Prospero

I’d like to purchase two dozen mince pies tomorrow before catching my flight to PVG. My first thought was M&S but may need a plan B if you think there will be an issue at security. Any thoughts/recommendations will be most appreciated.

Ldnn1

I doubt they'd be treated as fluids but who knows with LHR security. Perhaps there should be a Christmas FT game... fit as many mince pies as you can in a sealed clear plastic bag

Plan B, perhaps Fortnum's?

kileysmom

Get them at M&S before you check your bags? I'd bring along a zip bag or two to be sure they are sealed in case they were squashed!

Modo

Never had any problems carrying foodstuffs in hold baggage out of The UK to Asia. I usually carry at least 10 Kg of meat and cheese. Even done it carry on once - but they did do some serious checking!

But you need to think of the other end. Many Asian countries can be strict and China has an extensive list of prohibited items. That said the Chinese tend to be very sympathetic to anything sweet.

I do know of a restauranter who carries 50 Kg of speciality English cheeses two or three times a year in hold baggage!

CKBA

I usually end up doing an M&S food shop at T5 (including connections) and don't have any issues with security. I just keep it all in the M&S bag and it's fine (and of course - get the food after you have checked in - that way you avoid the hand baggage limit!).

The only issue I have ever had was explaining things to US customs - 'mince pies' - oh.... .

sjharte

It would be fab if there was an airside M&S at LHR.

corporate-wage-slave

Mince pies definitely fine for security at NCL, EDI and LHR. Done repeatedly.

But I'm very surprised you are asking, there is now a Fortnum & Mason under South Galleries. And they have multiple sorts of pies in various sizes and packaging. Unless, of course, the inner Scotsman was adding length to your pockets.

There's also a very prominent Walkers' deal at WH Smith between North and South Security. I can't remember the exact details but it was something like 3 boxes of 6 for £10 and I remember walking away thinking that maybe my inner Scotsman was awakening at that price.

Flexible preferences

I'm not sure if you're only considering purchasing at the airport. If not, this year my partner and I are in agreement that Sainsbury's 'Taste the Difference' are the best! £4 for two boxes of 6. Beat M and S hands down.

Prospero

Thanks folks, will go with Plan A - could be tempted to pick up some shortbread too

Thanks also to Flexible preferences for the Sainsbury's recommendation. Unfortunately I've left it a little late for this as my local store doesn't open until 11am today. Will keep it mind for after I get back though. #ilovemincepiesme

I tend to flow through Heathrow on autopilot and don’t pay too much attention to what is going on retail wise. However, earlier this month I was pleased to see that a new book shop had opened near Gate A7.

DocWatson

In an 'independent taste test' a couple of weeks back, I think on BBC Breakfast, the Fortnum Mince Pies were joint worst with Greggs. Harrods came out on top with commendable showings from Aldi and Sainsburys. M&S were better than Fortnum.

Of course your taste may vary!

whiskerxx

My taste does vary!
Regardless of what the BBC says I'd place Greggs mince pies at the top of the list for taste and value but maybe not so for packaging. The product isn't boxed, because they bake them in the shop every day - yummy! Boxed mince pies are likely to have been made months ago - some before easter! yuk

Flexible preferences

Greggs piece de resistance would be the cheese and onion pasty. Nothing else comes close

Land-of-Miles

For a long time F&M didn't offer mince pies in the terminals it was a real pain, are they now selling there?

Booths Mince Pies are clearly the best but F&M isn't bad and I do like their brandy butter.

Prospero

Give me a couple of hours and I’ll get back to you on that.

Prospero

Thanks for all your tips. Very helpful.

My mission was successful - plenty of mince pie stock at M&S and no probs getting through security.

LoM, Fortnums are also selling mince pies at T5, at a luxury price point. We'll be enjoying ours with a mug of builders tea so M&S is great for my purposes.


F&M display