That's Food and Drink: How to launch your own local food and drink festival

That's Food and Drink: How to launch your own local food and drink festival: Launching and running your own local food and drink festival can be a rewarding and exciting project, but it requires careful planning and o...

Christmas Feasting of Commoners During the Reign of Henry VIII

While King Henry VIII’s court was known for its extravagant banquets and lavish Christmas celebrations, life for commoners in Tudor England was vastly different. 

The common folk did not have access to the vast riches of the monarchy, but Christmas was still a time for feasting, family, and merriment, albeit on a much humbler scale. 

For most people, Christmas was one of the few times of the year when they could indulge in special foods and take a break from their usual diets of bread, pottage, and vegetables.

The Setting: Homes and Hearths

Commoners during the reign of Henry VIII typically lived in simple homes, often with a single large room that served multiple purposes. Their Christmas celebrations centred around the hearth, the warm heart of the home, where most of the cooking and gathering took place. Homes would be decorated modestly, with greenery such as holly, ivy, and mistletoe—symbols of good fortune and protection.

Although lacking the pomp of courtly feasts, Christmas was a joyous occasion for ordinary people. It was a time for community and family gatherings, singing, dancing, and, importantly, feasting. The Twelve Days of Christmas, which stretched from 25th December to 6th January (Twelfth Night), provided common folk with an extended period of celebration, marked by local customs and traditions.

The Feast: Simple Yet Festive

A Christmas feast for commoners would have been far simpler than the banquet tables of Henry VIII’s court, but it was still a time to indulge in foods that were not part of everyday meals. Most people lived off the land and made do with what they could grow or raise themselves. For Christmas, however, they might set aside special ingredients or save up to purchase foods reserved for this festive occasion.

Meat: A Rare Treat

Meat, especially fresh meat, was a rarity for the lower classes. However, for Christmas, even commoners would try to include some kind of meat on their tables. Many would have slaughtered an animal for the occasion, typically a pig, as pork was more commonly available to rural families. Pork pies, sausages, or roast pork might have graced the table. For those with access to game, a rabbit or hare might be roasted, providing a special feast for the family.

Goose was another popular choice for Christmas. Unlike the wealthy, who dined on swan or peacock, many commoners could afford a goose if they had saved for the occasion. Geese were commonly raised in the countryside, and they provided a good-sized bird to feed a family or even a community gathering. It was often stuffed with simple ingredients such as onions, herbs, and oatmeal to stretch the meal further.

Fish for the Devout

Catholic traditions still held strong in England during Henry VIII’s reign, at least until the later years when he broke with the Church. As such, many commoners observed fasting and abstained from eating meat on Christmas Eve. Instead, they would have enjoyed dishes made from fish, typically salted or dried, such as herring or eel. These dishes would have been simple, served with bread or pottage, and were part of the religious customs that marked the season.

Bread and Pottage: Everyday Staples

Bread was a staple food for most people, and at Christmas, commoners would have baked the best bread they could afford. While the rich enjoyed fine white bread, most commoners made do with “maslin,” a mix of wheat and rye. For Christmas, however, they might have splurged on better-quality flour to bake a more refined loaf. Bread would have been served with the meat or fish, accompanied by a hearty pottage—a stew made from grains, vegetables, and, if available, a small amount of meat or bacon fat for flavour.

Pies and Pastries

Pastries and pies were common features of festive meals, even for common folk. These could be filled with whatever was available, often a mix of vegetables, herbs, and small amounts of meat. Mince pies, though simpler than those enjoyed by the wealthy, were still a part of the Christmas tradition. In these early mince pies, the filling was a mixture of dried fruits, spices, and minced meat, all encased in a sturdy crust.

Sweet Treats: A Rare Indulgence

Sugar was an expensive luxury and not commonly available to the lower classes. However, at Christmas, families might indulge in honey to sweeten cakes or breads. Spices like cinnamon and cloves, which were rare and costly, might have been used sparingly, particularly in wealthier households among the commoners. Gingerbread, a festive treat made with honey and spices, was sometimes enjoyed, though more often by the relatively better-off.

