I’m not feeling Royal Wedding fever–at least not enough to wake up at dawn, head to Dumbo for a free outdoor screening at 5:30 am and then begin drinking Pimm’s at 9–but I do like me some British treats. Two years ago we compiled a guide to all things British-y in BK, and since then two shops have opened up that would have made the cut.
Dépaneur, a gourmet food shop in Williamsburg, stocks a lot of international treats, and they’re particularly strong in the UK selection. Here you’ll find nearly every kind of Fentiman’s drinks (I love Curiousity Cola–somehow the words “botanically brewed” make me feel good about drinking soda) and Belvoir cordials, like the classic Elderflower cordial, a good stand-in for St. Germain’s as a mixer, minus the alcohol. They also stock Ribena, which I never got into much–the blackcurrant juice is a little too sweet for me. And of course, they have all the Cadburry candy bars and Walkers Crisps you could hope for, including Prawn Cocktail. (The Brits really are more adventurous eaters than us.)
Shen beauty on Court Street in Carroll Gardens is another font of British products, this time for the face and skin. (Note: You should be fully warned that unless you are very, very strong willed, you can drop a bundle here on high-end creams, oils, and makeup, and you won’t be unhappy if you do. I bought a tiny, $36 jar of organic, RMS “un” cover-up concealer and haven’t regretted it.) One of the owners is a Brit, which helps explain their selection of British brands, like Kate Logan, who grows nearly all the ingredients in her hand-made cleansers, creams, and spritzes. (If you’re familiar with Neal’s Yard Remedies, think even more natural and handcrafted.)
To celebrate William and Kate, Shen is discounting 15% on every Brit line they carry through this Sunday, May 1: Amanda Lacey, Lubatti, Kate Logan, Roullier White, Aromatherapy Associates and Jemma Kidd. Plus tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday they’ll be serving tea, Angel cake and Battenberg cake (yeah, I didn’t know what that was either–it’s checked sponge cake).
