There are few foods that feel as unmistakably Cornish as a traditional pasty. With its golden pastry crust and hearty filling, a Cornish pasty is the kind of food that brings a little taste of the South West wherever you are.
But what if you live outside Cornwall? Or you want to send a proper Cornish pasty to a friend, family member or colleague as a gift?
That is where Cornish pasties by post come in.
Rather than travelling to Cornwall yourself, you can have Cornish pasties carefully prepared, packed and delivered to your door or directly to someone you are treating. Cornish Hampers offers a dedicated range of Cornish pasty hampers, including options that combine pasties with cream teas, ale, cider and other Cornish favourites.
So, how does sending a Cornish pasty by post actually work? What should you look for when ordering? How should the pasty be stored when it arrives? And which type of hamper should you choose?
Let’s take a closer look.
Can You Send a Cornish Pasty by Post?
Yes, Cornish pasties can be sent by post when they are prepared and packaged specifically for delivery.
The important thing is that a pasty is not simply placed in an ordinary parcel and sent through the post. Food intended for delivery needs suitable packaging, handling and delivery arrangements.
For example, Cornish Hampers states that its handmade pasties are sent frozen and are intended to arrive in a chilled state, ready to eat or to be kept refrigerated. The company also advises customers not to refreeze the pasties.
This makes ordering from a specialist food hamper company considerably simpler than trying to package and post a homemade pasty yourself.
If you’re looking specifically for a ready-to-order option, the Cornish Pasty Cream Tea Hamper combines a steak pasty with the ingredients for a Cornish cream tea, creating a complete Cornish food experience in one delivery.
Why Send a Cornish Pasty by Post?
There are plenty of reasons someone might want to send a Cornish pasty as a gift.
Perhaps a friend has moved away from Cornwall and misses the food they enjoyed there. Maybe you want to send a birthday surprise, a thank-you gift or something different for a family member.
A pasty can also make a particularly enjoyable gift because it is something to eat and experience, rather than another item that ends up sitting on a shelf.
And you don’t necessarily have to send a pasty on its own.
A pasty can be paired with:
- Cornish cream tea essentials
- Scones and clotted cream
- Cornish strawberry jam
- Local ale
- Cornish cider
- Crisps and savoury snacks
- Other Cornish food products
That is why pasty hampers can be such an appealing choice when you’re looking for a food gift from Cornwall.
What Is Included in a Cornish Pasty Hamper?
The contents depend on the hamper you choose.
For example, the Cornish Pasty Cream Tea Hamper includes a 300g steak pasty alongside two plain scones, Rodda’s clotted cream, Cornish Hampers strawberry jam and two Cornish tea sachets. It is packed in a recyclable postal box and includes the option to add a personal message.
This is a good example of how a pasty delivery can become more than simply sending someone lunch.
You can turn it into a Cornish food experience.
If you’re sending a gift to someone who enjoys traditional British treats, the combination of savoury pasty followed by scones, jam and clotted cream offers plenty to enjoy.
How Does Sending a Cornish Pasty by Post Work?
The process is surprisingly straightforward.
1. Choose the right pasty or hamper
Start by deciding whether you want to send a single pasty-focused gift or a larger hamper.
Cornish Hampers has a dedicated Cornish Pasty Hampers collection with eight options currently listed, ranging from a pasty and cream tea combination to larger hampers containing two pasties, drinks and additional treats.
2. Choose the delivery date
When ordering food as a gift, the delivery date matters.
Cornish Hampers allows customers to choose their preferred delivery date on its pasty hamper products, with dates available in advance. Its product information currently states that deliveries are made Tuesday to Saturday, with no Monday or Sunday delivery.
This is particularly useful when you’re sending a pasty as a birthday, anniversary or thank-you gift.
3. Enter the recipient’s details carefully
If you’re sending the hamper directly to someone else, double-check:
- Their name
- Full delivery address
- Postcode
- Any useful delivery instructions
- Your gift message
Remember that the recipient needs to know a food delivery is arriving. Chilled food shouldn’t simply be left sitting around for an extended period.
4. Follow the storage instructions when it arrives
This is one of the most important parts.
Cornish Hampers advises customers to refrigerate chilled items and states that its pasties should be consumed within four days of receipt, while also advising customers not to refreeze them.
Always follow the instructions supplied with the particular product you order.
What Happens When the Pasty Arrives?
One of the questions people often have about ordering food online is what condition it will be in when it reaches the recipient.
Cornish Hampers says its handmade pasties are sent frozen and designed to arrive chilled. The company also uses eco-friendly postal boxes for its hampers.
During warmer weather, the company states that ice packs may be added to hampers to help protect chilled products during transit.
Once the parcel arrives, the recipient should follow the care and storage instructions supplied with the hamper.
It is also worth remembering that delivery dates are not absolute guarantees. Cornish Hampers specifically notes that courier delays can happen and recommends ordering at least a day before an event if the delivery is needed for a particular occasion.
How Should You Store a Cornish Pasty?
When a pasty arrives by post, storage is an important part of enjoying it properly.
Cornish Hampers currently advises customers to refrigerate chilled items and consume its pasties within four days of receipt.
The pasties should not be refrozen.
If you are sending a pasty as a present, it is therefore worth letting the recipient know that a food delivery is on its way, particularly if you have selected a specific delivery date.
That simple step can make the whole experience much easier.
How Do You Reheat a Cornish Pasty?
A Cornish pasty can be enjoyed cold, but if you prefer yours warm, the heating instructions supplied by Cornish Hampers provide a straightforward option.
For its pasty products, the company recommends reheating the pasty in the centre of a preheated oven at 180°C, or 160°C for a fan oven, for 15–20 minutes.
Of course, always check the instructions included with your specific order, as preparation guidance can vary between products.
