OUR STORY

French & Day is a modern British delicatessen and wine shop in the heart of Ware, Hertfordshire. Founded by husbands Thomas Day and Thomas French, we opened in December 2020 with one aim: to bring brilliant food and drink to our local high street. What started as a counter full of artisan cheese and charcuterie – with a small but carefully chosen wine selection – has grown into a lively hub for flavour-lovers, gift-hunters, and anyone looking to eat and drink a little better.


We’ve always been obsessed with food and drink – and travel has a lot to answer for. From vineyard tastings in La Rioja to tiny charcuterías in Burgos, our travels have shaped the shelves you see today. But no matter where the inspiration comes from, we’re most passionate about championing local and British producers, and bringing you the best of what’s being made right here.


You’ll still find us in the shop most days – chatting with customers, slicing cheese, pouring wine, and sharing the things we love!

NEW SEASONAL CHEESE ALERT! Rædwald has just landed from @fenfarmdairy in Suffolk – the same brilliant dairy behind Baron Bigod. Their first cheese since creating the boss-level Baron, Rædwald ('reed-wold') is only made from January to April, so you better be quick if you want to get your hands on some. The cheese is washed in dark beer as it matures and has a savoury, almost meaty depth with a soft, yielding texture and a burnished rind that looks as good as it tastes. It’s the sort of cheese that quietly steals the show on a cheese board. If you’re looking to enjoy a cheeky glass of something alongside it, our Lomond ‘Romans Bay’ SMV works very nicely – dark fruit and spice up against that rich, savoury edge. Yum!
NEW SEASONAL CHEESE ALERT! Rædwald has just landed from @fenfarmdairy in Suffolk – the same brilliant dairy behind Baron Bigod. Their first cheese since creating the boss-level Baron, Rædwald ('reed-wold') is only made from January to April, so you better be quick if you want to get your hands on some. The cheese is washed in dark beer as it matures and has a savoury, almost meaty depth with a soft, yielding texture and a burnished rind that looks as good as it tastes. It’s the sort of cheese that quietly steals the show on a cheese board. If you’re looking to enjoy a cheeky glass of something alongside it, our Lomond ‘Romans Bay’ SMV works very nicely – dark fruit and spice up against that rich, savoury edge. Yum!
This week's delicious things: ? Goats' Cheese & Spicy Carrot Chutney Quiche ? Cheeseburger Pies ? Mushroom & Lentil Bolognese Pies ? 3-Cheese Toasties PLUS Seasonal Special Toasties INCOMING! (Watch this space ?) Also, this is one of the last weeks where we'll have pies, so be sure to have your fill before they go (they freeze super well FYI)
This week's delicious things: 🤤 Goats' Cheese & Spicy Carrot Chutney Quiche 🤤 Cheeseburger Pies 🤧 Mushroom & Lentil Bolognese Pies 🤤 3-Cheese Toasties PLUS Seasonal Special Toasties INCOMING! (Watch this space 👀) Also, this is one of the last weeks where we'll have pies, so be sure to have your fill before they go (they freeze super well FYI)
Thank you so much to everyone who completed our customer survey (over 200 of you!) We've had some really useful feedback and we're excited about some of the changes we plan to make and some of the new products we'll be looking to introduce over the coming year. Watch this space! Tom & Tom
Thank you so much to everyone who completed our customer survey (over 200 of you!) We've had some really useful feedback and we're excited about some of the changes we plan to make and some of the new products we'll be looking to introduce over the coming year. Watch this space! Tom & Tom
RESTOCK ALERT! Our Chimichurri from Tring-based @bacanasuk is back on the shelves and it’s had a bit of a glow-up ? Made just down the road, this punchy Argentine-style sauce is packed with fresh herbs, garlic and a gentle warmth that makes everything taste better. Spoon it over grilled steak, drizzle it onto roasted veg, stir it through new potatoes, or use it to lift a simple sandwich into something far more interesting. Same brilliant flavour. Lovely new packaging. Very hard to walk past without picking up a jar ?
RESTOCK ALERT! Our Chimichurri from Tring-based @bacanasuk is back on the shelves and it’s had a bit of a glow-up 🤩 Made just down the road, this punchy Argentine-style sauce is packed with fresh herbs, garlic and a gentle warmth that makes everything taste better. Spoon it over grilled steak, drizzle it onto roasted veg, stir it through new potatoes, or use it to lift a simple sandwich into something far more interesting. Same brilliant flavour. Lovely new packaging. Very hard to walk past without picking up a jar 👀
