The online source for all things Christmas
Wednesday, 12 November 2025
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Shepherds Purse Unveils its Christmas Cheese Hamper Collection
Cheese fanatics would argue there’s no better way to treat friends, family, or even yourself than with a scrumptious selection of Shepherds Purse cheeses, made and wrapped with care in the heart of Yorkshire.
From their family farm in North Yorkshire, Shepherds Purse, led by sisters Caroline Bell and Katie Matten, has been handcrafting internationally award-winning creamy blue and soft white ewe’s milk cheeses for more than 35 years.
Becoming staples on Britain’s finest cheeseboards, this Christmas they are launching their most decadent festive collection yet, including a limited-edition collaboration with its fellow artisan friends Fen Farm Dairy and Devon based Quicke’s.
With eight tempting gift boxes to choose from, and prices starting from as little as £25, each hamper has been carefully curated and perfectly paired with pantry stalwarts, meaning it’s deliciously easy to send something special to your loved ones far and wide for this Christmas.
Consciously packaged in beautifully designed, eco-friendly gift boxes, along with sustainable wool packaging, Christmas orders and delivery slots are available now to book online at www.shepherdspurse.co.uk with free delivery on orders over £50.
Caroline Bell, who is the co-managing director at Shepherds Purse, told That's Christmas 365: "Shepherds Purse has always been about craft, care and nourishing connection, values instilled by our mum Judy when she first began cheesemaking over 35 years ago.
"At Christmas, food has a special way of bringing people together, and we’re proud to share our cheese in a way that makes gifting and celebrating effortless and joyful."
Katie Matten, the co-managing director at Shepherds Purse, concludes: "As a female-led family business, we’re passionate about keeping traditional cheesemaking alive while not being afraid to reimage it for today.
"This Christmas collection is a chance to showcase not just our own award-winning cheeses, but also the brilliance of some fellow artisans we admire, creating cheeseboards that truly celebrate cheesemaking in the UK and the season."
Limited Edition Shepherds Purse & Friends Collection £65 (available for pre-order and delivered on 16th December only)
The Limited-Edition Shepherds Purse & Friends collection delivers you the ultimate British cheese board this Christmas (Only 50 available)
Featuring three award-winning Shepherds Purse cheeses, alongside two guest cheeses from fellow artisans, Fen Farm Dairy in Suffolk with their Baby Baron Bigod, and Vintage Clothbound Cheddar from Devon based Quicke’s. Also included are carefully chosen artisan accompaniments and a special bespoke oak serving board, handcrafted in the Yorkshire Dales.
Box contains: Harrogate Blue 170g, Buffalo Blue 170g, Olde York 150g, Fen Farm Dairy’s Baby Baron Bigod 250g, Quicke’s Vintage Clothbound Cheddar 200g, Rosebud Preserves Red Onion & Port Marmalade, Peter's Yard Fig & Spelt Sourdough Crackers, Handcrafted Shepherds Purse Oak Serving Board.
Taste of Yorkshire Christmas £75
A ready-made Christmas party in a box, the Taste of Yorkshire Christmas Collection is bursting with a generous selection of creamy Shepherds Purse cheeses, perfectly paired with artisan crackers, honey, chutney and a delicious fruit cake from Lottie Shaw's. A fabulous gift filled with artisan treats or the perfect selection for all your Christmas gatherings!
Box contains: Yorkshire Blue 350g, Harrogate Blue 350g, Bluemin White 170g, Buffalo Blue 170g, Northern Blue 170g, Mrs Bell’s Salad Cheese 150g, Rosebud Preserves Red Onion & Port Marmalade, Annabel’s Blossom Honey, Water Biscuits from Stag Bakeries, Miller's Cranberry & Raison Toast, Traditional Fruit Cake by Lottie Shaws.
Christmas Kiss & Squeeze £37.50
“Christmas cake without cheese is like a kiss without a squeeze” A Christmas Kiss & Squeeze includes Shepherds Purses’ most popular cheeses, along with a delicious fruit cake from Lottie Shaw's, artisan crackers and a chutney - the perfect sweet and savoury treat!
