LC Loves Christmas Gift Guide for food lovers

Wondering what to buy your foodie friends and family this year? Our LC Loves Christmas Food Guide rounds up some of the region’s best-tasting, locally made produce to treat and delight on the big day.

From deliciously sweet to mouth-wateringly savoury, here goes…a few fabulous pressie options for anyone who loves good food (and dare we say, something decadent for you to indulge in while you’re doing the wrapping).

Mince pies, cakes, breads and pastries

The Curious Bakery (Brixham, Devon)

One of our local favourites, The Curious Bakery is sister to The Curious Kitchen and settles on Brixham’s Middle Street near the harbour. Handpick your own selection box of treats (we love the Peanut Butter & Dark Chocolate Blondie and Bischoff Brownie Millionaire), or nab a gift voucher and let them choose.

Flapjackery (throughout the South West)

With shops dotted all over the region, The Flapjackery’s gorgeous goodies are handmade on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon, using only British oats and locally sourced West Country ingredients. Delicious, rich and crumbly.

Foxcombe Bakehouse (Okehampton, Devon)

The multi award-winning family bakery, Foxcombe Bakehouse sits on a farm in Lewdown and has been whipping up confectionary since the early noughties. Our top pick for festive bakes this season, choose from Christmas cake and mince pies along with other delectable bakes like their 4 inch handmade Rich Fruit cake packed full of the finest fruit and mixed spices.

Stones Bakery (Falmouth and Penryn, Cornwall)

The artisan Stone’s Bakery in Falmouth originally opened its doors in 2009 and quickly became something of a local fave. Now, with its online shop you can order their tastiest treats like Almond Fruitcake, Blueberry Polenta Cake, Pain au Chocolat, Cinnamon Buns and mince pies to be delivered to your doorstep. Gift vouchers are also available

Baker Tom’s (Cornwall, Devon & South West region)

Baker Tom’s story of a solo bread-maker selling home made loaves to a local farm shop is well-known, along with his now very popular four stores which are dotted around Cornwall and Devon. You can also shop online for yummy goodies like batches of freshly baked Saffron Buns, Cornish Scones or Kernow Curls. Gift vouchers are available.

OUR OTHER FAVOURITES:

Creamberry Artisan bakes

Be Sweet

Grown up Marshmallows

Choc-O-Honey

Plum Duff & Stuff (Christmas puddings)

Wild Flour Cake Company

Mix Mix Mama

Langleys Rocky Road

Sparkling Wine

Calancombe Estate (Nr Modbury, South Devon)

A good quality bottle of bubbly makes for a fabulous gift so we wholeheartedly recommend the Pinot Noir Rose, Blanc De Noirs and Sparkling Cyder from award-winning Devon Vineyard Calancombe. As well as wine from their own grapes, they make Dartmouth English Gin, Cyder, Cassis and Apple Brandy – all terrific pressie alternatives if you’re not partial to fizz.

Huxbear (Teign Valley, Devon)

Huxbear is renowned for its boutique English wine, grown on 14 acres and made in the Teign Valley, Devon. If you’re looking for a traditional first-class brut Champagne without the hefty price tag, their Classic Sparkling which is made using the Champagne method of production is perfection.

Knightor Winery (Seaton, Cornwall)

Using grapes grown in their own vineyards in Portscatho and Seaton on the South Cornish coast, Knightor creates limited production still, sparkling wines and a family of vermouths and spritzes. We are fans of their Brut Classic Cuvée White – not only does it taste amazing but the label and packaging is pretty darn attractive too.

OUR OTHER FAVOURITES

Sandridge Barton (Sharpham Wines)

Polgoon Vineyard & Orchard

Chocolate

Hobbs Chocolates (Dartmoor, Devon)

Self-taught chocolatier Andrew Hobbs is a complete genius, and his creations are not only stunning to look at but taste completely out of this world too. Soon to release the Hobbs Chocolates Christmas range, these choccies in their beautiful packaging will make anyone’s day. Choose from either dark, milk or white with fillings like pear, maple, coconut, tonka bean and salted caramel – YUM!

Lloyd & James (Torquay, Devon)

Based in the pretty area of St Marychurch, Lloyd & James create their chocolate truffles, ganache, and pralines using the finest ingredients. All their chocolate is tempered and handmade onsite, so you can expect the delicious fillings to be fresh with top-class locally sourced ingredients. We’re particularly fond of the truffles which come in variety boxes of different sizes, or the Drum of Liqueur Filled Truffles.

Gilbert & Swayne (Glastonbury, Somerset)

Looking for luxury treats with a unique twist? Gilbert & Swayne was created by Jane Swayne in 2013 after she’d completed her training with a World Master Chocolatier. Produced in a converted barn overlooking Glastonbury Tor, the brand’s approach to chocolate making is to use natural ingredients, fresh herbs, fresh fruit purées, spices and, as far as possible, locally sourced products. We love the Large Classic Black Box and Chocolate making course gift voucher.

OUR OTHER FAVOURITES:

Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium

Chocolate Heaven Made in Devon

Tintagel Artisan Confections

Somerset Chocolate Co.

Condiments

The Proper Marmalade Company

As featured in Kirstie Allsopps “handmade Christmas”, the quintessentially British toast topper has been given a glamorous makeover by this small Devonshire kitchen based in Ilfacombe. With creations like Winter Spiced, Hot Orange, Horseradish Lemon and Whiskey, marmalade from The Proper Marmalade Company can elevate just about any dish including your Christmas roast. The company will also add a handwritten note if you’re thinking of buying a jar as a gift.

Waterhouse Fayre

Originally based in South Molton but now made in their Mid Devon premises, Waterhouse Fayre still only use small batches in their preserving pans and everything is made traditionally, as you would if you were making it in your own kitchen. Some of their recipes are third and fourth generation and Ann has created many herself with a modern twist. Try the Cranberry Sauce with Orange and Port, Cranberry Jelly, Mint Jelly and Redcurrant Jelly as well as their award-winning jams and chutneys.