Great news for Halloween fans – pumpkins will be even bigger this year

And the reason why pumpkins will be larger this year? It’s a result of Britain’s unpredictable weather over the summer.

While many Brits may have been cursing the rainier than usual mid-summer months of July and August, the inclement weather was actually good news for the UK’s pumpkin farmers.  

And now Tesco's bracing itself for stronger demand than ever when this season’s crop of pumpkins go on sale at stores across the UK this week.

Tesco pumpkin buyer Lucy Moss said: “The good news for Halloween fans coming from our main pumpkin growers is that the fruit will be larger than normal in all size variations this year as a result of very good growing conditions during the summer months.

“This year we have six different sizes and based on last year’s demand, the carving variety is still the most popular. Each of the six different size categories will be larger than usual this year so fans will get good value for money.

“The good news, from a food waste point of view, is there's been an increase in customers seeking out recipes for their delicious versatile pumpkin flesh on our Tesco Real Food website.” 

Oakley Farms, which is based near Wisbech in Cambridgeshire, is one of Europe’s biggest suppliers of pumpkins, growing around five million annually. 

The farm works hand-in-hand with Tesco to ensure there is as little pumpkin waste as possible. 

Steve Whitworth, Commercial Manager at Oakley Farms said: “We had a pretty good growing season for pumpkins this summer with a really hot June which really helped the plants along.

“The rainy July and August may not have been great for sun lovers or BBQ fans but from a growing point of view for pumpkins, it was perfect. 

“The weather gave us the right amount of rain with sunny intervals especially compared with the challenging conditions we encountered during last year’s heatwave which was officially the hottest UK year on record.” 

Tesco’s pumpkins range this year is as follows:

Carving – standard size 

Culinary 

Munchkin 

Novelty including devil (red) and ghost (white) types 

Large 

Giant 

And here are some pumpkin recipes from Tesco for readers of That's Food and Drink to get their teeth into!

Sweet pumpkin pancakes with blackberries

These seasonal pancakes use pumpkin to give them a warm glow and sweet, squashy flavour. Stack 'em high with syrup and blackberries!

Preheat the oven to gas 6, 200°C, fan 180°C. Toss the pumpkin with the oil and spread out in a single layer in a roasting tin. Cover with foil and bake for 20 mins, then remove the foil and continue to cook for 10 mins until the pumpkin is tender, with no liquid remaining in the tin. Leave to cool for 10 mins.

Meanwhile, mix the flour and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl and make a well in the centre. Crush the pumpkin in the tin with a potato masher or fork. Put in a jug with the milk and eggs, and whisk to combine evenly.

Pour the pumpkin mixture into the centre of the flour bowl and whisk to make a smooth batter.

Heat a large frying pan over a medium heat and use a piece of kitchen paper to wipe ¼ of the butter over the surface of the pan. Spoon 4-5 heaped tbsp of batter, well-spaced out in the pan, to make 4-5 pancakes. Cook for about 90 secs until golden underneath with bubbles forming on the surface; flip and cook for another 1 min. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm while you cook the remaining pancakes.

Stack the pancakes and serve with the blackberries, a little yogurt and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

Tip: Make your pancakes into pumpkin shapes. Spoon an extra 1 tsp batter into the pan while cooking to create stalks. Once cooked, spread half the batch with hazelnut chocolate spread, and cut faces out of the other half. Sandwich the halves together, and colour the stalks with green writing icing.

Pumpkin latte

If you're in need of a warm me up then get cosy with this wonderfully spiced pumpkin latte. This spicy and frothy hot drink is so simple to make at home, it's the perfect drink to snuggle up to and works wonderfully with both espresso coffee and instant coffee.

Put the pumpkin purée, sugar, spices and milk in a microwave-proof jug. Mix the contents to combine. Cover with clingfilm, then carefully pierce the surface two or three times, to allow steam to escape. Microwave on full power for 1½-2 mins, until the milk is hot.

Using an electric milk frother or whisk, whisk for 30-45 secs or until milk is really frothy. Pour the hot coffee into a latte glass or mug, then add the spiced pumpkin milk. Top with cream, if using, then dust with a little more mixed spice and some cocoa.

Tip: If you have a coffee machine, use two shots of espresso to make the latte. If not, use an instant espresso coffee or your usual cafetière. You will need 50ml strong coffee made from about 1 tbsp ground coffee.

https://realfood.tesco.com/gallery/10-best-pumpkin-recipes.html?id=1b1694dc-d4e0-4eaa-8a37-a4dd01265fb5

www.tesco.com

Reservation for Relaxation Please! Zen Hits Zizzi as Goodrays Announces Partnership With Restaurant Chain With Restaurant Chain

There's good news for fans of Goodrays and Zizzi! CBD brand Goodrays is now on the menu at Zizzi Italian restaurants with a listing in 135 restaurants al lover the country.

Goodrays Raspberry and Guava and Passionfruit and Pomelo are now listed, providing diners with options for 'Sober October' and beyond, too.

 Goodrays drinks are perfect for the sober-curious and those who want to relax and explore adventurous and delicious flavours, without feeling they're compromising on a great night out. 

The drinks were developed by company founder Eoin Keenan, who brings decades of experience within the CBD sector, and an ex-Diageo Liquid developer and drinks industry expert, who worked on harnessing the flavour of CBD to compliment the tropical and zingy flavours of Goodrays. 

Goodrays drinks contain a market-leading 'dose' of 30mg per can, making it the market's best value CBD drink. Double the amount of CBD of its nearest competitor, Goodrays is obviously the go-to brand for consumers that want that extra dose of relaxation.

The announcement comes as Goodrays is now also listed in the first ever Waitrose meal deal nationwide, a listing meaning that per mg, Goodrays is the best value CBD drink on the market and ties into an ethos that CBD should be accessible for all. 

Reporting a 1500% increase in sales over 2022/23, Goodrays is excited to see CBD drinks listed in mainstream outlets in which consumers can sample the products in comfort and alongside delicious foods.

Henry Colyer, Head of Marketing at Goodrays says: "Your mind doesn't have an off switch. That's why we created Goodrays, a moment of clarity for the curious, the creative, the brave and the bold. Zizzi were looking for a non-alcoholic but functional option for their menu which was sophisticated and appealing to the younger market. 

"Clearly, Goodrays fits the brief perfectly. We know more and more younger people want to drink less alcohol, yet want something delicious, interesting, and a valid substitute for alcohol. Our ethos as a brand is we want to be the CBD brand for all occasions and restaurant partnerships are a huge part of our strategy going into 2024.

Zizzi were looking for a non-alcoholic option for their menus which was sophisticated yet on-trend and appealing to the younger market. Goodrays fit that perfectly. We know that more and more younger people want to drink less yet want something delicious, interesting, and a valid substitute for alcohol. Our ethos as a brand is that we want to be the CBD brand for all occasions and restaurant partnerships are a huge part of our strategy going into 2024.”

https://www.goodrays.com

That's Christmas: Exploring the Magic of Worldwide Christmas Markets

That's Christmas: Exploring the Magic of Worldwide Christmas Markets: Introduction As the holiday season approaches, cities and towns around the world transform into enchanting wonderlands filled with twinkling...

Warrendale Wagyu Launches Gourmet Wagyu Sausages Into Waitrose

I wasn't aware Wagyu beef was produced in Britain, so I was very intrigued and more than a little impressed to learn the UK's top producer of Wagyu beef, Warrendale Wagyu, has revealed its latest product, Wagyu Sausages. 

The new addition to its range will launch in 200 Waitrose stores this Wednesday (4th October) in what is thought to be the only Wagyu beef sausage to be sold in a major supermarket.

The gourmet sausage launch follows six months of rigorous product development and recipe testing and tweaking to introduce a beef sausage with the best taste and texture possible. 

The new sausages are available in Original and Horseradish and are produced using 90% and 86% premium British Wagyu Beef. What's more, both varieties are gluten and dairy free. 

Yorkshire-based Warrendale Wagyu was founded on an unwavering commitment to supply chain transparency, product quality and total consistency. 

The team their works in close partnership with a 750-strong collective of farmers to rear herds of a Wagyu cross dairy cattle breed known as F1 Wagyu. 

The brand has been running its unique business model to produce high quality marbled Wagyu beef since 2017. They now supply to Waitrose, premium restaurants including Hakkasan and Ivy Asia and online to meat lovers across the UK.

Tom Richardson, MD over at Warrendale Wagyu says:  “At Warrendale, we're clearly very passionate about Wagyu and, of course, we want to find new ways for people to enjoy it. 

"And we're very proud of the new Wagyu Sausage. Every care has been taken at each step of the process to ensure the taste, texture and traceability are the best they can possibly be.” 

