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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![Introducing our House Specialities!
If you’ve ever thought 'what do I nibble on while I enjoy a glass of wine?', we’ve got you.
On the menu you’ll now find a short-but-very-tempting list of plates that are made for sharing (or not, no judgement). It includes an oven-baked Tunworth with rosemary and Somerset cider brandy, a pâté or rillette board with bruschetta, or a conserva board showcasing some of the best tinned fish in Britain. There’s even a vegan baked Shamembert for the dairy-free crowd*.
All designed to pair beautifully with a glass (or bottle) of something from our shelves. Perfect for an easy supper, a long lunch, or just because.
Come hungry!
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*Notice required]()
Introducing our House Specialities! If you’ve ever thought 'what do I nibble on while I enjoy a glass of wine?', we’ve got you. On the menu you’ll now find a short-but-very-tempting list of plates that are made for sharing (or not, no judgement). It includes an oven-baked Tunworth with rosemary and Somerset cider brandy, a pâté or rillette board with bruschetta, or a conserva board showcasing some of the best tinned fish in Britain. There’s even a vegan baked Shamembert for the dairy-free crowd*. All designed to pair beautifully with a glass (or bottle) of something from our shelves. Perfect for an easy supper, a long lunch, or just because. Come hungry! - *Notice requiredButton -
![BACK IN STOCK!
Award-winning cold-pressed rapeseed oil from @mrsmiddletonoil is back on our shelves. Grown and pressed just down the road in Bedfordshire, this local golden wonder makes the BEST wedges and roast potatoes – seriously crispy outsides with beautifully fluffy insides!
It’s also brilliant for frying, baking or whisking into dressings, and it’s got multiple #GreatTasteAwards to back it up ??
An absolute must-have for your kitchen cupboard!]()
BACK IN STOCK! Award-winning cold-pressed rapeseed oil from @mrsmiddletonoil is back on our shelves. Grown and pressed just down the road in Bedfordshire, this local golden wonder makes the BEST wedges and roast potatoes – seriously crispy outsides with beautifully fluffy insides! It’s also brilliant for frying, baking or whisking into dressings, and it’s got multiple #GreatTasteAwards to back it up 💪🏻 An absolute must-have for your kitchen cupboard!Button -
![NEW PRODUCT ALERT! ✨
Summer might be over, but we’ve bottled the best bit – meet Somerset Elderflower Liqueur from @somersetciderbrandy. Light, floral and delicately sweet, it’s sunshine in a glass and just the thing to brighten the darker evenings.
It joins our Somerset Morello Cherry in Apple Eau de Vie and Somerset Pomona – all three winners of the coveted 3 Star #GreatTasteAward! ???
Top tip: stir it into prosecco with soda water and mint for a Hugo Spritz – the perfect way to cling on to the last vestige of summer! ?]()
NEW PRODUCT ALERT! ✨ Summer might be over, but we’ve bottled the best bit – meet Somerset Elderflower Liqueur from @somersetciderbrandy. Light, floral and delicately sweet, it’s sunshine in a glass and just the thing to brighten the darker evenings. It joins our Somerset Morello Cherry in Apple Eau de Vie and Somerset Pomona – all three winners of the coveted 3 Star #GreatTasteAward! 🌟🌟🌟 Top tip: stir it into prosecco with soda water and mint for a Hugo Spritz – the perfect way to cling on to the last vestige of summer! 😉Button -
![NEW MONTH, NEW WINES BY THE GLASS ?✨
Our by-the-glass list has had its monthly refresh – ten new wines ready to pour, from crisp whites and fresh rosés to rich reds and even a little sparkle.
Come and explore the line-up – or let a wine flight take you on a little tasting journey, three glasses at a time! ?]()
NEW MONTH, NEW WINES BY THE GLASS 🍷✨ Our by-the-glass list has had its monthly refresh – ten new wines ready to pour, from crisp whites and fresh rosés to rich reds and even a little sparkle. Come and explore the line-up – or let a wine flight take you on a little tasting journey, three glasses at a time! 😋Button -
![This week's delicious things:
? Courgette & Chickpea 'Meatball' Pies
? Cider Braised Pork & Whipped Butternut Pies
? Apple, Shallots & Brie Quiche
? Pork, Caramelised Onion Chutney & Smoked Cheddar Sausage Rolls
? Giant Scotch Eggs
? 3-Cheese Toasties]()
This week's delicious things: 🤤 Courgette & Chickpea 'Meatball' Pies 🤤 Cider Braised Pork & Whipped Butternut Pies 🤤 Apple, Shallots & Brie Quiche 🤤 Pork, Caramelised Onion Chutney & Smoked Cheddar Sausage Rolls 🤤 Giant Scotch Eggs 🤤 3-Cheese ToastiesButton -
![Have you tried our new Smoked Onion Salsa from @builin_blasta yet? It's been flying off the shelves – and for good reason! Smoky, tangy and ridiculously versatile, it’s just as happy topping a burger as it is stirred through mayo for dipping chips.
It’s part of our tasty line-up from this Irish producer, alongside their Caesar and Honey & Mustard Dressings, plus Pineapple & Chilli and Apple & Almond Chutneys. If you’ve not discovered it yet, now’s the time!]()
Have you tried our new Smoked Onion Salsa from @builin_blasta yet? It's been flying off the shelves – and for good reason! Smoky, tangy and ridiculously versatile, it’s just as happy topping a burger as it is stirred through mayo for dipping chips. It’s part of our tasty line-up from this Irish producer, alongside their Caesar and Honey & Mustard Dressings, plus Pineapple & Chilli and Apple & Almond Chutneys. If you’ve not discovered it yet, now’s the time!Button -
![We're ready to roll for our Puglia wine tasting with @casual_somm this evening! ??
