The Best Discoveries Are Sometimes Accidents: How We Created a Surprisingly Delicious Guinness and Coke Zero Cocktail

Some of the world's favourite foods and drinks were discovered completely by accident. 

From chocolate chip cookies to potato crisps, happy mistakes have often turned into much-loved classics.

Well, we've had our own little accidental discovery.

It happened during what should have been a perfectly ordinary evening. 

We had poured a pint of Guinness into a glass and, while reaching for another drink, someone accidentally poured Coke Zero into it as well.

For a split second there was that feeling of horror. Had we just ruined a perfectly good pint of Guinness?

Rather than pouring it away, curiosity got the better of us.

We took a cautious sip.

What followed was one of those genuinely surprising moments when your expectations are completely overturned. Instead of an unpleasant mixture, the result was incredibly smooth, light and refreshing.

The Coke Zero lifted the richness of the Guinness without overwhelming its distinctive roasted malt character. The familiar coffee and chocolate notes of the stout were still there, but the cola added a gentle sweetness and lively fizz that made the drink feel lighter and remarkably easy to enjoy.

It reminded us that some of the best flavour combinations come from experimenting rather than following a recipe.

Guinness has long been used in cooking, desserts and even cocktails, so perhaps it shouldn't be such a surprise that it pairs well with cola. Coke Zero, with its clean taste and lack of sugar, doesn't make the drink feel overly sweet, allowing the stout's character to remain centre stage.

After a little experimentation, we found a blend of around three parts Guinness to one part Coke Zero worked particularly well, although there's certainly room to adjust the proportions to suit your own taste.

It's not trying to replace a traditional pint of Guinness. Sometimes you simply want that classic creamy stout exactly as it is. But on a warm summer's evening, or when you're looking for something a little different, this accidental creation offers a surprisingly refreshing alternative.

Of course, every great invention starts with someone willing to try something unexpected. Whether this little discovery ever becomes a recognised cocktail is anyone's guess, but it certainly earned a place on our list of drinks we'll happily make again.

So next time you find yourself with a pint of Guinness and a bottle of Coke Zero nearby, don't dismiss the idea too quickly. What began as an accident in our kitchen has turned into one of the most unexpectedly enjoyable drinks we've tasted in a long time.

Sometimes the happiest accidents really do happen in a glass.

Have you ever stumbled across an amazing food or drink combination completely by accident? We'd love to hear about your own unexpected culinary discoveries in the comments below!

Why Every Food Business Should Require Recognised Food Safety Qualifications for Employees, Staff

Discover why recognised food safety and hygiene qualifications are essential for every food business, protecting customers, staff and business reputations.

Whether you're grabbing a sandwich from a café, enjoying a meal in your favourite restaurant or picking up a cake from a local bakery, or grabbing fish and chips after a hard day's work, you expect one thing above everything else, that the food you're buying is safe to eat.

Behind every successful food business should be a team that understands food safety, hygiene and their legal responsibilities. That's why recognised food safety qualifications shouldn't be viewed as an optional extra. They should be a basic requirement for everyone involved in preparing, handling or serving food.

Food poisoning affects millions of people every year. While many cases are mild, some can lead to serious illness, lengthy hospital stays and, tragically, even death. The vast majority of these incidents are entirely preventable through good food hygiene practices.

Proper training teaches staff far more than simply washing their hands. Recognised food safety courses cover essential topics including preventing cross-contamination, safe food storage temperatures, cooking and reheating procedures, allergen awareness, cleaning and sanitising equipment, pest prevention and maintaining accurate food safety records.

These are practical skills that help protect customers every single day.

Food allergies make training even more important. A simple mistake, such as using the wrong utensil or failing to understand ingredient information, could expose someone to an allergen with potentially life-threatening consequences. 

Well-trained staff are far more likely to ask the right questions, understand allergen controls and follow established procedures.

For business owners, investing in staff training is also good business sense. Environmental Health Officers expect food handlers to have appropriate knowledge of food hygiene. 

During inspections, evidence of staff training demonstrates that a business takes its responsibilities seriously and is committed to maintaining high standards.

