There are very few evenings in the calendar that genuinely unite a nation’s living rooms, but the World Cup Final manages it every four years without fail. At Forman & Field, we believe the food should rise to meet the drama, be properly made, easy to serve, and good enough that nobody minds missing a minute of the match to fetch more. Here is what we believe belongs on the table for the Final, and exactly how we intend to watch it.
What should I serve for a World Cup Final watch party?
The finest Final-day food is food built to be eaten standing up, plate balanced on a knee, eyes never leaving the screen. Our Large Tiger Prawns, ready in minutes on a hot BBQ with nothing more than a squeeze of lemon, are perfect for guests happy to get a little messy between goals. For something a touch more familiar, Salmon Fishfingers with Caper & Lemon Mayonnaise make outstanding sandwiches that disappear quickly at half time, and Mushroom & Chestnut Sausage Rolls ensure there’s something for guests who’d rather skip the meat altogether.
What canapés work well for watching football?
Canapés for football need to survive being eaten mid-cheer, which rules out anything too delicate. Our Smoked Salmon Pâté, made with superior Grade One Scottish salmon, is spread thickly on toast or scooped straight from the tub when concentration on the match takes over. Alongside it, Limited Edition Homemade Haggis Scotch Eggs offer something a little different from the usual matchday spread, and our Lobster Mash Topped Fish Pie, with Dover sole, tiger prawns and smoked haddock beneath a hand-piped lobster mash, makes a properly substantial option for those arriving before kick-off with a real appetite.
What should I drink during the World Cup Final?
A World Cup Final deserves drinks that can be poured effortlessly between goals while still feeling worthy of the occasion. Set out the Bar Snacks Presentation Box for guests to graze on throughout the match, then keep a bottle of Court Garden Classic Cuvée Brut chilled and ready for the final whistle. For those who favour something stronger, East London Liquor Company Gin makes an excellent serve over ice with a good tonic and a slice of citrus. Whether you’re toasting victory or consoling defeat, these are the sort of bottles that ensure the evening ends on the right note.
What desserts suit a World Cup Final evening?
Every great match deserves a proper pudding. The beauty of individual desserts is that they can be served straight from the fridge during half-time, leaving you free to enjoy every minute of the action. Our Sherry Trifle in a Pot brings a wonderfully nostalgic British finish with layers of sponge, custard and cream, while Mrs Forman’s Cheesecake Pot offers something rich, smooth and effortlessly indulgent. For those who prefer a touch of chocolate and citrus, the Jaffa Cake Pot delivers a playful take on a British classic. After all, whether the match finishes in ninety minutes or goes all the way to penalties, a good dessert is always worth staying for.