Deli Delights

If you’re looking to buy something really rather special as a foodie treat, then look no further than your local deli. Essex delis are a real jewel in the cookery crown and having one or two amazing ingredients in your cupboard store can really make the difference to your cooking. Here are a few to try

Ben Wright began being a deli owner when his father purchased the shop premises across the road from his butchery. ‘That was the catalyst,’ says

Ben. ‘Up until then we used to have a few deli products in the butchers. However, since we took over the shop 11 years ago, we’ve expanded from there.’

The deli now works hand in hand with the butchery and Ben sources all the fresh meat for his pies and pastries from there.

‘We try to keep it as traditional as possible, producing homemade pies here on the premises.’

Whether its Lancashire hotpot, cottage pie or shepherds pie, they are all made by Ben and his three staff members in the deli each morning and either sold freshly made or frozen and ready to take away and bake at home.

‘Our most popular pies would be our steak and kidney and steak and ale. Customers say they are “two sitting pies” as you can’t eat them all in one go!’

The meat comes from the butchers, straight into the pot and its cooked for two or three hours making it mouthwateringly tender. Ben also makes his own pasties, sausage rolls and Scotch eggs.

‘At my dad’s butchery they make their own hams which we sell; honey roast, smoked or unsmoked, and they are really popular too.’

As well as pastries there are chutneys, sauces, farm fresh eggs and a range of artisan cheeses.