Government backs earlier pub opening for pubs during World Cup Final

The Government has encouraged councils in England to allow pubs to open earlier on Sunday ahead of the Lionesses historic World Cup final.

The Secretary of State for Levelling Up has written to all leaders of councils throughout England asking them to continue doing everything they can to help every pub landlord or manager who wants to host this historic occasion and support the Lionesses.

While many venues should be able to show the game within their usual pub opening hours, there could well be a few who require additional permission where they'd like to be able to also serve alcohol.

In cases where an application is being rapidly considered to allow a short extension to licensing hours, the government is encouraging local authorities and councils to continue to do everything in their power to complete the process in time, working closely with local police forces.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said: "The whole nation is ready to get behind the Lionesses this Sunday in what is England’s biggest game since the year 1966.

I’ve asked councils to do everything they can to help pubs get open earlier on Sunday, so people can come together and enjoy a drink before kick-off for this special occasion."

He went on to say: Kate Nicholls, CEO of UK Hospitality, said: "The nation will be cheering on the Lionesses on Sunday and the next best thing to being in Australia is enjoying the match in the pub or hospitality venue. 

"Many are taking advantage of the fact they can open to encourage people to come out for breakfast or brunch to get ready for this historic match. Demand from fans has been exceptional, with bookings filling rapidly, and there’s no doubt the day will be a huge boost for the sector, potentially delivering an additional £41 million in sales.

"It’s been really positive to work with the Government to ensure everyone can get a chance to join in the celebrations. I’d echo the Government’s support for local authorities taking a pragmatic view to venues opening early to allow people to make the most of this absolutely momentous occasion."

Writing to council leaders, the Levelling up Secretary thanked local authorities for everything they've already done this tournament to support the national team, including flying flags, lighting up buildings and supporting communities to hold screenings.

The Home Office is also writing to police chiefs to encourage forces to work together with local councils to ensure as many venues as possible can participate in this momentous event.

This is part of the government’s commitment to backing British pubs, and follows this week’s announcement of an extension to licensing rules that enabling pubs to continue selling takeaway alcohol without red tape holding them back unnecessarily. 

(Image courtesy of Charles from Pixabay)

Traditional English Breakfast set to be dish of the day

Sunday morning promises to be the biggest breakfast of the year as football fans gather around their TV sets in the hope England can finally bring it home. 

Waitrose shops have stocked up on bacon, eggs, sausage and English fizz ready for the kick off on Sunday morning. Searches on Waitrose.com for ‘brunch’ are already up +54% on the previous week, and that's a sure sign families and friends will be gathering together to cheer on England. 

Searches for their Lion Birthday cake are up +45% this month, compared to last - indicating it’s become a go to treat for all football celebrations. 

Nathan Ansell, Waitrose's Customer Director, said: “All the ingredients for a great brunch will be flying off the shelves quicker than a Lauren Hemp strike. Customers are already looking to celebrate with cooked breakfasts, -and some chilled fizz in readiness for a potential win, too. “We expect Deliveroo and Uber Eats to be busy with enthralled fans unable to tear themselves away from the action to secure their last minute snacks.”

Customers at John Lewis department stores are also getting themselves match ready. Sales of children’s football boots have more than doubled since last week, while sales of TVs have climbed by 25% on last year.

In contrast to 1966 - when an England team last reached a World Cup Final - we expect more people to be watching the final at home with family and friends this Sunday. Fifty seven years ago fewer people owned TVs and customers crowded into their TV departments to watch the big match. An extract from their archives written by one of their Shop Floor Partners in 1966 describes the day in one of their London shops.

"Partners and customers from the elderly and sedate to the Mods (or Rockers)' sat on the floor to watch the World Cup Final in the TV department.... I even chatted to them and collected their lighted cigarette stubs when they asked for Ashtrays.... I suppose it was about a thousand to one that a television set would be sold whilst the match was on...but after about five minutes a SOLD ticket was placed on the top of the set..."’ 

M&S will put some Spark into your life with free shopping!

This Saturday (19th August), 5,000 M&S customers in the UK and ROI will get their shopping for free as the retailer launches the first of its kind ‘Sparks Super Saturday.’  

Sparks Super Saturday is a supersized version of M&S’ popular Sparks giveaway where every week, in every store, a Sparks customer gets their shopping for free. Since M&S relaunched Sparks, its customer reward scheme, back in 2020, they've given away £3.5 million in free shopping including a free shop worth nearly £3.5k.   

To be in with a chance of winning, all customers have to do is scan their Sparks card when shopping at their chosen M&S store, or by logging into their Sparks account when shopping online. Customers shopping in store will learn the good news immediately, whilst those shopping online will be notified via email as soon as possible.  

M&S is encouraging customers who aren't yet a Sparks member to sign-up ahead of the weekend bonanza. Customers can join in a few simple steps through M&S.com or the M&S app. 

Kirsty Ward, who is Director of M&S Connect, said: “Since relaunching Sparks as a Digital First loyalty scheme, we’ve doubled the number of Sparks members, rewarding them with personalised offers, special treats and thank yous."

She went on to add: "And one of Sparks’ members most loved rewards is the chance to get their shopping for free so, for one day only, we’re supersizing it and giving 5,000 lucky customers the opportunity to get their shopping for free, simply by shopping and scanning their Sparks card in store or online!” 

https://www.marksandspencer.com.

Speciality Food & Drink Show Date Announced for Glasgow

You'll be able to re-stock your food and drink shelves with new brands and innovative ranges which will be on show at the Speciality Food & Drink Show from 21-23 Jan 2024 at the SEC, Glasgow. 

Operated in conjunction with Scotland's Trade Show this is the principal buying arena for fine food and drink in Scotland.

Entrepreneurship is alive and well in the Scottish food and drink industry, with the Show's Launch Gallery for new, young companies nearly at capacity. 

With a wide range of products from dips to oat milk, coffee to hemp, this central zone features companies like Pochle (Incholm Distilling), MYXD Scottish Cocktails, Little Birdie Coffee, Three Robins oat milk and the D!P club among the many launch exhibitors.

With many of the producers doing both food and drink, the Show's updated its name to reflect this. This is expected to attract even more innovative drinks producers from soft drinks through to spirits.

As the only fine food trade show in Scotland during 2024, this will be a key location for farm shops, delis, tourist shops, cafes, restaurants and fine food shops to seek out new products and taste and re-connect with existing suppliers.

Overseas visitors have been in short supply during the last few years but with a weak Pound and all areas open to travel again, hospitality venues and tourist outlets across Scotland are seeing tourists return in their droves. Many are having to re-stock regularly, and this bodes very well for suppliers and the Speciality Food & Drink Show.

Mark Saunders, who is Show Director, says: “It's clear trade shows play a vital and key part in the buying programme for food shops, hospitality and retail outlets. 

"They want to meet the suppliers face to face, look, feel and taste the products and ensure they are sourcing the best stock for their shops. This Show offers this in a creative and welcoming environment and so attracts a wide range of suppliers. Our Show in January promises to offer innovative, delicious products and a host of added extras to interest buyers. Make sure the date's firmly in your diary!”

Scotland's regions are renowned for their produce and there will be several regional food and drink stands, including a large one from Orkney.

Callum Nimmo, Tesco local food buyer said of the Show: “I was just blown away by the variety of suppliers that were exhibiting at the Specialty Food & Drink Show. I found it particularly interesting speaking to owners and brand ambassadors to learn about their company and products straight from the source and to hear their ambitions for the future. I'd highly recommend the event to any buyer in the food industry as there's something to inspire everyone.”

FOOD FACTS:- Speciality Food & Drink Show– 21st-23rd Jan 2024, SEC, Glasgow Run in conjunction with Scotland's Trade Fairs Organised by Springboard Events: Tel: 01877 38577 www.scotlandstradefairs.com

That's Christmas: Craft Gin Club Launches Gin Advent Calendar to Wel...

