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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![NEW PRODUCT ALERT!
The Botivo family has grown! Say hello to the brand new Botivo Sparkling Botanical Aperitivo Cans – the same bold, bittersweet Botivo flavour you know and love, now pre-mixed, lightly sparkling and ready to drink.
Made in Hertfordshire, these gorgeous little cans are packed with Botivo’s signature blend of botanicals, gentle sweetness and a grown-up bitter edge (and no alcohol!). They are refreshing, complex and very easy to drink. No mixing, no measuring – just chill, crack, pour over ice and add a slice of orange (or a sprig of rosemary if you’re feeling fancy).
Available in-store now – local, low-fuss and dangerously drinkable! ??]()
NEW PRODUCT ALERT! The Botivo family has grown! Say hello to the brand new Botivo Sparkling Botanical Aperitivo Cans – the same bold, bittersweet Botivo flavour you know and love, now pre-mixed, lightly sparkling and ready to drink. Made in Hertfordshire, these gorgeous little cans are packed with Botivo’s signature blend of botanicals, gentle sweetness and a grown-up bitter edge (and no alcohol!). They are refreshing, complex and very easy to drink. No mixing, no measuring – just chill, crack, pour over ice and add a slice of orange (or a sprig of rosemary if you’re feeling fancy). Available in-store now – local, low-fuss and dangerously drinkable! 🍊🥃Button -
![BARGAIN ALERT!
The post-Christmas clear-out has started! We've marked down several of our Christmas lines, ready to make way for lots of lovely new products in the spring.
Our remaining festive stock is all still well in date and just as delicious as it ever was, so come and grab yourself a bargain whilst stocks last!]()
BARGAIN ALERT! The post-Christmas clear-out has started! We've marked down several of our Christmas lines, ready to make way for lots of lovely new products in the spring. Our remaining festive stock is all still well in date and just as delicious as it ever was, so come and grab yourself a bargain whilst stocks last!Button -
![Feeling like January calls for something a bit lighter food-wise? Well, there’s still time to make the most of 25% off the healthiest dishes from @littlefishsushiinthesticks, including some brilliant new bits Chef Neil’s been working on.
You can order via the link in our bio, then choose French & Day Delicatessen as your collection point. Orders need to be placed by the end of January and you can book up to a month in advance, so future-you will be grateful.
If you’re stuck on what to pick, the new warming noodle bowl is perfect this time of year, and we’re big fans of the latest sushi rolls too: Miso-Seared Salmon Ura Maki, Alaskan Crab and Salmon Ura Maki, and Chalk Stream Trout Ura Maki ??
The offer applies to all discounted items on the Little Fish website, including the Mexican Special Menu, and the discount is applied automatically at checkout. Just a few days left, so don’t hang about!]()
Feeling like January calls for something a bit lighter food-wise? Well, there’s still time to make the most of 25% off the healthiest dishes from @littlefishsushiinthesticks, including some brilliant new bits Chef Neil’s been working on. You can order via the link in our bio, then choose French & Day Delicatessen as your collection point. Orders need to be placed by the end of January and you can book up to a month in advance, so future-you will be grateful. If you’re stuck on what to pick, the new warming noodle bowl is perfect this time of year, and we’re big fans of the latest sushi rolls too: Miso-Seared Salmon Ura Maki, Alaskan Crab and Salmon Ura Maki, and Chalk Stream Trout Ura Maki 🍣🤤 The offer applies to all discounted items on the Little Fish website, including the Mexican Special Menu, and the discount is applied automatically at checkout. Just a few days left, so don’t hang about!Button -
![Are you staying dry this January? If so, have you tried our delicious dealcoholised wines from @drinkzeno?
If you’re cutting back (for January or beyond), these are a really great alternative to boozahols. ZENO focus on making alcohol-free wines that still feel considered and enjoyable, with proper flavour and balance rather than just sweetness.
Here’s what we’ve got in the range:
• Tempranillo Cabernet – Smooth and fruit-led, with ripe red berries and a gentle hint of spice.
• Sparkling White – Fresh and crisp with apple and citrus, finishing clean and dry.
• Bobal Rosé – Bright strawberry and raspberry with a subtle herbal edge.
• Viura – Light and aromatic, showing pear and white peach with a refreshing finish.
Available now both in-store and via our online shop ?]()
Are you staying dry this January? If so, have you tried our delicious dealcoholised wines from @drinkzeno? If you’re cutting back (for January or beyond), these are a really great alternative to boozahols. ZENO focus on making alcohol-free wines that still feel considered and enjoyable, with proper flavour and balance rather than just sweetness. Here’s what we’ve got in the range: • Tempranillo Cabernet – Smooth and fruit-led, with ripe red berries and a gentle hint of spice. • Sparkling White – Fresh and crisp with apple and citrus, finishing clean and dry. • Bobal Rosé – Bright strawberry and raspberry with a subtle herbal edge. • Viura – Light and aromatic, showing pear and white peach with a refreshing finish. Available now both in-store and via our online shop 😁Button -
![Think you don’t like Merlot? Think again! Join us on Friday 20th February for a relaxed evening exploring the grape that’s far more versatile than it gets credit for. From bright, juicy styles to rich, velvety reds, this tasting will show just how much variety there is in Merlot when you know where to look.
Guests will sample six wines from different regions, each chosen to challenge perceptions and maybe even change a few minds along the way.