It’s Pancake Day! ? And if you’re going classic, it has to be really real maple syrup (don't get us started on the things they add to the supermarket stuff!) We’ve got two beauties from @puremaple_ – both certified organic and straight from Canada: • Amber Rich – smooth, balanced sweetness. The all-rounder. • Dark Robust – deeper, more caramelised, with a real toffee edge. Pile your pancakes high, drizzle generously with maple, and stuff yourself silly (lent tomorrow ?)
It’s Pancake Day! 🥞 And if you’re going classic, it has to be really real maple syrup (don't get us started on the things they add to the supermarket stuff!) We’ve got two beauties from @puremaple_ – both certified organic and straight from Canada: • Amber Rich – smooth, balanced sweetness. The all-rounder. • Dark Robust – deeper, more caramelised, with a real toffee edge. Pile your pancakes high, drizzle generously with maple, and stuff yourself silly (lent tomorrow 👀)
NEW PRODUCT ALERT! We’re very pleased to introduce the award-winning Bluebadger Bibimbap from Hertford-based @bluebadgerfoods. If you’ve not had bibimbap before, it’s a brilliant Korean rice dish layered with vegetables, bold sauces and serious flavour. Bluebadger’s version is super comforting but still fresh and vibrant – the sort of midweek saviour you’ll be very glad to find in the fridge. And yes, it’s local! Made just down the road in Hertford (#lovelocal). We also stock their brilliant Kimmie’s Kimchi and the dangerously good Gochu-Jam - both perfect for adding a bit of heat and punch to just about anything. Eggs, toasties, cheese boards, leftover roast chicken… you’ll get the idea ?
NEW PRODUCT ALERT! We’re very pleased to introduce the award-winning Bluebadger Bibimbap from Hertford-based @bluebadgerfoods. If you’ve not had bibimbap before, it’s a brilliant Korean rice dish layered with vegetables, bold sauces and serious flavour. Bluebadger’s version is super comforting but still fresh and vibrant – the sort of midweek saviour you’ll be very glad to find in the fridge. And yes, it’s local! Made just down the road in Hertford (#lovelocal). We also stock their brilliant Kimmie’s Kimchi and the dangerously good Gochu-Jam - both perfect for adding a bit of heat and punch to just about anything. Eggs, toasties, cheese boards, leftover roast chicken… you’ll get the idea 😛
NEW (OLD) PRODUCT ALERT! Some of you might remember this one… and if you do, you’ll know why we’re so pleased to say it’s back. Brightwell Ash – now also known as Onnen Brightwell – from @nortonandyarrowcheese has returned to our counter, and we couldn’t be happier! This beautifully made goats’ cheese was a firm favourite with us before the dairy made the move to Wales. The setting may have changed, but the cheesemaking magic absolutely hasn’t. It’s a delicate, ash-coated truckle with a soft, creamy centre and a gentle, lactic brightness that gives way to something a little deeper and more savoury as it matures. Elegant, balanced, and quietly confident - exactly the sort of goats’ cheese we love having in the counter ? If you tried it before, you’ll know. If you didn’t, now’s your chance!
NEW (OLD) PRODUCT ALERT! Some of you might remember this one… and if you do, you’ll know why we’re so pleased to say it’s back. Brightwell Ash – now also known as Onnen Brightwell – from @nortonandyarrowcheese has returned to our counter, and we couldn’t be happier! This beautifully made goats’ cheese was a firm favourite with us before the dairy made the move to Wales. The setting may have changed, but the cheesemaking magic absolutely hasn’t. It’s a delicate, ash-coated truckle with a soft, creamy centre and a gentle, lactic brightness that gives way to something a little deeper and more savoury as it matures. Elegant, balanced, and quietly confident - exactly the sort of goats’ cheese we love having in the counter 😎 If you tried it before, you’ll know. If you didn’t, now’s your chance!
Valentine’s Day is coming up, and if sushi is your love language (or you’d just rather skip the busy restaurants), this one’s worth a look. @littlefishsushiinthesticks has put together a limited edition Valentine’s sushi box, available to order via the link in our bio and collectable from our shop. The box is available for collection throughout Valentine’s week, from Monday 10th to Saturday 15th February. Numbers are limited and once they’re gone, they're gone – so we’d recommend getting your order in sooner rather than later! ??
Valentine’s Day is coming up, and if sushi is your love language (or you’d just rather skip the busy restaurants), this one’s worth a look. @littlefishsushiinthesticks has put together a limited edition Valentine’s sushi box, available to order via the link in our bio and collectable from our shop. The box is available for collection throughout Valentine’s week, from Monday 10th to Saturday 15th February. Numbers are limited and once they’re gone, they're gone – so we’d recommend getting your order in sooner rather than later! 🍣💝
