Great British Food Christmas 2024

PARTY STARTED Here are the judges’ top picks for the best nibbles, tipples and dinner guests this Christmas “I love to put together a board of cheeses to pair with champagne” Hero Hirsch, the first ever Fellow of the Academy of Cheese, says: I'd start with a rich triple cream cheese like Bix from Nettlebed creamery; Golden Cross fromSussex has a yeasty character which pairs beautifully with traditional method sparkling wines. Then, I'd pick something nutty and firm like an aged Comte or a Manchego. “Creamy cocktails are a perpetual indulgence” Olly Smith says: I’mpartial to a Snowball or two when Bing Crosby starts crooning his festive face off. But a glass of sweet Hungarian Tokaji with a slab of Stich Elton Blue Cheese, is my favourite festive pairing. "Dining around the festive period is all about entertainment” Eran Tibi says: My dreamChristmas party guest is Nigella Lawson! Not only is she the queen of Christmas cooking, but I love her whole philosophy around fun, friends and cooking. Dining around the festive period is all about entertainment and she seems to have that down to a fine art. Get the "My dreamparty guests would be...” Olly Smith says: George Harrison, Martha Howe-Douglas, TomParker- Bowles and Andi Oliver. © A l u n C a l l e n d e r "Ahuge part of both of my restaurants is ourmusic” Eran Tibi says: I curate playlists for both venues so go to my Spotify and check out exactly what we’re playing! But primarily the amazing Mariah Carey, Sade, Grace Jones, AdamJoseph – anything that makes you feel warm, cosy and cheeky for Christmas! ©Alun Callender 155 greatbr i t i shfoodawards.com GREAT BRI T I SH FOOD AWARDS 2024