I would like to purchase some foods that we enjoyed on a trip to the UK this summer, but they're things you don't see often. I've checked the international food aisles of local Giant, Balducci's, and Whole Foods stores, and found some things, but looking for some more variety. There are also a number of online places, but I'm hoping for something local.

Anyone know of any local markets?

There is a shop at the Clarendon Metro Station that carries a wide assortment of British foods... from chocolates to sausages. Don't know exactly what you are looking for but it is a start.

There is a British place in Old Town Alexandria. I keep meaning to try the "proper tea".

http://pages.alexandriacity.com/food/teacosy.htm

If you're looking for Hobnobs, digestives, various Cadbury's/other chocolates, etc., your best bet locally, on price and selection, is World Market. Wegman's has a smaller selection, but will at least have stuff like Hobnobs and Jacob's cream crackers on a regular basis, as well as Ty-phoo and PG Tips tea.

As far as sausages or pies, the only place I can personally recommend is the British Pantry on Rt. 50 in Aldie, VA (http://www.thebritishpantry.us/) - they stock pork pies, Galtee bacon, and black and white pudding, all frozen.

For mail order, the ShopEnglandOnline folks (http://store.shopenglandonline.com/) are reasonably priced and very helpful.

The shop in Clarendon, at the corner of Wilson & Highland, next to Hard Times is called CLASSIC CIGARS & BRITISH GOODIES and does carry a good selection of tinned and frozen goods and candy.

Strangely enough, there's the same place on Market Street in Frederick...better selection than the Clarendon one, which I am familiar with of old.

Rob

They generally have a selection of Walker's Crisps. Most are beyond the "sell by date" but I would happily eat a semi-stale Smokey Bacon Walker's Crisp any day over a fresh Lay's, Kettle, or any other American potato chip.

I should also mention, the Roast Chicken also kick ass as well.

its not local but we use www.foodireland.com

Everytime I go there, I'm floored by how many sandwich spreads Heinz makes that we never see. What's with that? What's with Brits and their hidden condiments?

Hey, the manufacturer of Vegemite is Kraft.

Now here's a really cool food blog.

Smiling, handing you a sandwich,
Rocks.

its been a while since ive been there,
but i used to buy cans of mushy peas, McVities Digestives , and all of those weird cadbury chocolate creations at Rodmans.

The proprietor, Vivian is no longer there and the last time we were there, there were serious changes and not necessairly for the better. Haven't been back since. It may be better now.

Given the reputation of British food, should it be surprising

Another execellent British food shop, although sadly in NYC
http://www.myersofkeswick.com/main.asp