Box Contains: Yorkshire Blue 350g Quarter, Mrs Bell's Salad Cheese 150g Slice, Bluemin White 170g, Traditional Fruit Cake by Lottie Shaws, Fig & Honey Chutney from Shaw's of Huddersfield, Water Biscuits from Stag Bakeries.
A Bit of Blue £25
Another popular gift selection, A Bit of Blue includes world-class, award-winning blues paired with a beautiful fig & honey chutney. Perfect for the blue cheese lover in your life.
Box Contains: Organic Yorkshire Blue 170g, Harrogate Blue 170g, Northern Blue 170g, Bluemin White 170g, Fig & Honey Chutney by Shaws of Huddersfield
Love Ewe: The Box £40
A thoughtful gift for those who adore ewe and can’t do moo. This gift selection is perfect for anyone who loves ewe's milk cheese and for those who are allergic or can’t tolerate cow’s milk cheeses. Includes the multi-award-winning Mrs Bell's Salad Cheese, Mrs Bell's Blue, Katy's White Lavender and Olde York, along with perfectly paired artisan accompaniments.
Box contains: Mrs Bell's Blue 350g, Mrs Bell's Salad Cheese 150g, Katy's White Lavender 150g, Olde York 150g mini truckle, Water Biscuits from Stag Bakeries, Shaw's Fig & Honey Chutney.
Taste of Yorkshire Classic £50
The Taste of Yorkshire Classic, an ever-popular gift selection featuring a collection of handcrafted, artisan cheeses alongside a perfectly paired preserve. Enjoy by yourself, share with those you love or gift it to someone special.
Box contains: Organic Yorkshire Blue 170g, Harrogate Blue 350g, Bluemin White 170g Truckle, Mrs Bell's Blue 170g, Northern Blue 170g, Mrs Bell's Salad Cheese 150g Slice, Olde York 150g, Fig & Honey Chutney from Shaw's of Huddersfield.
Taste of Yorkshire Premium £60
Create the Yorkshire cheese board of your dreams with this collection of award-winning artisan cheeses fresh from the farm at Shepherds Purse, along with a selection of perfectly paired accompaniments.
Box contains: Yorkshire Blue 350g, Harrogate Blue 350g, Mrs Bells Blue 170g, Bluemin White 170g, Mrs Bells Salad Cheese - 150g slice, Olde York 150g, Red Onion & Port Marmalade by Rosebud Preserves, Water Biscuits from Stag Bakeries, Cranberry & Raisin Toast from Millers
Taste of Yorkshire Deluxe £80
This deluxe collection features each of Shepherds Purses’ award-winning cow's milk, ewe's milk and buffalo milk cheeses along with a beautiful preserve from fellow artisans Rosebud and Water Biscuits from Stag Bakeries.
Box contains: Yorkshire Blue 350g, Harrogate Blue 350g, Northern Blue 170g, Mrs Bell's Blue 170g, Bluemin White 170g, Buffalo Blue 170g, Mrs Bell's Salad Cheese 150g, Katy's White Lavender 150g, Olde York - 150g, Red Onion & Port Marmalade from Rosebud Preserves, Water Biscuits from Stag Bakeries, Cranberry & Raisin Toast from Millers, Peter's Yard Fig & Spelt Sourdough Crackers.
Immersive Winter Adventure ‘Enchanted Christmas’ Arrives In The UK
It's utterly exclusive to Bristol Ice Rink from 21st November until 4th January 2026.
Enchanted Christmas is a virtual winter experience arriving in the UK from 21st November 2025 to 4th January 2026 at Bristol Ice Rink.
Using special cutting-edge technology, guests join the Christmas elves on a festive adventure to the North Pole to help save Christmas from the wicked Krampus.
From multiplayer games in Santa’s workshop and training virtual reindeers, to mesmerising light trails and discovering the sparkle of the Northern Lights on a VR ride, Enchanted Christmas is full of fun and magic for all members of the family to enjoy.
Developed and opened in Vienna by Attraktion, who are leading experts in creating immersive, story-driven experiences, Enchanted Christmas is an alternative festive experience to the traditional trip to Santa’s Grotto, brought to life through big screen technology, glowing pathways and multisensory games.