The result is an inviting combination of crisp pastry and a warm, savoury filling — particularly welcome on a cold or rainy afternoon.
What Is the Best Cornish Pasty Hamper to Send?
There isn’t one option that suits everyone. The right hamper depends on who you’re sending it to and what they enjoy.
Here are some popular styles to consider.
Cornish Pasty and Cream Tea
For someone who loves traditional Cornish food, the Cornish Pasty Cream Tea Hamper is an obvious combination.
It brings together the savoury side of Cornwall with the classic sweet combination of scones, clotted cream and strawberry jam.
It’s particularly suitable if you want the recipient to have more than just a single pasty to enjoy.
Double Pasty and Cream Tea
If you’re sending something to a couple or want a larger treat, the Double Cornish Pasty Cream Tea Hamper provides two pasties alongside the cream tea experience.
The Cornish Hampers collection describes this option as being suited to sharing with couples, friends or family.
Pasty and Ale
For someone who prefers savoury food and a traditional drink, consider the Pasty & Ale Cream Tea Hamper.
It combines the pasty with ale and cream tea elements, giving the recipient both savoury and sweet options.
For an even more substantial gift, the Cornish Ale & Pasty Hamper contains two steak pasties, two St Austell ales, crisps and truffle nuts.
Pasty and Cider
Cornish cider is another natural pairing for a pasty.
The Pasty & Cider Cream Tea Hamper combines the savoury pasty with cider and a cream tea.
Alternatively, the Cornish Cider & Pasty Hamper is designed around pasties and cider, making it an option for someone who prefers a more savoury gift.
Sending a Pasty for Two People
If you’re buying for a couple, two pasties can make much more sense than ordering a single one.
The Double Pasty & Ale Cream Tea Hamper combines two pasties with ale and cream tea treats.
There is also a Double Pasty & Cider Cream Tea Hamper for those who prefer cider.
Both options take the basic idea of sending a pasty by post and turn it into something designed for sharing. The dedicated Cornish pasty collection currently includes both double-pasty options.
What About Sending a Larger Cornish Food Gift?
Sometimes a pasty alone isn’t quite enough.
If you’re buying for someone who enjoys trying different foods, you could look beyond pasty-specific hampers.
The Cornish Variety Hamper and Luxury Cornish Variety Hamper offer broader selections of Cornish food and drink.
Cornish Hampers also has a mixed Cornish food hampers collection featuring a range of sweet and savoury food gifts.
This can be a better choice when you’re unsure exactly what the recipient likes.
Can You Add Extra Cornish Treats?
Another advantage of buying a hamper rather than simply ordering a pasty is that you can build a more personalised food gift.
Cornish Hampers has an extra individual Cornish products collection, allowing customers to explore additional Cornish treats.
Depending on the products available when you order, extras can help turn a straightforward pasty delivery into a much larger gift.
Think of it as creating your own little Cornish feast.
What Should You Consider Before Ordering?
Before sending a Cornish pasty by post, there are a few practical points worth checking.
Check the delivery date
If the pasty is being sent for a birthday or special occasion, don’t leave the order until the last possible moment.
Although next-day delivery may be available on eligible products, Cornish Hampers states that next-day delivery is not guaranteed because courier delays can occur.
Make sure someone can receive it
Food deliveries are different from ordinary parcels.
The recipient should know when to expect the delivery so that chilled food can be dealt with promptly.
Check dietary requirements
Traditional steak pasties contain ingredients that aren’t suitable for everyone.
For example, the Cornish Pasty Cream Tea Hamper product information lists wheat, gluten, milk and egg among its allergens and states that it isn’t suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets.
Always check the current ingredients and allergen information for the exact product before ordering.
Think about the occasion
A single pasty might be perfect for a simple treat.
A double pasty hamper could be better for two people, while a pasty, ale or cider combination could make a more substantial present.
Is Sending a Cornish Pasty a Good Gift?
Food makes a wonderfully personal gift because it creates an occasion.
A Cornish pasty can turn an ordinary lunch into something a little more special. Add scones, clotted cream, jam, ale or cider and you have the makings of an entire Cornish-inspired feast.
It also works for many different occasions:
- Birthday gifts
- Thank-you gifts
- Housewarming presents
- Father’s Day
- Christmas food gifts
- Gifts for family
- Gifts for friends
- A surprise for someone missing Cornwall
- A treat for yourself
And because the food arrives directly at the recipient’s door, you don’t need to live near Cornwall to enjoy a taste of the county.
Bringing a Taste of Cornwall Home
The appeal of sending a Cornish pasty by post is really quite simple.
You don’t have to travel hundreds of miles to enjoy one. You don’t need to find a Cornish bakery locally. And if you’re buying a gift, you can have a carefully prepared Cornish food hamper sent directly to the person you’re thinking of.
From the traditional Cornish Pasty Cream Tea Hamper to a Cornish Ale & Pasty Hamper, there are different ways to enjoy the classic pasty depending on the occasion.
For two people, double-pasty options add another dimension, while broader Cornish food hampers are ideal when you want to explore more of Cornwall’s flavours in one box.
The key is to choose the right hamper, select a suitable delivery date, make sure the recipient can receive it, and follow the storage and heating instructions when it arrives.
Then all that’s left is to put the kettle on, warm up the pasty if you prefer it that way, and enjoy a little taste of Cornwall from home.
Final Thoughts
Sending a Cornish pasty by post is an easy way to share one of Cornwall’s most recognisable foods with someone anywhere in the UK.
Whether you’re looking for a simple pasty gift, a cream tea combination, a hamper for two or a larger Cornish food experience, there are plenty of ways to make the delivery feel special.
Explore the full range of Cornish pasties by post and pasty hampers and choose a Cornish food gift that turns an ordinary day into something worth sitting down and enjoying.