Training also boosts confidence among employees. Staff who understand why procedures exist are more likely to follow them consistently rather than seeing them as unnecessary rules. This creates a stronger food safety culture where everyone feels responsible for protecting customers.

Customers notice professionalism too. Clean premises, knowledgeable staff and confidence when answering questions about ingredients or allergens all help build trust. In an increasingly competitive hospitality industry, reputation is everything.

It's worth remembering that recognised food safety qualifications are available at different levels, allowing businesses to match training to each employee's responsibilities. Kitchen assistants, chefs, supervisors and managers can all undertake courses appropriate to their roles, ensuring everyone has the knowledge they need.

Food businesses work incredibly hard to earn their customers' trust. That trust can take years to build but only moments to lose.

Investing in recognised food safety and hygiene qualifications is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect customers, support staff and safeguard a business's reputation. Safe food isn't just good practice, it's the foundation upon which every successful food business should be built.

The following resources will, we feel, be of benefit to you:-

https://sofht.co.uk

https://essentialfoodhygiene.co.uk

https://www.virtual-college.co.uk

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/food-standards-agency

https://careskillsacademy.co.uk

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Bunta Beer: The Inspirational Story Behind the UK's First Non-Alcoholic Indian Craft Beer

Discover how former Adidas executive Gunikka Ahuja left a six-figure career to create Bunta Beer, the UK's first non-alcoholic Indian craft beer designed to perfectly complement Indian cuisine.

Sometimes the biggest business success stories begin with a simple conversation.

For Gunikka Ahuja, it started when she mentioned to her brother she was thinking of walking away from a six-figure career with Adidas to launch a beer company. His response was short, but unforgettable:

"Our food deserves better."

Those four words became the inspiration behind Bunta Beer, now recognised as the UK's first non-alcoholic Indian craft beer created specifically to complement Indian cuisine.

Growing up in New Delhi, food was always at the heart of family life for Gunikka. Sunday biryanis, celebrations and gatherings around the table created lasting memories where food represented culture, tradition and connection. Beer was often present too, but it never seemed to enjoy the same thoughtful relationship with the meal itself.

After moving to Los Angeles to study textile technology and later building a successful innovation career with Adidas, regular visits to her brother in London introduced her to Britain's much-loved tradition of enjoying a curry with a pint.

Yet something didn't feel right.

While Indian cuisine in the UK had evolved dramatically, the beers traditionally served alongside it had not. 

Many were heavy, overly bitter and excessively fizzy, often overpowering rather than enhancing the complex flavours on the plate.

Rather than accepting that as simply "the way things are", Gunikka saw an opportunity.

Leaving behind a career worth more than $100,000 a year was undoubtedly a leap of faith, but it allowed her to pursue a vision built around flavour, innovation and cultural pride. After more than 50 recipe iterations, she developed Bunta's flagship Citrus Lager, a light, refreshing, alcohol-free beer featuring delicate orange peel and coriander seed, ingredients that naturally echo many of the flavours found in Indian cooking.

The results speak for themselves.

Since launching in 2025, Bunta Beer has expanded into more than 40 restaurants across the UK, introduced draught beer, built a thriving direct-to-consumer business and earned a prestigious Gold award at the 2026 London Beer Competition. At just 60 calories per can, it is also vegan and gluten-free (containing less than 20ppm gluten). https://londonbeercompetition.com/en/competition-global-results/2026/

For lovers of Indian food, it's an exciting reminder that great food deserves equally thoughtful drinks.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Gunikka's journey offers an equally powerful lesson: sometimes the best opportunities come not from following a well-trodden career path, but from spotting something everyone else has overlooked. 

When passion, culture and innovation come together, remarkable things can happen, and occasionally, they arrive in a beautifully crafted pint.

To learn about Bunta Beer please visit them at https://www.buntabeer.com

If you want to discuss stocking Bunta Beer info@buntabeer.co.uk 

Fudge Kitchen Opens in Chester This August – Fresh Handmade Fudge Near Chester Station

Fudge Kitchen is opening a brand-new shop in Chester this August, bringing live fudge-making, artisan treats and sustainable craftsmanship to Watergate Street, just a short walk from Chester railway station.

