‘Chestnut chariot’ launches in London offering free rides and snacks

As the festive season approaches and Brits indulge in their favourite traditions, Merchant Gourmet is on a mission to bring back the iconic Christmas food: the humble chestnut.

Dating back over 200 years as a Christmas staple, latest research from the leading pulses, and grains brand has shown that over a quarter of Brits have never even tried a chestnut, and 85% believe it to be a nut, instead of a fruit.

In response, the brand is launching the ‘Chestnut Chariot’; a homage to all things chestnut that will offer free rides between London’s most iconic Christmas attractions.

Operating between the iconic Regents Street Christmas lights to London’s largest Christmas tree in Covent Garden, riders will be hosted by a chestnut driver, offered a chestnut blanket to keep warm, and have access to unlimited chestnut snacks whilst enjoying chestnut-themed Christmas tunes. All riders will also receive a chestnut-themed goody bag including the full Merchant Gourmet chestnut range.

The chariot aims to get as many Brits as possible enjoying the fruit once more, catering to the two thirds (57%) of respondents noting they would be willing to try a chestnut – rising to over a third (34%) of 18–24-year-olds.

Whilst over half (64%) of Brits believe they know what chestnuts taste like, only 21 per cent can correctly identify its flavour. The naturally soft and sweet fruit is also unlike your traditional healthy on-the-go snacks; Merchant Gourmet’s snacking chestnuts are plant-based, low in calories and contain over ten times less fat than the category average* – making them less naughty, and more nice.

Richard Peake, Managing Director of Merchant Gourmet, said:

“Merchant Gourmet are putting chestnuts firmly back on the agenda this Christmas, by reimagining the chestnut from a humble side to a snack in its own right.

“Naturally sweet, lightly salted, and healthier than your average nut, given they’re a fruit – they make the perfect pick-me-up for weary shoppers, as they make their journeys to the capital’s favourite winter attractions.”

The Chestnut Chariot will be offering free rides between 12:00-17:30 on the 25th, 26th and 27th of November. Rides cannot be booked in advance and the Chariot will work on a first-come, first-served basis. Rides are completely free and only operate with one driver at a time.