There was a time when few would have recognised the panettones stacked in London’s Italian delicatessens. But now it’s impossible to do a Christmas shop without tripping over the lovely things. To meet the demand for variety, panettones have been ‘pimped’ with all kinds of fancy additions including booze, creams and chocolate – but we like them ‘classico’ and set out to find the traditional panettones from London’s Italian delis and cafés. Here are seven places where you can get them.
Article originally written in 2016.
Gastronomica, Borough Market
Gastronomica in Borough Market sells the exclusive Albertengo Tradizionale panettone Photo © What Dad Cooked
Gastronomica in Borough Market only imports high-quality food from Italy, so their Albertengo Tradizionales should be good. They come with a ‘glassato’ frosted coating of pearled sugar and nuts. The cost of a good traditional panettone may vary widely, but it’s safe to say with panettone, you get what you pay for. These are at the high end, but as the staff say: they’re worth it! 8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL.
Panettone Tradizionale Glassato, Albertengo – 1Kg
Price: £23.00
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I Camisa & Son and Lina Stores, Soho
The Flamigni ‘Milano’ style traditional panettone from I Camisa & Son in Soho. Photo © What Dad Cooked
Cova Milano Classico, Lina Stores. Photo © What Dad Cooked
I Camisa & Son and Lina Stores both sell top-of-the-range panettones. I Camisa stocks the Flamigni, a beautiful traditional cake. The staff say, ‘the more butter, the better’. And the Flamigni is chock-full of it. They sold shedloads last year. Lina favours the trendy-looking Cova Milano Classico and panettones don’t come more authentic than a genuine Milano. I Camisa & Son: 61 Old Compton St, W1D 6HS and Lina Stores: 18 Brewer St, W1R 3FS.
Carluccio’s
Carluccio’s panettones. Photo © What Dad Cooked
Twenty years ago, Antonio Carluccio chose a family firm in Turin to make his panettones. Today the same firm produces Carluccio’s panettones (available across London). The staff at Garrick Street (now closed) reckon the difference is in the yeast and proving. They must be right as they’re a good tasting cake.
Panettone Tradizionale, 1kg
Price: £22.95
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Luigi’s Delicatessen, Fulham
Victor at Luigi’s Delicatessen in Chelsea. Photo © What Dad Cooked
Everybody should go to Luigi’s Delicatessen on the Fulham Road. It’s a Christmas toy shop for foodies and stuffed full of panettones. Its own brand Tradizionale comes in two versions – glassato and plain – and they’re good ones: moist, light and buttery with a heady and exotic aroma of vanilla and fruit. Packaged in attractive red wrapping, they would make a top Christmas present. 349 Fulham Rd, SW10 9TW.
Natoora
The Classic Gran Galup panettone. Photo © Natoora
Natoora has a knack for sourcing good fruit and veg – and its Classic Gran Galup proves it can source a good cake, too. Made in Piedmont, Italy according to a traditional recipe, it comes with a glassato frosting and is packed with candied fruits and raisins. 35 Turnham Green Terrace, W4 1RG and 245 Pavilion Road, SW1X 0BP.
Giacobazzi’s, Hampstead
The popular Bauli panettone sells everywhere. Photo © What Dad Cooked
Giacobazzi’s Italian delicatessen in Hampstead tops all the polls for London’s favourite deli – and it’s no wonder. It’s wowing its customers with Christmas produce including a good range of panettones. The cheapest is Bauli, a classic brand that has been going for donkey’s years and always sells out. But the favourite is their own Giacobazzi’s exclusive; it’s soft, full of fruit and mouth-wateringly fragrant. Perfect for tucking into in front of the holiday telly. 150 Fleet Rd, NW3 2QX.
Giacobazzi Panettone, 1kg
Price: £22.95
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