LIMITED EDITION ALERT We’ve just had a small delivery of ‘Tis But A Scratch’ Old English Ale from @buntingford.brewery and we're very excited about it! Named after the famously indestructible Black Knight in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, this limited edition (and award-winning) ale is brewed very much in that spirit. A classic Old English style, it’s dark, rich and warming, with deep malt flavours, a gentle sweetness and a long, satisfying finish. At 6.5% ABV, it’s designed for slow sipping rather than knocking back. Brewed in small batches and not part of Buntingford's core range, when it’s gone… well, it really is gone! Available in-store and online now, while stocks last.
LIMITED EDITION ALERT We’ve just had a small delivery of ‘Tis But A Scratch’ Old English Ale from @buntingford.brewery and we're very excited about it! Named after the famously indestructible Black Knight in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, this limited edition (and award-winning) ale is brewed very much in that spirit. A classic Old English style, it’s dark, rich and warming, with deep malt flavours, a gentle sweetness and a long, satisfying finish. At 6.5% ABV, it’s designed for slow sipping rather than knocking back. Brewed in small batches and not part of Buntingford's core range, when it’s gone… well, it really is gone! Available in-store and online now, while stocks last.
And while we were at it… We’ve also brought Pastrami from @dukeshill back to the counter. This is another one that plenty of you told us you’d missed - gently spiced, beautifully cured, and sliced to order. It's great in a sandwich or a bagel, and even better when piled high with pickles and mustard!
And while we were at it… We’ve also brought Pastrami from @dukeshill back to the counter. This is another one that plenty of you told us you’d missed - gently spiced, beautifully cured, and sliced to order. It's great in a sandwich or a bagel, and even better when piled high with pickles and mustard!
NEW PRODUCT ALERT! You asked, we listened! In our ongoing customer survey (running until 15th February - link in bio) you asked us to bring cooked ham back to the meat counter, so please welcome Wiltshire Ham from @dukeshill! This premium ham is gently cured and cooked in the traditional Wiltshire style, with a lovely, clean flavour and tender texture. It also happens to be a #GreatTasteAward winner! Enjoy it in a sandwich, with salad, or with a brace of eggs for a simple midweek supper ?
NEW PRODUCT ALERT! You asked, we listened! In our ongoing customer survey (running until 15th February - link in bio) you asked us to bring cooked ham back to the meat counter, so please welcome Wiltshire Ham from @dukeshill! This premium ham is gently cured and cooked in the traditional Wiltshire style, with a lovely, clean flavour and tender texture. It also happens to be a #GreatTasteAward winner! Enjoy it in a sandwich, with salad, or with a brace of eggs for a simple midweek supper 😋
NEW PRODUCT ALERT! We’re thrilled to welcome the brilliant small-batch tinned fish from @hevvafish - hand-prepared on the Cornish coast and perfect for elevating everything from simple snacks to impressive platters. Our starting line-up: • Cornish Monkfish with Aleppo - Pan-fried in a garam masala crust, preserved in lime & coconut oil with a pinch of Aleppo chilli. Rich, spicy and utterly moreish - a different take on conserva you’ll want in every picnic basket. • Cotswold Trout with Dill - Delicate trout from spring-fed waters, subtly scented with dill and fennel. Lovely straight from the tin or flaked over crispbread with a squeeze of lemon. These are British tinned treasures - sustainable and delicious! Pop in and grab a tin (or two) next time you’re in. Keep an eye out for new varieties in the coming months too...
NEW PRODUCT ALERT! We’re thrilled to welcome the brilliant small-batch tinned fish from @hevvafish - hand-prepared on the Cornish coast and perfect for elevating everything from simple snacks to impressive platters. Our starting line-up: • Cornish Monkfish with Aleppo - Pan-fried in a garam masala crust, preserved in lime & coconut oil with a pinch of Aleppo chilli. Rich, spicy and utterly moreish - a different take on conserva you’ll want in every picnic basket. • Cotswold Trout with Dill - Delicate trout from spring-fed waters, subtly scented with dill and fennel. Lovely straight from the tin or flaked over crispbread with a squeeze of lemon. These are British tinned treasures - sustainable and delicious! Pop in and grab a tin (or two) next time you’re in. Keep an eye out for new varieties in the coming months too...
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Our Products

