Madhūka Teas new to the UK

ōForest (https://oforest.co) is the new food brand bringing the unique taste of the Madhūka flower to the UK for the very first time.  

Already legendary in the communities local to where the Madhuca Longifolia tree is found, the forests of India, Nepal, Myanmar and Sri Lanka, Madhūka is now set to take the UK by storm thanks to its nutty, caramel-like taste and rich nutritional benefits.

The brand is working in partnership with carefully selected local farmers to sustainably source the highest premium grade Madhūka, which is only hand-harvested and roasted before being crafted into the most delicious Nibs, Powders and a range of five Teas. All of which are utterly delicious.

The Madhūka Teas are perfect for those looking for a great tasting, caffeine-free option.  They come in a pure mellow Madhūka option and four other masterful blends, where the Madhūka has been combined with other natural ingredients that are also brimming with health benefits. Particularly there is Space (a calming clove and spicy cinnamon blend) and Fire (smooth sea buckthorn and warming ginger blend) which are of especial interest as we move towards the Autumn and Winter months. In fact we at That's Food and Drink feel these teas would make fantastic Christmas presents for the people in your life who are keen on healthier, tastier options.

Incidentally all the products in the range are rich with fibre, vitamins, nutrients and minerals including potassium, manganese and vitamin B3.  Plus, all are 100% natural, organic, gluten-free and vegan.

Rude Health is good health!

Rude Health, who are real full-on pioneers in healthy, natural and delicious food and drink have just launched a new Apple & Cinnamon flavour Instant Bircher Muesli, just in time for the cooling Autumn weather.

With the Original Soft & Fruity Bircher Muesli already a firm favourite with breakfast eaters, it features the same base of finely milled oats, along with delicious pieces of dried apple and cinnamon for a touch of added spiciness. So it's the perfect choice for an autumnal overnight oats in an instant! (EDITOR: I add milk to it and place it in the fridge overnight. Delicious!)

Actually, when you add milk to the Rude Health Mueslis, you can use Rude Health's fantastic Oat Drink, Almond Drink, Coconut Drink, Soya Drink, Brown Rice Drink, Cashew Drink, Hazelnut Drink, Tiger Nut Drink, Ultimate Almond, etc.

There's also flours, crackers, snack bars, Granola (Utterly delicious, I have to say!) and more besides.

To learn more about the entire range visit them here https://rudehealth.com.

Tesco shoppers set for £500k gold rush

Tesco shoppers have a golden hour to win a share of HALF A MILLION POUNDS for their local school or a community group that supports children this Saturday (23rd Sept).

As part of the ‘Stronger Starts’ campaign, between 12 noon and 1.00pm, shoppers in 100 Tesco stores can take a lucky dip to find a gold version of Tesco’s famous blue voting token. 

Customers who find a gold token will be able to choose which local school or community project will receive a £5,000 Golden Grant to spend on equipment or healthy food to help give children a stronger start in life. 

The Golden Grants are being supported by Diversity star and Kiss Breakfast presenter, Jordan Banjo, who helped to launch Tesco’s Stronger Starts campaign in July. He said:

“Right now, £5,000 can make massive difference to a school or community project and help them give children a stronger start in life, so get down to your local store and try and find that golden token!” 

Jason Tarry, Tesco UK CEO, said: “Schools and local projects are really vital in supporting our children and our communities. We’re giving customers who visit these 100 stores the chance to make a difference to a school or group that’s doing amazing work on their doorstep.” 

Last year’s recipients of a Tesco Golden Grant included Achieve, Thrive, Flourish (ATF) a group based in Basildon, Essex, which works with communities and young people at risk of exclusion and helps to improve their wellbeing through after school activities and food provision. Red Hill Primary School in Worcester used their grant to purchase sensory equipment, therapy toys and learning resources to maximise the potential of children with additional and SEND needs. 

Golden Grants are awarded twice a year and are part of Tesco Stronger Starts, a £5m grant programme in partnership with Groundwork UK. The grants are there to help schools and children’s groups provide nutritious food and healthy activities that support young people’s physical health and mental wellbeing, such as breakfast clubs or snacks, and equipment for healthy activities. 

Schools and children’s groups can apply via Groundwork for a grant by going to www.tescoplc.com/strongerstarts. Successful applications will go to a vote in their local Tesco store where customers choose which of the three projects they’d like to support by voting with a blue token. 

