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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![We thought we'd treat ourselves to a pre-dinner pint at @tringbrewery's brand new tap room. Who doesn't love a bar on a bus and festoon lights galore (we LOVE a festoon!)
It's a tad chilly but all good vibes and great to taste some of their amazing ales and beers right at the source! However, if a trip over to Tring is a bit of a schlep for you, you can always come and buy their drinks from our shop. Just saying ?]()
We thought we'd treat ourselves to a pre-dinner pint at @tringbrewery's brand new tap room. Who doesn't love a bar on a bus and festoon lights galore (we LOVE a festoon!) It's a tad chilly but all good vibes and great to taste some of their amazing ales and beers right at the source! However, if a trip over to Tring is a bit of a schlep for you, you can always come and buy their drinks from our shop. Just saying 😉Button -
![We took ourselves off for a lovely walk this afternoon to visit Ben & Kate of @campfiregin. They've got an amazing distillery over in Tring where they make their stunning range of gins (and now vodka)!
We took the opportunity to have a little sample or two of their gins (it would have been rude not to) and learnt more about how they made their new vodka using Old Winchester cheese (!)
You can buy both the cheese and their spirits in our shop so why not treat yourself to something tasty next time you're in!]()
We took ourselves off for a lovely walk this afternoon to visit Ben & Kate of @campfiregin. They've got an amazing distillery over in Tring where they make their stunning range of gins (and now vodka)! We took the opportunity to have a little sample or two of their gins (it would have been rude not to) and learnt more about how they made their new vodka using Old Winchester cheese (!) You can buy both the cheese and their spirits in our shop so why not treat yourself to something tasty next time you're in!Button -
![We have whisked ourselves away for a cheeky getaway in Tring! Not the most obvious destination maybe, but it's a beautiful town and a bit of a foodie hub in west Herts.
Cue @nonnassupperclub, a fellow pandemic business that we have been absolutely desperate to visit since they first opened in 2021. Like us, they're a family business and, like us, they're all about good food and drink.
We caught their final Pasta Club of October (every Wednesday, 6-8PM) and it was everything we dreamed it would be: incredible food, brilliant service, and that lovely buzzy-but-chilled atmosphere you only get from your friendly neighbourhood independents like us. If you find yourselves in Tring in the near future, you HAVE TO visit them. We will literally be devastated if you don't.
We're now drinking red wine in bed, watching The Traitors. Your judgement is rejected.]()
We have whisked ourselves away for a cheeky getaway in Tring! Not the most obvious destination maybe, but it's a beautiful town and a bit of a foodie hub in west Herts. Cue @nonnassupperclub, a fellow pandemic business that we have been absolutely desperate to visit since they first opened in 2021. Like us, they're a family business and, like us, they're all about good food and drink. We caught their final Pasta Club of October (every Wednesday, 6-8PM) and it was everything we dreamed it would be: incredible food, brilliant service, and that lovely buzzy-but-chilled atmosphere you only get from your friendly neighbourhood independents like us. If you find yourselves in Tring in the near future, you HAVE TO visit them. We will literally be devastated if you don't. We're now drinking red wine in bed, watching The Traitors. Your judgement is rejected.Button -
![✨ Final Tickets Just Released ✨
We’ve been absolutely blown away by the response to our Christmas Wine Fair – over 90% of tickets have sold in less than a week and two sessions are already full!
Due to popular demand, we’ve released a small number of additional tickets for each session. This is the maximum capacity we can accommodate, so once these are gone, that’s it.
Join us on Sunday 30th November for a festive afternoon of tasting, chatting and choosing your perfect Christmas wines. You’ll be able to try before you buy, with 26 wines to explore – all available to order on the day for collection before Christmas.
Tickets cost £15 per person and can be purchased by clicking the link on this post or in our bio.
See you there! ?]()
✨ Final Tickets Just Released ✨ We’ve been absolutely blown away by the response to our Christmas Wine Fair – over 90% of tickets have sold in less than a week and two sessions are already full! Due to popular demand, we’ve released a small number of additional tickets for each session. This is the maximum capacity we can accommodate, so once these are gone, that’s it. Join us on Sunday 30th November for a festive afternoon of tasting, chatting and choosing your perfect Christmas wines. You’ll be able to try before you buy, with 26 wines to explore – all available to order on the day for collection before Christmas. Tickets cost £15 per person and can be purchased by clicking the link on this post or in our bio. See you there! 🥂Button -
![BACK IN STOCK: Charentais Distilled British Brandy from @burntfaith.
East London born and boldly British, this one’s redefining what brandy can be. Distilled from four grape varieties and aged in a mix ofe Cognac, cherry liqueur and Pineau des Charentes barrels, it’s bursting with character. Expect buttery crumpets, marmalade, cherry cola, and a whisper of milk chocolate.