That's Christmas: Craft Gin Club Launches Gin Advent Calendar to Wel...: The Craft Gin Club ( www.craftginclub.co.uk ) is to launch its fabulously festive Craft Gin Advent Calendar for 2023 at a price of £94.95 fr...

Good news for shoppers in Kent

The Co-op is relocating to a new, purpose-built, near 3,000 sq ft store on Hever Road, West Kingsdown.

The new store supports 21 local jobs, with some new positions being created. It's nearly 50% larger than its previous store in the village, with improved back-of-shop storage to further enhance the range, choice and availability.

Opening from 6am to 10pm daily, the new store includes a free ATM to offer access to cash, an in-store bakery, hot food and, a Costa coffee dispenser.

Amazon parcel collections are to be included, and there'll be an enhanced range of fresh, healthy products; meal ideas; everyday essentials; food-to-go; Fairtrade products, flowers, chilled beers and award winning wines; ready meals, pizzas and, free-from; vegan and plant-based products, including Co-op’s very own exclusive vegan range, GRO. (EDITOR: Love this range. And I'm not actually vegan!) 

Tom Cox, Co-op Store Manager, said: “It's really very exciting to be launching Co-op’s newest store. Our aim is to always operate at the heart of local life and, we are really looking forward to welcoming Members and customers into their new and improved store. We worked to develop the range, choice and added services to create a compelling offer to serve our community, conveniently. With a focus on delivering member-value so that the people who own our business, our members, benefit every time they shop.”

To learn more visit www.coop.co.uk/membership

Fakery will help the Co-op defeat criminals

The Co-op is extending its trial of anti-theft ‘dummy display packaging’ for targeted products on its shelves to deter rising levels of crime driven by prolific and persistent offenders and local organised crime gangs.

The aim of the move is to help curb bulk-shoplifting, described as ‘looting’ in the worst instances.

The packaging will be used across higher value products on its shelves frequently targeted by criminals for re-sale, in stores where there's a known, local issue. Products to be included are: coffee; washing powder and laundry gel, with shoppers simply taking the dummy display case to the shop's till where it will be swapped for the actual product. The Co-op has previously used the anti-theft packaging in a limited number of stores, and it expects it to 'continue to become a more familiar feature in retailing'.

Last month, July, the Co-op revealed it had witnessed record levels of crime, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour with nearly 1,000 incidents every day in the six months to June (2023) that's a 35% Year on year increase. Industry reports reveal almost two-thirds (63%) of crime is driven by repeat and prolific offenders, with drug or alcohol addiction issues and local organised criminal gangs, among the main drivers of offending.

Co-op warned this level of out-of-control crime isn't sustainable and could even see some communities become a no-go area for local stores with many Police forces refusing to prioritise retail crime. A freedom of information (FOI) request revealed on average, 71% of serious retail crime aren't responded to by Police, and the Co-op is calling on all police forces and crime commissioners to target prolific offenders and local organised crime gangs to reverse the existing environment where they operate with apparent impunity and without fear of being caught or charged.

Kate Graham, Co-op's Director of Operations, said: “Crime in many communities is growing and it's known repeat and prolific offenders and local organised crime gangs are driving serious incidents of brazen and violent theft in stores."

Kate went on to explain: "It's an ongoing challenge for all retailers, and often a flashpoint for attacks and abuse towards our colleagues. Co-op continues to invest significantly in keeping colleagues and stores safe. This includes extending use of dummy display cases to deter the incidents of ‘bulk-shoplifting’ or, ‘looting’, as it's described, where criminals sweep products off shelves for re-sale.

"While we are doing all we can, we need the police to play their part as all too often, Forces fail to respond to desperate calls by our store teams and criminals operate in communities without any fear of consequences.”

The Co-op has invested in excess of £200M in recent years in colleague and community safety initiatives to counter criminal behaviour, per store this equates to four times the average convenience sector spend on security and safety measures.

With safety a key priority, the Co-op uses a wide range of  measures to deter criminal behaviour. This includes: interactive and remote monitored CCTV; body-worn cameras, which can transmit real time audio and visual footage to its security operations centre at the touch of a button; communication headsets for frontline colleagues; covert and non-covert guarding; Smartwater and GPS tracked security cases, plus anti-theft ‘dummy display cases’ which Co-op believes will continue to become a more familiar feature in retailing.

Get your cooking up to scratch with the help of Asda

To help customers get more adventurous in the kitchen, but without breaking the bank, Asda's announced the launch of a new 132-product strong scratch-cooking range.

According to research, over half of us UK home cooks enjoy experimenting with new cooking trends and ingredients, but one in five of us feel like we struggle to get the seasonings right. 

Born from the belief so-called scratch-cooking should be simple, accessible and inspiring, the Cook by Asda range includes affordable, high-quality, pre-prepared ingredients starting at a mere 80p.

Featuring over 40 brand-new products, Cook by Asda spans in excess of 10 cuisines types, including Indian, Thai, Japanese, Middle Eastern, North African, Italian, American and more besides. With hundreds of ingredients available under one roof, the new range makes it quicker and easier for anyone to expand their flavour horizons and create restaurant-worthy meals at home for less than you might expect..

Asda shoppers who are keen to cook more Asian-inspired dishes, can pick up the spicy Gochujang Paste (£1.25) or citrusy Lemongrass Paste (£1.25), which is ideal for curries, soups, stews or marinades. 

The Nooch Seasoning (£1) and crispy Chipotle Breadcrumbs (£1.50) add a unique, savoury edge to family favourites like a smoky Chipotle Mac and Cheese, which can be found on Asda Good Living.

Whether it’s an aromatic vegetable tagine seasoned with Ras El Hanout (£1) or indulgent loaded fries topped with Dirty Fries Seasoning (£1). A delicious chicken traybake with Harissa Paste (£2.10) or freshly-made Fattoush Salad seasoned with Sumac (80p); there really is something for everyone in the new range, which spans dry herbs, spices, seasonings, pastes, plus a range of frozen herbs and vegetables.

Customers can also find QR codes on the range's larger packs, which will take them to Asda Good Living recipe pages. From Gochujang Scrambled Eggs to Nooch Sirloin Steak, customers can find video guidance and recommendations of how to use the products, plus step-by-step recipes, presented by a range of social media foodies, like @Atlanta_Thompson and @Bobbys_ktchn.

Ellie Beecham, Assistant Brand Manager at Asda, says: “At Asda, we believe healthy, flavoursome cooking should be accessible to all, which is why we’ve developed our new range, Cook by Asda, and we hope it will inspire customers to scratch cook at home.

"Whether you’re looking to add some new excitement to weeknight family meals or cook a date-night dinner to impress, our new range can transform any dish, making home-cooking easy and delicious!”

The Cook by Asda range will be launching this month, August, in-store and online.

www.asda.com

Aldi's going to give £100 shopping vouchers to lucky customers

In order to help shoppers celebrate the August bank holiday weekend, Aldi is giving customers the chance to win their shopping for free.

Aldi's giving away £100 vouchers to 20 lucky shoppers to purchase all the food and drink they need to kick start the long Bank Holiday weekend celebrations.

To be in with a chance to win, all entrants have to do is visit Aldi’s Facebook page, where the competition is being hosted, and comment on the post by sharing what their bank holiday weekend plans will be.

Entries are open from now until 11.59pm on Monday 21st August, with winners being contacted on Tuesday 22nd  for the e-vouchers to be sent in time for them to stock up on all their bank holiday essentials.

Aldi's Bank Holiday weekend must-haves are already available in stores and include a wide variety of summer party essentials, like Specially Selected BBQ items and Aldi's own-brand sides and desserts.

Richard Thornton, who is Communications Director at Aldi UK, said: “With the long weekend just around the corner, I’m sure lots of people will be coming together to enjoy the bank holiday with family and friends.

“We hope our vouchers will give customers the chance to make the most of the weekend, helping to cover the cost of their bank holiday essentials so they can put all their attention into hosting.”

