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!
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![Natural Wine & Cheese Evening – Friday 21st November ??
Join us for a relaxed evening of unpasteurised British cheeses, natural wines and good conversation – hosted by our very own Howard Scott.
You’ll taste four brilliant cheeses, each paired with a natural or low-intervention wine chosen to bring out the best in it. Crackers and accompaniments are included, and Howard and our team will guide you through each pairing in our usual no-nonsense, friendly style.
Tickets are £50 per person and include a 10% discount on all retail wine purchases on the evening. Click the link on this post or in our bio to grab your spot.
Cheers!]()
Natural Wine & Cheese Evening – Friday 21st November 🍷🧀 Join us for a relaxed evening of unpasteurised British cheeses, natural wines and good conversation – hosted by our very own Howard Scott. You’ll taste four brilliant cheeses, each paired with a natural or low-intervention wine chosen to bring out the best in it. Crackers and accompaniments are included, and Howard and our team will guide you through each pairing in our usual no-nonsense, friendly style. Tickets are £50 per person and include a 10% discount on all retail wine purchases on the evening. Click the link on this post or in our bio to grab your spot. Cheers!Button -
![Complete with new robot knees, Mama Day is back in the building (for a trial basis only, to see how the knees do). Come and say hi! ??]()
Complete with new robot knees, Mama Day is back in the building (for a trial basis only, to see how the knees do). Come and say hi! 👋🏻Button -
![We will be closed for the rest of today due to staff illness. Apologies for any inconvenience.
Tom & Tom]()
We will be closed for the rest of today due to staff illness. Apologies for any inconvenience. Tom & TomButton -
![Need a midweek pick-me-up? We got you boo ?]()
Need a midweek pick-me-up? We got you boo 😎Button -
![Have you tried our new range of chocolates from Essex-based @perfectlytemprd yet? ?
They’re sustainably sourced, plastic-free, and come in flavours that are a bit of a show-off:
? Eton Mess
? Banoffee Pie
? Espresso & Walnut
? Maldon Sea Salt & Caramel
? Peanut Butter & Pistachio (bang on trend right now)
The only problem is picking which bar to start with. (Our advice? Don’t. Just take one of each! ?)]()
Have you tried our new range of chocolates from Essex-based @perfectlytemprd yet? 👀 They’re sustainably sourced, plastic-free, and come in flavours that are a bit of a show-off: 🍫 Eton Mess 🍫 Banoffee Pie 🍫 Espresso & Walnut 🍫 Maldon Sea Salt & Caramel 🍫 Peanut Butter & Pistachio (bang on trend right now) The only problem is picking which bar to start with. (Our advice? Don’t. Just take one of each! 😜)Button -
![RESTOCK ALERT!
We've just had a fresh shipment of delicious cured meats from our good friends at @cobblelanecured, including guanciale!
Guanciale (gwan-cha-lay), AKA pork jowl, may not be the most exciting thing to post about on social media, but the transcendent wonder that is Spaghetti Carbonara sure is! A good Carbonara lives and dies on the quality of its ingredients: guanciale (not bacon!), fresh eggs, decent pasta and a hard cheese of your choosing is all you need to make this timeless classic, and we can sort you out for 3 out 4 of those!
Pop in and ask us about our favourite Carbonara recipe and tips for getting the perfect creamy consistency (spoiler alert: pasta water is your friend!)]()
RESTOCK ALERT! We've just had a fresh shipment of delicious cured meats from our good friends at @cobblelanecured, including guanciale! Guanciale (gwan-cha-lay), AKA pork jowl, may not be the most exciting thing to post about on social media, but the transcendent wonder that is Spaghetti Carbonara sure is! A good Carbonara lives and dies on the quality of its ingredients: guanciale (not bacon!), fresh eggs, decent pasta and a hard cheese of your choosing is all you need to make this timeless classic, and we can sort you out for 3 out 4 of those! Pop in and ask us about our favourite Carbonara recipe and tips for getting the perfect creamy consistency (spoiler alert: pasta water is your friend!)Button -
![BACK IN STOCK!
We're pleased as punch to have this lovely lady back on shelves - this premium Turkish EVOO from @proudmary.shop is bright and creamy, with grassy aromas and a little tickle of tomato leaves and basil on the palate. Perfect for drizzling over salads, bruschetta, or adding a cheeky little splash to liven up tomato soup.
Also, the little tin is literally the cutest thing ever and will make a great addition to a gift hamper (or maybe even a stocking - just saying! ?)
Available in-store now!]()
BACK IN STOCK! We're pleased as punch to have this lovely lady back on shelves - this premium Turkish EVOO from @proudmary.shop is bright and creamy, with grassy aromas and a little tickle of tomato leaves and basil on the palate. Perfect for drizzling over salads, bruschetta, or adding a cheeky little splash to liven up tomato soup. Also, the little tin is literally the cutest thing ever and will make a great addition to a gift hamper (or maybe even a stocking - just saying! 😜) Available in-store now!Button -
![NEW PRODUCT ALERT!