Since Tesco launched its Community Grants programme in 2016, over £100million has been given to in excess of 50,000 local schools and community groups. 

To learn what stores are participating visit https://www.tescoplc.com/sustainability/communities/strongerstarts#participating-stores

Top food, drink and lifestyle PR agency, RAW earns new awards and more

Besides an absolute flurry of new business wins, RAW has been very deservedly shortlisted for two categories in the inaugural TheBusinessDesk.com South West Business Masters Awards. 

RAW, which is a truly leading food, drink and lifestyle PR agency is amongst the select few in the 'Hospitality & Leisure' and 'Creative & Media' categories.

The shortlist announcement comes hot on the heels of RAW winning a number of very high profile new business accounts. 

Over the summer months, The Watercress Company, Royal Warrant holder DukesHill, leading online organic grocery retailer Eversfield Organic and the Millbrook Inn in South Devon have come on board as new clients. 

The brilliant food and drink innovation centre, The Food WorksSW has signed up the agency for a second project, following the success of their work with them earlier this year.  RAW also started working with The Collective at Woolsery in North Devon earlier this summer.

Further extending its team to support the new business wins, Rebecca Payne has joined RAW in a freelance capacity bringing with her a wealth of experience in PR, especially within broadcast media having headed up Press and PR for ITV Westcountry for a number of years. 

Rebecca says: “It's fantastic to be a part of the RAW team at such an exciting time of growth for the agency and this really complements the work I also do for Denhams Digital.” 

To which, co-founder of the Devon based PR agency, Hayley Reynolds adds:  “We have such an outstanding team all of whom have an impressive cross section of skills within the media, PR and broader marketing space. 

"Everyone works remotely, however there's an extremely strong and totally united approach to all with creativity and passion for the industry in abundance.” 

Hayley went on: “We are obviously absolutely thrilled to have extended our portfolio with such high calibre national businesses. Alsdo, we feel truly honoured to have been recognised in TheBusinessDesk.com's South West Business Masters Awards in two such competitive categories."

This is the first time TheBusinessDesk.com South West Business Masters Awards will be held in the South West with the awards announced at Bristol Harbour Hotel on Thursday, November 9th.

RAW's current prestigious client list include such outstanding food and drink companies as: The Watercress Company, DukesHill, Eversfield Organic, Trewithen Dairy, Salcombe Gin, Kamado Joe, Flapjackery, Luscombe Drinks, Masterbuilt, Matthews Cotswold Flour, The Collective at Woolsery, Sandford Orchards, Hattiers Rum, Wickhams, Millbrook Inn, Darts Farm, Sandridge Barton, Sharpham Dairy, Salcombe Brewery, Devonia Water, Owens Coffee, Food Drink Devon, The Food Works SW, Blackpool Sands, New London Light, England's Seafood Feast, Taste East Devon and South West Wine School. 

If you feel that your food or drink company would benefit from being represented by RAW, please visit them here https://rawfoodanddrinkpr.co.uk.

That's Food and Drink would like to add our praise to RAW for all its support it has offered ourselves and their clients in recent years.

Burger & Lobster launches £10 Whole Lobster for National Lobster Day across all London restaurants

The celebratory offer will be available to guests for one day only on 25th September 2023.

With September marking the end of the summer season and the annual celebration of National Lobster Day, London’s favourite home of all things surf and turf is delivering a legendary offer to guests for one day and one very special day only, £10 whole lobster and lobster rolls.

This month, Burger & Lobster are on a mission to celebrate all things lobster, entice new and returning guests into their restaurants for the big day and more importantly, they'll continue bringing half of its namesake offering to the masses at an unbeatable price without compromising quality.

Seafood-loving diners will be able to enjoy a selection of both locally-supplied, British Isles lobsters alongside the restaurant’s classic Canadian wild-caught lobsters at a fraction of their usual price, steamed or grilled to absolute perfection. 

Or they can indulge in one of their beloved lobster rolls dressed with lemon mayo, chives and served in a toasted brioche bun. Each comes served with a portion of crisp B&L fries and their signature unctuous lemon and garlic butter, included in the £10 deal.

The premium eatery chain isn't a stranger to offering a good deal, it's known for serving well-priced and indulgent fare in plush settings with guests now being able to enjoy an even more elevated experience as the chain’s estate recently underwent a complete refurbishment this year.