If there's one thing that can tempt us away from our usual wander around the historic streets of Chester, it's the unmistakable aroma of freshly made fudge.

That's why we're delighted to hear that Fudge Kitchen is opening a brand-new shop at 6-8 Watergate Street this August, its first new store in nearly a decade. Even better, it's only a pleasant stroll from Chester railway station, making it an irresistible first stop (or last stop!) for anyone arriving by train.

My wife and I are already making plans. The next time we're visiting Chester, there will definitely be a detour for a generous helping of delicious handcrafted fudge before we explore the city. Some treats are simply too good to resist!

For over 40 years, Fudge Kitchen has built a loyal following by doing things the traditional way. The proper way.

Rather than simply selling confectionery, each shop offers a theatrical experience, with skilled fudge makers preparing fresh batches throughout the day. Visitors can watch the craftsmanship, enjoy samples and discover just how much care goes into every creamy slice.

The new Chester shop joins the company's much-loved locations in Bath, Canterbury, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Windsor and York, bringing another fantastic foodie attraction to one of Britain's most beautiful historic cities.

There's another reason to celebrate too. The Chester store will be the first Fudge Kitchen location powered entirely by renewable electricity, using electric cooking equipment as part of the employee-owned company's ongoing commitment to sustainability. 

Since becoming employee-owned in 2022, the business has continued to champion responsible sourcing, zero-waste fudge making and environmentally conscious packaging.

Retail Director Ian McCluskey told That's Food and Drink that Chester's rich history, thriving visitor economy and independent shopping scene make it the perfect home for the latest Fudge Kitchen adventure, and it's easy to see why.

Chester is already packed with wonderful cafés, restaurants, independent shops and attractions, and this colourful new addition looks set to become another must-visit destination.

Whether you're visiting for a day out, shopping, sightseeing or simply looking for something delicious to take home, Fudge Kitchen promises an experience that's every bit as enjoyable as the fudge itself.

As for us? We suspect our next Chester trip will begin with "We'll just pop in for a sample..." and end with a rather heavier bag than we planned!

If you're planning a visit to Chester later this year, be sure to leave room for something wonderfully sweet.

You can keep up to date with the Chester opening and explore Fudge Kitchen's range by visiting Fudge Kitchen's website https://www.fudgekitchen.co.uk

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World Chocolate Day 2026: The Sweet Story Behind Everyone's Favourite Treat

Celebrate World Chocolate Day with That's Food and Drink. Discover the history of chocolate, delicious ways to enjoy it, and ideas for marking this sweet annual celebration.

World Chocolate Day, celebrated every year on 7 July, is the perfect excuse to indulge in one of life's greatest pleasures. 

Whether you prefer silky milk chocolate, rich dark varieties or creamy white chocolate, today is all about appreciating the confectionery that has delighted taste buds for centuries.

Chocolate's story begins with the cacao tree, native to Central and South America. Ancient civilisations including the Maya and Aztecs prized cacao beans so highly that they were even used as currency. The chocolate they drank was very different from the sweet bars we enjoy today, often flavoured with spices and served as a bitter drink.

It wasn't until chocolate arrived in Europe during the 16th century that sugar was added, transforming it into the luxurious treat that gradually became popular across the continent. Thanks to innovations during the Industrial Revolution, chocolate became more affordable, paving the way for many of the iconic brands we know and love today.

The UK has a particularly strong affection for chocolate. From classic chocolate bars and boxed chocolates to artisan creations made by independent chocolatiers, there's something to satisfy every palate. Supermarkets, specialist retailers and local producers continue to introduce exciting new flavours, combining chocolate with everything from sea salt and chilli to honeycomb, pistachios and even craft beer.

World Chocolate Day is also an opportunity to explore chocolate in the kitchen. Rich chocolate brownies, indulgent cakes, silky mousses, homemade truffles and luxurious hot chocolates are all fantastic ways to mark the occasion. Even a simple bowl of fresh strawberries dipped in melted chocolate can feel wonderfully indulgent.

If you're feeling adventurous, why not try pairing chocolate with unexpected foods? Dark chocolate complements strong cheeses surprisingly well, while quality chocolate pairs beautifully with coffee, red wine, port and certain stouts. The growing popularity of bean-to-bar producers also means chocolate lovers can discover how different cacao-growing regions influence flavour, much like fine wines.

