Jolly Posh Foods

By Margot Tuchler

There is perhaps no summer event that epitomizes British tradition better than Wimbledon. Less often appreciated, it would seem, is British cuisine, which until recently found itself overshadowed by the rich food cultures of its European neighbors.

This is not the case, however, for Nick Spencer, who grew up near Yorkshire before relocating to the States in 2007. Two years later, he and his wife Connie (a Yank) both endeavored to start their own businesses. While she developed a law practice, he sought to fill a void he had discovered in Chicago’s crowded sausage scene: traditional British bangers. Spencer began selling bangers and puddings and British-style back bacon, and soon customers were asking for other British items. Eventually, demand was great enough to compel Spencer to open his shop: Spencer’s Jolly Posh, which aims to represent the best of British and Irish food—including British staples that are missed in the U.S. (Lucozade, HP sauce, etc.), and specialty items imported from the U.K. and Ireland.

For those of us who can’t enjoy the grass courts of Wimbledon firsthand, here are a few highlights from Spencer’s store that will get you in the mood to turn on the telly and watch a match or two.

Jolly Posh Pork Bangers, Black Pudding and Back Bacon: The crown jewels (ahem) of Spencer’s store is the selection of handmade meats being offered. The owner is proud of his freezer case, and rightfully so: it’s packed with a variety of bangers, puddings and bacon, all Spencer’s own original recipes. These sausages are so good they’re even offered for sale at some of the country’s top gourmet stores like Chicago’s Fox & Obel and Ann Arbor’s Zingerman’s Deli. (Zingerman’s even named Spencer’s back bacon one of its top foods of 2010.) The good news for you Anglophiles in other parts of the country is that Jolly Posh ships their meat products anywhere in the US.

                           

Belvoir Ginger Beer: Belvoir (pronounced “beaver”) produces a wide array of carbonated drinks in beautiful bottles, a small selection of which are sold at Spencer’s. The organic ginger beer, made with real ginger root, is something special. It has a fresh, natural flavor that can’t be captured by the larger soda companies. It’s light and crisp and incomparably refreshing thanks to the “proper fiery kick.”

                                        

Farrah’s Harrogate Toffee: When I think of English toffee, I think of crunchy, buttery caramel dipped in chocolate and rolled in chopped nuts, and that’s what I was expecting when I grabbed a tin of these sweets, which Spencer keeps in the store as a tribute to his childhood (they’re made minutes away from where he grew up). It was surprising to discover a hard candy (though it did break down after few seconds) that tasted of lemon, ginger and brown sugar. Spencer assured me that I wouldn’t be likely to find this stuff anywhere else in the states so consider yourself lucky if you live in Chicago.

                             

Darvilles of Windsor Tea: DoW is one of the royally appointed grocers that serves Her Majesty, so naturally Nick Spencer carries a selection of the company’s teas. I’m no tea connoisseur, but if the Queen approves, it must be good. And what could be more delightfully British than a special tea made for the Diamond Jubilee?

                                 

Now that we’re feeling British, thanks to Spencer’s Jolly Posh, pour a cup of tea, cook up an English breakfast, and marvel for the coming fortnight at the royal spectacle that is Wimbledon