Lend a hand in the gift factory, help the Christmas elves solve tricky puzzles, dazzle in the Jingle Bells Dance, and take part in an exciting snowball fight.
With many more engaging stations along the way including Santa’s virtual sleigh ride and racing reindeer, to interactive walls that make the Christmas lights dance, Enchanted Christmas promises a heartwarming, digital adventure from start to finish.
Enchanted Christmas includes designated parent-and-toddler sessions, as well as sessions for SEND and neurodivergent people of all ages, with fewer participants and where sensory stimulation is carefully managed.
Tickets cost from £17.95 for adults and £14.50 for children, while discounted group and family bookings are available. For all ticket options, session times, and accessibility information, visit Fever. Early booking is recommended to secure preferred dates from 21 November 2025 through until 4 January 2026.
Located upstairs at Bristol Ice Rink at Cribbs Causeway, families attending Enchanted Christmas can add to a wonderful Christmas day out and experience the joys of ice skating at Planet Ice Bristol, or a meal at the many cafes and restaurants within the complex.
You can book tickets here:- https://feverup.com/m/495059
The BrewDog Christmas Beer Advent Calendar – 24 Days of Hoppy Cheer
If you’re looking for something that’s both fun and flavourful, this calendar could be the perfect way to count down to Christmas Day, one can at a time.
What’s Inside the Box
The 2025 BrewDog Advent Calendar includes:
24 full-size craft beers, no minis here!
A BrewDog branded glass
An exclusive pin badge
There's also a discount voucher toward food or drink at BrewDog bars, where available.
Every day in December reveals a different can, ranging from iconic BrewDog favourites like Punk IPA and Hazy Jane Guava, to rich festive stouts and experimental seasonal brews. Whether you love a crisp lager or a deep, chocolatey stout, there’s something to surprise you each morning.
It’s beautifully presented, too, a sturdy, gift-ready box that weighs in at nearly 10 kg, so it’ll definitely make a statement under the Christmas tree.
Why It’s a Brilliant Christmas Gift
This isn’t just a novelty; it’s a beer-lover’s dream come true. Here’s why it stands out:
Full-size cans: 440ml of proper beer each day.
No duplicates: 24 different brews to explore.
Exclusive extras: a collector’s glass and badge for festive keepsakes.
Premium packaging: sturdy, colourful and full of seasonal fun.
Perfect for gifting or sharing: or keeping entirely for yourself!
For £64.99 from BrewDog’s official website
Whilst it's not the cheapest advent calendar on the market, it offers real value for anyone who enjoys discovering new craft beers, or re-finding old favourites.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
It’s heavy, at roughly 10 kg, make sure it’s delivered somewhere convenient!
It sells out fast, these calendars have a habit of disappearing by mid-November.
Taste variety, adventurous palates will love it, but if you’re only into lager, it may be too mixed.
Adults only, it goes without saying, this one’s not for the kids.
Perfect For…
Craft beer fans who want to try something new every day.
Couples who love sharing a festive tipple.
Office Secret Santa swaps with a difference.
Anyone who’s a bit “chocolated-out” by mid-December!
You could even make it part of a festive ritual, perhaps a “beer and Christmas film night” every evening through December, or a weekend beer-tasting with friends.
Where to Buy
You can order the BrewDog Craft Beer Advent Calendar 2025 directly from the BrewDog online shop. Delivery is available across the UK, with dispatches beginning in early November.
Stock is limited each year, so if you’re thinking of gifting one, it’s best to buy sooner rather than later.
For those who love their beer as much as they love Christmas, the BrewDog Advent Calendar is pure festive fun, a perfect combination of craft, creativity and Christmas cheer.
Whether it’s under the tree, on the kitchen counter, or shared between friends at the office, this calendar will keep spirits bright all December long.
Just remember to enjoy responsibly, and perhaps pair that Christmas Eve brew with a mince pie!
You can order it at their online shop here https://www.brewdog.com/products/craft-beer-advent-calendar-2025
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Tuesday, 11 November 2025
Wrap Them in British Style: Why Your Loved Ones Deserve Barbour This Christmas
And checkout the special Wallace and Gromit Christmas video at the base of this post!
