and fun and there’s plenty of quirky decorations and spooky music for an authentically ghostly experience. There is also the option of a vegan version as well as bottomless prosecco for an extra £20.

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Shakira is a radiotherapy student at London South Bank University. She turned vegan aged 14 and loves getting creative in the kitchen adapting her family recipes.

When I switched to a plant-based diet, veganism wasn’t as popular as it is now. It was a struggle to find foods and it made me more adventurous – I ate things I wouldn’t have before. It also got me into being a creative cook. I’m of Pakistani and Jamaican heritage, two cultures that traditionally eat a lot of meat. However, you can tweak any Pakistani curry to make it vegan-friendly. Even with Caribbean dishes there’s a lot where you can omit the meat – for example an oxtail stew made with kidney and cannellini beans. When I cook a big batch of plant-based curry, my family will give it a go. I made Christmas dinner with two versions of mash (one with almond milk, one with cow’s milk) and vegan trimmings, using maple syrup instead of honey to glaze the carrots. I’m Muslim, and at Ramadan it can be difficult going to community iftars where the only thing you can eat is rice and samosas. It’s exciting to think about how I get some protein and enough nutrients in the iftar meals I make myself. When I was 16, I became a lifeguard at Sparkhill Pool in Birmingham. It’s very community-focused with a diverse group of lifeguards and instructors. It’s a really good job to have when you’re young – it teaches you teamwork. There is a bit of a connection with a plant-based diet – I did lifeguarding because it was healthy, and veganism is good for me, too. My original motivation was animal welfare, but now I’m vegan for all-round health, and there’s also the climate angle (studies have shown plant-based diets have less environmental impact than meat and dairy). There are lots of different reasons for becoming vegan; if someone just wants to do it, that’s valid as well.

How to switch to a plant-based diet

• Be easy on yourself. Don’t think that if you can’t stick rigorously to a plant-based diet that you can’t be vegan. You’re only human!
• Educate yourself about veganism first to see if you really want to do it. Consider the different types of veganism – there are raw vegans, junk food vegans, people who seek plant-based substitutes of meat and dairy foods they ate previously, and others who want to stick to vegetables, legumes and pulses.
• Thought is needed about whether you are getting the right nutrients after giving up animal products. You may need to consider taking a multivitamin and B12 supplement. Make sure to look for a vegan option.

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