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 PRODUCT ALERT!
There’s pasta and then there’s pasta. Made in Le Marche using traditional methods and slow-dried for a delicate, almost silky texture, @filoteapasta’s egg pasta is in a different league to anything you’ll find in the supermarket aisle.
We’ve got three shapes to start with:
* Lasagne – nothing beats it on a grey Saturday night. Add a glass of red and a green salad and you’re away!
* Pappardelle – wide, ruffly ribbons just asking to be paired with a rich mushroom sauce or something slow-cooked.
* Spaghetti Chitarra – a little firmer, a little thicker, and just the thing for a quick supper with one of the new Bio Orto pestos we just got in (shameless cross promotion ?)
Comfort food done properly – and the perfect partner for the rain!]()
NEW PRODUCT ALERT! There’s pasta and then there’s pasta. Made in Le Marche using traditional methods and slow-dried for a delicate, almost silky texture, @filoteapasta’s egg pasta is in a different league to anything you’ll find in the supermarket aisle. We’ve got three shapes to start with: * Lasagne – nothing beats it on a grey Saturday night. Add a glass of red and a green salad and you’re away! * Pappardelle – wide, ruffly ribbons just asking to be paired with a rich mushroom sauce or something slow-cooked. * Spaghetti Chitarra – a little firmer, a little thicker, and just the thing for a quick supper with one of the new Bio Orto pestos we just got in (shameless cross promotion 😛) Comfort food done properly – and the perfect partner for the rain!Button -
![A brief introduction to the amazing wines we will be sampling at tonight's South of France wine tasting with Thibault Lavergne ?]()
A brief introduction to the amazing wines we will be sampling at tonight's South of France wine tasting with Thibault Lavergne 🍷Button -
![NEW PRODUCT ALERT!
Two more tins have just sailed onto our shelves from the brilliant @seasistersuk – the UK’s first conservas producer, and firm believers in doing things seasonally and sustainably.
This latest catch includes:
* Cornish Sardines with Chilli Oil – vibrant, spicy, and packed with coastal character.
* Cuttlefish Caponata with Basil & Pine Nuts – rich, tangy and beautifully balanced, with a Sicilian twist.
Sea Sisters work with the seasons, which means limited batches and ever-changing flavours – when they're gone, they're gone! Pop in to try these two before they disappear with the tide! ?]()
NEW PRODUCT ALERT! Two more tins have just sailed onto our shelves from the brilliant @seasistersuk – the UK’s first conservas producer, and firm believers in doing things seasonally and sustainably. This latest catch includes: * Cornish Sardines with Chilli Oil – vibrant, spicy, and packed with coastal character. * Cuttlefish Caponata with Basil & Pine Nuts – rich, tangy and beautifully balanced, with a Sicilian twist. Sea Sisters work with the seasons, which means limited batches and ever-changing flavours – when they're gone, they're gone! Pop in to try these two before they disappear with the tide! 🌊Button -
![NEW PRODUCT ALERT: organic Italian essentials from Bio Orto ??
We’ve just added a new range of organic pantry staples from Italian producer @bioorto – perfect for quick summer suppers that still feel like a treat.
Choose from two ready-to-go sauces – a fiery Arrabbiata and a punchy Puttanesca – ideal for tossing through spaghetti and finishing with a handful of fresh herbs and good olive oil.
There are also two brilliant pestos: a bold and nutty Kale Pesto (try it with fusilli and crumbled ricotta), and a deeply savoury Broccoli & Anchovy Pesto, which is superb stirred through warm new potatoes with a squeeze of lemon.
And for antipasti and aperitivo hour? We’ve got you covered: Artichoke Hearts and Red Hot Chilli Peppers, both in organic olive oil – just the thing to pile onto bruschetta, or add to a sharing board with cheese, olives and something cold in a glass.
All organic. All delicious. All in stock now. ?]()
NEW PRODUCT ALERT: organic Italian essentials from Bio Orto 🇮🇹 We’ve just added a new range of organic pantry staples from Italian producer @bioorto – perfect for quick summer suppers that still feel like a treat. Choose from two ready-to-go sauces – a fiery Arrabbiata and a punchy Puttanesca – ideal for tossing through spaghetti and finishing with a handful of fresh herbs and good olive oil. There are also two brilliant pestos: a bold and nutty Kale Pesto (try it with fusilli and crumbled ricotta), and a deeply savoury Broccoli & Anchovy Pesto, which is superb stirred through warm new potatoes with a squeeze of lemon. And for antipasti and aperitivo hour? We’ve got you covered: Artichoke Hearts and Red Hot Chilli Peppers, both in organic olive oil – just the thing to pile onto bruschetta, or add to a sharing board with cheese, olives and something cold in a glass. All organic. All delicious. All in stock now. 😛Button -
![Wednesdays deserve coffee!
Come and see us for all manner of caffeinated and decaffeinated loveliness - both hot and cold. We've got your beverage needs covered ☕️??]()
Wednesdays deserve coffee! Come and see us for all manner of caffeinated and decaffeinated loveliness - both hot and cold. We've got your beverage needs covered ☕️💪🏻Button -
![NEW WINE ALERT!
Fresh in from Galicia – say hello to Ruta 49 Albariño!
This is a classic coastal Albariño: bright, citrussy and effortlessly refreshing. Expect notes of lime, green apple and a touch of saline minerality – like a sea breeze in a glass ? Light, zippy and ridiculously easy to enjoy!
Brilliant with seafood, especially prawns or grilled squid, but it also holds its own with salty snacks or a herby green salad.