Tickets cost £39 per person and can be booked by clicking the link on this post or in our bio. Cheers! ?]()
Think you don’t like Merlot? Think again! Join us on Friday 20th February for a relaxed evening exploring the grape that’s far more versatile than it gets credit for. From bright, juicy styles to rich, velvety reds, this tasting will show just how much variety there is in Merlot when you know where to look. Guests will sample six wines from different regions, each chosen to challenge perceptions and maybe even change a few minds along the way. Tickets cost £39 per person and can be booked by clicking the link on this post or in our bio. Cheers! 🍷Button -
![YOUR DELICATESSEN NEEDS YOU! ??
We've been open for 5 years now so we thought the new year provides us with a great opportunity to ask our beloved customers for their views on how we're doing. Accordingly, we'd like to invite you to take part in our very imaginatively named 2026 Customer Feedback Survey.
We'd like to know what we're getting right and where we could maybe do a little bit better. The survey is completely anonymous, so honest and constructive feedback would be greatly appreciated.
The survey takes around 6-7 minutes to complete and, to thank you for your valuable time, all respondents will have the opportunity to be entered into a prize draw to win 1 x £50 French & Day gift card or 1 of 10 free hot drinks.
The survey closes on Sunday 15th February and we will pick the prize draw winners shortly afterwards.
To completely the survey, just click the link in our bio.
Thanks in advance! ?
Tom & Tom]()
YOUR DELICATESSEN NEEDS YOU! 🫵🏻 We've been open for 5 years now so we thought the new year provides us with a great opportunity to ask our beloved customers for their views on how we're doing. Accordingly, we'd like to invite you to take part in our very imaginatively named 2026 Customer Feedback Survey. We'd like to know what we're getting right and where we could maybe do a little bit better. The survey is completely anonymous, so honest and constructive feedback would be greatly appreciated. The survey takes around 6-7 minutes to complete and, to thank you for your valuable time, all respondents will have the opportunity to be entered into a prize draw to win 1 x £50 French & Day gift card or 1 of 10 free hot drinks. The survey closes on Sunday 15th February and we will pick the prize draw winners shortly afterwards. To completely the survey, just click the link in our bio. Thanks in advance! 😁 Tom & TomButton -
![RIOJA & RIBERA DEL DUERO WINE TASTING – FRIDAY 6th FEBRUARY
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 which includes six wines and light nibbles. There's also a free goodie bag for every guest!
Book your spaces now via the link on this post or in our bio – this is going to be excelente! ?]()
RIOJA & RIBERA DEL DUERO WINE TASTING – FRIDAY 6th FEBRUARY 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 which includes six wines and light nibbles. There's also a free goodie bag for every guest! Book your spaces now via the link on this post or in our bio – this is going to be excelente! 🍷Button -
![We're back and so are our famous 3 cheese toasties!
When it's dark and cold outside, melted cheese is just what you need - our toasties are crisp and crunchy on the outside and filled with delicious gooey Lincolnshire Poacher, Ogleshield, and Sparkenhoe Red Leicester on the inside. The perfect pick me up for a gloomy January day!]()
We're back and so are our famous 3 cheese toasties! When it's dark and cold outside, melted cheese is just what you need - our toasties are crisp and crunchy on the outside and filled with delicious gooey Lincolnshire Poacher, Ogleshield, and Sparkenhoe Red Leicester on the inside. The perfect pick me up for a gloomy January day!Button -
![So excited to visit @chiopaints and see her amazing new coffee bar in the Macarena neighbourhood of Sevilla. Only a month in and she's already building a community of Sevillianos who love great coffee.
Chio was our first ever team member so we feel super proud of everything she's achieved. We know the work that goes into starting your own business and building something special that you can be proud of. She's absolutely smashing it and we wish her every success in the future!
Her coffee is almost as good as ours too ?]()
So excited to visit @chiopaints and see her amazing new coffee bar in the Macarena neighbourhood of Sevilla. Only a month in and she's already building a community of Sevillianos who love great coffee. Chio was our first ever team member so we feel super proud of everything she's achieved. We know the work that goes into starting your own business and building something special that you can be proud of. She's absolutely smashing it and we wish her every success in the future! Her coffee is almost as good as ours too 😉Button -
![And that's a wrap on 2025! ?
Thank you so much to the over 2,000 customers who have visited us in the shop or at our events over the last month - your support has made this our best Christmas so far! We know next year is going to be even bigger and better, so watch this space for lots of exciting new things to come in 2026.
We're taking a little break now (off to visit @galeria.svq) and will be reopening on Wednesday 14th January. Try not to miss us too much and we look forward to catching up with you all in the new year!
Lots of love,
Tom & Tom (and the rest of the F&D team)]()
And that's a wrap on 2025! 🎉 Thank you so much to the over 2,000 customers who have visited us in the shop or at our events over the last month - your support has made this our best Christmas so far! We know next year is going to be even bigger and better, so watch this space for lots of exciting new things to come in 2026. We're taking a little break now (off to visit @galeria.svq) and will be reopening on Wednesday 14th January. Try not to miss us too much and we look forward to catching up with you all in the new year! Lots of love, Tom & Tom (and the rest of the F&D team)Button -
![The team has been hard at work preparing all your Christmas cheese orders ??]()
The team has been hard at work preparing all your Christmas cheese orders 💪🏻Button -
![You know it's Christmas when the big boy Baron* comes out!
We're open every day from now until Christmas, so come stock up on all your cheese, wine, gifts, and delicious things!
* Totally making this my new nickname]()
You know it's Christmas when the big boy Baron* comes out! We're open every day from now until Christmas, so come stock up on all your cheese, wine, gifts, and delicious things! * Totally making this my new nicknameButton
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)
