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  Images: PEXELS/COTTON BRO; KEVIN MALIK 

 

 

 

 [Food &amp; Drink](/life/food-drink) 

 



 /  28 May 2025  

#  A Chef Shares His Weekly Food Shop  


 Tom Cenci is exec chef at members club Mortimer House, where he puts a Mediterranean spin on the menus at each of its restaurants. Taking him out of its kitchens for a second, we asked him about the staples he relies on at home. From packet noodles to sourdough pizza, here’s what he gave us…  
 

 



 

  Images: PEXELS/COTTON BRO; KEVIN MALIK 

 

 

 

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

 



 

 

 

 

 [ ![](https://media.slman.com/5LcjzXOdOTcMkUHhtRG7YwjSAYY=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fslman-a-chefs-ocado-shop-tom-cenci-portrait.jpg?itok=dsL2dSP7)

 

 ](https://www.instagram.com/tomcenci/?hl=en) 

David Robson

 

 

 

 

 

## CUPBOARD 

  

 

**Indomie noodles:** This is my go-to late-night snack after work. These noodles are the cheapest and quickest meals I can cook. I usually add a fried egg and sprinkle sesame seeds on top, but you can pimp them however you like. They hit the spot every time.

**Perelló Picante Olives:** These are the very best olives you can get, and a must-serve when entertaining. I just open a tin, pour them into a bowl, and serve. Easiest snack ever, and they never fail to impress guests.

**AGV Spicy Chilli Sauce:** My favourite chilli sauce has the perfect blend of heat and flavour. It’s one of those condiments that can instantly bring a dish to life. I always keep a bottle in the cupboard – it works with everything from noodles to grilled meats.

**Kühne gherkins:** Vibrant and punchy, these are a regular on my table. I serve them with bagels, burgers, or just alongside beers when friends come over. They're small but mighty in flavour.

**Honest Toil olive oil:** Cold-pressed and unblended, this is how olive oil should be. I’ve done blind taste tests, and this always comes out on top. I use it for finishing dishes, dressing salads, or just dipping with good bread.

 

## FRIDGE 

  

 

**Greek yogurt:** A staple for gut health, and the kids love it too. I serve it as a dessert alternative with a drizzle of honey, sliced banana, and a handful of Grape-Nuts for texture.

**Smoked gammon:** This is a really cheap cut of meat that can stretch across three meals. I slowly boil it, then serve it with potatoes, greens and mustard. Any leftovers get turned into a play on salt beef bagels, and I use the remaining stock as a base for noodle soup. Nothing goes to waste.

**Guindilla peppers:** These are great thrown into a sandwich or served with sliced meats. I make homemade kebabs and always include these for a hit of vinegar and heat – they add the perfect balance.

**Rude Health Oat Milk:** Made with natural fats and spring water – unlike other brands packed with processed oils and sugars – Rude Health is my go-to brand for plant-based milk. It tastes clean and creamy, and I use it in everything from coffee to cereal.

 

 [ ![](https://media.slman.com/xTOUI6wTCYN06lB6_tMx9vEZ0Yw=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fslman-a-chefs-ocado-shop-tom-cenci.jpg?itok=z_wIXTDe)

 

 ](https://www.instagram.com/tomcenci/?hl=en) 

@TOMCENCI

 

 

 

 

 

 

## FRUIT &amp; VEG 

  

 

**Crudités:** Carrots, cucumbers and peppers are a staple with the kids. I put them out at every meal so they can help themselves. It’s a simple way to keep things healthy and colourful on the table.

**Tomatoes:** I always spend a bit more on a good variety because the flavour is so much better. Obviously, tomatoes are incredibly versatile – I use them for fresh spaghetti pomodoro, quick salsas, or just in a cheese sandwich with a little salt.

**Bananas:** I have one every morning for breakfast with an espresso. They’re perfect on the go, and the kids love them too.

 

## FREEZER 

  

 

**Crosta &amp; Mollica Fiorentina sourdough pizza:** The spinach and mushroom one is so good. It’s a proper meal you can just chuck in the oven. You’d never know it was frozen.

**Hackney Gelato ice-cream:** I’d take any flavour, but the pistachio, almond and lemon gelato is the GOAT. I’ve been known to eat a whole tub in one sitting, it’s that good.