The launch comes just in time for the start of comfort food season in the UK, with the new Wagyu Sausages here to upgrade autumn and winter meals. (That's Food and Drink says: "We're actually thinking of using Warrendale Wagyu Sausages with our turkey at Christmas dinner!")

John Topham, Chef at one of Yorkshire's finest restaurants, the Alice Hawthorn said: “I'm a big fan of the new Warrendale Wagyu sausage. It's an elegant sausage with a rich, smooth, beefy taste. I believe it's the perfect choice for a toad-in-the-hole with beer caramelised onion gravy!”

Krystina Houghton, Waitrose's sausage buyer said: "We're really very excited to be adding these British wagyu sausages into our range. Not only are they packed full of incredible umami flavours, but they're  made with British beef so it's fantastic to see more support for our farmers, too.

“The sausages will be perfect for those looking to add something delicious to their Bonfire Night get-togethers at home and will make a great addition to warming meals during the winter months, too"

Wagyu Sausages, Original and Horseradish, will be sold exclusively in Waitrose stores, Waitrose online and at www.warrendale-wagyu.co.uk. The RRP is £5.99 for a 400g pack of six, with an introductory offer of 25% off from Wednesday 4th October.

Salcombe Gin Partners With the Heroic RNLI to Launch 'Four Seas' Gin With Every Bottle Helping Save Lives at Sea

With a love and respect for the sea at the heart of everything they do, multi-award winning Salcombe Gin is delighted to have partnered with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) to launch 'Four Seas' by Salcombe Gin. 

Commemorating the charity's upcoming 200th anniversary, the new classic London dry gin is a true celebration of British and Irish coastal community spirit.  

Available now and for the next two years, every bottle of 'Four Seas' by Salcombe Gin will help save lives at sea, with 10% of the net price of every bottle sold proudly donated to the vital work of the RNLI. 

'Four Seas' by Salcombe Gin is available in a 70cl bottle, at £39.50, ABV 40% from salcombegin.com, Salcombe Gin's Dartmouth and Salcombe stores, plus via Master of Malt, Amazon and leading independent retailers throughout the country.

It's a relaxed and inclusive gin, 'Four Seas' by Salcombe Gin is crafted for everyday heroes, everyday occasions and for those who love to be close to the sea.  Adhering to the same exacting London Dry standard as their iconic and global award-winning citrus led Salcombe Gin 'Start Point', 'Four Seas' by Salcombe Gin draws inspiration from their journey around the British coastline to where the four seas that surround our island nation, the Atlantic Ocean, Irish Sea, English Channel and North Sea, all meet our shores. The same four seas served and protected by the heroic RNLI.  

Beautifully balanced, 'Four Seas' by Salcombe Gin showcases four key botanicals and is led by lemons smoked over Scottish whisky barrel wood chips, tangy sea buckthorn from where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Cornish coast, sugar kelp foraged from the Irish sea providing a richness and a hint of salinity and elderberries from wildest Wales, giving an earthy floral sweetness.   

On the nose there's zesty fresh lemons, smoky citrus and classic juniper, followed by a citrusy tang and sweetness from the sea buckthorn with underlying floral and earthy layers on the palate, too. 

The finish is reportedly smooth, rich and warming, with a slightly saline tone, reminding you of its coastal influence and origin. 'Four Seas' by Salcombe Gin contains no colourants and no added sugar.

Appealing to gin drinkers both old and new, just serve 'Four Seas' by Salcombe Gin in a highball glass with four ingredients; gin, premium Indian tonic, ice and lemon or in a cocktail to showcase the subtle notes of smoked citrus and the hint of sea salt.

Like all the products in Salcombe Gin's portfolio, it contains no plastic packaging and has biodegradable cellulose tamper proof seals, 'Four Seas' by Salcombe Gin uses a totally natural cork and wooden stopper.

Commenting on the partnership, Co-founder and Director of Salcombe Distilling Co., Angus Lugsdin says:  “Spending years working at sea and having grown up learning to sail in Salcombe and watching with fascination as a child when the Salcombe Lifeboat was called out,  it's hard to express just exactly how thrilled I am about the collaboration between Salcombe Gin and the RNLI.  

"Having spent years offshore myself and having undergoing sea survival training myself, I have the utmost respect for the RNLI and its dedicated volunteers who generously devote their time to safeguarding and rescuing lives at sea, ensuring a safer environment for us all."

Angus went on to say: “It obviously fills the Salcombe Gin team with immense pride and pleasure to join forces with the RNLI, knowing that the sale of 'Four Seas' by Salcombe Gin will contribute to our coastal communities and support the RNLI in their crucial missions.  What's more, as part of our special two-year partnership, we'll also contribute 10% of the net price of every bottle sold of our Salcombe Rum 'Island Street' to the RNLI, too.”

Mark Dowie, RNLI CEO adds: “We're delighted to partner with Salcombe Gin and welcome their kind support. And because Salcombe Gin is made in my hometown, I'm obviously hoping for great things!”

Mark went on toy say: “For almost two centuries the RNLI has been saving lives at sea.  All of the essential training and equipment for our lifeboat crews and lifeguards is only possible because of the donations we receive from our generous partners and our supporters.  Our partnership with Salcombe Gin will raise vital funds to help us continue our lifesaving work.”

The perfect partnership, Salcombe Gin draws influence from the coastal vitality of Salcombe and its shipbuilding heritage.  They produce internationally acclaimed gins at their waterside distillery on Island Street in Salcombe, one of the world's only distilleries directly accessible by boat.  'Four Seas' by Salcombe Gin joins Salcombe Gin's outstanding line-up of Salcombe Gin 'Start Point', Salcombe Gin 'Rosé Sainte Marie', Salcombe Gin 'Start Point - Offshore Strength' and their exclusive Voyager Series.

Since 1824, the story of the RNLI is one of courage and dedication.  Across their almost 200-year history, RNLI lifesavers have answered the call to rescue, day or night, on calm seas or in ferocious storms.  If someone is in peril at sea, the RNLI will do all they can to save them.  Since the charity launched its first lifeboat in 1824, the RNLI has saved over 144,000 lives at sea.

For further information about Salcombe Gin, visit www.salcombegin.com, follow Salcombe Gin on Instagram and Facebook. For further information about the RNLI's work, visit www.rnli.org or follow RNLI on Facebook.

That's Food and Drink believes this will make a superb Christmas gift or birthday present this year. 

Clearspring Launches Limited Edition 30th Anniversary Organic Okumidori Matcha

The leading authentic Japanese and organic fine food specialist Clearspring is launching an exclusive limited-edition Matcha to celebrate the brand's 30th anniversary: Clearspring Organic Japanese Okumidori Matcha - Ceremonial Grade. 

The special, limited-edition Organic Okumidori Matcha has been specially selected by Clearspring's tea master Nagata-san. Okumidori, meaning 'deepest green', is a superior, artisanal matcha from Wazuka, in Uji, Kyoto, a place steeped in eight centuries of matcha history. Of all the tea fields in Japan, less than 5% are dedicated to growing Okumidori Matcha, which makes it so absolutely valuable.

The tea leaves used have been shade-grown for 20 days before being harvested which increases chlorophyll levels which gives the matcha its vibrant green colour and its utterly unique flavour. 

Only the freshest and youngest tea leaves have been selected from this year's first harvest. Once picked, the leaves are stone-ground to create a fine, bright green powder which has a naturally smooth taste, whilst also delivering a rich umami flavour.

Clearspring's limited-edition Okumidori Matcha is sustainably grown and produced to the highest of  organic standards, whilst working with nature and encouraging biodiversity. This allows the tea leaves to develop a full, rounded and natural flavour and offer all the benefits of organic green tea.

The limited-edition launch, which is a first for Clearspring, offers Clearspring's supporters and Matcha connoisseurs the wonderful opportunity to enjoy the taste of a unique, ceremonial grade Organic Okumidori Matcha and mark 30 years of Clearspring. 

The brand will be donating £1 from the sale of each pack of its Limited-Edition Matcha to long-term charity partner and community cookery school Made in Hackney.

Says Maria Dawson, who is the MD Clearspring: “We've been working with our tea master Nagata-san for the past three decades and we're absolutely delighted to be launching this Limited Edition Organic Japanese Okumidori Matcha together. We wanted to offer something extra special for our 30th anniversary, and this Matcha delivers on taste, quality, uniqueness and sustainability."

She went on to explain: “This limited edition, Okumidori Matcha is best enjoyed when made to a traditional matcha recipe, simply with warm water, to fully enjoy the delicate flavour nuances it offers. We'd love to invite you to join us in celebrating 30 years of Clearspring with this Limited Edition Matcha”

Clearspring Limited Edition Matcha is available to purchase from selected independent stores from September, plus also online at www.clearspring.co.uk.