Dried fruits like raisins, currants, and figs were another indulgence for Christmas. These might be used in small quantities to make a simple pudding or a spiced fruitcake. While these dishes were far more humble than the extravagant confections of the court, they brought a welcome sweetness to the Christmas table.

Drinking and Merrymaking

Ale was the drink of choice for commoners, brewed at home or purchased locally. At Christmas, some families would make a special effort to brew a stronger ale for the festivities. Wassail, a hot spiced drink made with ale, cider, or wine, was a traditional Christmas beverage, enjoyed during communal toasting and singing. People would gather in small groups, visiting neighbours to share in the wassail and exchange good wishes for the new year.

Mulled drinks, often spiced with whatever herbs or spices were available, were a warm and comforting part of Christmas feasts. Though not as richly spiced or sweet as the wassail of the upper classes, these drinks still created a sense of festivity and community spirit.

Entertainment and Community

For commoners, Christmas was a time for merriment that extended beyond the meal. Villages and towns would come together to sing carols, play games, and dance. Mummers’ plays—traditional folk dramas often involving masks—were a popular form of entertainment. These plays usually centred on themes of good versus evil, often featuring figures like Saint George or the Green Man, bringing both humour and morality to the celebrations.

Twelfth Night, marking the end of the Christmas season, was also a time for special festivities. It was often celebrated with more food, drink, and a "King of the Bean" or "Lord of Misrule" chosen to lead the revelries, providing a brief reversal of roles and authority within the community.

A Time for Generosity and Charity

Despite the hardships many commoners faced, Christmas was seen as a time for generosity. Wealthier members of the community, including local landowners, might distribute alms or food to the poor. Charitable acts, such as giving loaves of bread or portions of meat, were seen as a Christian duty during the festive season. This spirit of giving ensured that even the poorest members of society could enjoy some form of Christmas feast.

Conclusion: Humble but Heartfelt

While the Christmas feast of commoners during Henry VIII’s reign lacked the splendour and excess of the royal court, it was still a meaningful celebration. It provided a rare opportunity for indulgence, a break from the daily grind, and a chance to gather with family and community. The foods might have been simple, but the sense of occasion, tradition, and joy made the feast a central part of the festive season. For Tudor commoners, Christmas was a time to come together, share what they had, and celebrate in the warmth of their homes and hearts.

A Traditional Christmas Feast in the Time of King Henry VIII

The Christmas season during the reign of King Henry VIII (1509–1547) was a time of grand festivities, indulgence, and revelry. Known for his lavish tastes and love for opulent banquets, Henry VIII elevated the celebration of Christmas to a spectacle of wealth, power, and tradition. 

The feasts held at his court were nothing short of extravagant, designed to impress and dazzle nobles, diplomats, and courtiers alike.

The Setting: Majestic and Ornate

The feast would have taken place in one of Henry's grand palaces, perhaps Hampton Court or the Palace of Whitehall, adorned in seasonal decorations. Evergreens like holly, ivy, and yew would have been hung throughout the halls, symbolising everlasting life. Candles flickered in sconces, casting a warm glow over long, heavy tables laden with glittering silverware and embroidered linens. Trestle tables were arranged for the guests, while a higher table, reserved for the king and his closest courtiers, was positioned on a dais at one end of the hall, providing the monarch with a perfect view of the spectacle below.

Music played an essential role in setting the festive mood, with minstrels and choirs performing carols and traditional Christmas tunes. Dances, plays, and masques were all part of the evening’s entertainment, ensuring a sense of joy and festivity long after the plates were cleared.

