Experiencing a British Christmas in Spain: A Comprehensive Guide
Spain is renowned for its rich Christmas culinary traditions, offering a plethora of sweet delights and savory dishes throughout the festive season. However, if you’re planning to spend Christmas in Spain and crave some traditional British food, we have you covered. The question is, can you find British food in Spain? And if so, where? While Spain boasts a fantastic selection of Christmas food, sometimes there’s nothing quite like a traditional British turkey dinner and some mince pies. From turkey and stuffing to gammon, gravy, mince pies, and everyone’s favorite tins of sweets, here’s where you can find British food staples in Spain this Christmas.
Impact of Brexit on Bringing British Food to Spain
In the past, Brits could fill their suitcases with their favorite 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. Britons can no longer import animal-derived products from the UK into the EU, even in small quantities or for personal use. This means that items such as mincemeat jars, packets of mince pies, Christmas pudding, and even 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 depends on where you live. In coastal areas such as the Costa del Sol, Murcia, and Alicante, where there is a large British expat community, it’s much easier to find British food. These areas even have special shops and butchers that sell only British goods.
British Butchers in Spain
One of the main Christmas ingredients that Brits in Spain will be after is meat, specifically turkey and gammon. While some Spanish butchers stock these cuts, it isn’t always the case. However, there are also British butchers in Spain that offer everything from traditional Christmas meat to good old 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 specializes in British meats and homemade products. Many British butchers in Spain also have an online presence, making it easy to order products for home delivery.
British Supermarkets in Spain
Are there any Tesco stores in Spain? Those who live in southern Spain are in luck, as there are several supermarkets in Spain called The Food Co. that are supplied by Tesco, Iceland, Waitrose, and the Co-op. With stores in several locations in Andalusia, Alicante, and Murcia, The Food Co. aims to bring loved British brands to British expats in Spain, stocking over 7,500 products that are sure to bring that little taste of home to Spain.
Online British Supermarkets that Deliver to Spain
Another option is shopping online this Christmas. Some online companies have found a way around the import restrictions and sell British groceries online, albeit often at elevated prices. One example is the British Corner Shop, which supplies Brits abroad with 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 be spoilt for choice when choosing British Christmas food to be delivered to Spain.
Availability of Mince Pies in Spain
Mince pies in Spain are widely available in British supermarkets, 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 get your hands on 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 Spain: Pubs and Restaurants
For those who want to enjoy a good old Christmas turkey dinner in Spain but don’t fancy cooking, there are also 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, with restaurants such as The Carvery Company standing out. For those spending Christmas in Madrid, we also recommend the James Joyce Irish Pub, which won’t disappoint with its traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, as well as serving Sunday roasts on a weekly basis all year round.
Experiencing a Spanish Christmas
If after all you want to experience a Spanish Christmas in 2024, make sure to check out our guide to traditional Spanish Christmas food.