We at That's Food and Drink believe this will make an excellent Christmas present for the Matcha and tea lovers in your life.

Finalists unveiled for annual Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards

Finalists have been unveiled for the annual Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA), the most prestigious celebration of Pan Asian cuisine in the UK and beyond, which this year will take place on Sunday 8th October at London’s Hilton Park Lane.

ARTA 2023 will welcome a guest list of the nation’s most popular Asian restaurateurs alongside MPs, dignitaries, and celebrities. The ceremony will be hosted by BBC presenters, Samantha Simmonds and Paul Martin. 

The finest Asian restaurants and takeaways from all over the UK will come together in the Capital city in the hope of being recognised as the best restaurant in their region or nationally and honoured with a jewel in the crown of the UK Asian restaurant industry award sector.

Following the public nominations drive, a formal assessment was undertaken to determine the leading Asian culinary establishments based on criteria including quality of service; quality of product; value for money; and food hygiene ratings in tandem with the number of nominations provided from members of  the public. Following the rigorous vetting process, finalists have been announced across ARTA categories.

ARTA 2023 Finalists

Newcomer of the Year:

Savci, Stopsley, Luton

Tanishq Restaurant & Bar, Ongar, Chelmsford

Shimlas, Attleborough, Norwich

Coco Buffer, Weston-Super-Mare

Fine Dine Restaurant of the Year:

Dhoom, Dunfermline, Kirkaldy

Dining Room, Sheerness, Rochester

Blue Jasmine, Ocean Village, Southampton

Chaskaa Indian, Bruntsfield, Edinburgh

Korean Restaurant of the Year:

Cafe Andamiro, Newington, Edinburgh

Bento Bab, Aldgate, London

Yori, Piccadilly Circus, London

Bullgogi Restaurant, Notting Hill, London

Japanese Restaurant of the Year:

Tanakatsu, Camden, London

Maneki Ramen, Worcester

Sakura, Weston-super-Mare

Sapporo Teppanyaki, Castlefield, Manchester

Street Food Restaurant of the Year:

Mowgli Street Food, Brighton

Streetly Balti, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham

Twisted Indian Street Food, Blackpool

My Delhi, Newcastle upon Tyne

European Restaurant of the Year:

Kashmir House, Paris, France

New Delhi, Milano, Italy

Tamasha, Playa Blanca, Spain

Royal Indian Restaurant, Munich, Germany

Sri Lankan Restaurant of the Year:

Copper Ceylon, Bromley, London

The Pier Ceylon, Herne Bay, Canterbury

Colombo Kitchen Restaurant, Worcester Park, Kingston upon Thames

Rathiga Restaurant & Bar, Luton

Regional Restaurant of the Year – Northern Ireland:

Yaks, Bangor

Nu Delhi Restaurant Lounge, Belfast

Bangla, Bangor

India Gate, Belfast

Regional Restaurant of the Year – Scotland:

The Royal Bengal, Dunfermline, Kirkaldy

Qismat, Elgin, Inverness

Sylhet Brasserie, Grantown-on-Spey, Perth

Carron to Mumbai, Stonehaven, Aberdeen

Regional Restaurant of the Year – Wales:

Benllech Tandoori Restaurant, Benllech, Llandudno

Belfoi, Carmarthen, Swansea

The Grand Sultan, Port Talbot, Swansea

Mango Tree, Whitchurch, Cardiff

Regional Restaurant of the Year – North West:

Spice Valley, Horwich, Bolton

The Milnrow Balti Restaurant, Rochdale, Oldham

Achari, Bolton

Paneer, Wallasey, Chester

Regional Restaurant of the Year – West Midlands:

Delhi 45 Indian Streatery, Rubery, Birmingham

Titash Indian Restaurant, Sheldon, Birmingham

Shifnal Balti, Shifnal, Telford

The Royal Bengal, Earlsdon, Coventry

Regional Restaurant of the Year – East Midlands:

Royal Tandoori, Corby, Northampton

Sylhet Spice, Ripley, Derby

The Bridge & Bayleaf, Gunthorpe, Nottingham

Nazreen, Kettering, Northampton

Regional Restaurant of the Year – North East:

Jays Indian, Durham

Ahad Tandoori, Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Bayleaf Indian Restaurant, Cramlington, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar, Gateshead, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Regional Restaurant of the Year – Hertfordshire:

Mint Leaf, Stortford, Chelmsford

Zaffran One, St Albans

Cumin Bar & Restaurant, Broxbourne, Enfield

Raj of India, Welwyn Garden City, St Albans

Regional Restaurant of the Year – Essex:

The Polash, Shoeburyness, Southend-on-Sea

Cinnamon, Epping, Chelmsford

Village Indiya Restaurant, Benfleet, Romford

Pride of Sylhet, Dunmow, Chelmsford

Regional Restaurant of the Year – Surrey:

Trishala, Redhill

Tiffin Wala, Camberley, Guildford

The Rajdoot, Guildford

Tarana, Lingfield, Redhill

Regional Restaurant of the Year – South Central:

Burghfield Spices, Burghfield, Reading

Jalpari of Woodley, Woodley, Reading

Madhuban Tandoori, Liss, Guildford

House of Flavours, Reading

Regional Restaurant of the Year – North London:

Ruhit's Indian Cuisine, Brent

The Rajdoot, Hampstead

Pinos Warung, Chalk Farm

The Spice, Kentish Town

Regional Restaurant of the Year – South London:

Samrat, Tooting

Gandhi’s, Kennington

Pure Indian Cooking, Fulham

Saka Maka, Hither Green

Regional Restaurant of the Year – West London:

Haweli of Ealing, Ealing

Durbar Tandoori Restaurant, Bayswater

The Rajdoot, Marylebone

Takaa Tak, Ealing

Regional Restaurant of the Year – South West:

Denley's Essence of India, Topsham, Exeter

Drgnfly Pan Asian Restaurant, Poole, Bournemouth

Daaku, Falmouth, Truro

Iford Tandoori, Iford, Bournemouth

Regional Restaurant of the Year – Sussex:

The New Curry Centre, Horsham, Redhill

Calcutta 16, Shoreham-by-Sea, Brighton

Darchini, Horsham, Redhill

Tamasha, Lindfield, Redhill

Regional Takeaway of the Year – North East:

The Jewel In the Crown, Birtley, Chester-le-Street

Zeera Tandoori, Durham

Balti Hut Indian Takeaway, Middlesborough, Cleveland

Spice Junction, Boldon Colliery, Newcastle upon Tyne

Regional Takeaway of the Year – North West:

Arong Tandoori, Waterloo, Liverpool

Bombay Cuisine, Prestwich, Manchester

Akash, Accrington, Blackburn

Bradshaw Tandoori, Bradshaw, Bolton

Regional Takeaway of the Year – West Midlands:

New Royal Balti, Audley, Stoke-on-Trent

Chutney Express, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham

Mahim Indian Takeaway, Bayston Hill, Shrewsbury

Karma Lounge, Tamworth, Birmingham

Regional Takeaway of the Year – Essex:

Pathari's, Wickford, Southend-on-Sea

Kismet, Colchester

Spice Boys, Harlow, Chelmsford

Kaani Kaana, Chelmsford

Regional Takeaway of the Year – Surrey:

Hampton Tandoori, Hampton, Twickenham

Vindaloo Indian Takeaway, Farnborough, Guildford

Mohini Balti House, Carshalton Beeches, Carshalton, Sutton

Chipstead Tandoori, Coulsdon, Croydon

Regional Takeaway of the Year – Kent:

Shumi Tandoori, Frindsbury, Rochester

Mahan Indian Takeaway, Bexley, Dartford

Naims Tandoori, Bedford, Milton Keynes

Sher E Bangla, Longfield, Dartford

Regional Takeaway of the Year – East Anglia:

Kairali South Indian, Poringland, Norwich

Eastern Spice, Suffolk, Ipswich

Bhujon, Tring, Hemel Hempstead

Lime Takeaway, Saint Edmunds, Ipswich

Regional Takeaway of the year – East Midlands:

Little India, Desford, Leicester

Agra Cottage, Bingham, Nottingham

Miah's Takeaway, Heanor, Derby

Rikshaw Urban Indian Kitchen, Sherwood, Nottingham

Regional Takeaway of the year – Wales:

Masalla, Port Talbot, Swansea

Tiffin Rasoi, Barry, Cardiff

Kalimirch, Barry, Cardiff

Shaan Tandoori Takeaway, Ammanford, Swansea

Also additional awards will be presented on the night for Champion of Champions; National Chef of the Year; and National Takeaway of the Year.

