Smoke on the water is a smash hit... again

COST of living crisis? Not, it seems, for Britain’s foodies as the latest fad – smoked water costing £4.70 per 100ml – tickles the tastebuds of cooks.

Made by Halen Môn in Anglesey, north Wales, the water is smoked for several days over oak chippings. It was developed ten years ago at the request of celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal, and Ocado says sales are up 94 per cent on last year.

Halen Môn’s Jess Lea-Wilson said: ‘We have seen a gradual increase in popularity in recent years, particularly with customers wanting to bring depth of flavour to vegan or vegetarian dishes.’

British food author Diana Henry says it is ‘much easier to add a drop of that to yogurt than to smoke your own’. Food scientist Natalie Alibrandi said: ‘It has a great flavour that can complement several meals, for instance vegan soups.’

Halen Môn suggests adding smoked water to cocktails such as a bloody Mary or hot toddy.