The Feast: A Display of Culinary Abundance

The centrepiece of the Christmas celebration was, of course, the feast itself. Food was a symbol of wealth, and the abundance displayed on the tables reflected the king's power and status. The feast was not just a meal but a multi-day affair, starting on Christmas Day and extending through the Twelve Days of Christmas, culminating on Twelfth Night.

First Course: Meats and Game

Henry VIII’s court feasted on a staggering array of meats. Roasted boar’s head, often decorated with fruits and herbs, was a prized dish and a symbol of the season. It would be carried into the hall with great pomp, accompanied by the sound of trumpets and ceremonial music.

Other meats on offer included venison, roast swan, and peacock. Peacocks were often served with their iridescent feathers carefully arranged around them, a truly ostentatious display that reflected the magnificence of the event. For the adventurous palate, dishes like roast heron, bittern, and wildfowl might be presented.

Spit-roasted beef, mutton, and pork were staples of the table, often seasoned with spices imported from the East, such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. These spices were expensive, and their liberal use at court was a testament to the wealth of the monarchy.

Fish for the Faithful

Since Henry VIII’s reign marked a time before the establishment of the Church of England, Catholic traditions still influenced the menu. Christmas Eve and other holy days during the season would have featured fish dishes, as meat was forbidden on these days. Dishes such as baked salmon, eel pies, and roasted sturgeon were likely prepared, served with sauces rich in butter, herbs, and verjuice, a tart liquid made from sour grapes or crab apples.

Second Course: Sweet and Savoury Delights

While the main courses were hearty and meat-heavy, the Tudor court also enjoyed elaborate pastries, pies, and subtleties—sugar sculptures crafted into intricate designs. Mince pies, known as "chewets," were filled with minced meat, dried fruits, and spices, wrapped in a flaky crust. These pies symbolised the journey of the Magi and were a staple of the Christmas feast.

Savoury pies, often filled with game birds or mixed meats, were another favourite, as were dishes like jellies, frumenty (a creamy porridge made from cracked wheat), and marchpane, a confection of sugar and almond paste shaped into elaborate designs. Marchpane was often gilded with gold leaf to add an extra layer of extravagance.

Desserts: A Sugar-Laden Finale

Dessert in Tudor England was a grand affair. Sweetmeats, spiced cakes, tarts, and custards graced the tables in abundance. One of the most popular desserts was a "marchpane," the Tudor version of marzipan, which could be moulded into intricate shapes like castles, animals, or mythical creatures.

Fruit cakes and puddings made with dried fruits, nuts, and spices added depth and richness to the dessert course. For the more adventurous, "eggy dishes" like custards and creams flavoured with rosewater, nutmeg, or saffron added a delicate finish to the banquet. Sugared almonds and candied fruits, such as quince, would have been passed around as the evening wound down.

Drinking and Toasting

No Tudor feast would be complete without copious amounts of drink. Ale and wine flowed freely, and wassail—a spiced, hot alcoholic beverage—was passed around the hall for guests to enjoy. Rich in flavour and symbolising goodwill, wassail was often served with slices of bread or toast floating on top, giving rise to the tradition of “toasting” during celebrations.

Henry VIII, known for his fondness for robust eating and drinking, likely enjoyed Malmsey or other sweet wines from the Mediterranean, alongside hearty English ales and mead.

The Feast as a Statement of Power

A Christmas feast in Henry VIII’s time was more than just a celebration of the season—it was an expression of power, wealth, and divine favour. As guests indulged in the feast, they were reminded of the king’s authority and the prosperity of his reign. The extravagance of the food, the grandeur of the setting, and the elaborate entertainment all served to solidify Henry’s position as a monarch who ruled with both an iron fist and a festive spirit.

For those fortunate enough to be invited to such a grand affair, the memory of the Christmas feast at King Henry VIII's court would have lasted long beyond the twelve days of Christmas. It was a celebration where tradition, festivity, and excess met in a display of regal splendour that continues to fascinate to this day.