ARTA 2023 will continue to honour one of the most lucrative sectors of the UK hospitality industry in the face of continued business and operational challenges during the current cost of living crisis. 

Says ARTA Founder Salik Mohammed Munim, “The UK’s popular Asian restaurant industry, known for its resilience in weathering operational and business challenges such as staff shortages and the Covid pandemic, now faces a new set of challenges during the current cost of living crisis. 

"The prices of products, ingredients and energy have risen significantly while customers are also facing the pinch. In this tough situation, ARTA will once again be honouring the UK’s best Asian restaurants and takeaways who are committed to delivering the best in restaurant and home dining in these tough circumstances.”

Local pubs deliver invaluable socio-economic value, ministers must act to save them, new report reveals

Government must give pubs which serve as the beating hearts of their communities greater support with tax rebates to safeguard the nation’s locals as vital social lifelines, a report from think-tank Localis urges.

In a report entitled ‘Inn-Valuable: unlocking the socio-economic potential of our nation’s pubs’, Localis also argues a minister for pubs role be reinstated to join up help for the country’s pubs sector, which supports 936,000 jobs, generates £28bn in GVA to the economy and delivers £15bn in tax revenues to the Exchequer, annually. 

According to polling undertaken by YouGov for the report, 75% of people believe pubs have a positive impact on community life.

When asked if pubs are important in bringing people together, over four-in-five (81%) of British adults agreed with this idea, with just14% feeling they aren't. 

Polling for the report showed 68% of British adults felt pubs have a part in helping to combat loneliness in their local area. 

Among pro-community activities supported by local pubs, almost half (44%) of people are aware of pub events that bring the community together, a quarter (25%) knew of local pubs that supported charitable causes and 17% knew of local pubs offering to support vulnerable people in their local area.

The research identified from case studies taken pubs across the whole country some dominant themes on how the sector supports local people and communities, namely by:

combatting isolation

supporting local causes

reflecting local culture

bringing local business together

supporting community through generations.

Pollsters also learned among social uses of pubs in the last three months, over half of the population (51%) had met a friend in one, while nearly two-in-five (37%) of people had visited the pub to meet up with family, a quarter (25%) had enjoyed Sunday lunch in one and 10% of the public had attended a pub-held birthday party in that timespan. In addition, 6%s of the public had used pubs for dating purposes and 13% watched a sporting event in a pub.

A key recommendation of the report calls for the re-establishment of a Minister for Pubs position to co-ordinate a cross-government taskforce responsible for long-term strategy for the British pubs sector and to lead on help with tax and regulation, alongside an emergency fund for energy bill support.

The report authors also make the case for business rates rebates for those pubs which take on socially valuable roles like foodbanks or in providing warm spaces for vulnerable people, with a call for a modest £4m cashpot to help 1,000 pubs to diversify at a cost of only £4,000 per pub.

Joe Fyans, who is head of research at Localis said: “Across Britain, pubs consistently played a pivotal role in knitting communities together and promoting social cohesion.

“In fact, pubs are the beating heart of many communities, playing multifaceted roles in local daily life. This is why the decline of pubs is obviously a great cause for concern. With each closure, both tangible and intangible voids are left behind.

“The lessons are clear: pubs, in all their forms and across all locations, remain integral to British social cohesion as hubs of activity, community, and social capital. This makes their presence all the more crucial as community safety nets and beacons of light, offering a lifeline hope for many people looking for a real sense of local belonging.”

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “The stories highlighted in this report truly are just a snapshot of the hugely positive impact pubs have in communities across the whole country every single day.

“There are few businesses that can say they add both social and economic value and pubs are delivering that value in neighbourhoods from Lanarkshire to Liskeard, and everywhere in between. Pubs provide solace to people in tough times and a place to celebrate in others and to lose them would have a serious impact on people’s lives.

“With closures continuing to rise and pubs under threat from further duty and business rates cost hikes we hope the Government will giver serious consideration to the proposals put forward by this report so the foundations can be laid to help pubs continue to do this brilliant work in their communities long into the future.”

Becky Barnett who runs The Lamb Inn in Swadlincote, which features in the report, said: “We support our local community in a number of ways, including offering free food and drinks to people on Wednesday mornings. People can come into the pub, have a free hot meal, and in winter, sit by our log fire in comfy chairs, no questions asked.

“When times are tougher, we want to be a place where people can come for help and local people have been incredibly grateful of us opening our doors at no cost. At the same time, we are also facing challenges with higher energy bills and other rising costs so it’s a scary time for our business too. But we want to continue to provide a non-judgemental warm space for people, but we’re facing our own difficulties as well.”

Pub is The Hub chief executive, John Longden, said: “Pubs and publicans are the heroes at the heart of community life that provide essential local services and activities that create social value.

“They are a valuable lifeline for many rural areas providing vital local services and activities like village stores, allotments and community cafes, plus offering a safe space to tackle the major societal issue of loneliness.

“Pub is The Hub now estimates 1,000 more pubs and local areas could benefit from services if they can be directly supported in the future to diversify."

https://www.localis.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/InnValuable_Localis_WEBAWK.pdf

https://beerandpub.com/

(Image courtesy of Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay)

Tesco is first UK supermarket to give kinship carers same support as adoptive parents

Tesco, the UK’s largest private-sector employer, has granted colleagues who have a Special Guardianship Order to care for relatives’ children equal rights with colleagues who adopt – giving them both 26 weeks’ leave on full pay.

The kinship leave, which will apply to grandparents or other relatives who take on a child of a family member, is intended to help kinship carers to be able stay in the workforce, while managing their extra responsibilities. 

The new policy, which makes the grocer one of the first UK retailers to support these carers, is among a raft of family-friendly policies Tesco announced that will benefit more than 300,000 colleagues from this week. 

Tesco also announced: 

Improved maternity leave to 26 weeks with full pay 

Up to 12 weeks paid neonatal leave 

Fertility leave extended to partners as well as birth mothers of up to 5 days paid leave per treatment cycle 

Adoption leave improved to 26 weeks on full pay, and 

Paid leave for two weeks for the loss of a baby pre 24 weeks of pregnancy 

The charity Kinship, which has been campaigning for kinship carers to have the same rights to paid leave as parents and adopters, has welcomed the move by Tesco. There are 152,000 children in the UK growing up in kinship care and they estimate that hundreds of kinship carers work for Tesco. 

The pioneering new policy will apply to Tesco colleagues who have obtained an SGO from a family court, which allows a child to be brought up by people such as grandparents, relatives or family friends while maintaining contact with birth parents. 

Lucy Peake, CEO of Kinship, the leading national charity for England and Wales, said: “We are really thrilled that Tesco is stepping up for kinship carer Special Guardians in its workforce by introducing paid kinship care leave on a par with adoption leave.  

“Tesco’s new policy will really make an enormous difference to many Special Guardian kinship carers across the country, who will now be able to take paid time off when to support children who have often experienced trauma and focus on their needs, knowing they will have a job to return to.  

“We’re very proud to be working with Tesco as they implement this industry-leading support for Special Guardians and hope over time it can extended to all kinship carers. We urge other retailers to follow their lead and will soon be launching our Kinship Friendly Employers scheme to encourage employers of all sizes to better support kinship carers in the workforce” 

Taylor Kershaw, who works in the Employer Brand team at Tesco, found her life turned upside down when she stepped up at the age of 25 to look after her brother’s newborn daughter.  

Taylor was able to raise awareness of the issue facing kinship carers with colleagues in the Tesco People team, which led to the new policy being introduced. 

Taylor said: “This is a gamechanger for all colleagues who are facing up to such a major life change. I was just 25 years old when I stepped up to become a guardian to a child that was only five days old. 

“I was heartbroken for my brother and his partner, but suddenly I had to navigate becoming a guardian while still living at home and working full-time. This leave would have taken a lot of pressure from my shoulders and given me time to bond with baby and settle into my new role.” 

In addition, the grocer has improved its maternity and adoption leave benefits substantially, increasing from 14 weeks with full pay followed by 14 weeks half pay, to 26 weeks with full pay.  This is a significant improvement for over 2000 colleagues a year at Tesco who take maternity leave. 

Tesco is also introducing paid neonatal leave for the first time, ahead of Government legislation due to come into force in 2025. The retailer will allow colleagues whose child has been unwell and spent seven days or more in hospital during their first 28 days since birth, to extend maternity or shared parental leave by up to 12 weeks on full pay. 

Tesco also recently agreed new flexible working rights giving more than 300,000 colleagues the right to request a flexible working pattern from their first day in the job, rather than having to wait six months. 