The Gift of Timeless British Heritage.
Few names capture the essence of British craftsmanship quite like Barbour.
Founded in 1894 by John Barbour, this family-run company has long been synonymous with countryside adventures, seaside strolls, and effortless refinement.
A Barbour gift is more than just stylish outerwear, it’s a gesture of warmth, reliability, and heritage that will be appreciated for years to come.
Practical Luxury for Everyday Life
Barbour perfectly blends comfort with practicality.
Waxed and quilted jackets are built to withstand the chill of winter.
Gilets offer lightweight warmth for layering through the season.
Shirts and knitwear add timeless country style to smart-casual wardrobes.
And caps, gloves, and scarves make ideal finishing touches for both men and women.
Every Barbour piece is designed for real life, built to last and to look as good on a bracing Boxing Day walk as it does on a city outing.
A Gift That’s Built to Last
Barbour stands for durability and sustainability. Their iconic waxed jackets can be rewaxed and repaired, often lasting for decades. That’s a rare quality in today’s fast-fashion world, and it’s something truly worth giving this Christmas.
By choosing Barbour, you’re gifting quality and longevity, a promise that your present will be treasured for many years to come.
The Perfect Gift for Everyone on Your List
Barbour’s range makes it easy to find something personal for everyone:
For traditionalists: the Bedale or Beaufort jacket.
For the modern commuter: lightweight quilted or waterproof designs.
For outdoor enthusiasts: a classic wax cap, tartan scarf, or weatherproof bag. There are even shirts, t-shirts and gifts for your dog, too.
Every item carries that unmistakable Barbour charm, refined, practical, and distinctively British.
Wrapped with Care and Meaning
Barbour’s packaging alone feels festive, and the moment they open it, your loved one will know they’ve received something special. You’re not just giving outerwear; you’re giving comfort, quality, and a little touch of heritage to cherish.
Why Barbour Belongs Under the Tree This Year
Whether you’re treating someone special, or yourself, a Barbour gift is an investment in both style and sentiment.
Give warmth. Give quality. Give Barbour.
There's something my wife and I have noticed. When we wear our Barbour clothing whilst visiting retail establishments or restaurants is the level of service just that keener? We think it is. Because luxury earns respect.
You can buy Barbour products here:- https://www.barbour.com/gb/
Give Them the Gift of Heat This Christmas with a Sambal Gift Set From Makan Malaysia
Here's a little bit about each of their Sambal sisters:
The Sambal: A spicy Malaysian chilli sauce packed full of heat and layered with flavour. Sambal can be found all over Malaysia and every home and restaurant will have their own version.
Their version has a depth of flavour that means it's great on it's own but can also be used for wide variety of recipes - including spag bol! HOT
Sambal Belacan: A very hot chilli sauce with deep umami notes from fermented shrimp paste.VERY HOT
Anchovy Sambal:This chilli sauce is made with crispy anchovies and belacan for a rich and addictive umami flavour. THey would recommend having this with your Nasi Lemak as the lower spice level means you can pour it all over your rice! LEAST HOT
Spice level 2 Chillies rating
Priced at £24.00 Inc. Vat.
But there's even more for you to select your tasty Christmas gifting from!
The perfect gift for that flavour lover in your life! This kit includes a range of their best selling sauces to create easy and delicious restaurant quality Malaysian meals!
Use the satay marinade to marinate your protein, serve with peanut sauce and add sambal for some heat! Or all the sauces can also be eaten separately, explore their recipes at https://makanmalaysia.co.uk
From curries and stir fries to dips and dressings, the creations are endless!
The spice level is 2 Chillies rating
Priced at £24.00 Inc. Vat.