We're especially excited as Puglia (and southern Italy generally) is one our favourite regions for wine. The sun may have gone, but we have six lots of summer in a glass!
To find out about upcoming events, visit our website (link in bio). Be sure to sign up to our mailing list too, as we always tell our subscribers first!]()
We're ready to roll for our Puglia wine tasting with @casual_somm this evening! 😎🥂 We're especially excited as Puglia (and southern Italy generally) is one our favourite regions for wine. The sun may have gone, but we have six lots of summer in a glass! To find out about upcoming events, visit our website (link in bio). Be sure to sign up to our mailing list too, as we always tell our subscribers first!Button -
![NEW PRODUCT ALERT!
Fresh out of the oven – our brand new Cheese Twists have landed! Buttery puff pastry wrapped around plenty of golden, melty cheese… basically the savoury cousin of a croissant who knows how to have a good time! ?
Perfect for a quick lunch on the go, alongside a bowl of soup, or as a cheeky little snack with a glass of wine (we won’t judge).
Flaky, cheesy goodness – available now at the counter!]()
NEW PRODUCT ALERT! Fresh out of the oven – our brand new Cheese Twists have landed! Buttery puff pastry wrapped around plenty of golden, melty cheese… basically the savoury cousin of a croissant who knows how to have a good time! 😜 Perfect for a quick lunch on the go, alongside a bowl of soup, or as a cheeky little snack with a glass of wine (we won’t judge). Flaky, cheesy goodness – available now at the counter!Button -
![⏳ Voting closes soon! ⏳
Just a little nudge to say that public voting for the Speciality & Fine Food Fair Awards closes on Monday 1st September – and we’re one of just four finalists in the Small Independent Retailer of the Year category!
If you haven’t voted yet and you’d like to support our little shop, we’d be hugely grateful. It only takes a moment, and every single vote really does count.
You can cast your vote via the link in our bio.
Thank you – as always – for cheering us on ❤️]()
⏳ Voting closes soon! ⏳ Just a little nudge to say that public voting for the Speciality & Fine Food Fair Awards closes on Monday 1st September – and we’re one of just four finalists in the Small Independent Retailer of the Year category! If you haven’t voted yet and you’d like to support our little shop, we’d be hugely grateful. It only takes a moment, and every single vote really does count. You can cast your vote via the link in our bio. Thank you – as always – for cheering us on ❤️Button -
![BACK IN STOCK: Four Acres Estate Dry Cider
This isn’t your average cider.
Back on our shelves now is the Dry Cider from @fouracresestate – a sparkling, small-batch cider made in the same way as Champagne. Yes, really! Bottle-fermented using the traditional method, and made just down the road in Little Hadham!
Crisp, dry and beautifully structured, it’s about as elegant as cider gets – but still ridiculously drinkable!
Perfect for garden sipping, roast pork pairing, or just showing off at your next dinner party.]()
BACK IN STOCK: Four Acres Estate Dry Cider This isn’t your average cider. Back on our shelves now is the Dry Cider from @fouracresestate – a sparkling, small-batch cider made in the same way as Champagne. Yes, really! Bottle-fermented using the traditional method, and made just down the road in Little Hadham! Crisp, dry and beautifully structured, it’s about as elegant as cider gets – but still ridiculously drinkable! Perfect for garden sipping, roast pork pairing, or just showing off at your next dinner party.Button -
![BACK IN STOCK: Four Acres Estate Sparkling Wines ?
Both of @fouracresestate’s superb sparkling wines are back on the shelf – grown and made just down the road from us in Little Hadham.
Their Brut Blanc de Blancs is made from 100% Chardonnay – crisp, citrusy and refined, with a lovely mineral finish. The Brut Rosé is delicate and fresh, with bright red berry notes and a fine mousse that makes it feel effortlessly elegant.
Both are made using the traditional champenoise method, and both give plenty of high-end sparkle with a local twist ✨️
Pop one in the fridge for your next celebration – or just because you fancy a treat (you deserve one!)]()
BACK IN STOCK: Four Acres Estate Sparkling Wines 🍾 Both of @fouracresestate’s superb sparkling wines are back on the shelf – grown and made just down the road from us in Little Hadham. Their Brut Blanc de Blancs is made from 100% Chardonnay – crisp, citrusy and refined, with a lovely mineral finish. The Brut Rosé is delicate and fresh, with bright red berry notes and a fine mousse that makes it feel effortlessly elegant. Both are made using the traditional champenoise method, and both give plenty of high-end sparkle with a local twist ✨️ Pop one in the fridge for your next celebration – or just because you fancy a treat (you deserve one!)Button -
![Have you tried our new range of traditional egg pastas from @filoteapasta yet?
They’ve been flying off the shelves – and once you taste them, you’ll see why! Made using time-honoured methods and slow-dried for that silky, delicate texture, this is pasta as it should be.
We’ve got three to choose from:
Lasagne – the ultimate grey-day comfort food. Just add red wine and a green salad.
Pappardelle – wide, ruffly, and ideal for rich sauces or something slow and savoury.
Spaghetti Chitarra – thick, firm and perfect with our new Bio Orto pestos (just saying ?).
Perfect for a cosy night in – whatever the weather’s up to!]()
Have you tried our new range of traditional egg pastas from @filoteapasta yet? They’ve been flying off the shelves – and once you taste them, you’ll see why! Made using time-honoured methods and slow-dried for that silky, delicate texture, this is pasta as it should be. We’ve got three to choose from: Lasagne – the ultimate grey-day comfort food. Just add red wine and a green salad. Pappardelle – wide, ruffly, and ideal for rich sauces or something slow and savoury. Spaghetti Chitarra – thick, firm and perfect with our new Bio Orto pestos (just saying 😜). Perfect for a cosy night in – whatever the weather’s up to!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)