In July, Tesco announced a new benefit for colleagues and their immediate family - unlimited appointments with a virtual GP, seven days a week to give them added flexibility in managing their health. Tesco colleagues are also able to access to sleep therapists, nutritionists, counsellors, exercise coaches and physiotherapists to support their wellbeing.

This expanded focus on colleague wellbeing comes after Tesco made its biggest-ever investment in colleague pay over the past year, with an increase totalling a more than 15% pay rise to bring the hourly rate to £11.02. Tesco also gives colleagues a 10% discount on groceries, which increases to 15% every pay day weekend. 

James Goodman, Tesco UK People Director, said: “We've been really focused on our colleagues’ wellbeing this summer. As well as improving maternity leave for thousands of colleagues, we've  introduced a raft of new benefits to help colleagues strike a healthy work-life balance. 

“Relatives who take on the care of a child often feel forced to reduce their hours or even leave their jobs as they try to juggle extra responsibilities, and we wanted to really step up to offer kinship carers the same support as colleagues who adopt a child.”

Daniel Adams, USDAW National Officer said: “Following ongoing discussions between Tesco and USDAW, we are pleased that the company is making these improvements which will provide valuable, additional support for our members when they need it most.” 

www.tesco.com

Tesco introduces new safety measure to protect staff

Ever mindful of its duty to protect colleagues, Tesco is introducing new protective screens at hundreds of Express stores and petrol station kiosks in a further bid to protect its colleagues from criminal assaults. 

The retailer, which has already introduced body worn cameras across its stores as part of a range of measures to protect and look after colleagues, is making the move amidst a rising tide of retail crime, with British Retail Consortium figures showing violence and abuse towards retail workers has doubled over the last four years. 

The toughened glass screens, which fully enclose the colleague side of the till and stand above head-height, have already been installed at over 110 Tesco sites, and are now being introduced to over 250 additional stores as part of a multi-million-pound investment in colleague safety. 

The screens places a defensive barrier between colleagues and any potential attackers, protecting shop workers against both physical assault and from the threat of having liquids or other items thrown at them.  

Tesco UK CEO Jason Tarry said: “The rise in retail crime has been widely talked about during recent weeks, but the most troubling aspect is the surge in assaults and abuse we have seen against our colleagues in stores.  

“This is something that impacts the entire retail industry, and something too many of my colleagues have had to endure first-hand, incidents of violence against our colleagues up by a third year-on-year. 

“The safety of our colleagues is our top number priority. And that's why we've rolled out a number of safety measures, including these screens, to help protect our colleagues from the small minority of people who would wish to do them harm, and offering our colleagues additional peace of mind when they come into work each day.” 

Nisa Wickramasinghe, the manager of an Express store in Southwark, is among the Tesco colleagues glad to see the screens put in place. She had found herself shaken up by an incident in which an attacker jumped over the counter and behind the till, forcing her to jump over the counter herself to make her escape.

“Now we have the screen I feel a lot safer to come to work and so do my colleagues too,” she said. 

Last year, the Government made attacking shopworkers an aggravating factor in convictions, thus meaning stronger sentences for those who assault retail workers. But Tesco’s Group CEO Ken Murphy recently asked the Government to go further and make violence against retail workers an offence in its own right. 

Retail union Usdaw’s National Officer Daniel Adams backed the latest move by Tesco and the calls for a specific offence.  He said:  “Usdaw has been working closely with Tesco on measures the business can take to improve safety and welcomes the introduction of these additional security measures for employees." 

He went on to say: “However, this is not something that can be solved by employers and unions alone. With such appallingly high levels of violence and abuse much more needs to be done to help protect shopworkers and give them the respect they deserve. Part of this has to be the introduction of a specific offence for acts of violence against shopworkers.”

www.tesco.com

Tesco adds air fryer cooking instructions to products for first time from Monday

Good news for air frying fans, as Tesco is adding air fryer cooking instructions to some of its product packaging for the first time from tomorrow, Monday (2 Oct) to help customers take advantage of the latest energy-saving cooking trend.

Four lines of new chilled potato products: Maris Piper Chips with salt & pepper seasoning, Skinny Fries, BBQ Sweet Potato Wedges and Hasselback Potatoes with Garlic and Parsley Butter will have labels featuring the air fry symbol as part of the back-of-pack cooking instructions.

Following from this, three new Tesco Own Brand Frozen Breaded Chicken products Salt and Chilli Chicken Strips, Southern Fried Chicken Strips and Breaded Chicken Strips, will also feature a label with air fryer cooking instructions. 

This marks the start of a major rollout over the coming months, which will see air fryer cooking instructions on the back of more products including  frozen chips and potato products, burgers and BBQ products, frozen bakery products, chilled bacon, sausages, chicken and salmon, chilled prepared produce and frozen & chilled party food.

Last year, research indicated air fryers are one of the cheapest cooking appliances to use in the home and they also employ much less oil than traditional deep fat fryers or frying pans, thus making them a healthier option, too.

For customers yet to have bought air fryers, Tesco has a selection on offer which start at £50 for a 4-litre unit, running up to a 9-litre dual draw unit at £139 – while currently there are FIVE air fryers available on Clubcard Prices, starting at just £45.

Breige Donaghy, Tesco’s Director of Product Innovation, said: “We know our customers are enjoying experimenting with their air fryers for family favourites and new recipes. Putting specific air fryer cooking instructions on packaging will help them to get the best results, which is why we’re rolling this out across more than 100 Own Brand products. There’s also fun and exciting recipes to try on our Real Food page.”

For inspiration on other delicious things to prepare in the air fryer, customers can visit Tesco’s Real Food page for easy to follow, delicious recipes.

https://realfood.tesco.com/category/air-fryer.html

www.tesco.com

Air fryers currently available at Tesco are:

Go Cook 4L Digital Air Fryer: £50

Tower 4L Manual Air Fryer: £58

Tower 4L Digital Air Fryer: £74

Tower- 6L Vortx Digital Air Fryer With Window: £89

Tower 11L Digital Air Fryer Oven: £119

Tower 5.6L Smokeless Grill Air Fryer: £139

Tower 8.5L Vortx Dual Draw Digital Air Fryer: £139

Air fryers we currently have on Clubcard prices are:

Tower 4L Manual Air Fryer at £45 with a Clubcard

 Go Cook 4L Air Fryer at £50 with a Clubcard

Tower Vortx 6L Digital Air Fryer With Window at £69 with a Clubcard

Tower 5.6L Smokeless Grill Air Fryer at £104 with a Clubcard

Tower 8.5L Vortx Dual Deaw Digital Air Fryer at £114 with a Clubcard

(EDITOR: As all air fryers are non-stick they are not safe for families with pet birds to operate, so regretfully, That's Food and Drink will not be able to buy an air fryer, at least until a pet bird friendly air fryer is introduced.)

Aldi’s giant filled Yorkshire Puddings are back in stores by popular demand, for just £2.99

These filled puds have caused a stir on Instagram, with one shopper begging for them to be sold year all round!

Aldi's revolutionised the nation’s comfort dinner experience with the return of its Inspired Cuisine Filled Yorkshire Puddings (£2.99, 400g/380g). Available in two hearty options: Chicken Roast Dinner and Sausage and Mash, these Autumn dinner staples are now back in stores by popular demand.

For those looking for a fun twist on the classic Sunday roast, the generously stuffed Roast Dinner Filled Yorkshire Pudding (£2.99, 400g) is available in a Roast Chicken Variety. Complete with stuffing, veg and gravy. This is the ultimate roast dinner, and for a very modest £2.99!

Also returning is the ultimate Autumn comfort food, the Inspired Cuisine Sausage and Mash Filled Yorkshire Pudding (£2.99, 380g) which consists of two succulent pork sausages nestled in fluffy mash with peas, covered in a delicious rich onion gravy, all contained within one yummy, scrummy Yorkshire. 

Aldi’s transformation of the humble Yorkshire pud, recently voted as Britain’s favourite regional delicacy, has caused a flurry of social media excitement surrounding their return to stores. One excited shopper begged “PLEASE can we have these all year round” with another exclaiming “oh wow, Aldi smashing it again!”

These delicious all-in-one delights will satisfy any Sunday lunch craving at an unbeatable price.

Shoppers can bag the Filled Yorkshire Puddings in store or online via Click & Collect now!

https://www.aldi.co.uk

Aldi launches Fairtrade Shiraz for a very keen £6.49

If you want proof that decent wines don't have to cost the Earth, Aldi has available in stores now, the Cambalala South African Shiraz Pinotage Blend (£6.49, 75cl) which is light to medium ruby red in colour with aromas of red and black cherries, brambles and a sprinkling of white pepper. It’s juicy and easy to drink with a whisper of spice on the finish – perfect for stepping into Autumn. (And in the opinion of That'd Food and Drink, laying down for Christmas, too.)

