English food has come a long way lately; it's worth enjoying and bringing home. Don't pass up the Food Halls in Harrods; consider the Fifth Floor at Harvey Nicks if Harrods is crammed with too many tourists--it isn't the same, but it'll do. Also, Fortnum & Mason is internationally famous as a food emporium.

Charbonnel et Walker. 1 The Royal Arcade, 28 Old Bond St., W1, tel. 0171/491-0939. Tube: Green Park. Charbonnel et Walker is famous for its hot chocolate in winter (buy it by the tin) and their strawberries-and-cream chocolates during "The Season." The firm will send messages of thanks or love spelled out on the chocolates themselves. Ready-made presentation boxes are also available.

Neal's Yard Dairy. 17 Shorts Gardens, WC2, tel. 0171/379-7646. Tube: Covent Garden. The front is actually a photo-op; please take note. Then enjoy the cheeses as well as foodstuffs, snack items, and picnic supplies. It could be the highlight of a Sunday afternoon in Covent Garden.