To find out more and to enter the competition visit: https://www.facebook.com/AldiUK/posts/pfbid0Qi3ufJzQmQu3C5opEN1nG7TqyXWYoT2XKmC5jH8yHfbMbUXGo6jsMj3MRnEcscrxl

Prime reason to visit Aldi

Due to continued demand, Prime Hydration and Prime Energy will be returning to Aldi shelves in a selection of exciting, vibrant flavours.

The viral hydration and energy drinks are available to buy for just £1.99 in Aldi stores nationwide from today, 17th August. The drinks will be an Aldi Specialbuy – and as with all Specialbuys, once they’re gone, they’re gone!

Prime Hydration, which is 10% coconut water, contains electrolytes, B vitamins and BCAAs, has zero sugar and some 20 calories per bottle. Aldi shoppers can opt for four different flavours, Tropical Punch, Blue Raspberry, Lemon Lime, and Ice Pop.

Also back on the Aldi shelves, Prime Energy will be available for all shoppers who are 16 and over in six refreshing flavours. 

The drink, with 140mg of caffeine, also contains zero sugar and is vegan friendly, whilst coming in at around 10 calories per can. Flavours are Blue Raspberry, Lemon Lime, Orange Mango, Strawberry Watermelon, Ice Pop and Tropical Punch.

Breakfast of Champions with Asda

Asda's launched a special Breakfast of Champions bundle to accompany the women’s football tournament in Australia.

Complete with Vegemite, the full English with an Aussie twist has been designed to elevate early-morning fixtures for fans who would usually watch down the pub.

Asda’s Breakfast of Champions is available online here  https://groceries.asda.com/product/bacon/womens-world-cup-breakfast-bundle/9999999113385

Our breakfast tables aren't  the usual settings to watch the game, but with the final taking place at 11am Sunday 20 August, footie fans are more likely to be tuning in with their morning coffee than putting away pints in the pub.

To enjoy alongside the Lionesses’ efforts to take home the trophy, Asda's launched a breakfast bundle designed to elevate the morning fixture, with bacon sandwiches rather than pints of beer.

Asda’s Breakfast of Champions is a full English with a delightful Aussie twist, complete with Australia’s favourite savoury spread as a nod to the tournament hosts. Australia’s answer to Marmite, Vegemite is perfect for spreading on half-time toast, or, for the more adventurous, cheering on the girls with a bacon and vegemite sandwich.

The bundle also contains full English favourites like smoked back bacon, eggs, tomatoes, and bread, along with OMV! No Pork Chilli Sausages as an equally tasty meat-free alternative.

For those wanting to lean into the celebratory atmosphere, there’s even Extra Special Prosecco Brut and smooth orange juice to make a morning mimosa to toast to England’s success.

Whether watching at home with friends or over a team breakfast at work, Asda’s Breakfast of Champions makes the perfect accompaniment for the morning viewing. Or, if you’re feeling generous, why not surprise a fellow fan who’s tuning in to watch the big game and send a Breakfast of Champions to their door?

The Breakfast of Champions bundle feeds six, and is available for just £24.70 here now until the end of the tournament on Sunday 20th August.

Food Hub concept for Asda

Asda has just announced the launch of a brand-new, exciting food to go concept aimed at encouraging shoppers into Asda by providing great quality food to go options, but all at affordable prices.

The Asda Food Hub will be initially tested and trialled in its Leicester and Dagenham stores and will see a brand-new concession at the front of store serving barista style coffees, plus premium grab and go options such as sandwiches and cakes that are freshly prepared in store every day.

The food on offer will change throughout the day, providing tasty breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack options and there'll be a whole range of exciting meal deals on offer.

Shoppers will be able to get their hands on a breakfast sandwich and a regular hot drink for £3 to kick off their day, or if they’re after something to switch things up at lunchtime, they'll be able to indulge in a freshly made baguette and a regular hot drink for just £4.50.

The Food Hub will also offer shoppers a modern, welcoming new look and feel as they enter the store, and customers will be able to place their orders via touch screen tablets for quick, efficient service.

As part of the launch of Asda Food Hub, the retailer will also refresh 10 of its Pizza and hot food counters across its estate. The counters at Ipswich, Killingbeck, Havant, Haydon, Walton, Doncaster, Longwell Green and Gateshead will also undergo a makeover, bringing them in line with the Asda Food Hub brand and experience.

The update will also see a host of tasty new dishes and deals added to the menu, including a new hot pizza range designed to give shoppers quality, takeaway pizzas at a fraction of the price of traditional takeaway chains, plus the launch of a new Italian style pizza range, too.

The Italian Style range is a premium range of pizzas that has the iconic aerated Neapolitan-style crust, topped with a signature San Marzano tomato sauce and a delicious range of classic Italian toppings, sourced from Italy itself.

Deals include Asda’s famous Pizza Night In deal which gives shoppers two medium pizzas and a drink for just £6. And on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, shoppers can get two large pizzas for £8. T&Cs apply.

An Asda Spokesperson said:  “We’re obviously incredibly excited to be launching Asda Food Hub and bringing the hot food counters at some of our stores a makeover in line with this experience. We’re always looking for ways to give shoppers more quality, but affordable choices, and the new Asda Food Hub is a great example of Asda investing in our stores to be able to provide that for shoppers.

“We also know how much customers already love our pizza counters so we're pleased to be able to elevate this offering, giving our customers easy solutions that rival restaurant and takeaway quality, without the hefty price tag!”

The launch of the Asda Food Hubs follows a huge £1.2m revamp of the retailer’s traditional food to go range of sandwiches, salads and wraps that added more variety and quality options to the range.

www.asda.com

Sushi beats classic sandwich as it becomes UK’s fastest growing premium lunchtime treat

Japanese rice dish sushi is now so popular with Brits, it's become the UK’s fastest growing premium lunchtime main.

Demand at Tesco has grown so much sushi has replaced the smoked salmon sandwich as Britain’s favourite premium lunchtime treat. 

Since the beginning of the year when Tesco launched its £5 Clubcard Meal Deal, sushi sales have rocketed by a staggering  90%.

Included in the Premium deal, which offers Tesco shoppers a main, a drink and a snack, are a choice of sushi boxes, poke bowls and other pan-Asian delights like gyozas and bao buns.

As a result of the extra demand the supermarket now sells an amazing 21 million packs of sushi a year.  

Tesco Food to Go Buying Manager Emma Williams said:  “It's the first time we’ve ever put premium quality sushi in one of our meal deals and this has had a really significant effect in making it more affordable and accessible for Tesco shoppers.

"Demand's also been boosted by people returning to work and it’s led to restaurant group YO! opening more fresh sushi counters in our stores across the UK.  

“Sushi has never been more popular and for a salmon poke bowl to  overtake our previous top-selling premium lunchtime staple, the smoked salmon sandwich, really underlines that.”

One of the main reasons for sushi’s growing popularity is that it's a really non-fuss snack that can really be eaten on the go.

As part of the deal, shoppers can pick up well-known brands including Itsu, YO! Sushi and Pollen & Grace, plus a wide range of Tesco Finest mains.

The Tesco Premium Meal Deal is available now in 1,100 stores, offering a range of quality options to suit all tastes for just £5 per head with a Clubcard, or £5.50 without.

FOOD FACT:- The concept of sushi began about 500 BC when south-east  Asians found that raw fish could be preserved by placing it between vinegared rice.

The process is believed to have arrived in Japan in about 600 AD and quickly grew in popularity as a delicacy.

Modern sushi, as we know it, originated in the 19th century when a street food stall holder in the Japanese city of Edo, now Tokyo, shaped vinegared rice with his hands and the added a slice of raw fish on the top.

www.tesco.com

Food Rebels: Taste the Rebellion!

Introducing Food Rebels, which is a new podcast and radio programmed solely dedicated to celebrating food challenger brands, food founders, and spotlighting personalities who dare to do things differently.  