Buying Fairtrade wine like this new blend not only tastes good, but also does good, too. It helps make certain ensure farmers and workers receive a fair price, plus an additional premium to help their community invest in essential services like education, sanitation and health care.

Julie Ashfield, who is MD of Buying at Aldi UK, says: “As shoppers strive to lead a more sustainable life they increasingly seek out ethically sourced products, and this includes wines.  

“We think its important Fairtrade products are affordable, and that’s why launching this fantastic new blend is a big milestone for us. It’s an amazing quality wine, reflecting the quality of the production and hard work gone into making it”.

Kerrina Thorogood, Partnerships Director at the Fairtrade Foundation, added: “Let’s raise a glass to Aldi for introducing this delicious new line of Fairtrade wine.

“Every sip of Fairtrade wine helps ensure producers get a fairer deal through Fairtrade Standards which include decent working conditions for workers, the Fairtrade Minimum Price and Fairtrade Premium to invest in social, economic and environmental improvements.”

Aldi’s Fairtrade South African Shiraz Pinotage Blend is available in-stores and via Click & Collect now, whilst stocks last.

www.aldi.co.uk

New, improved, larger Co-op launches in Saltaire (West Yorkshire)

The Co-op has launched a new, improved and, larger branch to serve and support the community of Saltaire, West Yorkshire.

The convenience retailer relocated to its new, purpose-built 2,800 sq ft store in Bingley Road, Saltaire, which opens between 7am-10pm daily, and supports 16 local jobs, with new positions also created.

Saltaire’s new Co-op includes: a customer car-park, a free ATM, an in-store bakery, hot food options and, a Costa coffee dispenser. 

This sits alongside an extended, improved 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 exclusive vegan range, GRO.

Parcel collections are available from Amazon and DPD, along with the online delivery of groceries through Deliveroo; Just Eat and Uber Eats for added ease, speed and convenience locally.

Craig Watson, Co-op Store Manager, said: “The store looks fantastic and, we are delighted to move into our new home and 'serve-up' a brand new store for the community. The team is very excited, we have been looking forward to relocating and can’t wait to welcome our Members and customers into their new and improved store. 

"Our aim is to operate at the heart of local life. We have 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.”

In August, Co-op announced its biggest ever single investment in pricing of £70 million, as it extended its ‘member-only’ pricing across everyday essentials, launching with a list of nearly 200 fixed lines including milk, eggs and bread - with a Co-op sliced loaf at a modest 76p.

A funding boost is provided via Co-op’s Membership programme. Membership of Co-op unlocks additional value with personalised offers and Member pricing benefits. In addition, Members are rewarded with 2p in every pound they spend on Co-op branded products which is added to their own personal Membership account balance, with Co-op donating the same amount to local causes and, community organisations, so members can make a difference locally simply by shopping at their Co-op.

A soft plastic recycle unit is also available in store to enable the community to recycle ‘soft plastics’ including: crisp packets and bread bags, lids from ready meals and yogurt pots, biscuit wrappers and pet food pouches, etc. This means all Co-op’s own food packaging is recyclable via either local authority kerbside collections, or its in-store soft plastic recycling unit.

The Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives. Its Members own the business and play an intrinsic part in the governance of the organisation, and enjoy a wide number of benefits including member-only pricing across everyday essentials, money back on own-brand purchases and personalised offers via the Co-op app.

Alongside Food, Co-op operates Funeralcare; Insurance and Legal Services. More information about the benefits of Co-op Membership is available by visiting www.coop.co.uk/membership

That's Christmas: Let the "feastivites" begin; six new flavour mince...

That's Christmas: Let the "feastivites" begin; six new flavour mince...: Christmas and mince pie fanatics (which includes us at That's Christmas!) have something to look forward to, as Asda is launching a 17-s...

Sainsbury's to launch Good food for all of us

Sainsbury’s is launching a new campaign, promising Good food for all of us, a slogan which will feature in all of its advertising and marketing campaigns from November.

Through the new promise Sainsbury’s wants to provide good food for all customers, whatever their budget, tastes or dietary requirements, and however busy their daily lives.

Tasty, well-sourced food brings families and friends together and makes every occasion special and Sainsbury’s knows good food matters to everybody, every day. In its research 85% of adults said they'd thought about or discussed with someone else what to have for their next evening meal; making it one of life’s enduring and vital questions.

But the truth is, good food isn't easy for everyone to arrange. Many people struggle to find the time, energy and inspiration to plan, shop for and prepare the food they really want to eat or to feed to their families. 59% of people tend to cook the same dishes every week. 

And good food becomes even more challenging where money is tight for many of us, with 9 million adults experiencing food insecurity and 30% of parents skipping meals at least once a week to ensure their children have enough to eat.

Sainsbury’s aims to bring back the spark to mealtimes with Good food for all of us. By providing the widest choice of quality food and pricing its food accessibly and competitively, it's determined to help everyone make the most of their mealtimes.

Radha Davies, Director of Brands, Planning and Creative at Sainsbury's, said: “Everyone at Sainsbury’s is passionate about the food we sell, and this includes not only our 152,000 colleagues up and down the country, but our suppliers, farmers and fishing partners too. 

"Yet we recognise it can sometimes be difficult for customers to have the time, money or inspiration to access the joy that good food can bring.  So, we want to go further by actively helping to put good food - in all of its senses, from quality and taste, to value and accessibility, at the heart of customers’ lives.  Sainsburys has always been a warm, human brand and we'll seek to build even stronger connections with our customers than ever before."  

Over the past year, Sainsbury’s has been working hard to ensure all customers have access to affordable, great value food. The ongoing Aldi Price Match is now bigger than ever before with over 400 products, and since the launch of Nectar Prices last April, there are over 5,000 lower prices available in supermarkets and online when shopping with Nectar, saving customers over £371m.

Sainsbury’s Nourish the Nation community programme aims to ensure an even wider pool of people have access to balanced, nutritional and sustainable food sources, as well as helping to prevent people and communities from falling further into food poverty. 

It's also donated over 15 million meals worth of surplus food through its partnership with Neighbourly, as well as customer food donations redistributed via Fareshare.

Through innovation, Sainsbury’s aims to continue to bring exciting and different new products to customers.  This month it launched the largest lower carbon beef range ever produced in the UK through its Taste the Difference Aberdeen Angus products. Its on-the-go Flourish range was developed earlier this year directly in response to customers’ wants and needs, in this case those who may be time poor and unable to sit and eat.

The new marketing campaign was developed in conjunction with New Commercial Arts and will run across TV, Press, Radio, OOH and Cinema, as well as digital advertising on social media from November onwards. 

As it's only a couple of months to Christmas this type of initiative is most welcome. 

www.sainsburys.com

Tesco locks down 1,000 prices in run up to Christmas and beyond

Tesco is locking more than a thousand prices, price cuts on 100s of products and Aldi price-match on hundreds more delivers great value for customers.

Tesco is locking the price of over a 1,000 everyday products until next year (2024) as part of its plan to deliver great value for customers.

With consumers still facing the cost-of-living squeeze, Tesco's unveiled a price lock on a range of popular products until the new year. It sits with recent price cuts to hundreds of products and Tesco price-matching Aldi on hundreds of other products.

Among the 1,000-plus everyday items to have their price locked as part of the latest round of Low Everyday Prices are Typhoo One Cup teabags, Jacobs’ Cream Crackers and Aquafresh Freshmint Toothpaste.

Tesco UK CEO, Jason Tarry, said the latest round of Low Everyday Prices would help customers manage their household budgets as they go forward into the Christmas period.

He said: “We know this has been a year of careful budgeting for shoppers, with customers wanting to ensure they're getting great value on their shop.”

He added: “By locking over 1,000 prices, our customers know exactly how much they'll be paying for those items today, at Halloween, at Christmas, and into 2024.”

But locking over 1,000 prices is just one way in which Tesco's committing to deliver great value for Britain’s shoppers. The supermarket is also passing on savings to customers wherever it sees opportunities to do so, and is matching over 600 staple products to Aldi on a weekly basis.

Since announcing price cuts to 500 lines last June, Tesco's continued to reduce prices every week since, with hundreds more products now reduced in price. Some of the products to have recently seen their prices cut include Andrex Toilet Tissue (reduced 9%), Free From white bread rolls (reduced by 14%) and Pitted black olives (reduced 8%). 

