BRITISH Food Fortnight is the biggest annual celebration of local food and drink. Taking place from September 19 until October 4, what better time to embrace all things British, eat like kings and try some delicious new drinks? From British bubbles and beers, to wines that match perfectly with our favourite foods, there’s something for everyone here...

  • Anyone with a penchant for partridge – or pheasant, come to that – will do well to team it with a superb bottle of Bordeaux, such as the Chateau Caillou Les Martins 2011 (currently £9.95, down from £11.95, www.slurp.co.uk). The blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc is elegant yet robust – a perfect Sunday treat.
  •  Topping polls of dishes loved by Brits for years, a chicken tikka masala seems tricky to match with anything but beer. But try Los Gansos Gewurztraminer 2015 (currently £6.99, down from £7.99, www.slurp.co.uk) and you’ll discover this aromatic and spicy Chilean drop, produced by the multi-award-winning Cono Sur winery, cuts through the flavour wonderfully.
  •  British beef is always a treat, but choosing a red wine to match can be overwhelming. Generally speaking, the leaner the meat, the lighter the wine should be, and the scents of thyme, rosemary and lavender in the Cotes du Rhone Villages Domaine Alary Cairanne 2012 (£12.50, www.H2vin.co.uk) certainly arouse the senses. Fresh on the finish with rich and bold tannins, this red makes the perfect partner.
  •  There are evenings when you simply cannot beat a tasty slab of Cheddar cheese with a good drop of red wine. If that’s got you looking forward to Friday night already, be sure to grab a bottle of Mission Estate Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Merlot 2013 (£9.95, www.thewinesociety.com) – all raspberry and cherry aromas, with a spicy medium-bodied palate – and toast the start of the Rugby World Cup.
  •  A warming fish pie makes for a fantastic autumnal tea, but take it to the next level by serving it with a large glass of Macon Villages Chardonnay (£8.99, www.ocado.com) – a gorgeous example of a modern white burgundy. It’s crisp and dry with fresh citrus and peachy flavours – you’ll be reaching for a second glass before you know it.