The exciting 30-minute show, which launches with a listenership of over 30,000 thanks to its radio partners, will be jam-packed with intriguing interviews and thought-provoking debates from the exciting world of challenger brands. 

Who hosts Food Rebels? Food Rebels is hosted by AJ Sharp, former co-host and presenter of The FoodTalk Show.  

AJ is an experienced radio presenter, food expert, entrepreneur, broadcaster, and food awards judge. She'll bring her knowledge of food, entrepreneurialism, and friendly style to each episode, alongside a host of expert guest presenters.  

There will be guest presenters, too. 

The first four episodes kick off with ITV's Lorraine cake club winner, demo chef and food expert Suzy Pelta in the Guest Presenter's hot seat. After that, AJ will be joined by Colin Mordi, who founded Food Sauce, an agency dedicated to helping black and ethnic minority food founders to succeed. Next up, the Food Rebels team are excited to welcome the owner of award-winning Tempus Charcuterie and MasterChef 2010 winner, Dhruv Baker to the Guest Presenter's chair during October.  

Guests and Scheduling 

The schedule is already jam-packed with brand founders, celebrities, and future stars, plus experts you'll most likely recognise from TV and radio. 

Food Rebels airs every Wednesday at 5pm, live through radio stations around the UK, plus all podcasting apps like Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music. 

“Join us on a journey behind the scenes, where secrets are shared, wisdom is imparted, live tastings, and a feast of food and drink entertainment for our listeners across the UK and beyond.” Comments AJ Sharp, Host and Presenter of Food Rebels. 

The first episode of Food Rebels aired on 2nd of August, and you can listen again on www.foodrebels.co.uk.  

Production Team and Guest Booker: 

Beshley Clague 

hello@foodrebels.co.uk 

Please see criteria for guest requests: https://www.foodrebels.co.uk/faqs

A Rosy Summer With Codorníu

Sunshine, celebrations, and good times are with us. And Codorníu cava rosé is the ideal bottle to have on hand this Summer. The cavas in the Codorniu Rosé Collection take inspiration from the first cava signed by Josep Raventós, uniting tradition and innovation all in the same bottle.

These fruity cavas are characterised by fresh fragrance and a nice balance of flavours. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, taking advantage of the warm nights with friends, or relaxing at a picnic in the park, toast with Codorníu for a life in pink.

Codorníu Rosado Cava Brut NV

This sparkling wine is made using the traditional method, like Champagne, with secondary fermentation in the bottle. This gives the wine depth of flavour, elegance, and long-lasting, fine bubbles. A properly dry, pure, and bright Rosé fizz with aromas of raspberry and strawberry. Perfect with tapas, light salads or simply as an aperitif. The ideal accompaniment to a summer picnic.

Codorníu Rosado Cava Brut NV 75cl | Waitrose (waitrose.co.uk) £10.49

Codorníu Clasico Rosé

A cava with a fresh and fruity aroma, made from Monastrell, Grenache and Trepat varietals grown in the Catalan region, Penedés. Bright and deep pink with fine bubbles. Red fruit aromas, jams and cassis, and soft notes of pastries. Ideal as an aperitif or an accompaniment to fish, tapas, and other rice dishes.

Codorníu Classico Rosé 75cl | Ocado (Ocado.co.uk) £9.00

Ars Collecta Grand Rose Reserva

Spoil your dinner party guests with fine bubbles and a delicate crown. Intense aromas of raspberry, blackberry and strawberry intermingled with a light citrus aroma that enhances the previous ones and brings freshness. On the palate, the red fruit notes stand out, typical of the Pinot Noir variety.

An excellent accompaniment to gourmet appetisers or perfect with salmon

sashimi, sushi, carpaccio, or tartar.

Codorníu Ars Collecta Rosé 75cl | Vinissimus (https://www.vinissimus.co.uk/en) £24.65

Gin For Rhinos? Yes, Gin For Rhinos!

In a remarkable union of conservation and craftsmanship, Pete Richardson, who is the co-founder of the world's first baby rhino orphanage, has acquired The White Rhino Gin Company Ltd and the Urban Rhino gin brand.

This unique development not only marks an exciting milestone for Pete but also introduces an exclusive limited-edition legacy batch set to captivate gin enthusiasts all over the world.

Pete Richardson, 57, was working in The Waterberg area of Limpopo in South Africa when the rhino poaching crisis hit the headlines back in 2012.

Working with conservationist Arrie van Deventer, Pete was part of the team which took action to save the orphaned babies and went on to establish the world's first purpose-built facility, The Rhino Orphanage.

Pete remains an active director of the orphanage, despite now living in the UK. Through this connection, Pete crossed paths with Belinda Chaffer, the driving force behind Waterberg Rhino UK, who introduced him to the owners of The White Rhino Gin Company.

Enthralled by the shared vision, Pete stated, “When I met Belinda and the company's owners, it really felt like destiny. 

"We soon realised the incredible potential to build a global brand with Urban Rhino Gin whilst also offering support to the remarkable conservation efforts of both Waterberg Rhino UK and The Rhino Orphanage. I'm so thrilled about the possibilities that lie ahead of us.”

Crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail, Urban Rhino is an exceptional London dry gin that has gained high praise from customers and businesses alike. Distilled at the award-winning In the Welsh Wind distillery in Wales, its superior quality and exquisite taste have captivated gin enthusiasts worldwide.

John Heeds, one of the original founders of Urban Rhino said he was delighted to have Pete on board to take the brand forward.

He said: “From our very first conversation I was struck by Pete's passion and his links to rhino conservation made it a really easy decision to hand on the business to him and his team. We're very proud of what we've already achieved so far, but I couldn't be any more excited about what the future holds for the company which myself and our fellow founders are still actively involved with.”

As part of the acquisition, Pete secured a small stock to create an exclusive and individually numbered legacy batch, a prelude to the exciting plans awaiting the end of summer.

These limited-edition legacy bottles are now available for purchase through the Urban Rhino website at www.urban-rhino.com.

Urban Rhino Gin embodies the blend of conservation and indulgence, inviting gin lovers to embrace their passion while making a meaningful contribution to rhino preservation. With every sip, supporters of Urban Rhino join the movement to protect these majestic creatures from the threat of extinction.

If you'd like to find out more about the story behind Urban Rhino gin have a listen to this No Bull marketing podcast where all is revealed.

A Tropical Paradise With Giffard Liqueurs

In the creation of tropical cocktails, fruit purées or syrups has long played a supporting role. 

Giffard Liqueurs has a wide range of delicious tropical serves that leave one dreaming of sun-kissed skin, ocean breezes, and endless nights of entertainment. These products are inspiration for playful, tropical cocktails that highlight intense, but fully natural flavours.

Caribbean Pineapple is an extension of Giffard's Premium Range, a line which features carefully chosen selected ingredients (fruits, spices, flowers) from all over the world, to ensure the highest possible quality infusions. 

Giffard Caribbean Pineapple is made by macerating sun-ripened pineapples in alcohol for up to six weeks to extract the fruit's full range of aroma and flavours. 

A touch of clove, nutmeg, and seven-year aged rum are added to enhance its richness. Giffard Caribbean Pineapple has a heady aroma of freshly cut pineapple with notes of fresh and candied pineapple balanced by tangy acidity. It finishes with a whisper of spice and aged rum ideal for daiquiris.

Known by a variety of names all over the world, passion fruits are often referred to as maracuya (Brazil), liliko'I (Hawaii), granadilla (Spain and South America) and, of course, fruit de la passion. Giffard Crème de Fruit de la Passion, a bright amber liqueur with sensuous aromas of round, ripe passion fruit, is distinctive for its mouth-watering tangy sweetness and intense tropical fragrance. Its flavours are a tropical soiree of mandarin, orange, mango, and guava. Giffard Crème de Fruit de la Passion is ideal in a Passion Fruit Pisco Sour.

