Experiencing a British Christmas in Spain
Spain is renowned for its rich Christmas culinary traditions, offering a plethora of sweet delicacies and mouth-watering meals throughout the festive season. However, if you’re a Brit planning to spend Christmas in Spain and yearn for some traditional British food, we have some good news for you. This article will guide you on where to find British food staples in Spain during Christmas, from the classic turkey and stuffing to mince pies and everyone’s favourite tins of sweets.
Impact of Brexit on Bringing British Food to Spain
Previously, Brits could easily pack their suitcases with their favourite British Christmas ingredients and treats and bring them back to Spain. However, Brexit and new customs rules have complicated this process, making it impossible in some cases. The import of animal-derived products from the UK into the EU, even in small quantities for personal use, is no longer permitted. This means that items such as mincemeat jars, Christmas pudding, chocolates, and custard are not as readily available as they used to be.
Finding British Food in Spain
The availability of British food in Spain largely depends on the region you reside in. In coastal areas like Costa del Sol, Murcia, and Alicante, which have a large British expat community, it’s much easier to find British food. These areas even have special shops and butchers that exclusively sell British goods.
British Butchers in Spain
For Brits in Spain, the main Christmas ingredients they seek are meat, specifically turkey and gammon. While some Spanish butchers stock these cuts, it’s not always guaranteed. However, there are British butchers in Spain that offer everything from traditional Christmas meat to British sausages and bacon. One such example is the British Butcher, a family-owned business located in the Benavista area of the Costa del Sol that specialises in British meats and homemade products. They also offer home delivery throughout Spain.
British Supermarkets in Spain
For those living in southern Spain, there are four supermarkets called The Food Co. that are supplied by Tesco. These stores, located in Ciudad Quesada (Alicante), Puerto de Mazarrón (Murcia), Mijas/Fuengirola (Malaga), and Gibraltar, aim to bring beloved British brands to British expats in Spain. They stock over 7,500 products that are sure to bring a taste of home to Spain. Additionally, Brits near Marbella can visit the Marks and Spencer food hall in La Cañada shopping centre, which stocks some British favourites throughout the year, especially during Christmas.
Online British Supermarkets that Deliver to Spain
Online shopping is another option for getting British groceries in Spain. Some online companies, like the British Corner Shop, have found a way around the Brexit restrictions and sell British groceries online, albeit at often elevated prices. They offer a wide range of British treats from popular British brands and supermarkets, including Cadbury’s and M&S. From mince pies and mincemeat to Christmas puddings, stuffing, gravy granules, cranberry sauce, Christmas crackers, selection boxes and more, you’ll have a wide array of British Christmas food to choose from for delivery to Spain.
Availability of Mince Pies in Spain
Mince pies are widely available in British supermarkets in Spain, as well as online and in some large Spanish supermarkets such as Carrefour and Hipercor, as well as in El Corte Inglés and Dealz. Alternatively, if you can source some mincemeat, you can make your own mince pies in Spain this Christmas and impress your Spanish friends with this delicious Christmas treat.
British Christmas Dinner in Spanish Pubs and Restaurants
If you want to enjoy a traditional British Christmas turkey dinner in Spain without the hassle of cooking, there are pubs and restaurants in Spain that serve up a British Christmas dinner. In areas of Spain such as the Costa del Sol, you’ll be spoilt for choice. For those spending Christmas in Madrid, we recommend the James Joyce Irish Pub, which offers a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, as well as serving Sunday roasts on a weekly basis all year round.
