I tried Harvey Nichols Christmas food & drink gifts in Birmingham and they oozed with luxury

It’s that time of year when we want to push the boat out and really treat our loved ones to something special.

And Harvey Nichols being one of Britain’s ultimate luxury brands, this could be the ultimate stop in Birmingham, with our very own store in the Mailbox.

The department store’s Christmas displays are a real treat - super stylish and chic, befitting of the iconic, upmarket chain. A beautiful giant tree stands at the front of the Mailbox store, bedecked in glistening gold stars and baubles. And the entrance is as dazzling as ever with glitzy lights surrounding the passageway to luxury.

We were invited to try out a couple of Harvey Nichols Christmas food and drinks ahead of the big day. And it was a challenge we thought we ought to take up - all in the line of duty to keep our readers informed with our trustworthy advice about things going on in our fair city of Brum.

The Harvey Nichols store has handily laid out Christmas displays in useful sections - with stocking fillers, party items and more. And there’s loads of amazing items to see in store. Our mission was to test the Christmas pudding gin and peppermint balls.

Let’s start with those peppermint balls. Now, I must admit, I’m not a fan of mint, so they wouldn’t have been my first choice of things to try. But I am a big chocolate fan. And these little beauties are actually double chocolate peppermint chocolate malt balls.

They were completely heavenly. A crispy, malty middle surrounded by a magnificently, thick case of dark chocolate encased in light chocolate. The peppermint bit added a light, cool sensation. It was like eating mini chocolate snowballs - a wonderful stocking filler gift for anyone and costs £9.95.

Next up was the Christmas pudding gin. Now I just admit, I wasn’t too sure how to drink this - neat, with ice, with a mixer?? I’ve never had Christmas pudding gin before! It’s recommended for ‘moments of merriment’ - which is just how I plan to spend my Christmas.

Made in Scotland, the limited edition drink came in a 200ml bottle and with 40% alcohol. The deep red labelling with gold was very tasteful, I must admit. I decided to try it splashed over ice. It’s definitely one to sip, with strong flavours of cinnamon and nutmeg peaking through the alcohol.

A highly aromatic tipple which has also been infused with Harvey Nich’s Christmas puddings. It’s been at The Secret Garden Distillery on the Pentland Hills on the outskirts of Edinburgh where, I’m told, some of the world’s most exciting gins are made. 

Well, this is the first one I’ve ever tried from there and I was truly impressed with the distinctive flavour. Another recommendation if you’re looking for a taste of luxury this Chirstmas - which costs £22.

Well, I hope you found that useful. Harvey Nichs has got a whole host of Christmas treats - and you may still have time to buy them - a wonderful last minute gift.