In anticipation of National Lobster Day, Misha Zelman, Founder and CEO at Burger & Lobster Restaurant Group says: “We're not just celebrating lobsters, we're celebrating the extraordinary collaboration between our dedicated suppliers, our cherished restaurant guests and our esteemed peers within the industry. 

"To honour this partnership, we're thrilled to give away £10 lobsters and lobster rolls to all our guests on National Lobster Day in London. It's a small token of our appreciation for the unwavering support that fuels our passion for delivering the finest lobsters to your plate. I look forward to celebrating this Lobster Festival with as many of you as possible”

The offer of £10 lobsters and £10 lobster rolls will be available all-day, for one day only on Monday 25th September 2023 across all Burger & Lobster restaurants. The promotion will also be available to customers ordering via Deliveroo on National Lobster Day.

For more information, and to book a reservation, please visit their website here http://www.burgerandlobster.com.

That's Christmas: Experience Halloween Like Never Before at Butser A...

That's Christmas: Experience Halloween Like Never Before at Butser A...: Visitors can expect an extraordinary evening of spine-tingling stories, enchanting melodies, and eerie atmospheres. This Halloween, dive hea...

Choose Better, Feel Better This Sober October With New London Light

Want to do something for Sober October? If so, you can fully embrace Sober October, and have a good time, with New London Light, an exquisite selection of contemporary non-alcoholic spirits and aperitifs crafted by the multi-award winning team at Salcombe Distilling Co in Devon.

Their truly visionary distillers have revolutionised the alcohol-free spirits landscape, redefining standards in taste and ensuring choosing alcohol-free no longer means settling for second best tastes.

You can immerse yourself in the captivating world of New London Light, which is available in three enticing expressions: 'First Light', 'Aegean Sky' and 'Midnight Sun'. 

Whether enjoyed straight, mixed with a tonic of your choice, or incorporated into a delightful and zingy cocktail, each variation promises an unrivalled sensory journey. All are available to order online at New London Light 0% | Salcombe Distilling Co.  (RRP £25, 70cl, 0% ABV).

Catering to both the alcohol-free community and those who are looking to reduce their alcohol consumption, New London Light offers options to effortlessly embrace a healthier lifestyle. 

Crafted using only fully natural ingredients without any artificial flavours and no added sugars, this elegant collection is crammed full of taste and also integrity. 

What's even better, every sip of New London Light makes our oceans healthier, with 1% of UK net sales revenue donated to the Marine Conservation Society, supporting the protection and regeneration of seagrass. 

You can elevate your drinking experience this Sober October with New London Light. Imbibe in the flavours of distinction, embrace new habits and contribute to the preservation of our precious marine ecosystems.

New London Light 'First Light'

Inspired by gin-making principles, 'First Light' is a bold, fully refreshing non-alcoholic spirit, with classic flavours of dry juniper, bright citrus and zesty ginger to create an outstanding spectrum of flavour. 

New London Light 'Aegean Sky' 

Capturing the very essence of the vibrant Mediterranean coast, New London Light 'Aegean Sky' is an innovative and totally complex non-alcoholic aperitif, combining sun-soaked bitter citrus and olive. 

New London Light 'Midnight Sun'

As unique as the rugged Nordic coast from where it takes its inspiration, New London Light 'Midnight Sun' is a layered and totally elegant non-alcoholic aperitif combining wild coastal berries, fresh kelp and pine.  

New London Light 'Midnight Sun' is also available to buy in selected retailers such as Waitrose & Partners stores (RRP £27.50, 70cl, 0% ABV) and available widely to drink in public houses across the UK. 

For further information about Salcombe Distilling Co. and New London Light visit salcombedistilling.com and follow them on Instagram and Facebook at newlondonlight.

That's Food and Drink feels that it would be a good idea to buy bottles for your Christmas and New Year celebrations as well as for Sober October.

That's Christmas: Champagne Drappier Unveils Exquisite Luxury Gift B...

That's Christmas: Champagne Drappier Unveils Exquisite Luxury Gift B...: Christmas is a time for celebration and to indulge and create cherished memories with our loved ones. and close friends. Champagne Drappier&...

High Grange Devon and Kamado Joe Join Forces to Raise the Art of BBQing

Two of the hottest names in the world of barbecue have joined forces in an exciting partnership.