Chocs Away! Gift Russell & Atwell's Fresh Chocolates This Christmas

Share the pure joy of fresh flavours this Christmas by gifting the exceptional taste and experience of fresh chocolates from emerging British chocolate brand Russell & Atwell.

Made using only 100% real ingredients and never with palm oil, their hand-finished fresh chocolates have an irresistible 'double crack' bite sensation. 

Each chocolate has a thin outer chocolate shell that once cracked open, leads to a smooth, scrumptious centre, packed with flavour and created with Fino de Aroma Colombian cocoa, finishing with a deeply indulgent bottom layer of chocolate.

Russell & Atwell use the highest quality and sustainable ingredients sourced only from small ethical, predominantly British producers. 

Their chocolates are made from responsibly sourced cocoa, fresh organic British cream and butter, Essex Borage and Salisbury Plain wildflower honey and just a pinch of Dorset Sea Salt. This award-winning combination creates a moreish blend of taste and texture, making every bite a truly indulgent chocolate experience.

Committed to sustainability, Russell & Atwell's fresh chocolate pouches are recyclable and their glass jars are designed to be refilled with their paper eco pouches. With British honey a key ingredient in their chocolate, Russell & Atwell also supports the Buglife charity which plants vital wildflower B-Lines for bees and other pollinators with every pouch sold.

Founded by former Cadbury and Godiva employees Giles Atwell and Steve Russell who have a combined 35 years experience of working on world famous chocolate brands and 103 years heritage in the industry, Russell & Atwell became a runaway success on BBC1's Dragon Den, securing investment from entrepreneurs Steven Bartlett and Peter Jones.

Watch Giles and Steve discussing why fresh is best here.

Russell & Atwell's fresh 'double crack' chocolates: an outer shell that cracks, a scrumptious, smooth centre and a thick chocolatey bottom layer

Christmas Highlights

Great Taste Award Winning Seville Orange Pouch (90g), 12 chocolates, £8.00

Zesty, fruity and with a hint of tartness, this festive flavour is a special limited edition for Christmas. Russell & Atwell's signature fresh chocolate envelops a super smooth Seville orange, marmalade-like centre, made from real Seville oranges. 

NEW Nutty Blonde Pouch (90g), 12 chocolates, £8.00

A match made in fresh chocolate heaven, Nutty Blonde is the incredible tasting fusion of two of Russell & Atwell's best sellers: Dirty Blond and Cracking Hazelnut. They're made with real Italian Roma Hazelnuts that have been roasted in their shell for a fuller, deeper flavour.

Great Taste Award Winning Marc de Champagne Pouch (90g), 12 chocolates, £8.50

A 2024 Great Taste award-winner, these rich, dark fresh chocolates have a creamy chocolatey centre laced with real Marc de Champagne.

Triple Monty Pack, Seville Orange or a Limited Edition flavour, x 3 pouches (90g) of 12 chocolates, £22

Enjoy some of Russell & Atwell's  favourite flavours not once, not twice but three times with the Triple Monty. Three pouches of fresh chocolates in either Seville Orange or a Limited Edition flavour.

Mega Monty Pack x 6 pouches (90g)of 12 chocolates, £39

What's not to love about a Mega Monty Pack?  Featuring one pouch each of Creamy Milk, Smooth Dark, Salted Caramel, Seville Orange, Creamy Hazelnut and Dirty Blond fresh chocolate - there's something for everyone!

Russell & Atwell's Refillable Fresh Chocolate Glass jars

Milk & Salted Caramel Refillable Fresh Chocolate Glass Jar Pack, £32 (160g per jar)

A special festive pack of Russell & Atwell's best selling premium glass jars of Creamy Milk and Salted Caramel. Containing one jar of each flavour, with 20 chocolates per jar, they're perfect for giving, sharing or treating yourself at home. The jars are made to be refilled and reused with their bio-degradable, recyclable Eco-Pouches, so you need never run out of chocolates again!

