Marks & Spencer has sparked debate among food enthusiasts with its premium £195 beef Wellington, created by renowned chef Tom Kerridge. The dish was launched as part of the store’s festive offerings, leading many to question whether the price tag is justified. After an overwhelming demand resulted in the M&S ordering platform crashing, customers were eager to get their hands on this Christmas centerpiece.
On December 22, 2025, I picked up my wellington from a bustling M&S location in Brighton, excited to assess its quality and taste. Weighing in at 2.1 kilograms (approximately 4.6 pounds), the dish is marketed to serve six people. However, as I have sampled various other supermarket offerings recently, I found the serving sizes to be inconsistent across brands.
Quality and Presentation
Upon opening the box, I was struck by the elegant presentation of the wellington. The packaging featured a message from Kerridge, emphasizing the importance of good food during the festive season. He stated, “The festive season for me is about being together, eating good food and creating special memories.” This sentiment set the stage for my culinary experience.
The cooking instructions were intricate but straightforward. I carefully followed each step, ensuring that the wellington would be prepared perfectly. After allowing it to rest at room temperature, I placed the wellington on a preheated baking tray in a 200-degree Celsius fan oven. This method helps to prevent a soggy bottom—a common concern with beef wellingtons.
After approximately 45 minutes of cooking, I removed the wellington from the oven. The pastry was beautifully browned and glossy, and I was pleased to see that it had not leaked any meat juices during cooking. The anticipation of cutting into the dish was palpable, and I waited the prescribed 45 minutes before slicing into it.
Taste Test: Worth the Cost?
As I cut into the wellington, I noticed its perfect crispness and flaky texture. The beef fillet was cooked to a medium-rare finish, which was exactly to my liking. Encased in a portobello mushroom duxelles and smooth chicken mousse infused with black truffle, the flavors melded beautifully. With a drizzle of the accompanying beef and red wine gravy, I took my first bite.
The experience was nothing short of extraordinary. The beef was tender, and the rich duxelles added depth to each mouthful. While one slice contained approximately 501 calories, I found it difficult to resist going back for more. The buttery pastry, combined with the truffle richness, created a delightful balance that made the high price seem less daunting.
Though I questioned whether six servings could be achieved—given that I easily finished half of it myself—the wellington undoubtedly lives up to its claim of being a “Christmas Eve showstopper.” It is likely to leave guests speechless, with their focus firmly on the dish rather than conversation.
In conclusion, while the £195 price tag may raise eyebrows, this beef wellington offers a culinary experience that is hard to replicate at home. For those willing to indulge, it provides a delicious and memorable addition to any festive table.