You can check out their entire range and order your Christmas gifts and pantry essentials here https://makanmalaysia.co.uk/pantry
More News on Vegan Christmas Delights. This Time From Squeaky Bean
4 x packs Squeaky Bean Pastrami Style Slices
One round of vegan cheese (try Palace Culture Kimcheeze)
Humous (shop bought or home made)
One bulb of garlic
Olive oil
Pomegranate seeds
Chickpeas
Yellow or red tomatoes on the vine
Yellow and red pepper
Carrots (Chantenay or baby carrots work well)
Olives (unearthed Chilli Olives)
Crackers of your choice
Salt and pepper
Method:
Wash the carrots, peppers and tomatoes. Slice the carrots (or use whole Chantenay or baby carrots) and peppers.
Preheat the oven to 200c. Cut the top off the bulb of garlic to expose the cloves inside the skin. Place in a roasting tin, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 40 minutes or until the cloves are soft and golden.
Drain a tin or jar of chickpeas. Pat them dry with kitchen towel, ensuring they’re fully dry. Toss with olive oil and season with salt. Place the chickpeas in a thin layer in a roasting tin and add to the oven for 20 to 30 minutes until crispy. Season with spices of your choice (paprika works well).
Prepare the pomegranate seeds
Remove the Squeaky Bean Pastrami Style Slices from the pack and roll the slices into rose shaped swirls.
Using a charcuterie board, assemble all the ingredients, including the roasted chickpeas and garlic, onto the board to display.
Top with the Pastrami roses as the centrepiece.
Serve with crackers of your choice.
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Ingredients:
Plant-based salmon flakes (Squeaky Bean Salmon Style Flakes, obviously!)
Cooked Beetroot (three whole fresh cooked beetroots, or one pack of supermarket bought beetroot, without vinegar if possible)
Olive Oil
Balsamic Vinegar
250g Vegan Greek Style Yogurt (Plain)
One Fresh Unwaxed Lemon (Zested & Juiced)
Salt
Pepper
Chilli Flakes
To garnish (optional):
Pomgranate seeds
Pine nuts
Rocket leaves
Fresh dill
Method:
Make the vegan labneh by adding 250g Greek style vegan yogurt to a bowl. Then add the juice of half a lemon and stir.
Then add lemon zest, salt and pepper to taste.
To assemble the platter, thinly slice the beetroot using a knife or mandolin and then place onto a plate or board.
Dress the beetroot slices with a little olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and chilli flakes.
Top with the labneh and vegan salmon flakes.
Garnish with pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, rocket leaves and dill.
We at That's Christmas 365/That's Food and Drink suggest you keep a good selection of Squeaky Bean products in your fridge, especially over the Christmas period. For example, our Vicar is vegan and he might call in over Christmas!
Celebrate Christmas the Hampshire Way With Candover Brook & ChalkStream®
Candover Brook, the award-winning English Sparkling Wine, and ChalkStream®, suppliers of the region's finest trout, are joining forces to set a new festive tradition.
It's an invitation to celebrate with flavour, provenance and purpose. Sustainability never tasted so good.
Together, they've created the brand-new Candover Brook & ChalkStream® Canapé Box, a ready-to-enjoy set of festive essentials, designed for effortless entertaining or thoughtful gifting.
The Canapé Box includes:
ChalkStream® Cold Smoked Trout 200g
ChalkStream® Cold Smoked Trout Paté 150g
Trout Caviar 50g
Pack of 16 blinis
Tracklements Dill & Mustard Sauce 140g
1 x 750ml bottle of Candover Brook Brut NV
Simply layer smoked trout or trout pâté onto the blinis, add a spoon of trout caviar or a drizzle of dill and mustard sauce, and pair with a glass of Candover Brook Brut NV. A combination crafted for Christmas gatherings, New Year's Eve celebrations, or gifting to friends and family.
Both Candover Brook and ChalkStream® are inspired by Hampshire's rare chalk stream landscapes, among the most fragile habitats in the world. Each is committed to protecting and regenerating the environment that sustains their craft, from vineyard to river.
Availability
Price: £75
Delivery: UK mainland (excl. Highlands & Islands), allow 5 working days
Shelf life: Cold smoked trout, 7 days minimum (suitable for freezing); pâté, 3 days
Allergy advice: Blinis contain WHEAT, MILK, EGG
Order online: www.chalkstreamfoods.co.uk
A Christmas rooted in place, shaped by care, and joyfully shared. And a new tradition for your family.
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