New in the Foodhall: Get-ahead Christmas gifts

When creating our Santa’s Workshop Tin, says product developer Rhys, “we took inspiration from book nooks”. “They’re little hidden worlds which use the trickery of mirrors to make it look like there’s a whole world hidden behind the book.” Wind up the beautifully illustrated tin and look inside to reveal a magical Santa’s workshop scene, with the elves hard at work. The tin plays a Christmassy tune, too, and is filled with all-butter chocolate chip shortbread stars (we only use butter in our shortbread, for the richest flavour) – what could be more festive than that? “It’s intricately detailed,” says Rhys. “The more you look, the more you see.”

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a mince pie, and it’s never too early to enjoy them in our opinion. This year we’ve made our Collection Mince Pies even better. “They’ve got all the usual good stuff – cognac, brandy and plump vine fruits,” says Rhys. “But this year we’ve also added a secret ingredient to the mincemeat which gives it the most amazing flavour.” The key? A touch of black pepper. We’ve also upgraded the pastry, using Wildfarmed flour for the richest, crumbliest, most golden texture.