Food was a huge part of my lockdown experience the first time round – so much so, I wrote a short essay all about it – so I should think it’ll be the same for Lockdown II.

Here we go again.

Finding new things to eat, and even getting hold of simple ingredients,  helped get me through the tough days, and celebrate the good.

With my usual indulgent pleasures (live theatre, dinner with friends, solo coffee-and-writing sessions) somewhat limited in lockdown, food is one of our favourite ways to make an evening special, or celebrate the ordinary.

From recipe kits and takeaways to cakes through the post, I wanted to share a few of our favourite foodie delivery services to enjoy during lockdown.

Some are local to Southampton, and some are available nationally, and this list is by no means exhaustive – but each one is a great way to support small and local businesses, brighten someone’s day, or to try something new.

Something savoury

Popsi’s pizza (Southampton)

We’ve ordered from Popsi’s in Southampton more times than I can count in the last year. It’s our go-to local pizza place and offers the most delicious stonebaked pizzas delivered straight to your door, or ready for collection.

Our favourite is the Great Goatsby, and we have a soft spot for their pesto bites too. What’s more, they’re incredibly eco friendly, and cater for plenty of dietary requirements, so you can chow-down guilt free!

Simply Cook

Simply Cook‘s recipe boxes were a godsend in Lockdown I. I ordered our first box after being tempted by a discount code, and we continued to get a monthly delivery for a few weeks (until the discounts ran out, and we couldn’t really justify the full price on a long-term basis. Sorry, Simply Cook!).

However, a Simply Cook night for dinner meant amazing meals that were super easy to assemble, because the complex mixtures of flavours had already been sorted for you. They were quick and delicious and I always looked forward to them! 

There’s always a discount to be found if you want to try it (I have a referral code if you feel like asking for one! Just contact me on Twitter!). If you don’t fancy signing up, you can find one-off kits in some supermarkets – which is great, too!

The Spicery

My parents gifted me a subscription box from The Spicery for my last birthday, and we used the first box during lockdown, cooking up a Laksa feast (enough for for, for the two of us!). It was delicious and we had great fun learning to make our own spring rolls from scratch.

A few months later, I bought a friend a subscription for her birthday, and she recently told me she’s extended it as they love the ingredients so much.

It’s another great way to cook something different, with a step-by-step guide and pre-measured seasonings. The Spicery, which is Bristol based (offering worldwide shipping!) also have smaller kits and one-pot sachets that make life a whole lot easier and tastier.

I can’t wait to get cooking with my next subscription delivery!

Piecaramba (Southampton)

Piecaramba‘s Southampton venue was our last meal out before Boris closed everything down for our own safety; so when they reopened for delivery (and eventually, eat-in experiences) we had to bring their amazing pies into the comfort of our homes. Fortunately for us, they’re delivering in Lockdown II, too!

Based in both Southampton and Winchester, they also offer a whole host of pies to take home and put in the freezer.

Comfort food always makes cold, dark days better – so I know what I’ll be ordering in.

Something sweet

Little Bee Bakes

I’ve been a big fan of Little Bee Bakes ever since my pen-pal friend H sent me a surprise box of brownies in the post a few years back.

Homemade cakey treats delivered to your doorstep may have become more common in lockdown life, but Jess was working her magic long before the days of coronavirus!

These bakes are great value and always delicious. I ordered a couple of boxes during lockdown before for loved ones and will continue to when the opportunity arises. She’s even got her Christmas bakes lined up!

My favourites include the Nutella brownies and the chocolate and sea salt cookies, and I have my eye on something chocolate-orangey next! You just have to be quick with your order; things can sell out rather quickly.

Hoxton Bakehouse

A batch of bakes from Hampshire-based Hoxton Bakehouse was the first thing I ordered once Lockdown I took hold. They rose (sorry) to the occasion and offered local deliveries of pastries, bread, eggs and coveted flour; I got my hands on a batch of buns and they brought a smile to our anxiety-ridden faces in the early days of the pandemic.

They’ve since kept their delivery option open, which I think is marvellous, and their menu has expanded too. If you live in Winchester, Southampton, Lymington or Romsey, you’re in luck!

I’m still dreaming about their cinnamon buns.

One More Please

I ordered homemade cookies from Devon-based Lynsey’s venture, One More Please, as a little surprise gift after seeing her bakes on Instagram. I asked for them to be wrapped and sent with a note, and they arrived beautiful and delicious; another great find for postal sweet treats!

If you’re based in Barnstaple, Lynsey offers local delivery, or UK delivery if you’re further afield. There are plenty of flavours to choose from too – ideal for fans of New York-style cookies.

Hungry for more?