2023 Christmas Gift Guide
Looking for the perfect gift for the foodie in your life? We asked Marcus, and Head Chef Craig Johnston what they would love to see under the tree this year.
Savernake knife
A small group of knife-makers based in Wiltshire create these fantastic knives by hand and their commitment to quality really shines through. Each Savernake knife has been independently tested to be in the top 2.5% of knives in the world, rated ‘Outstanding’ for both sharpness and durability. The team are so confident in their ability to create a comfortable and precise knife that they are guaranteed for life, with three years’ complimentary servicing and sharpening included.
La Fromagerie gift box
La Fromagerie supplies the cheese for our iconic cheese trolley at Marcus Belgravia, as well as selling directly to the public. Their cheese gift boxes are perfect for the cheese-curious and confident, with selections themed by region. The French High Mountain Box includes Beaufort Chalet d’Alpage, Bleu de Queyras and Charolais Fermier, along with a gift box, canvas bag and biscuits. For an all-in-one celebration, opt for the classic Cheese and Champagne box, with Chaource and Fourme d’Ambert, a bottle of P. Louis Martin NV Brut Champagne, cheese biscuits and a La Fromagerie canvas bag.
KitchenAid stand mixer
KitchenAids are iconic for a reason - the multi-purpose Stand Mixer is the keen home cook’s ultimate companion, with attachments to make everything from pasta and pizza dough to sorbet and sauces. The 175 Artisan stand mixer is a particular favourite of our chefs, with its powerful motor, sturdy design and of course, the instantly recognisable look.
Marcus’ Kitchen
It wouldn’t be a Marcus gift guide without mentioning Marcus’ latest cookbook - Marcus’ Kitchen. From delicious weeknight suppers to showstopping weekend feasts, it has all the recipes you need for wonderful year-round cooking. Co-written with Marcus Belgravia’s Head Chef, Craig Johnston, Marcus’ Kitchen includes chapters like Worth the Wait (all about slow cooking) and Simply Essential, which demonstrates how you can get the most out of your store-cupboard. Signed copies are available to purchase from Marcus Restaurant.
Bamix blender
A hand blender is an essential part of kit for any keen chef, including the professionals! Taking up less space than a food processor, it can be used to chop, puree, emulsify, mix, blend, froth and whip. Think chopped onions for a curry, blending a pumpkin soup, or quickly whipping up a flavour-bomb of pesto or salsa. Easy to store and clean, it’s a great option for those with smaller kitchens. Our team especially loves the Bamix range.
Maldon salt
Salt is every chef’s secret weapon, and there’s no better than Maldon. Four generations of the Osborne family have been hand-harvesting pyramid salt flakes in the coastal town of Maldon (in Essex) since 1882, having become synonymous with exceptional quality and tradition. Maldon flakes have become the mainstay of any chef’s section and are a great addition to any home cook’s larder. Sprinkle it on top of your beef or lamb before serving, or add to your baked goods for a balanced finish.
Interested in learning more? In season two of Tales from a Kitchen Garden, Marcus visited the production facility in Maldon - catch up here.
Marcus Wareing x Bayley & Sage Hamper
Bayley & Sage is Marcus’ favourite deli - he and wife Jane can often be seen wandering through his local store picking up supplies for their pantry. The Staples hamper takes the guesswork out of a visit, with all you, or your foodie friend, could need to take their pantry to the next level. Ingredients include Don Bocarte Organic Anchovy Fillets, Las Hermanas Hot Smoked Paprika and Bayley & Sage Cornish Gouda Thins.
Hampers can be purchased via the Marcus Wareing, or Bayley & Sage websites.
A restaurant voucher
We’d bet that your foodie friends need no excuse to visit a restaurant - but a voucher is a great one! Whether a local gem, or a new opening in town, it’s a great way to support the industry, while making new memories over a delicious meal. Vouchers are a wonderful gift who can be hard to buy for - instead of adding to their collection of ‘things’, give them an experience that’s bound to be much more memorable.
A Circulon pan*
No home cook can truly take their cooking to the next level without a great non-stick pan. At home and the restaurant, both Craig and Marcus use Circulon pans for everything from eggs for brunch on the weekend, to cooking fish during a busy Friday service. Scratch-resistant and durable, they are a sure-fire way to ensure even cooking - and an easier clean up!
Dishoom chutney pack
Head Chef Craig discovered the Apple Chundo from Dishoom last year, and it’s been a mainstay in his fridge ever since. Their collection of condiments, which also includes a chilli chutney and tamarind and date chutney, are flavour-bombs designed to improve any dish, adding a spicy or sweet touch. We bet they’ll have disappeared from your fridge by April…
Hedonism Wines voucher
With one of the largest selections in the UK, every wine enthusiast will find a drop they love at Hedonism Wines. The fine wine and spirits boutique is in the heart of Mayfair, but has a huge selection online, so the lucky recipient can either browse in-store or spend hours scrolling through the online catalogue. If they have no idea where to begin, our Assistant Head Sommelier Virginia has picked out some of her favourites: 3B Blanc de Blancs Filipa Pato; Johanneshof Reinisch Pinot Noir 2020 and Tavel Rose Chateau d`Aqueria 2022.
*Marcus has an ongoing partnership with Circulon, but we are under no obligation to include them in this round-up.