Jason Tarry went on to say: “Food inflation is still with us, but by cutting prices wherever we can, and by locking others to give customers certainty in their budgets, we are able to provide great value to our shoppers. When you combine that with the over 8,000 Clubcard Prices deals each week, there are thousands of reasons to shop at Tesco.”

www.tesco.com

Wetherspoon Real Ale Festival 11 to 22 October

Between Wednesday 11th October to Sunday 22nd October the Wetherspoon pub company is running another of its highly successful and very popular real ale festivals at all of its pubs up and down the country.

Real ale fans will be able to sample beers from award-winning brewers, taste brews from five international breweries, take a look at 25 ales that are totally new to Wetherspoon pubs and enjoy up to 30 different ales and beers.

Beers you could try will include Conwy Kashmir IPA, Harviestoun Broken Dial, Joe’s Garage

Bohemian Pale Ale, all the way from the Czech Republic, From the USA there's New Realm Hoptropolis IPA, Robinsons Fear Of The Dark, Steel & Oak Easy Stout from Canada, Yazoo Dos Perros from Tennessee, Zululand Zulu Blonde from South Africa.

Also there's Salopian The Murmurings of a Lost Leviathan, Titanic Cherry Porter, Thornbridge Hubble, Wychwood King Goblin, Hogs Back Ratfink & Ripsnorter, Evan Evans Challenger, Maxim Slovenian Pale Ale, Inveralmond Ossian Oatmeal Stout, Castle Rock Phoenix Tears and other beers besides, plus the usual array of other ales. Plus several ciders (including craft ciders, usually) and food is available all day.

Prices may vary between pubs, also check if the Festival Third of a Pint scheme is still operating.

For full details check out the link here https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/news/2023/09/autumn-real-ale-festival

We are fortunate that we have four Wetherspoon pubs all reasonably local to us and we'll plan our visits accordingly. 

That's Christmas: Buying Christmas gifts online? Here are some tips

That's Christmas: Buying Christmas gifts online? Here are some tips: A new investigation conducted by Which? has uncovered that, over the past year, as many as four million Amazon shoppers may have been offere...

A New Dawn for Fine Dining. The Trencherman's Guide Heralds a New, Wonderful Era for Hospitality

At the recent launch of the 31st edition of the Trencherman's Guide, the South West's original dining guide, Michael Caines MBE, chair of the Trencherman's committee, stated: "Many have declared a new dawn for fine dining in this post-Covid world and this 31st edition of the Trencherman's Guide proves it.

"In the South West and across the rest of the UK, the dining scene is evolving; there's no question about it,' says Michael, a leading light on the South West food scene who owns Michelin-starred Lympstone Manor in Devon, The Cove at Maenporth in Cornwall, and Mickeys Beach in Exmouth. 'Browse the pages of the Trencherman's Guide edition 31 and you'll find, more than ever before, the diverse ways that chefs and restaurateurs are extending their core business to incorporate a variety of dining experiences that don't compromise on quality.

"From wood-fired pizzas served on hotel terraces to family-friendly beach bars and fish shacks in pub gardens, authentic South West dining experiences are now reaching out to an even greater audience, which is fantastic for everyone, including the region's food and drink producers. 

"The ceremony of multi-course meals and starched linen still holds huge appeal to those chasing a real sense of occasion, but it's now time to expand our perspective on the definition of the most exquisite dining experiences."

The annual epicurean bible for the region launched its latest edition on Monday September 25 at Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling in Carbis Bay with a champagne reception and exquisite four-course lunch. 

This year's guide, covering the entire South West region from Land's End to the furthest reaches of Dorset and the Cotswolds, features 106 restaurants that have surpassed the strict Trencherman's entry criteria. This year's members range from formal restaurants to dining pubs, bistros and even bottle shops.

At the helm of the guide is new editor Abi Manning, who describes it as "a true celebration of the best places to eat in the South West, in their many guises. The concept of fine dining isn't dead, but there's certainly a movement towards a more casual restaurant experience, as shown in our guide. 

"This is the direction the industry is now taking, as a result of food and energy prices putting pressure on restaurants, as well as the cost-of-living crisis for consumers. But quality is still the key and we believe a casual meal using hyper-local ingredients cooked extremely well is equally as valid as a multi-course tasting menu."

Abi points to the 25 new additions to the guide, saying: "It's evidence of the talent that continues to flourish in this food-rich corner of the UK." 

She went on to say: "The guide, and the independent dining scene, is moving into an exciting new era. We're incredibly lucky we have such an abundance of incredible chefs who are paving the way, and along with their teams are finding innovative methods to use the rich produce of our land and sea to create memorable dining experiences."

The guide launched in style at the event in north Cornwall, attended by Trencherman's members and guide partners Dole, The Eco Laundry, PKF Francis Clark, Hallgarten & Novum Wines, Navas Drinks and Trevethan Cornish Craft Distillery. Event suppliers included Yallah Coffee, Matthew Stevens Cornish Fish, Philip Warren Butchers and Otter Valley Farms.

A special and very sumptuous four-course banquet was created by four chefs who appear among its pages: Ugly Butterfly chef-patron Adam Handling (and this year's Champion of Champions on Great British Menu), Guy Owen of The St Enodoc Hotel in Cornwall, Harriet Mansell of Robin Wylde in Dorset and Nicholas Balfe of HOLM in Somerset. Each chef sought to highlight the bountiful produce of the South West, with ingredients including Somerset lamb, Cornish duck, Dorset dandelion root and Cornish seaberry. 

Order your copy of the 31st Trencherman's Guide here at trenchermans-guide.com. 

We at That's Food and Drink are certain that this guide will make an excellent Christmas gift for the foodies in your life.

(PICTURED: Chefs Guy Owen and Adam Handling, editor Abi Manning and chefs Harriet Mansell and Nicholas Balfe, image courtesy of Guy Harrop)

Wickhams Wins at Decanter Retailer Awards

Building on the success after being shortlisted at the Decanter Retailer Awards, Wickhams has this year been crowned well-deserved winner in the prestigious awards. 

The Devon-based independent online wine and spirit merchant won 'Best Specialist Retailer South & Regional France', which was announced earlier this week.

The business was also shortlisted for the 'Best Small Online Retailer' and 'Best Specialist Retailer, England & Wales' categories. A relative newcomer, having only opened for business three years ago, Wickhams winning at the Decanter Retailer Awards 2023 is a high accolade due to the exceptional choice consumers have when coming to wine buying in the UK. 

Said Wickhams' founder Dan Farrell-Wright: “We're obviously utterly thrilled to have won this award. The Decanter Awards really highlight the strength and breadth of the UK retail sector, there is a great deal of competition out there so to win is hugely gratifying. 

"My aim with Wickhams is to provide easy access to great wine for all wine drinkers. We go above and beyond to ensure we know the wines we sell inside out and can offer the best to our customers, which is what I attribute our success to.”

The 2023 edition of Decanter Retailer Awards was led by a judging panel of seven independent experts who thoroughly reviewed and discussed all entries.

One of the judges was wine educator, writer and MW student Leona De Pasquale, who noted: “While unanimous decisions were often reached, some entries required extensive deliberations and votes were required due to exceedingly tight competition. This underscores the vibrant, utterly remarkable wine scene that UK consumers are fortunate to be able to enjoy.”

At the core of Wickhams' business is the desire to offer customers the chance to try new wines, whether in specially curated cases, the mixed-case-of-six value option or via their tasting events. All Wickhams events are interactive, lots of fun and come highly recommended. 

They are hosted by wine expert Pip Vanham AIWS DipWSET and Wickhams' founder Dan Farrell-Wright, alongside other guest hosts. For online tastings, the wines are delivered through your letterbox in tasting size packets large enough for two pours, prior to the event, ready for you to enjoy from the comfort of your own sofa. 

More information of forthcoming events, both online and in-person can be found here 

https://wickhamwine.co.uk/my-events.

https://wickhamwine.co.uk

They have a wonderful range of wines, sparkling and still, red and white, plus a range of gifts, all of which would make excellent Christmas purchases. 

Free garlic bread when you buy the latest Peter Kay book at Morrisons

Morrisons is helping its customers celebrate the release of Peter Kay’s, ‘TV: Big Adventures on the Small Screen’ by offering a free serving of garlic bread with every new book sold. 

Kay, who famously claimed that garlic bread ‘is the future’, is releasing a new book detailing his incredible journey through television to create some of the most popular comedy shows of the last two decades, like Phoenix Nights and Carshare.

The new book is available in Morrisons stores all over the country for £12 and customers will be able to bag themselves a free garlic bread from 28 September to 1 October to celebrate the new launch.

