Remember how I told you in a previous Cheesonal that you can take over The Little Deli for your own private celebration?
What I didn’t know then was that my family had secretly been plotting one of their own. And a seemingly innocent private booking on a Sunday turned out to be my entire clan gathered to throw me a surprise birthday party!
It was a wonderful afternoon of incredible food, free-flowing wine, much laughter and lots of hugs.
I simply didn’t want it to end!
So now you know you can rely on me when I most heartily recommend hosting your own event with us!
September has always been a slightly quieter month. Families hunker down as kids navigate the new school year, those without kids sneak away on sensibly priced holidays and, whatever the reason, it gives us a little time to regroup and plan ahead for… don’t mention the C-word… the next few months.
Ian has a plan.
Apparently, there are phases…
Phase One: Fondue
As we already know, Hitchinites love their cheese. But if it comes in molten form, it seems they can barely contain themselves — our Fondue Tasting Table on Thursday 22 October is already completely SOLD OUT!
But fear not, we’re not restricting the bubbling pots of cheese to one night.
From next week (Fri 9th Oct), you can join us on Friday & Saturday evenings for fondue à deux: our secret Alpine cheese blend accompanied by all manner of delicious things just waiting to take a dip.
Think cosy evenings, a bottle of something lovely and the opportunity to spend an entirely acceptable amount of time dipping things into melty cheese.
⛷️ Retro ski wear optional.
We expect these evenings to be popular, so booking is definitely recommended.
You’ll be pleased to know we’ve listened to your cries and upgraded our online booking system — fewer clicks between you and an evening at the Deli can only be a good thing.
We love a toastie at any time of year, obviously. But even we admit that, on a blazing hot summer afternoon, two slices of sourdough stuffed with cheese and toasted until gloriously golden can be something of a hard sell.
Now, though? Now they just make sense.
And Ian’s latest creation might be his most inspired yet.
Introducing the McDeli Toastie — born out of necessity the morning after our joint birthday celebration – this bad boy features a homemade sausage patty, fried Cacklebean egg, Neal’s Yard Dairy Cheddar blend and homemade pancetta jam, all sandwiched together and toasted until golden.
We’ve tested thoroughly and can confirm: it is already legendary!
Your morning-after plans.
You’re welcome.
Remember Ian’s three-phase plan?
Well, we’re not revealing everything just yet, but we are excited to tell you about Phase Two — which will see November taken over by not just one, but four Tasting Tables! These are a little different from our usual pairing nights, but still a whole lot of indulgence and a huge lot of fun.
Every Thursday in November, we’ll give you the chance to taste your way through our E-N-T-I-R-E Christmas pre-order range.
Cheese? Obviously.
Charcuterie? Naturally.
A requirement for elasticated trousers? Absolutely.
Christmas is coming… whether we’re ready or not. You may as well get the most important bit sorted!
Seems it’s not just us going retro. Hitchin Town Hall is heading back to the 80s with its Fade to Grey club night on 16 October, while Club 85 looks ahead with their NXT GEN night on 18 October, showcasing four emerging indie/pop-punk bands.
And for those who prefer their entertainment sitting down rather than leaping around, the Bancroft Players are bringing 2:22 A Ghost Story to the Queen Mother Theatre from 5–10 October.
I’d suggest popping in for some pre-theatre dinner (& a little Dutch courage!) before you go!
So, that’s October sorted. Eat fondue & drink wine in the evening, order a McDeli with a coffee in the morning, enjoy Hitchin and try not to think about the C-word just yet.
Let us sort that in Phase Two…
With best wishes
Ian, Jenny & the team at The Little Deli