While the phrase “banana cocktail” once conjured thoughts of a heavy, sugary beach drink, Giffard Banane du Bresil has achieved instant popularity thanks in part to its remarkable versatility. Made using premium Brazilian Bananas, macerated in spirit with a good slug of Cognac added for body and depth. Reminded us of flambéed bananas. Smashing over ice or in a martini. Banane du Brésil's decadence, which manages to steer clear of cloying sweetness, can even add body to lowerproof tropical-style drinks.

To learn more visit https://www.giffard.com/en/6-liqueurs-premium.

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Win the Brand New Konnected Joe BBQ and Meal at Paul Ainsworth's Cornish Pub

This summer, Cornwall's renowned Michelin-starred chef, Paul Ainsworth, has joined with Kamado Joe, the ceramic grill masters, to deliver an adventurous and utterly unparalleled cooking experience with the launch of the innovative Konnected Joe.

Revolutionising the BBQ world with cutting-edge technology, the Konnected Joe boasts a unique fusion of integrated digital controls within its iconic red ceramic shell. 

Instantly igniting with a simple press of one button, this innovation offers effortless temperature control using its user-friendly digital dial. 

And now Kamado Joe is offering the public an opportunity to win a Konnected Joe, giving the lucky winner the opportunity to be among the first to embrace the future of barbecue in their own back garden.

To make the competition even more special, the adventure doesn't stop there. The lucky winner and a friend will have the chance to spend the day on the beautiful Cornish coast enjoying lunch or dinner and a proper pint at Paul Ainsworth's public house in Rock - The Mariners. 

To win, simply hop over to Paul Ainsworth and Kamado Joe's Instagram pages - @paulainsw6rth and @kamadojoeuk for further details.

RECIPE: Paul Ainsworth's Dog's Pollock on the Kamado Joe

This dish with its own cult-following from chef Paul Ainsworth is served in his Cornish public house, The Mariners. Now, adapted for Kamado Joe with a charcoal smoke-twist, you can create your own version of Paul's iconic Dog's Pollock on your BBQ at home.

Serves Six

Ingredients

For the fish brine

1ltr water

50g salt

40g caster sugar

1 bay leaf

Fresh thyme

Pinch of white peppercorns

For the basting butter

1 tbsp yeast extract

250g butter, softened

50g sundried tomatoes, chopped

Good squeeze lemon juice

For the triple mustard mayonnaise

125g mayonnaise

10g English mustard

10g American mustard

10g Dijon mustard

For the tartare mayonnaise

125g mayonnaise

Squeeze lemon juice

½ a shallot, diced

1 large gherkin, sliced

20g capers

2 tbsp chopped parsley

Zest of half a lemon, zest

For the cucumber pickle

600ml water

200g caster sugar

200g white wine vinegar

1 star anise

20g mustard seeds

50ml extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cucumber, sliced

For the pangrattato 

4 slices of bread, torn into pieces

2 garlic cloves, finely grated

50g butter

3 tbsp crispy onions

To serve

6 x 130-150g fillets

6 hot dog brioche buns

2 baby gem lettuce, shredded

1 bunch of fresh dill

Dried seaweed powder for seasoning

Lemon zest

Method

To start, add all the fish brine ingredients to a large pan and place over a low heat. When the sugar and salt has dissolved, turn off the heat and place the fish in the brine from 45 minutes - 2 hours. Take out the pollock, rinse under cold water and dry with a dry cloth. Carefully insert a skewer through the centre of each fish fillet and set aside.

To make the butter, blitz the softened butter with the sundried tomatoes, yeast extract, lemon juice and seasoning until you have a smooth mixture.

To make the mustard mayonnaise, mix all the ingredients together and season to taste. 

For the tartare mayonnaise, fold all dry ingredients into the mayonnaise and add seasoning to taste. Fold a spoonful of this mixture into the shredded lettuce - just enough to bind it together.

For the cucumber pickle, place all ingredients into a pan and bring to a boil. Once cool, add the sliced cucumber and leave for 10-15 minutes.

To make the pangrattato, add the bread and garlic to a food processor and blitz until broken down into fine breadcrumbs. Place the  pan over a medium heat, add the butter and when melted, add the breadcrumb mixture. When the breadcrumbs are golden brown, tip them into a bowl. Stir through the crispy onions and set aside.

Set the BBQ to 200c. Place the dog's pollock skewers directly over the coals so the fish doesn't touch the grill. Using the skewer, turn your fish periodically. Baste with the butter mixture and cook for a further couple of minutes. Baste again with butter and cook for no longer than 4 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 60c. Remove from the heat but leave on the skewer. Baste with the butter mixture all over and sprinkle the pangrattato all over the fish.

Open the BBQ vent until it reaches a searing temperature. 

Lightly rub a little oil on the brioche hot dog buns and place on the grill for 15 seconds on each side.

To assemble, take a chargrilled brioche hog dog bun, place the tartare lettuce inside, top with a chargrilled pollock and carefully slide the skewer out, top with pickled cucumber and garnish with triple mustard mayonnaise, fennel fronds and a little zest of lemon. Finally, sprinkle over a little seaweed powder.

https://www.kamadojoe.com

Mavrik Secures Award-winning Status for Core Range of Alcohol-free Cocktails

Hampshire's top premium alcohol-free cocktail brand, Mavrik, is celebrating a run of success following entries to a number of prestigious food & drink awards this year. 

The brand's core range of four natural, low calorie virgin cocktails presented in a funky ready-to-drink (RTD) can format, now boasts no less than four awards, with each variant now benefiting from an acknowledged industry accolade:

Mavrik's Aromatic G&T won a Bronze in this year's Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards

Mavrik's Cuban Mojito was awarded a Silver in the 2023 Free From Food Awards

Mavrik's Venetian Spritz and Storm & Spice were both winners in this year's Great Taste Awards, each achieving the much sought after 1* ranking

Commenting on the brand's achievements, Director Andrew Mallinson says, “With the no and low category now universally recognised as an important growth category – according to ISWR 2023, half of the UK adult population bought a no or low alcohol drink last year and 5.2m fewer UK adults are drinking alcohol weekly in 2023 vs 2021.

"The awards represent a highly credible, reliable recommendation to consumers who are now faced with such a plethora of no and low alcohol options. 

The accolades, alongside the brand's impressive taste experience, low calorie and all-natural credentials and shelf-shout, underpin the relevance of listing Mavrik to key trade stockists.”

Mavrik produces a full range of canned cocktails in six delicious flavours: Cuban Mojito, Aromatic G&T, Storm & Spice, Venetian Spritz, Passion Star Martini and Espresso Martini. 

For more information visit https://www.mavrik-drinks.com

Cumbrian Curl Toad in the Hole With Caramelised Sage Butter and Firecracker Apple Chilli Sauce

The Catherine wheel Cumbrian curl is the perfect dish to present on Bonfire Night or as a playful dinner as the evenings start to draw in. 

The caramelised sage butter is not a step you should omit. Why? Because it adds an absolutely terrific layer of complexity to the dish. Serve with a firecracker apple sauce for extra crackle.

Royal Warrant holder, DukesHill is renowned for championing artisan producers whose skilled use of unique and traditional methods create outstanding food and flavours. Their traditional British pork Cumbrian Curls are absolutely bursting with flavour from the addition of herbs and black pepper.

Serves 4

Ingredients

2 DukesHill Cumbrian Curls

285ml whole milk

115g plain flour

½ tsp sea salt

3 eggs

Neutral oil - sunflower, vegetable oil

6-8 sage leaves

75g salted butter

For the apple and chilli sauce

Vegetable oil

1 onion, chopped

1 red chilli, sliced

1 tsp coriander seeds

2 cooking apples, peeled and chopped

4 tbsp cider vinegar

4 tbsp caster sugar

Salt and pepper

Method

To make the apple chilli sauce

Add a modest amount of oil to a pan over a medium heat and add the onions, coriander seeds and chilli. Allow to cook down for 7 or so minutes, before adding the apple, sugar and vinegar and seasoning to taste. Put a lid on the pan and gently cook for 30 minutes, stirring from time to time, until the apple softens. Taste and correct the seasoning and adjust the balance of sugar and vinegar if necessary.