Everything we stock is chosen with care and, if it’s on our shelves, it’s because we genuinely believe it deserves to be there.

Our range includes quality wines from independent producers, British spirits, craft beers, tinned fish, pickles, snacks, and all the store cupboard essentials you didn’t know you needed!


We’re especially proud of our cheese counter, which focusses on award-winning British cheese from some of the country’s best dairies and farmhouse producers. We also stock a growing range of local products from Hertfordshire and the surrounding counties, including cordials, condiments, sauces, and sweet treats.


Whether you're looking for a bottle to go with dinner, a thank-you gift, or the makings of a knockout cheeseboard, we’ll help you find something delicious!

Meet the TeAM

We’re Tom & Tom – partners in life and in business. Thomas Day (that’s the one behind the counter most days, wearing glasses) has a background in interior design for retail, hospitality, and commercial spaces. Thomas French (the taller one) is a graphic designer for a local chemical manufacturer. Together, we’ve built French & Day Delicatessen as a place where good design meets good food – thoughtful, welcoming, and full of flavour.


We’re supported by a small but mighty team who help keep everything running smoothly – from building hampers and restocking the chutney shelf to offering brilliant recommendations and championing British cheese like it’s a competitive sport.

  • Tom & Tom in Los Picos de Europa in Spain

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  • A slection of cheese and charcuterie in Burgos, Spain

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  • A toast being made in La Habana, Cuba

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  • A selection of traditional Polish foods in Krakow, Poland

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  • Tom & Tom enjoying the sunset in Vis, Croatia

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  • A beignet being enjoyed in New Orleans, USA

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  • Coffees and natas served for breakfast in Madrid

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  • Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans, USA

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Thomas Day uses a meat slicer at French & Day Delicatessen

Tom (Day)

Owner

WSET Level 2 Award in Wines

Academy of Cheese Associate


Living the 'never trust a thin chef' lifestyle and making it his mission to provide robust quality assurance on all of our wines.


Favourite cheese: Cornish Kern

Favourite product: San Marzano 'Talò' Verdeca Puglia

Tom French takes a product out of the counter at French & Day Delicatessen

Tom (French)

Owner

WSET Level 2 Award in Wines

Academy of Cheese Associate


The superior Tom, his happy place at work is quietly washing up in the kitchen whilst re-watching episodes of Friends.


Favourite cheese: Sheep Rustler

Favourite product: Mr Fitzpatrick's Superior Blackcurrant Cordial

Howard makes a barista coffee at French & Day Delicatessen

Howard

Assistant Manager

WSET Level 2 Award in Wines

Academy of Cheese Associate


Howard has been with us since 2023 and has recently been promoted to Assistant Manager (go Howard!). His latte art is the one to beat.


Favourite cheese: Cremet

Favourite product: Feudi di San Gregorio Greco di Tufo

Ellie is pouring a draught beer at French & Day Delicatessen and laughing because it has come out foamy

Ellie

Boomerang Shop Assistant

Academy of Cheese Associate


Ellie joined us as our second-ever member of staff back in 2021 and is still with us! She pops back from university in Canterbury to help us out from time to time and run amazing cheese and wine evenings.


Favourite cheese: Capricorn

Favourite product: Serious Pig Pickle with Dill Flavour Crisps

Cameron places a bottle of wine on the shelf at French & Day Delicatessen

Cameron

Shop Assistant


Our nephew Cameron has been adding a little sass to the team since 2024. His cheese board composition is a wonder to behold.


Favourite cheese: Rachael Reserva

Favourite product: Mr Fitzpatrick's Superior Blackcurrant Cordial

Reuben uses the till at French & Day Delicatessen

Reuben

Shop Assistant


Reuben joined us in early 2025.. His rugby-playing skills have proved invaluable when it comes to shifting cheese. He is a restocking machine.


Favourite cheese: Cornish Kern

Favourite product: Caramelised Biscuit Brownie

Kath smiles with an array of delicious food products behind her

Kath

Shop Assistant


Kath joined the team in September 2025. You'll find her slinging wine and cheese with a smile and a wink in the evenings most weekends.


Favourite cheese: Rachael Reserva

Favourite product: Torres Fried Egg Crisps

Image coming soon

Sarah

Shop Assistant


Sarah joined us in October 2025 and brings a little theatricality to the team through her other hustle as a professional actress.


Favourite cheese: Capricorn

Favourite product: Serious Pig Pickle with Dill Flavour Crisps

Shoshana is a very beautiful cat and our Head of Marketing

Shoshana

Head of Marketing


Loves looking at cat content on social media and driving engagement through belly rubs.


Favourite cheese: Spenwood (though her loyalty may lie with Dreamies)


Matilda is a very beautiful cat and our Head of HR

Matilda

Head of HR


Like any good Head of HR, Matilda is a ruthless killer with a penchant for chin strokes.


Favourite Cheese: Old Winchester (or anything you're trying to eat without her noticing)