**M&amp;S Quiche Lorraine:** My kids all love quiche, so this is a regular in our freezer. The M&amp;S one is unbeatable unless you’re making it yourself, and even then, it’s close.

 

## DRINKS 

  

 

**Metaxa 12 Stars:** If you don’t know Metaxa, it’s a kind of Greek brandy. It’s smooth and well-rounded, perfect for sipping over ice. I reach for this when I want an alternative to whisky.

**Ardbeg 10 Year Old Single Malt:** If whisky is your thing, this one’s a belter. It’s packed with flavour and full of smoky peat. It’s bold and totally different from other spirits, though definitely not for the faint-hearted.

**Gin 27:** This is a great gin from Switzerland (where my wife is from). It’s infused with warm spices, orange and juniper, and is really soft on the palate. I always have a bottle in the cupboard for G&amp;Ts or refreshing cocktails.

**Grenadine:** A total staple for me, I use Grenadine in drinks – just a splash to add sweetness to bubbles or cocktails – as well as in my cooking. I like to use it instead of sugar when I’m cooking rhubarb. It adds sweetness, colour and a bit of complexity.

 

For more inspiration, follow [@TomCenci](https://www.instagram.com/tomcenci/?hl=en) on Instagram

 

 

 

 

---

 

## SHOP THE EDIT 

 

 

 

 ![Spicy Chili Sauce from AGV](https://media.slman.com/aakrQngTr6Clj9QH1u343gTKoFw=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fagv-spicy-chilli-sauce.png?itok=uBcslDLz)

 

[#### Spicy Chili Sauce](https://www.orientalmart.co.uk/agv-spicy-chili-sauce)

 

##### AGV



 

£2.95

 

 

 

 ![Extra Virgin Greek Olive Oil from Honest Toil](https://media.slman.com/LqkvEt1TN3Rlu9Eq27Fa1nvydIA=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fhonest-toil-extra-virgin-greek-olive-oil-500ml.png?itok=KfAMlr73)

 

[#### Extra Virgin Greek Olive Oil](https://www.souschef.co.uk/products/honest-toil-olive-oil-small)

 

##### Honest Toil



 

£14.99

 

 

 

 ![Stromboli Sourdough Pizza from Crosta Mollica](https://media.slman.com/h1MLGI2Xjg2Thbu4bwSziNqYpUQ=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fcrosta-mollica-stromboli-sourdough-pizza-with-pepperoni-spicy-salami-447g.png?itok=QnWl8ckl)

 

[#### Stromboli Sourdough Pizza](https://www.ocado.com/products/crosta-mollica-stromboli-sourdough-pizza-with-pepperoni-spicy-salami-514174011)

 

##### Crosta Mollica



 

£5.75

 

 

 

 ![Islay Single Malt Scotch Whiskey from Ardberg](https://media.slman.com/PiCVpR9w6M67XlydCSj-YVZteyc=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fardbeg-10-year-single-malt.png?itok=pi8R9Ix1)

 

[#### Islay Single Malt Scotch Whiskey](https://www.ardbeg.com/en-gb/ardbeg-10-years-old-bottle-1076744.html)

 

##### Ardberg



 

£51

 

 

 

 ![Basque Hot Peppers from Fragata](https://media.slman.com/nnlYv_sIuusvE9VIUCob8ImMIoY=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Ffragata-basque-hot-peppers-330g.png?itok=Yjdv58O3)

 

[#### Basque Hot Peppers](https://www.ocado.com/products/fragata-basque-hot-peppers-13856011)

 

##### Fragata



 

£2.30

 

 

 

 ![The Original Greek Spirit 12 Stars from Metaxa](https://media.slman.com/s7fXRvNmmXWbOp8bUKjXNHGvfEY=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fmetaxa-12-stars.png?itok=z3iycQs6)

 

[#### The Original Greek Spirit 12 Stars](https://www.ocado.com/products/metaxa-the-original-greek-spirit-12-stars-408767011)

 

##### Metaxa



 

£37.50

 

 

 

 ![Pistachio, Almond & Lemon Gelato from Hackney Gelato](https://media.slman.com/N58hVthr3B3HvP7hfbJNJ0fBAgg=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fhackney-gelato-pistachio-almond-lemon-gelato-460ml.png?itok=FmKsTHBC)