To make the toad in the hole

In an ideal world, make your batter in advance so it has time to rest in the fridge - preferably overnight. Failing that, 20 minutes of resting time will help to create a lighter batter. To make the batter, whisk the flour, milk, eggs and salt until thoroughly combined. Place in the fridge to rest.

Preheat your oven to 180c and pop a rack in the centre.

Add a generous amount of oil to two round ovenproof serving dishes - choose a size slightly larger than your Cumberland sausages. Place in the oven until the oil is hot.

Add the sausages and return to the oven for approx 10 minutes. Now, remove the sausages while you crank the oven up to the highest setting. When it is hot, add the batter to the hot oil around your sausages and place in the centre of the oven. Be very careful as it will spit! Close the oven door and don't be tempted to open it again while the batter is cooking. Allow to cook for 20 minutes - until the batter is risen and golden brown.

In the meantime, make the sage butter by heating the butter in a pan. When melted, add the sage and continue to cook until the butter has turned golden brown. Watch it closely and remove from the heat before it gets too dark as the residual heat will continue to darken the butter. Set to one side.

When the toad in the hole comes out of the oven, brush with the sage butter liberally. Serve with apple sauce on the side. Perfect with jacket potatoes, sweet potato wedges or mashed potatoes.

Wine pairing

Experience the Richness of Gouguenheim Blue Melosa Malbec all available from DukesHill.

The rustic charm of Cumbrian Curl sausages encased in crisp batter calls for a fruity, full-bodied wine such as this Malbec. The ripe fruit notes also stand up well to the hit of heat provided by the chili sauce. 

https://www.dukeshillham.co.uk

Celebrate National Mai Tai Day With a Don Papa Rum Twist!

I must admit I was totally unaware that it is National Mai Tai Day on August 30th.And Don Papa Rum invites us to celebrate National Mai Tai Day in the traditional Filippino way, with a Don Papa Rum Mai Tai Cocktail.

One of the key points for Don Papa Rum is to help you create great and exceptional,  really memorable moments. A nd what better way to mark this special day than by combining the classic Mai Tai with the rich, smooth flavours of Don Papa Rum with the Manila Jockey Club cocktail?

This spirit-forward twist on a classic seems to slow time down with every sip, delivering layers of bright, fruity notes paired really wonderfully with Don Papa Rum's unmistakable molasses profile.​

INGREDIENTS​

​50ml Don Papa Rum​

25ml Sweet Vermouth​

5ml Luxardo Maraschino​

1 Dash of Angostura Bitters​

1 Dash of Orange Bitters​

GLASSWARE​

​Chilled Cocktail Coupe​

HOW TO MAKE IT

​Combine ingredients in a mixing glass and fill with ice. Stir for 15 seconds to chill down the cocktail. Strain into a chilled cocktail coupe, and zest with orange oils. Garnish with a Maraschino cherry​ and serve.​ And enjoy, as this looks utterly delicious!

Rum, but Hattiers style

Hattiers is the UK's first B Corp certified rum and it has taken a fresh, exciting look at the traditional art of rum blending with an uncompromising, interesting approach to quality and sustainability.  

Only sourcing fine aged rums from over 25 distilleries worldwide, their versatile and accessible blends consist of carefully selected rums married together along with only pure Dartmoor water.     

Why not explore the Hattiers Rum collection and embark on a flavourful journey that will leave you longing for more?

Here are some cocktails for you to experiment with and enjoy!

The Hattiers Spritz

This cocktail is the epitome of long summer days and sure to impress guests. Aperol and Rum? Don't knock it until you try it!

What you'll need...

50ml Hattiers Egremont Premium Reserve Rum

20ml Aperol Spritz

Grapefruit juice

Lime Juice

Prosecco, Champagne or English sparkling wine

Torched grapefruit and mint to garnish

What to do...

Add Hattiers Egremont rum, Aperol Spritz and a squeeze of lime juice to a highball glass with ice and stir

Top up with equal parts grapefruit juice and prosecco

Garnish with a wedge of torched grapefruit and a sprig of fresh mint

The Casa Surgey

Tom Surgey puts his innovate spin on a Champagne Mojito using Hattiers Eminence Blended Aged White Rum

What you'll need…

14 mint leaves

60ml Hattiers Eminence Blended Aged White Rum

15ml fresh lime juice

10ml sugar syrup

30ml sparkling wine or Champagne

What to do…

Slap the mint leaves in the palm of your hand and add to the bottom of a highball glass. Fill with crushed ice. Add the sugar syrup and fresh lime juice, followed by the rum

Take a bar spoon with a flat bottom and use the disc to churn the mixture. You're looking for a frosting on the outside of the glass so that you know the mix is super cold

Cap with more ice so that the glass is full and the ice glistens on top

Top with sparkling wine or Champagne

Take the mint sprig and clap it between your hands to release the oils so that every sip will be accompanied with the aroma from the mint

Hattiers' Resolute Mule

Singing with spicy ginger and caramel notes, the Resolute Mule is a refreshing cocktail with a twist.

What you'll need…

50ml Hattiers Resolute Navy Strength Rum

Hot ginger beer

Angostura Bitters

Brown sugar

Lime

Iced, crushed ice is best for this recipe

What to do…

Half fill a highball glass with crushed ice

Add a generous squeeze of lime and half a teaspoon of brown sugar

Add 50ml Resolute Navy Strength Rum and stir well

Fill the glass to the top with fresh ice

Top up with hot ginger beer

Add a dash of Angostura Bitters and stir 

Garnish with a wheel of lime

The Hattiers Rum range is available at hattiers.com as well as Waitrose & Partners, Harvey Nichols, Master of Malt, Fortnum & Mason, The Whisky Exchange, Enotria & Coe and Drink Finder. 

Hattiers Rum is justifiably very proud to use no colourants to make their rums look artificially darker and they never add sugar or spice to their blends. They believe rum drinkers should know precisely what they're drinking and as a result all component rums, countries of origin, ages and distillation methods are detailed on the back of each and every bottle.  Premium rums in their range include Egremont Premium Reserve Rum, Eminence Blended Aged White Rum and Resolute Navy Strength Rum.

For further information about Hattiers Rum please visit www.hattiers.com or like and follow Hattiers Rum on Instagram: hattiers_rum and Facebook: HattiersRum.  

Can your pooch be a food star?

Pet owners have the opportunity to have their precious pup named the face of Earl’s Dog Food, Aldi’s popular own-label pet food.

Aldi is the UKs biggest-selling own brand pet food retailer with one in four packs of own-label pet food sold coming from Aldi.

Six lucky pooches will become the faces of the Earl’s range, complete with a professional photo shoot and a year’s supply of dog food.

Aldi is celebrating its popular Earl’s dog food range by giving lucky pet owners the chance to have their very own pup named as celebrity ambassadors. 

The UK’s favourite supermarket is refreshing the look of its dog food range, creating a new ‘family of Earl’s’, with six new dogs set to appear across its packaging. 

The competition launches as it was revealed earlier this year that an astonishing one in four packs of own label pet food now come from Aldi. Earl’s dog food has built a reputation as being a nutritious food, free of artificial colours and flavours at an unbeatable price. 

Open across Aldi’s Facebook and Twitter pages until 16th August, the unique national search will be looking for dogs from individual categories like small, medium, big, rescue, working and talented dogs. Pet parents will be able to submit the cutest photos of their treasured dogs, ready to be shortlisted by an expert team of judges. Once the list has been revealed, each pup will face a public vote across social media polls. 

Each prize-winning pooch will be invited to enjoy a professional photoshoot, plus receiving a year’s supply of Earl’s pet food. Owners will even be able to see their dogs in all their glory with special adverts ready to be spotted on daily strolls. 

