Tried & Tested
10 TESTED
SPECIAL STARTERS
WINNER
Asda Extra Special Ultimate Prawn Cocktail with Campfire Charred Tomato Marie Rose Sauce £6 for 220g 83/100 Taking inspiration from campfire smoke, Asda has elevated the humble prawn cocktail to something very special indeed. Presented in ready-to-serve plastic pots, it won the panel over with its generous combination of king prawns and perfectly balanced smoked paprika sauce.
RUNNER-UP
Morrisons The Best Scallop and Prawn Thermidor Gratin £5.50 for 260g 82/100 Served in reusable terracotta dishes, this is a real crowd-pleaser. The cheesy bechamel sauce contains a splash of white wine and, while being indulgent and creamy, it’s not too heavy to ruin the main event.
BEST VEGETARIAN
Waitrose & Partners Vegan Layered Mushroom Parfait £4.50 for 80g 71/100 Mushroom parfait isn’t the easiest starter to make yourself, but thankfully Waitrose has done all the hard work for you. This light and airy mushroom mousse is enhanced with a crack of black pepper and delicate herbs. Delicious.
BEST BUDGET
Tesco Finest Canadian Scallops and Smoked Bacon with Risotto £5 for 176g 74/100 Creamy scallops and smokey bacon are a winning combo and this seafood risotto, presented in shells that can be reused, is moist, succulent and deliciously garlicky.
18 TESTED
SUPERMARKET CHAMPAGNE
WINNER
Tesco Finest Premier Cru Brut Champagne NV £23 for 75cl, 12.5% ABV 84/100 Grapes from the prestigious ‘Premier Cru’ region of Champagne give this fizz a perfect balance of refreshing citrus and decadent brioche. Our panel enjoyed the complexity and found the bubbles gentle, smooth and velvety.
BEST BUDGET
Co-op Les Pionniers Champagne NV £19 for 75cl, 12% ABV 78/100 Made by Piper Heidsieck for Co-op, this non-vintage Champagne is a steal. Expect well-balanced lemon peel, brioche and lively bubbles in every sip.
20 TESTED
PROSECCO
WINNER
Daylesford Prosecco £15 for 75cl, 10.5% ABV; daylesford.com 87/100 Our winning Prosecco is zingy, fresh and organic to boot. You may detect a little white blossom and stone fruit, making this a complex bottle, worthy of the price tag.
RUNNER-UP
Tesco Finest Prosecco DOC £8.50 for 75cl, 11%