A proper winter warmer (and an excellent gift, if you can bear to part with it)!]()
BACK IN STOCK: Charentais Distilled British Brandy from @burntfaith. East London born and boldly British, this one’s redefining what brandy can be. Distilled from four grape varieties and aged in a mix ofe Cognac, cherry liqueur and Pineau des Charentes barrels, it’s bursting with character. Expect buttery crumpets, marmalade, cherry cola, and a whisper of milk chocolate. A proper winter warmer (and an excellent gift, if you can bear to part with it)!Button -
![Announcing our first ever Christmas Wine Fair! ??
Join us on Sunday 30th November for a festive afternoon of tasting, chatting and choosing your perfect Christmas wines.
We’ll be pouring 26 handpicked wines:
• 5 sparkling (for Christmas morning or party toasts)
• 8 whites (for turkey, fish and everything in between)
• 8 reds (for hearty roasts and cosy evenings)
• 5 dessert and fortified (to finish in festive style)
It’s your chance to try before you buy, with all wines available to order on the day for guaranteed collection before Christmas – a fun, relaxed way to get your festive wine shopping sorted early (and tick one big job off the list).
Tickets are £15 per person, with three sessions to choose from: 12–2PM, 2–4PM, or 4–6PM.
Spaces are strictly limited so don't delay and click the link on this post or in our bio to book your tickets today!]()
Announcing our first ever Christmas Wine Fair! 🎄🍷 Join us on Sunday 30th November for a festive afternoon of tasting, chatting and choosing your perfect Christmas wines. We’ll be pouring 26 handpicked wines: • 5 sparkling (for Christmas morning or party toasts) • 8 whites (for turkey, fish and everything in between) • 8 reds (for hearty roasts and cosy evenings) • 5 dessert and fortified (to finish in festive style) It’s your chance to try before you buy, with all wines available to order on the day for guaranteed collection before Christmas – a fun, relaxed way to get your festive wine shopping sorted early (and tick one big job off the list). Tickets are £15 per person, with three sessions to choose from: 12–2PM, 2–4PM, or 4–6PM. Spaces are strictly limited so don't delay and click the link on this post or in our bio to book your tickets today!Button -
![NEW PRODUCT ALERT!
We’re excited to introduce our new range of alcohol-free wines from @drinkzeno – proof that going alcohol-free doesn’t have to mean compromising on flavour or complexity!
ZENO’s award-winning wines are crafted with real care, designed to deliver the full experience of wine, just without the alcohol. The range includes:
• Bobal Rosé – Bursting with strawberry and raspberry, balanced by a touch of wild herbs.
• Viura – Light and aromatic with notes of pear, white peach, and a clean, refreshing palate.
• Tempranillo Cabernet – Smooth, ripe red fruits with a gentle hint of spice and oak.
• Sparkling White – Fresh and lively with crisp apple, citrus, and a soft, dry finish.
Whether you’re taking a break from alcohol or simply fancy a sophisticated midweek glass, these are a brilliant alternative. Available now in-store and through our website!]()
NEW PRODUCT ALERT! We’re excited to introduce our new range of alcohol-free wines from @drinkzeno – proof that going alcohol-free doesn’t have to mean compromising on flavour or complexity! ZENO’s award-winning wines are crafted with real care, designed to deliver the full experience of wine, just without the alcohol. The range includes: • Bobal Rosé – Bursting with strawberry and raspberry, balanced by a touch of wild herbs. • Viura – Light and aromatic with notes of pear, white peach, and a clean, refreshing palate. • Tempranillo Cabernet – Smooth, ripe red fruits with a gentle hint of spice and oak. • Sparkling White – Fresh and lively with crisp apple, citrus, and a soft, dry finish. Whether you’re taking a break from alcohol or simply fancy a sophisticated midweek glass, these are a brilliant alternative. Available now in-store and through our website!Button -
![BACK IN STOCK!
Our cantuccini from @biscottificiodeseo are back – and not a moment too soon! The first batch disappeared in record time (especially the Pistachio & Dark Chocolate – no surprises there).
We’ve topped up the shelves with both flavours: the classic Cantuccini Toscani IGP, all golden and almondy, and the irresistible Pistachio & Dark Chocolate, rich and crunchy with just the right hit of sweetness.
Perfect for coffee breaks, gifting… or just because. ?]()
BACK IN STOCK! Our cantuccini from @biscottificiodeseo are back – and not a moment too soon! The first batch disappeared in record time (especially the Pistachio & Dark Chocolate – no surprises there). We’ve topped up the shelves with both flavours: the classic Cantuccini Toscani IGP, all golden and almondy, and the irresistible Pistachio & Dark Chocolate, rich and crunchy with just the right hit of sweetness. Perfect for coffee breaks, gifting… or just because. 😉Button -
![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
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)