Leading fire chef, Luke Vandore-Mackay has teamed with global ceramic charcoal grill brand, Kamado Joe, taking on the full BBQ range at his fire school, High Grange Devon. 

This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both names as they continue to raise the bar in the barbecue world, providing state-of-the-art grills to cook on for the ultimate learning experience.

Since owners Luke and Sara Vandore-Mackay opened their doors back in 2020, High Grange Devon has rapidly become a sought-after destination, attracting guests from across the UK who are keen to sharpen their outdoor cooking skills.

From their East Devon retreat, High Grange teaches everything you need to know about mastering the art of cooking over fire via a range of barbecue techniques. Luke and Sara's decision to transition from their previous grill brand, Big Green Egg, to the iconic red-shelled Kamado Joe, reflects a strategic move aimed at providing their eager students with cutting-edge technologies and the best equipment to enhance guests' barbecue skills.

Kamado Joe grills are celebrated by barbecue enthusiasts and chefs alike for their exceptional performance, versatility and innovation. 

Its latest release, the Konnected Joe, is a world-first digitally connected ceramic grill that you can ignite with the press of a button and control from your smart device. 

While kamado-style grills have been around for several thousands of years, Kamado Joe rises above the parapet and takes its range to the next level by employing constant innovation.

Relocating from London, Luke brings decades of experience running restaurants in the capital city, leading the prestigious London Borough Market demo kitchen and as a chef tutor at London Barbecue School. 

He imparts his knowledge in cooking, butchery and also offers inspiration so guests can create their own al fresco feasts when they are back at home home.

Luke Vandore-Mackay, co-owner of High Grange Devon, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, “At High Grange, we take immense pride carefully sourcing the very best for our guests, so we use Meat Matters ethically reared ex-dairy beef, Haye Farm organic meat and fish from the award winning Lyme Bay fish shack who have their own day boats in Lyme. 

"My friend Morgan in the neighbouring village supplies us with Hebridean lamb and geese for Christmas. The barbecues guests cook on should only be the very best too. 

"So, switching to Kamado Joe wasn't a decision Sara and I took lightly, but this partnership represents a significant leap forward in the realm of barbecue education. High Grange is very well-positioned to continue setting the standard in barbecue for years to come.”

 Ben Forte, who is the senior marketing manager at Kamado Joe says, “We feel really honoured to join forces with High Grange. Luke has incredible barbecue skills and he knows how to get the best results every time, he's a brilliant and perfect ambassador for Kamado Joe. Together, we aim to inspire the next generation of grillmasters.”

Besides its fire school, guests can also attend feast nights to enjoy Luke's impeccable meals. Diners sit at long oak banquet tables and enjoy perfectly executed fire-cooked food, always from the heart. While hunks of meat and fish have their place on the barbecue, Luke's equally passionate about making vegetables sing. High Grange also has a wellbeing centre offering a range of holistic workshops and treatments.

www.highgrangedevon.com / uk.kamadojoe.com

Montezuma's Extraordinary Chocolate

Montezuma's Extraordinary Chocolate is what it says on the packaging and, by heck, Montezuma's Extraordinary Chocolate is what you will find inside each packet!

They are not the kind of chocolatiers to rest, languidly, on their laurels. They are always up and at it, striving to come up with even more delicious and luxurious chocolate recipes to tempt and tantalise our tastebuds with!

Some of their latest flavours include Sea Dog (a stunning and really sharp, but in a good way combination of chocolate, sea salt and lime.)

Then there is utterly delightfully decadent Black Forest ( extra-yummy cherries mixed together with delectable Dark Chocolate. Yes, a delicious chocolaty version of the traditional Black Forest Gateau.)

But last, but by no means least, in this trio of chocolate delights is Dark Chocolate with Orange and Geranium. The balance of dark chocolate, with tangy but discrete orange notes and the interesting addition of geranium, aka Happy Hippy, is an ideal way to make the hippy in your life very happy indeed! (EDITOR: Well, it made me happy and yeah, I'm probably a fairly happy hippy at my age!)

To learn more and to check out the rest of their range (and to make your purchases) please visit them here https://www.montezumas.co.uk. They are available from selected retailers. Please check for availability. 

We believe these would make ideal Christmas gifts, so do take a look, they have everything from bars of chocolate to truffles everyone will absolutely adore. (Buy some for you, then some for them!)