Now available in-store – come and grab a bottle and bring a bit of Galician sunshine to your next supper!]()
NEW WINE ALERT! Fresh in from Galicia – say hello to Ruta 49 Albariño! This is a classic coastal Albariño: bright, citrussy and effortlessly refreshing. Expect notes of lime, green apple and a touch of saline minerality – like a sea breeze in a glass 🌊 Light, zippy and ridiculously easy to enjoy! Brilliant with seafood, especially prawns or grilled squid, but it also holds its own with salty snacks or a herby green salad. Now available in-store – come and grab a bottle and bring a bit of Galician sunshine to your next supper!Button -
![This week's delicious things:
Pork, Feta & Sun-dried Tomato Sausage Rolls
Giant Scotch Eggs
Pulled Pork & Coco Bean Pies
Courgette, Tomato & Carlin Pea Ragu Pies
Goats' Cheese, Potato & Onion Quiche]()
This week's delicious things: Pork, Feta & Sun-dried Tomato Sausage Rolls Giant Scotch Eggs Pulled Pork & Coco Bean Pies Courgette, Tomato & Carlin Pea Ragu Pies Goats' Cheese, Potato & Onion QuicheButton -
![Our range of softies from @luscombedrinks has had a little glow up – a fresh new look, but still packed with the same organic deliciousness inside!
We’ve got four of their bestsellers in stock and they’re just the thing for a hot day like today:
Organic Sicilian Orange Juice – bright, punchy and packed with sunshine
Organic Sicilian Lemonade – crisp, zesty and seriously refreshing
Organic Elderflower Bubbly – delicate, floral and fizzing with flavour
Organic Hot Ginger Beer – bold, fiery and excellent over ice
Perfect for picnics, fridge door sipping or a non-alcoholic cooler with dinner. Come grab a few before the sun disappears again! ?]()
Our range of softies from @luscombedrinks has had a little glow up – a fresh new look, but still packed with the same organic deliciousness inside! We’ve got four of their bestsellers in stock and they’re just the thing for a hot day like today: Organic Sicilian Orange Juice – bright, punchy and packed with sunshine Organic Sicilian Lemonade – crisp, zesty and seriously refreshing Organic Elderflower Bubbly – delicate, floral and fizzing with flavour Organic Hot Ginger Beer – bold, fiery and excellent over ice Perfect for picnics, fridge door sipping or a non-alcoholic cooler with dinner. Come grab a few before the sun disappears again! 😛Button -
![We had a great time at our BBQ Wine Tasting last night. Thanks, as always, to @casual_somm for his expert guidance and thanks to everyone who attended for making it such a fun evening!
If you'd like to find out about our upcoming tasting events, be sure to check out our website (link in bio) ?]()
We had a great time at our BBQ Wine Tasting last night. Thanks, as always, to @casual_somm for his expert guidance and thanks to everyone who attended for making it such a fun evening! If you'd like to find out about our upcoming tasting events, be sure to check out our website (link in bio) 🍷Button -
![Reminder that we're open until 10PM every Friday and Saturday throughout July and August. Come and see us for a glass of wine, some cheese, and nice vibes ?
-
* Last orders for food and hot drinks is 9PM]()
Reminder that we're open until 10PM every Friday and Saturday throughout July and August. Come and see us for a glass of wine, some cheese, and nice vibes 😎 - * Last orders for food and hot drinks is 9PMButton -
![Have you tried our Superior Blackcurrant Cordial from @vintagecordials yet? Made with real fruit and bursting with rich, tangy flavour, it’s the kind of thing that makes supermarket squash feel a bit... sad.
It’s brilliant just with cold still or sparkling water – intensely refreshing on a hot day – but also lovely drizzled into a spritz or even over ice cream.
It’s part of a wider range of premium cordials we stock in the shop, so if you're looking to elevate your soft drink selection, we've got you covered!]()
Have you tried our Superior Blackcurrant Cordial from @vintagecordials yet? Made with real fruit and bursting with rich, tangy flavour, it’s the kind of thing that makes supermarket squash feel a bit... sad. It’s brilliant just with cold still or sparkling water – intensely refreshing on a hot day – but also lovely drizzled into a spritz or even over ice cream. It’s part of a wider range of premium cordials we stock in the shop, so if you're looking to elevate your soft drink selection, we've got you covered!Button -
![It's the vegan cheese fairy! ????♂️
He has lots of delicious plant-based cheeses for all the good vegan boys and girls of Ware and beyond, courtesy of the good folks at @iamnutok!
Pop in and restock on your favourites, including the ever-popular Bluffalo Notzarella and Fetamorphosis!
Also, don't forget we can order in a wider range of vegan cheeses on demand - just take a look at our website for the full selection (link in bio).]()
It's the vegan cheese fairy! 🌿🧀🧚🏻♂️ He has lots of delicious plant-based cheeses for all the good vegan boys and girls of Ware and beyond, courtesy of the good folks at @iamnutok! Pop in and restock on your favourites, including the ever-popular Bluffalo Notzarella and Fetamorphosis! Also, don't forget we can order in a wider range of vegan cheeses on demand - just take a look at our website for the full selection (link in bio).Button
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 wrapping up gifts and restocking the chutney shelf to offering brilliant recommendations and championing British cheese like it’s a competitive sport.
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)
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
Assistant Manager
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
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
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
MArni
Shop Assistant
Marni joined us in early 2025 and definitely has the best cheese-side manner of us all. Her specialist skill is opening bottles of bubbly without spilling a drop.
Favourite cheese: Oakwood Smoked Cheddar
Favourite product: Popcorn Kitchen White Chocolate & Raspberry Popcorn
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
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
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
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)
