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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![Have you tried Drunk'n Monkey from @so.fatso yet?
This one's got rum-soaked banana chips, sea salt and crunchy cracker pieces, all wrapped up in Fatso’s signature 60% single-origin Colombian dark chocolate. It’s rich, it’s rummy, and it’s got just the right amount of crunch.
We’ve got the full Fatso range in stock – but this one’s already driving our customers bananas! (Sorry not sorry ?)
Swing by and grab a bar before the monkeys do! ?]()
Have you tried Drunk'n Monkey from @so.fatso yet? This one's got rum-soaked banana chips, sea salt and crunchy cracker pieces, all wrapped up in Fatso’s signature 60% single-origin Colombian dark chocolate. It’s rich, it’s rummy, and it’s got just the right amount of crunch. We’ve got the full Fatso range in stock – but this one’s already driving our customers bananas! (Sorry not sorry 😜) Swing by and grab a bar before the monkeys do! 🐒Button -
![SEASONAL SPECIAL EDITION!
Back in our counter for a limited time only – the Autumn Berry Bakewell!
We had this one last year and it went down an absolute storm so we’re thrilled to have it back.
A buttery pastry base, rich almond frangipane and a tangy layer of autumn berries, all topped off with flaked almonds. Basically, everything you want with a cup of tea when the leaves start to fall.
Here for a good time, not a long time – once the season’s over, it disappears again! ?]()
SEASONAL SPECIAL EDITION! Back in our counter for a limited time only – the Autumn Berry Bakewell! We had this one last year and it went down an absolute storm so we’re thrilled to have it back. A buttery pastry base, rich almond frangipane and a tangy layer of autumn berries, all topped off with flaked almonds. Basically, everything you want with a cup of tea when the leaves start to fall. Here for a good time, not a long time – once the season’s over, it disappears again! 🍂Button -
![NEW PRODUCT ALERT!
As manu of you will know, we've had to bid a very sad farewell to our sausage rolls and Scotch eggs ?
But FEAR NOT! We have some brand new delicious things for you to enjoy, courtesy of the amazingly talented @hunt.forage.
We'll have different flavours rotating either weekly or monthly, but they'll always be seasonal and always locally made by hand. Only the best for our customers!
This week's new delicious things:
? Roasted Tomato & Elderberry Balsamic Quiche
? Pork & Herb Sausage Rolls
? Lamb & Rosemary Pies
? Cauliflower, Flamingo Pea & Lentil Pies
Plus, for all you cheese lovers:
? House 3 Cheese Toasties]()
NEW PRODUCT ALERT! As manu of you will know, we've had to bid a very sad farewell to our sausage rolls and Scotch eggs 😢 But FEAR NOT! We have some brand new delicious things for you to enjoy, courtesy of the amazingly talented @hunt.forage. We'll have different flavours rotating either weekly or monthly, but they'll always be seasonal and always locally made by hand. Only the best for our customers! This week's new delicious things: 🤤 Roasted Tomato & Elderberry Balsamic Quiche 🤤 Pork & Herb Sausage Rolls 🤤 Lamb & Rosemary Pies 🤤 Cauliflower, Flamingo Pea & Lentil Pies Plus, for all you cheese lovers: 🤤 House 3 Cheese ToastiesButton -
![We're in @hertfordquarter!
Thanks for the lovely write-up guys ?
We have copies available in the shop if anyone wants to read all about us + all the other fantastic content in this quarter's edition of HQ.]()
We're in @hertfordquarter! Thanks for the lovely write-up guys 🥰 We have copies available in the shop if anyone wants to read all about us + all the other fantastic content in this quarter's edition of HQ.Button -
![? Fresh sushi has landed in Ware! ?
We’re now a collection point for @littlefishsushiinthesticks – bringing freshly-made sushi and pan-Asian fine dining from Michelin-trained chefs straight to our town.
Here’s the tasty bit: your first order is 50% off when you order by 10th October (use code LFFD50). You can even pre-book your collection up to a month ahead!
How it works:
1. Order online at little-fish.uk
2. Choose French & Day Delicatessen as your collection point
3. Collect Thursday–Saturday, freshly made and ready to go
Chopsticks at the ready aaaaaand GO! ??]()
🍣 Fresh sushi has landed in Ware! 🍣 We’re now a collection point for @littlefishsushiinthesticks – bringing freshly-made sushi and pan-Asian fine dining from Michelin-trained chefs straight to our town. Here’s the tasty bit: your first order is 50% off when you order by 10th October (use code LFFD50). You can even pre-book your collection up to a month ahead! How it works: 1. Order online at little-fish.uk 2. Choose French & Day Delicatessen as your collection point 3. Collect Thursday–Saturday, freshly made and ready to go Chopsticks at the ready aaaaaand GO! 🥢🏁Button -
![Discover wines you won’t find in the supermarket.
Join The Wine Club from French & Day – three hand-picked bottles every month, complete with tasting notes and food pairings.
Sign up by the 21st to enjoy next month’s selection.
Collection only from our shop in Ware.]()
Discover wines you won’t find in the supermarket. Join The Wine Club from French & Day – three hand-picked bottles every month, complete with tasting notes and food pairings. Sign up by the 21st to enjoy next month’s selection. Collection only from our shop in Ware.Button -
![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
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)