Julie Ashfield, who is Aldi's MD of Buying, said: “More and more shoppers are recognising Aldi as a destination for premium quality pet food without the premium price tag. Our shoppers are at the forefront of everything we do so when we decided to refresh the look of the Earl’s range, it made perfect sense to put our shoppers’ own dogs front and centre. 

How to enter:  

Applicants should respond to Aldi’s post on 9th August, sharing their favourite picture of their pet along with their name and category (e.g. small dog, big dog, working dog) 

 Deadline for applicants is16th August 2023   

 Successful applicants will be notified via direct message. 

Terms and conditions apply. For full T&Cs email  dohbWxLSGHuDCmM3H3V6iw$g0@8.pdf (aldi-digital.co.uk) <dohbWxLSGHuDCmM3H3V6iw$g0@8.pdf (aldi-digital.co.uk)>;

New Home Farm Kitchen Lamb, Carrot & Prune Tagine from Eversfield Organic, Perfect for Autumn

One of the UKs top online organic food retailers, Eversfield Organic, is absolutely thrilled to unveil its new Home Farm Kitchen Lamb, Carrot & Prune Tagine just in time for the autumn months. 

The utterly delicious tagine captures the essence of the season, offering a warm and comforting meal for when the nights begin to draw in. 

Slow-cooked to utter perfection, Eversfield Organic's Home Farm Kitchen Lamb, Carrot & Prune Tagine is a chef-prepared dish employing (of course!) only the highest quality organic ingredients, sourced directly from Eversfield Organic's own organic pastures plus trusted local suppliers. 

By being able to prioritise sustainable farming practices, Eversfield Organic ensures the lamb used in the tagine is of the highest of welfare standards, guaranteeing a meal that's both ethical and delicious, too. 

The Home Farm Kitchen range helps contribute to their closed-loop sustainability ethos and minimises food waste, making certain all the delicious cuts of their organic meat are put to very good use.

The rich and juicy flavours of Eversfield Organic's lamb perfectly complement the sweetness of organic prunes and specially selected spices.  Brimming with authentic and utterly delicious North African flavours, this fragrant tagine doubles up as a quick and easy lunch or as a nourishing evening dish. 

Dispatched frozen to preserve its flavours and freshness, the Home Farm Kitchen Lamb, Carrot & Prune Tagine is very carefully packaged to ensure its safe delivery to your own kitchen. 

As the tagine makes its way to customers it will naturally defrost, allowing for a seamless cooking experience upon arrival at your home. This convenient feature saves busy families time in meal preparation while still enjoying a homemade, wholesome meal, allowing parents to spend more quality time with their children after a long day of work, school and other activities.

Eversfield Organic's Home Farm Kitchen Lamb, Carrot & Prune Tagine is now available to buy at www.eversfieldorganic.co.uk (£6.95; 550g). Each pack will serve three, although if hungry, then a more generous portion size will serve two!

For more information on Eversfield Organic please visit www.eversfieldorganic.co.uk or follow Eversfield Organic on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

 

Make this a summer of elegant excellence with Champagne Drappier

Celebrate the warmth of summer by gifting your loved ones some Champagne Drappier.

Champagne Drappier has been crafted with passion for in excess of  two centuries, with eight generations of the Drappier family caring and loving for the Pinot Noir grape variety. It's a bottle designed to indulge.

The Cuvée Carte d’Or expresses the identity of the Drappier House: A champagne of great aromatic richness with notes of vineyard peaches, quince jelly, and a touch of spice. Ideal as an aperitif, or as an accompaniment to cheese and paprika gougères. ideal for garden soirees, a Summer of endless elegance awaits you!

Champagne Drappier Brut Nature, created by Michel Drappier, is a Blanc de Noirs with a generous yet mineral style. A robe of white gold with copper hues. A nose redolent of freshly pressed plums, redcurrants, white flowers, and citrus fruits. It is a fine, tightly knit champagne of great purity. Best served with seafood, sea asparagus smoked salmon, soft goat’s cheese, and tabouleh.

For something a little different this Summer, why not try the organic Champagne Drappier Clarevallis?

 Inspired from Clairvaux, Champagne Clarevallis (the name given by Saint Bernard to the family’s home.) is made with grapes from the organically farmed Urville hillsides. Clarevallis is the expression of both the landscape and the land that has been tended since the 12th century. Clarevallis has a golden colour with fine bubbles and tasting notes of Elderberry and violet. It is best served at 7°C for an aperitif or for a meal, with lemon and olive oil marinated zucchini carpaccio, with fresh crumbled cheese.

Make the most of the warm days and make your get-togethers extra special this Summer with a glass of Champagne Drappier. You cannot possibly go wrong!

https://www.champagne-drappier.com.

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Morrisons offers customers double more card points for every litre of fuel purchased

Morrisons is offering its customers double More Card points on every litre of fuel purchased to help them make more savings with their weekly shop.

From today, Monday 14th August until Monday 28th August, customers can earn 10 points per litre of fuel purchased with no minimum spend in store necessary. The scheme runs across the bank holiday weekend, too, so those filling up for their travels can get more for their money.

Customers must have a Morrisons More Card membership to be able redeem the deal and must simply scan their card at the point of the transaction to qualify. 

Morrisons launched the More Card loyalty scheme earlier this year to allow customers to earn More Points on selected products in store, online and on fuel. When reaching ,5000 points, customers will be rewarded with a ‘Morrisons Fiver’ that can be spent in-store or online. 

During September, when scanning their More Card, some lucky customers will be invited to earn free points via the ‘Basket Bonus’ initiative. Morrisons also offers a collector scheme at seasonal moments like summer and Christmas. These enable customers to receive points rewards.

Rachel Eyre, Chief Customer & Marketing Officer at Morrisons, said: “Fuel is a vital, necessary purchase for many of our customers on a weekly basis. By offering double More Points at our fuel pumps, we're helping customers build up their points so they can be rewarded with Morrisons Fivers to reduce the cost of their weekly shop.”

Morrisons has 340 filling stations across the UK and for further information and the full terms & conditions please visit: https://www.morrisons.com/more/terms-and-conditions/.  

Please note: This offer excludes any franchised Morrisons Daily petrol stations.  

(EDITOR: Although not strictly a "food" story, I decided to include it because many people we know who shop at Morrisons do have and use More Cards and do buy fuel at Morrisons when they are doing the weekly or monthly grocery shop.)

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Autumn Exclusive - KOL welcomes Noma Projects to London

For one special and exclusive afternoon on Sunday 10th September, Chef Santiago Lastra from KOL in London will welcome Chef and Creative Director Thomas Frebel from Copenhagen’s Noma Projects for a very special collaboration.

Guests will be able to experience the full range of Noma Projects' innovative flavours in this unique collaborative menu with KOL. 

Noma Projects will take over KOL’s dining room for this dynamic standing event, with guests welcome to discover each new creation from the open kitchen. Now available to purchase online, the products will be incorporated into each dish to allow the diner to experience their umami-rich adaptability and how they can be used to elevate cooking at home. 

What products are included? Smoked Mushroom Garum, Dashi RDX, Vegan XO Sauce, Roasted Kelp Salt, and two new products, Wild Rose Vinegar and Forager’s Vinaigrette (launching in mid-August). Noma Projects will also bring a new, secret unreleased product for London guests to try - Corn Yuzu Hot Sauce. 

Santiago and Thomas have created a special bespoke menu that marries the ethos of KOL - a restaurant that merges the roots of Mexico, its culture, inspiration and flavours with the native produce of Britain, with Noma Projects’ latest innovations. 

Dishes scheduled will include Tostada - Noma Projects Vegan XO Sauce, octopus, tender cabbage, fermented gooseberries, Ceviche - Noma Projects Forager’s Vinaigrette, seafood, seaweeds, succulents (both of which will have vegetarian alternatives) and will end with Nieve - Noma Projects Roasted Kelp Salt, Blanco Jaguar Chocolate sorbet.

