Words by Bridie Newman
Floor-to-ceiling displays of chocolate-coated nuts, rare exotic fruits you’ve never seen before, sliding doors revealing freshly baked pastries, trending condiments at every turn, and more than 100 varieties of cheese – The Food Halls are a gourmet wonderland.
To guide you through them, we’ve asked our experts what they’re putting in their baskets. As buyers and product developers, it's part of their job to seek out the best in the industry and taste-test every offering, so you can trust that their picks are nothing short of exceptional. From exclusive tea launches to under-the-radar hampers, these are the expert-approved products to try this season.
Introducing the tea and astrology crossover you didn’t know you needed: Newby’s Zodiac Collection. Recommended by our tea buyer, each premium loose-leaf tea reflects the unique traits of star signs. This Gemini blend is a fruity Indian Breakfast tea, balanced by a malty base – versatile and adaptable, much like the sign itself. “It’s a dark tea that’s lighter than an English Breakfast with a refreshing taste. Brew one teaspoon for 3-5 minutes,” shares our buyer. Finished with Swarovski crystals, the keepsake caddy makes a celestial gift for any horoscope enthusiast.
“Based on Darjeeling – the Champagne of the tea world – these biscuits are a teatime must-have”, shares our buyer. Released following the success of our Earl Grey Tea Biscuits, we’ve introduced three new tea flavours, and the Darjeeling is perfect for spring and summer thanks to its delicate, floral notes and beautiful tea-flecked appearance. Serve the tin alongside a freshly brewed pot of our No. 25 Darjeeling Single Origin Loose Leaf Tea when hosting.
One of the rarest types of honey in the world, Elvish Honey is prized for its distinctive flavour, health-boosting benefits and unique beekeeping method. Harvested at a secret location 7,000 feet above sea level in the Black Sea region of Turkey where the Kaçkar and Caucasus mountains meet, it continues a 4,000-year-old beekeeping tradition. Famed as ‘the nectar of the gods’, the amber liquid has a dense texture owed to the altitude and a sweet, pure and floral flavour with a subtle sharpness, reminiscent of whisky. It has also been used as a natural remedy for years thanks to its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Available exclusively at Harrods and limited to 100 bottles a year, it’s a precious find for honey connoisseurs.
If you’re a pistachio fan, this crunchy chocolate slab from The Harrods Chocolaterie is a must-try. Our chocolate buyers tell us: “Our in-house chocolatiers blitz whole pistachios with a creamy Sicilian pistachio paste, folded through decadent white chocolate, and sandwiched between a crispy feuilletine (thin, sweet crêpes that crumbled into small shards) and two sheets of dark chocolate.” A firm favourite since 2021, this sandwich slab delivers creamy-meets-crunchy pistachio goodness – not unlike the viral Dubai bar, that pistachio knafeh creation dominating our feeds this year. It’s the perfect gift for serious chocolate lovers.
Greek garlic-stuffed olives, zingy Seville orange thin-cut marmalade, Parmesan and poppy seed biscuits – the gourmet hamper delivers exactly what it promises. Our hampers buyer calls it one of the best gifting options around, as it captures the essence of our Food Halls in a single basket, including some best-sellers; think No. 14 English Breakfast Tea, Cocoa Dusted Almonds and Knightsbridge Coffee Beans. Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, baby shower or wedding, this hamper offers a true taste of Harrods.
When it comes to all-butter shortbread biscuits, no one does it like the Scots. Made for Harrods in Edinburgh using traditional methods, these lavishly buttery rounds are infused with zesty Mediterranean lemon, which cuts through the sweetness for the perfect combination of crumbly and citrussy. Our buyers’ recommendation? “Pair this moreish teatime treat with a cup of our No. 85 Vanilla Flavoured Black Loose-Leaf Tea – the sweetness will contrast beautifully with the tart citrus notes of the shortbread.”
Nothing says summer has arrived early like an ice-cold glass of Provence rosé. Reflecting its coastal Mediterranean terroir, this pale pink wine – with hints of gold – offers a soft mouthfeel balanced by bright, crisp notes of citrus zest, strawberry and pineapple. “It pairs beautifully with seafood and light summer dishes. Try it with our smoked salmon galette and green goddess salad from the deli counter in the Fresh Market Hall.”
An excellent introduction to Harrods caviar: the Imperial variety (find out more in our guide to caviar). Our buyer tells us it’s the perfect tin to present on ice when entertaining. “For a traditional pairing, serve with blinis and crème fraîche, or impress your guests with an alternative accoutrement like white chocolate. And don’t forget a bottle of Harrods Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Vintage Champagne to complete the experience.” Find it in the Fresh Market Hall on the Ground Floor.
Whether it’s caviar, pickles or jam, find a bag for every mood and craving. New to the Harrods Collection on our recently reimagined Lower Ground Floor, these chic and sturdy food totes are 100% cotton with a smooth leather trim – ready to be filled to the brim with your Food Halls favourites.