Straight from the Basque coast, meet our latest addition from @yurritagastronomika – Pulpo en Aceite de Oliva. Tender pieces of octopus preserved in smooth olive oil, ready to elevate everything from tapas boards to a simple slice of sourdough.
It’s a taste of Basque in a tin, and a very good excuse to open a cold bottle of Txakoli!]()
NEW PRODUCT ALERT! Straight from the Basque coast, meet our latest addition from @yurritagastronomika – Pulpo en Aceite de Oliva. Tender pieces of octopus preserved in smooth olive oil, ready to elevate everything from tapas boards to a simple slice of sourdough. It’s a taste of Basque in a tin, and a very good excuse to open a cold bottle of Txakoli!Button -
![Have you tried the brand new Gruyère Cheese & Tarragon Drinks Biscuits from @thedrinksbakery yet?
Buttery, crumbly and packed with the nutty flavour of Gruyère, lifted by mustard and a touch of tarragon, they’re a natural match for a crisp lager, a hoppy session ale, or a glass of Riesling, Sancerre, Chardonnay or even a light Pinot Noir.
Snack time, sorted! ??]()
Have you tried the brand new Gruyère Cheese & Tarragon Drinks Biscuits from @thedrinksbakery yet? Buttery, crumbly and packed with the nutty flavour of Gruyère, lifted by mustard and a touch of tarragon, they’re a natural match for a crisp lager, a hoppy session ale, or a glass of Riesling, Sancerre, Chardonnay or even a light Pinot Noir. Snack time, sorted! 💪🏻Button -
![RIOJA & RIBERA DEL DUERO WINE TASTING – FRIDAY 17th OCTOBER
Join us for an evening of bold Spanish brilliance as we taste six wines from two of Spain’s most iconic regions – silky, oak-aged Rioja and the rich, powerful reds of Ribera del Duero.
Hosted by the ever-excellent Thibault Lavergne from @winestoryuk, this is your chance to dive deep into two legendary styles – with plenty to sip, savour and learn along the way.
Tickets are £38 per person
Includes six wines and light nibbles
Free goodie bag for all guests
10% off all retail wine purchases on the night
Book your spaces now via the link in our bio – this is going to be excelente! ?]()
RIOJA & RIBERA DEL DUERO WINE TASTING – FRIDAY 17th OCTOBER Join us for an evening of bold Spanish brilliance as we taste six wines from two of Spain’s most iconic regions – silky, oak-aged Rioja and the rich, powerful reds of Ribera del Duero. Hosted by the ever-excellent Thibault Lavergne from @winestoryuk, this is your chance to dive deep into two legendary styles – with plenty to sip, savour and learn along the way. Tickets are £38 per person Includes six wines and light nibbles Free goodie bag for all guests 10% off all retail wine purchases on the night Book your spaces now via the link in our bio – this is going to be excelente! 🍷Button -
![RESTOCK ALERT!
Our shelves are sizzling once again with the full line-up from @thekebabclub – and we’ve even added a brand new one to the mix…
Back in stock:
Turkish Chilli Sauce – smoky, spicy, sweet
Turkish Garlic Sauce – rich, creamy, garlicky bliss
Chicken Shish Marinade – citrusy, spiced perfection
New in:
Lamb Shish Marinade – bold, warming, and ready to take your BBQ to the next level
Authentic Turkish-inspired flavour, no faff, just seriously tasty results! Available now in-store.]()
RESTOCK ALERT! Our shelves are sizzling once again with the full line-up from @thekebabclub – and we’ve even added a brand new one to the mix… Back in stock: Turkish Chilli Sauce – smoky, spicy, sweet Turkish Garlic Sauce – rich, creamy, garlicky bliss Chicken Shish Marinade – citrusy, spiced perfection New in: Lamb Shish Marinade – bold, warming, and ready to take your BBQ to the next level Authentic Turkish-inspired flavour, no faff, just seriously tasty results! Available now in-store.Button -
![NEW PRODUCT ALERT!
We’ve added some delicious new crisps to the shelves, courtesy of Herefordshire legends @twofarmerscrisps. These are no ordinary snack – hand-cooked in small batches, plastic-free packaging, and made with spuds grown in their own fields.
Flavours now in at the delicatessen:
• Hereford Bullshot – rich, beefy, and a little bit punchy.
• Woodland Mushroom & Wild Garlic – earthy, savoury, and totally moreish.
Perfect with a pint, a picnic, or a glass of something good from our wide selection of wines.
Which bag are you opening first?]()
NEW PRODUCT ALERT! We’ve added some delicious new crisps to the shelves, courtesy of Herefordshire legends @twofarmerscrisps. These are no ordinary snack – hand-cooked in small batches, plastic-free packaging, and made with spuds grown in their own fields. Flavours now in at the delicatessen: • Hereford Bullshot – rich, beefy, and a little bit punchy. • Woodland Mushroom & Wild Garlic – earthy, savoury, and totally moreish. Perfect with a pint, a picnic, or a glass of something good from our wide selection of wines. Which bag are you opening first?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 building hampers 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)