Whether it’s seeing a pack of Hobnobs in the biscuit aisle that reminds customers of Peter Kay or a loaf of garlic bread, it will be impossible to avoid the charm of the Bolton-based joker in Morrisons as he will also be lending his voice to Tannoy announcements in stores up-and-down the country to mark his latest release. (EDITOR: Oh, I'll look forward to listening out for those, the next time I'm in Morrisons, flashing my smile and my Morrisons More Card!)

Lee Newman, Media and Paper Shop Buying Manager at Morrisons, said: "Peter Kay is a national treasure with jokes that make people laugh from Bolton all the way to Amarillo. Hundreds of people will be rushing to grab a copy of his new book, and we know the main man himself would approve of the gift we're offering to our customers alongside it. It’s the future!”

To find your nearest Morrisons store, please visit: https://my.morrisons.com/storefinder. 

Incidentally, I think this will be a "must buy" Christmas stocking filler of a book. Just eat the garlic before you wrap the book up!

Good news, Brentford! Morrisons opens new store on Brentford High Street

Today, Thursday 28th September, Morrisons is relocating and opening a new supermarket on Brentford High Street as part of the town’s important ongoing regeneration project.

The Brentford Project, Ballymore’s new 1.2 million sq ft residential-led development in West London, aims to transform the southern half of the town’s High Street, reconnecting it to the waterfront and bringing a mix of dining, entertainment, shopping and leisure amenities, along with 876 new homes.

Besides offering customers a carefully tailored mix of Morrisons own brand products alongside branded favourites, the relocated Morrisons store will introduce a new Market Kitchen proposition where freshly made meals are created by a team of in-store chefs. (EDITOR: Wow! We want one of those!) 

This means customers in Brentford can have their breakfast, lunch or evening meal freshly made-to-order using seasonal ingredients. Customers can then choose to eat the meals in or pick up their food to go. The menu includes a choice of select wraps, including breakfast options, a selection of tasty pies, jacket potatoes, toasties, rice bowls, pizza and burgers. 

The store will also feature Morrisons much loved Market Street option with colleagues available to offer advice on Morrisons meat and fish range. Other key features in the store include:

Morrisons Nutmeg baby range

A pharmacy

Morrisons: The Best range which offers a little bit of luxury at great prices

A home range of cookware and soft furnishings

A wide selection of Free From products.

Said Daniel Daly, who is Morrisons Brentford Store Manager: “Brentford is currently undergoing a huge regeneration project by Ballymore and we know residents in the area have been eagerly anticipating the opening of our store at the very heart of the town.

“Today, they've got a brand-new Morrisons store, with skilled food making at the very heart of it and plenty of useful services, too. We hope customers will love this new store as much as they did the previous store and we look forward to welcoming them here/”

Richard Pearce, Senior Development Manager at Ballymore, added: “We're obviously pleased and delighted to welcome Morrisons revamped store to The Brentford Project, a new neighbourhood shopping and leisure destination. 

"The diverse range of stores from well-established household names to new creative enterprises, sits well alongside the newly relocated Morrisons and the addition of the new Market Kitchen as part of this concept. 

"Our overarching aim for the Brentford Project development is to re-connect the convenience retail-led High Street with the vibrant leisure-led waterfront including cafes, restaurants, coffee shops and cinema. Whilst The Lanes, the third area within the project, links these areas and showcases a broad range of small boutique, independent and emerging entrepreneurs, and local retailers, too.

“This Morrisons launch represents a very important next step for Ballymore and its journey, realising the community-focused long-term vision and most importantly, responding to strong desire for this much-loved brand to remain in Brentford; serving the every-day needs of residents and locals.”

The store was due to be formally opened by the Brentford FC Mascot Buzz. Prior to the opening, local dignitaries visited the store to meet the store manager and his team.

That's Christmas: Savvy Shoppers are looking for Christmas bargains

That's Christmas: Savvy Shoppers are looking for Christmas bargains: Esendex data has learned that over three-quarters (78%) of UK consumers will stop spending up to a month before Black Friday so they can sna...

Boutique lunch raises almost £3,000 for Francis House Children's Hospice

“Francis House is an amazing charity, and we were proud to be sponsors of the Boutique Lunch.

A glamorous Boutique Lunch at Gusto Italian Restaurant in Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire, raised £2,700 for the Francis House Children’s Hospice.

The event was sponsored by Sinclair Law and supported by ladies’ fashion retailer Flair Boutique UK.

Lucy Hart, director of Sinclair Law based in Wilmslow said: “Francis House is an amazing charity, and we were proud to be sponsors of the Boutique Lunch. A fabulous afternoon was experienced by all in support of this incredible charity.”

A variety of stalls from chocolates to handbags, fashion to skincare were on hand for guests to browse including Jewellery from Deanne, Beehive Boutique Manchester, Tropics with Shirlie, Henshaw’s House of Cocoa, and Cheshire Home Fragrance, all adding to the relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

Based in Didsbury, Francis House supports over 600 families from across the Greater Manchester and Cheshire region with respite care, homecare, sibling support, emotional and bereavement support.

At the lunch, guests enjoyed a special two-course lunch and a fashion show of new season styles by Flair Boutique UK.

Singer Andrew Alty performed beautiful ballads and had everyone up on their feet dancing to Sweet Caroline.

Guest Victoria Young commented on the event: “I had a fantastic afternoon catching up with networking colleagues and raising money for such a worthy cause, it was a lovely afternoon with beautiful food and flowing drinks and even had chance to do a little retail therapy from the stalls that were showcasing their lovely items – a great afternoon and highly recommend, we can’t wait for the next one.”

Raffle prizes included a handbag, beauty hamper, chocolate hamper and a diamond necklace donated by Beaverbrooks.

Lucy Thompson, events manager of Francis House said: “A big thank you to all the ladies that came along and supported our Boutique Lunch. The atmosphere was great, and everyone was so generous with their donations.’’

Tickets are now on sale for the Francis House ‘Let’s Party’ Christmas Ball at the Concorde Conference Centre on December 1. To book for this unmissable event visit www.francishouse.org.uk/christmas-ball

EU Under Pressure as Footage Shows ‘Horrendous’ Polish Egg Farm

Piles of dead hens, eggs covered in blood, twisted legs, pecked feathers, these are the images documented by workers employed on a poultry farm belonging to Fermy Drobiu Woźniak, the largest egg producer in the European Union. Anima International is calling on the EU to not weaken its stance on the welfare of hens.

This summer, Oksana, together with her partner Sasha, were employed at a laying hen farm in the village of Wioska in central-west Poland. The poultry farm belongs to the largest egg producer in the EU, Fermy Drobiu Woźniak. Nearly one million hens in cages and tens of thousands of hens in barns are reared at that farm. In fact, one in five laying hens in Poland lives on one of Woźniak’s farms.

Oksana and Sasha documented their daily work for six weeks. One of their primary duties was to remove dead hens from their cages, the birds died due to the poor rearing conditions, or were killed by other hens in the cages, or died as a result of becoming stuck. For example under a perch. Each day, the workers collected dozens to hundreds of dead birds. In fact  some had been laying dead in the cages for several weeks and were already in a state of decomposition.

“Sometimes they were blue, and fluids leaked out of them,” says Sasha in the video.

The hens live in close confinement, resulting in aggression (including pecking each other to death) or acts of cannibalism. Numerous birds were in very poor physical condition,. They had missing plumage, had deformed legs and wounds to their bodies, and some died of exhaustion. The video also shows cases of hens dying while laying more eggs, with eggs stuck in their cloaca.

A veterinary inspection carried out several weeks after the footage was collected validated the concerns documented by the investigative workers. Anima International has filed a notice to the prosecutor’s office in Poland on the grounds of potential animal abuse. The footage will serve as evidence in the proceedings.

A ban on cage farming is currently under consideration by the EU as part of the revision of all EU animal welfare legislation. The European Citizens’ Initiative “End the Cage Age”, launched by Compassion in World Farming, has been signed by 1.4 million people. The European Commission is expected to present a legislative proposal on this issue this autumn.

But recent allegations that the plans could possibly be dropped have raised alarm amongst campaigners. “Many countries are already transitioning away from caged farming systems for hens,” says Kirsty Henderson, Executive Director of Anima International. “The EU must follow through on its promises and do its part in eradicating animal suffering from our food system.”

Fermy Drobiu Woźniak exports 70% of its production to 60 countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Every year, 300 million animals suffer in cages in the EU.

https://opencages.org/

That's Health: Flu shots? Get 'em when you get you groceries!

That's Health: Flu shots? Get 'em when you get you groceries!: Supermarkets with pharmacies are offering flu shots to their customers. A way to avoid the seasonal flus that usually sweep through the coun...