Chocolate Subscription - available from 1st December 2024

Choose from a 3, 6 or 12 month gift subscription, featuring three recyclable pouches (90g) of curated combinations for Milk Lovers (Blond Monty or Golden Monty), Nut Lovers (Nutty Monty), Dark Lovers (Dark Monty)  fresh chocolates, delivered to your door in a letterbox friendly pack every month. 

Russell & Atwell's full range is available online at russellandatwell.com or in select delicatessens including Panzers and also Booth's supermarkets. 

That's Food and Drink: Lindores Abbey Distillery Celebrates It's Historic...

That's Food and Drink: Lindores Abbey Distillery Celebrates It's Historic...: Lindores Abbey, Fife: Offers A new chapter in whisky, rooted in history Lindores Abbey Distillery has announced the launch of its first bott...

That's Food and Drink: Gordon Ramsay Wines Adds Pinot Grigio to Its range

That's Food and Drink: Gordon Ramsay Wines Adds Pinot Grigio to Its range: Gordon Ramsay has added a crisp and refreshing new Pinot Grigio to his collection, created in partnership with world-famous winemaker Albert...

Wise Bartender Releases Two Advent Calendars Featuring Alcohol-Free Drinks to Ensure Growing Numbers of Non-Drinkers Can Celebrate This Christmas

With demand for tasty and satisfying alcohol-free drinks continuing to rise and flourish, award-winning online retailer Wise Bartender has launched two advent calendars to ensure the traditional ritual of receiving a daily treat during advent remains accessible to everyone.

Pre-orders are being taken for the Wise Bartender beer advent calendar and the sweet and tasty version that includes a selection of alcohol-free alternatives to wine, cider, spirits and cocktails. Both are offered at an early bird price of £59.99, including free delivery, but will revert to the standard price of £79.99 when the initial supply of 250 is exhausted.

Says Tom Ward, founder of Wise Bartender: “The Wise Bartender website gives anyone looking to cut out or cut back the amount of alcohol they consume a chance to discover refreshingly different alcohol-free drinks, with over 400 products available.

"Our advent calendars are a popular addition each year as they offer a cost-effective way of trying a selection of 24 delicious drinks and sharing the experience of eagerly opening an advent door every day with hundreds of other mindful drinkers.”

The Wise Bartender beer advent calendar includes 24 different alcohol-free beers (all between 0.0% - 0.5% ABV) with styles including lager, pilsner, stout, ale, IPA, and wheat beers drawn from a range of favourite brands and some exciting new additions.

Alternatively, customers can choose the Wise Bartender sweet and tasty advent calendar which offers a diverse selection of 24 different alcohol-free drinks, including wine, cider, spirit and cocktail alternatives to enjoy. All the drinks in this calendar are vegan-friendly to ensure everyone can indulge in a daily alcohol-free treat.

“During December, the Wise Bartender social media pages are given over to content relating to the advent calendars” added Tom “with producers providing imagery and videos that give information about their drinks, and we encourage everyone who is opening their calendar to join in with their photos and feedback so that it's a truly interactive experience. 

"And when you discover some great, new drinks that you enjoy we've got you covered as both Wise Bartender advent calendars come with a discount voucher to stock up on your favourites during December.”

Whether you want to cut back on alcohol, regularly consume alcohol-free drinks, or just want to try an alternative range of drinks over the festive period, the original alcohol-free advent calendars from Wise Bartender are really your go-to choice. They combine the traditional enjoyment of opening an advent calendar,  alongside savouring a tasty alcohol-free drink, exploring its background and then using your discount to stock up with further supplies of your favourites so that you can celebrate Christmas your own way.

Wise Bartender advent calendars are now available to pre-order from https://wisebartender.co.uk/collections/advent-calendar with delivery scheduled in November. They are part of a range of mixed alcohol-free drink packs that are available, which make excellent Christmas gifts for everyone who wants to celebrate over the festive season, but chooses not to do so with alcohol.