Thomas and Santiago first worked together back in 2016. Santiago had partnered with the Noma team that year for their seven-week residency in Tulum in Mexico, and Thomas then was Head of R&D at Noma. The pair worked closely on cataloguing ingredients, helping create recipes and menus, and quickly became friends through their shared devotion to research. Thomas went on to open INUA in Tokyo in 2018, he re-joined Noma in 2021 and later Noma Projects. Santiago opened KOL in London in 2020, which was awarded 23rd in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards in 2023. 

Noma Projects launched in 2022 with Thomas now as Creative Director and Annika de Las Heras as COO (formerly General Manager at Noma), channelling the restaurant’s collective knowledge, craft and spirit and bringing innovation from Noma’s test kitchen and fermentation lab to inspire everyday cooking. 

Tickets include five small dishes and two drinks from the chef's collaborative menu and two Noma Project products to take away in their signature tote bag. 

The KOL Mezcaleria will be open to guests from 14:00 - 18:00 for additional cocktails and additional Noma Projects products will also be available for purchase at the event. 

Tickets are £95 and will be available via the KOL and Noma Projects newsletters on Sunday 20th August

Date: 10.09.2023

Time slots available: 12:30 - 14:00, 14:15 - 15:45, 16:00 - 17:30

Address: KOL, 9 Seymour Street, Marylebone, London W1H 7BA

https://kolrestaurant.com

https://noma.dk

Red Homes Catering Team Provide The Icing On The Cake For Resident Celebrations

According to a study done by Interflora in 2019, the average person in the UK ceases celebrating their birthday at the age of 37. An incredible 39% of us choose not to celebrate birthdays at all, with 1-in-4 wishing not to be reminded of growing a year older.

But! Newark's Red Roofs Residential Care Home on Grange Road are going against this trend to ensure everyone feels special and celebrated on their own birthday.

The team at Red Roofs believe celebrating milestones like birthdays is a vital part of memory care and retiring with dignity. A birthday is a celebration of life and when a person’s birthday is recognised, they are encouraged to reflect on their past as they recognise their place in the present. 

Although many older adults can feel a sense of melancholy when reminded of their age, birthday celebrations at Red Roofs are approached in a way which celebrates their cherished memories and accomplishments, and not just their age.

Also, a birthday allows residents to better recognise and appreciate the circle of love and support that surrounds them as friends and family may gather to celebrate, send them a card or give them a phone call. 

Every resident, no matter their circumstances, will celebrate their day with other residents and staff within the care home, this all helps reaffirm feelings of safety, love, and support.

A Red Roofs birthday is made memorable thanks to the hard work of the catering staff who provide beautifully personalised cakes and confectionaries. The residents have the chance to choose their favourite tea to accompany their cake, of which they get to choose the colours and flavours, too. In addition to the birthday cake ceremonies, the home hosts their very own sherry parties which are universally enjoyed by their attendees. 

These parties are one of many ways the Red Roofs team have been able to establish a warm, tight-knit community within the home, and more vitally, they make certain each individual is valued and celebrated on their own special day.

Trish Smith, Red Roofs’ manager said: “The beautiful cakes are made by our talented catering team and we celebrate birthdays in a big way for every single resident. We raise a glass of something special and fizzy while meeting their personalised dietary needs. 

"Residents can select their special birthday tea and the colour of their cake, too. Family and friends are welcome to join us and every resident loves to sing songs and celebrate with each other. It’s an integral part of our care and what we aim to achieve here at Red Roofs and I’m so grateful to our incredible teams who make this happen.”

As everyone knows, there's nothing quite like a cup of tea and a slice of cake on your birthday.

To find out more about Red Roofs Residential Care Home, recently rated a perfect 10/10

on carehome.co.uk, https://www.carehome.co.uk visit the site 

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Free food from Chiquito for students

Mexican favourite Chiquito is putting the fiesta fun in GCSE results day by giving away FREE Garlic Tortilla Bread and Coke Zero to students celebrating their A levels and GCSEs.

No matter what your exam grades are Chiquito, known for its delicious food and tasty cocktails, will help you celebrate all your hard work and studying.

This offer entitles guests on results day (August 17 - A Level results, August 24 GCSE results) who show their exam results to a staff member to get a free portion of tasty Garlic Tortilla Bread and a regular Coke (Coke Zero, Regular Coke, Diet Coke).

The free meal offer is available only on the exam results days and additional dishes can be bought from the menu. There are no catches, you don’t have to buy anything else, just come in and have fun with Chiquito.

Chiquito's MD Andreia Harwood, said: “We recognise the cost of living crisis is still biting down on us all but we wanted to make certain our hard working student customers can celebrate their exam results day on us, totally free of charge.

"We've worked hard this summer to make sure our customers are still able to enjoy great meals out with family and friends. The summer savings and the exam results FREE offers are all about Chiquito putting our customers at the forefront of everything we do and making sure they can have an amazing summer.”

This summer Chiquito has helped families and friends with a series of super saving meal deals.

Chiquito, which has been delivering the best of Mexican cuisine for over 30 years, has two amazing ‘always on summer deals’ designed to make dining out more affordable until August 31. 

Between Monday to Friday (after 7pm) Chiquito is offering two main meals for £20, which includes delicious sizzling fajitas, tasty burritos, Tacos, chimichangas and enchiladas. This will save guests up to £15.

Chiquito is also offering a summer always on promotions two for the price of one main meals all day Sunday which will help out those dining out at the weekend. This will save guests up to £21.90.

For full terms and conditions please see: https://www.chiquito.co.uk/terms

 

Frankie & Benny's celebrate A level and GCSE results day with free food and drink for students

Top Italian American restaurant Frankie & Benny’s is giving away absolutely free pizza and Coke Zero to students celebrating their A Levels and GCSE results. 

No matter what your exam grades are Frankie & Benny’s, the ultimate family friendly restaurant, will help you celebrate all of your hard work.

This offer entitles guests on Thursday August 17 (A Level results) and Thursday August 24 (GCSE results) who show their exam results to a member of staff for a free Margarita Pizza (Vegan & Gluten Free Available) and a regular Coke (Coke Zero, Regular Coke, Diet Coke).

The free meal offer is available on the exam results day only and additional pizza toppings can be bought from the menu. There are no catches, you don’t have to buy anything just come in and celebrate with Frankie & Benny’s.

Frankie & Benny’s MD, Andreia Harwood, said: “We recognise the cost of living crisis is hitting hard on us all but we wanted to ensure our hard working students can celebrate their exam results day on us. This summer has all been about our customers still being able to enjoy great meals out with the family, especially over the summer months when kids are at home and we look for treats to entertain them. The summer savings and the exam results FREE offers are all about Frankie & Benny’s putting our customers at the forefront of everything we do and making certain they can have an amazing summer.”

This summer, Frankie & Benny’s, the popular Italian restaurant, want families and friends to enjoy meals out on a budget and have announced a series of summer saving meal deals

The deals were introduced to help families facing the cost of living crisis.

Frankie & Benny’s is also offering two ‘always on’ summer promotion offers which are available now and until the end of August.

The first is a weekday offer available Monday to Friday after 7pm allowing guests to have two main courses of pizza, burgers and or pasta dishes for just £20. This will give a saving of up to £15.

Main courses available include the delicious double bacon cheeseburger with fries, and the creamy chicken and ‘nduja fettucine- both solid favourites with Frankie & Benny fans.

The second deal is designed for family and friends dining out at the weekend. Throughout the summer Frankie & Benny’s is offering two for the price of one main meals all day Sunday, saving up to £21.90!

Dishes include the New York BBQ chicken loaded up with bacon, cheese, onion rings and fries, as well the classic Mac & Cheese (with, or without, bacon!). 

For full terms and conditions please see: Terms & Conditions - Frankie & Benny's (frankieandbennys.com)