40 Years of Craftsmanship
This year at DukesHill, we are proud to be celebrating our 40th anniversary. From our very first traditionally cured hams in 1985 to our wonderful array of hampers and artisan delights, our story has always been rooted in making food the way it should be: honest, slow-made, and full of character. It fills us with pride and gratitude to know that, for four decades, you’ve welcomed us into your kitchens and celebrations, trusting us with the moments that matter most.
As autumn gives way to the sparkle of Christmas, the work behind the scenes at DukesHill has been in full swing for many months now. So what does Christmas at DukesHill really look like behind the scenes?
Here’s a peek into how we’re bringing the magic to life this season:
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Delicate Illustration
It all started with a sketch. Carefully created by our in house creative, Lauren.
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Luxury Food Guide
The sketch became a magnificent digital illustration, gold foiled and applied to the Luxury Food & Gift Guide.
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Wreath Photography
Our creative team crafted a real life version of the wreath using our selection of fine food.
Our Much-Anticipated Christmas Brochure
While most of the country was enjoying ice creams in the summer sun, our team was donning festive jumpers and setting the table for Christmas in July. From the meticulously styled photoshoot to the stunning cover illustration of our Christmas wreath by our in house creative, Lauren, every detail of this year’s brochure has been crafted to inspire, delight, and sprinkle a little seasonal joy.
More than just decoration, the wreath, now proudly gracing the cover of our Christmas Food & Gift Guide, honours the heritage and timeless traditions that define DukesHill, celebrating 40 years of dedication to exceptional food.
From illustration to photography, the design was brought to life, weaving together the essence of our handcrafted artisan products with the magic of Christmas. Every detail carefully chosen to reflect the heritage, quality, and craftsmanship we are so proud of.
Christmas at DukesHill is more than just a season. It's a celebration of the craft, dedication, and the care behind everything we make.
Preparing Our Famous Hams
Our master curers have been busy preparing our famous cured hams. All our traditional British hams are a labour of love, in particular, our dry-cured York hams, for which we were awarded our Royal Warrant. In fact, the York hams you'll be enjoying this Christmas were cured before the summer and have been maturing gently for months to develop their exceptional flavour and texture.
Behind each ham is a master curer tending to every joint with patience, precision, and decades of experience. There’s no rushing greatness - just time and skill.
Creating Gifts Of Distinction
In our warehouse, the festive buzz has well and truly begun. Our dedicated team is hard at work preparing our luxury wicker hampers, ready to pack with the finest artisan treasures, from melt-in-the-mouth smoked salmon to expertly aged cheddar and decadent handmade truffles.
Each item is carefully sourced and selected by our team of passionate food lovers, ensuring that every hamper is a celebration in a box, whether you're gifting someone special or treating yourself.
Looking Ahead To Christmas
As the warmth and wonder of Christmas approaches, we want to thank you, our customers and friends, for making us part of your festive traditions. Whether it’s a glorious, glazed ham, a thoughtfully curated hamper, or a pudding shared with family, it’s a privilege to bring joy to your table.
Here’s to 40 years of craft and tradition, and to many more memories worth savouring.