 

[#### Pistachio, Almond &amp; Lemon Gelato](https://www.ocado.com/products/hackney-gelato-pistachio-almond-lemon-gelato-488628011)

 

##### Hackney Gelato



 

£5.50

 

 

 

 ![Gordal Picante Olives from Perelló](https://media.slman.com/hQufh_wSFZaUEbvNLVdd31NooyM=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fbrindisa-perello-gordal-pitted-olives-picante-150g.png?itok=Xf8fBz38)

 

[#### Gordal Picante Olives](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/perell%C3%B3-gordal-picante-350g)

 

##### Perelló



 

£3.50

 

 

 

 ![Instant Noodles from Indo Mie](https://media.slman.com/eSh0zJIBO6v1Y48di7URMTydiZY=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Findo-mie-instant-noodles-chicken-flavour-70g.png?itok=7wPz-_tR)

 

[#### Instant Noodles](https://zoom.ocado.com/indo-mie-instant-noodles-chicken-flavour-70g-623478011)

 

##### Indo Mie



 

£0.70

 

 

 

 ![Grenadine Syrup from Fabbri](https://media.slman.com/NBst1kD6o_KfJRxkmah-pAebx2k=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Ffabbri-grenadine-syrup-560ml.png?itok=DKismu0p)

 

[#### Grenadine Syrup](https://www.ocado.com/products/fabbri-grenadine-syrup-429516011)

 

##### Fabbri



 

£6.85

 

 

 

 ![Gherkins from Kühne](https://media.slman.com/DmwEQ1n0bGIdLVdbKxfQtX8bMyY=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fkuhne-gherkins-670g.png?itok=Fu3fiz0t)

 

[#### Gherkins](https://www.ocado.com/products/kuhne-gherkins-511102011)

 

##### Kühne



 

£3.10

 

 

 

 ![British Outdoor Bred Smoked Gammon from Marks & Spencer](https://media.slman.com/QTpsr0xm19yXAOTGOQ3nbSXrmbA=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fms-british-outdoor-bred-smoked-gammon-750g.png?itok=TsYWknu8)

 

[#### British Outdoor Bred Smoked Gammon](https://www.ocado.com/products/m-s-british-outdoor-bred-smoked-gammon-505066011)

 

##### Marks &amp; Spencer



 

£6.50

 

 

 

 ![Organic Longlife Oat Drink from Rude Health](https://media.slman.com/Ru_gFi35liHXZi4XEDB4IUeS1GM=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Frude-health-organic-oat-drink-longlife-1l.png?itok=E-x0UAmy)

 

[#### Organic Longlife Oat Drink](https://www.ocado.com/products/rude-health-organic-oat-drink-longlife-209176011)

 

##### Rude Health



 

£2.30

 

 

 

 ![Total 5% Fat Natural Greek Yoghurt from FAGE](https://media.slman.com/mNLDTBtDSM3eDzicBBhWRfu6Qnc=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Ffage-total-5-fat-natural-greek-recipe-strained-yoghurt-950g.png?itok=9WOm4vqU)

 

[#### Total 5% Fat Natural Greek Yoghurt](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/total-greek-natural-yogurt-1kg)

 

##### FAGE



 

£5.55

 

 

 

 ![Premium Appenzeller Dry Gin from Gin 27](https://media.slman.com/VR8nRPwm-n6ZlubMPLoFgouW2JI=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fgin-27.png?itok=KxVpTEIO)

 

[#### Premium Appenzeller Dry Gin](https://www.urban-drinks.co.uk/gin-27-premium-appenzeller-dry-gin-07l-43-vol.html)

 

##### Gin 27



 

£47.90

 

 

 

 ![Tomato Family Box from Isle of Wight Tomatoes](https://media.slman.com/Hb7HjeGF0D8MDZSkPNP-rl19ljo=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fisle-of-wight-tomato-family-box-1kg.png?itok=W6USi7JM)

 

[#### Tomato Family Box](https://www.ocado.com/products/isle-of-wight-tomato-family-box-658791011)

 

##### Isle of Wight Tomatoes



 

£7

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

 

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