As always, moderation is key. While chocolate can certainly be part of a balanced diet, it's worth remembering that many products contain significant amounts of sugar and fat. Choosing high-quality chocolate and savouring smaller portions often makes the experience even more enjoyable.

So whether you're treating yourself to your favourite chocolate bar, baking with the family, supporting a local chocolatier or discovering an exciting new flavour combination, World Chocolate Day offers the perfect excuse to celebrate this much-loved delicacy.

After all, few foods have the power to bring so many smiles with just a single bite.

Happy World Chocolate Day from everyone at That's Food and Drink!

Can You Really Fry an Egg on the Pavement? The Science Behind the Summer Myth

Discover whether Fry an Egg on the Sidewalk Day is fact or fiction. 

We explore the science behind cooking an egg on hot pavement and why it's harder than you think.

Every summer, as temperatures soar and weather presenters warn us about extreme heat, someone will inevitably ask the same question:

"It's so hot you could fry an egg on the pavement!"

In fact, there's even a day dedicated to putting that claim to the test, Fry an Egg on the Sidewalk Day, celebrated each year on 4 July. But is it actually possible, or is it simply one of those summer myths that refuses to disappear?

The Science Behind the Sizzle

The short answer is: usually not.

An egg needs to reach around 70°C before the proteins begin to set properly. While a dark tarmac road or pavement can become significantly hotter than the surrounding air, it still rarely reaches a temperature capable of fully cooking an egg.

On an exceptionally hot day, black asphalt exposed to direct sunshine can climb to around 65–80°C. That sounds promising, but there's a catch.

The pavement is constantly losing heat to the surrounding air and ground beneath it. Unlike a frying pan, it isn't receiving a continuous supply of energy from a hob. As soon as you crack the egg onto the surface, the cooler egg rapidly absorbs the stored heat, causing the surface temperature to drop.

The result?

A rather disappointing puddle of slowly warming egg white rather than a delicious fried breakfast.

But People Have Done It...

You'll often see viral videos showing eggs apparently frying on pavements during heatwaves in places such as Arizona or Death Valley.

Look closely, however, and many of these demonstrations use metal trays, baking sheets or cast-iron pans that have been preheated by the sun. These absorb and retain much more heat than concrete or tarmac, making cooking far more likely.

So while an egg may cook outdoors without electricity or gas, it's often the hot pan doing the work, not the pavement itself.

Should You Try It?

If you're curious, there's no harm in experimenting, provided you do so safely and clean up afterwards.

Choose a disposable tray or an old frying pan rather than cracking an egg directly onto public pavements. Nobody wants to step in a half-cooked breakfast on the way to the shops!

And remember that if it's hot enough for outdoor cooking experiments, it's also hot enough to pose genuine health risks.

Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, keep pets off scorching pavements, and avoid leaving children or animals in parked vehicles, even for a few minutes.

Verdict

So, can you fry an egg on a pavement?

Technically... sometimes. Reliably... not really.

It's one of those wonderfully enduring summer sayings that's based on a grain of truth but exaggerated over the years.

Still, Fry an Egg on the Sidewalk Day is a fun excuse to celebrate sunshine, enjoy a barbecue, or simply cook your eggs the traditional way, in a frying pan in the kitchen!

After all, breakfast tastes much better when it isn't seasoned with bits of tarmac.

International Pineapple Day: Delicious Ways to Celebrate This Tropical Favourite

Celebrate International Pineapple Day with tasty recipe ideas, fascinating pineapple facts and creative ways to enjoy one of the world's most popular tropical fruits.

If there was ever a fruit guaranteed to bring a little sunshine to your day, it's the pineapple. Sweet, juicy and instantly recognisable, this tropical favourite deserves its own celebration, and International Pineapple Day is the perfect excuse to enjoy it in all its delicious forms.

Whether you're slicing it into a fruit salad, grilling it on the barbecue, blending it into a smoothie or enjoying it on top of a homemade pizza (yes, we know that's still a subject of fierce debate!), pineapples are one of the most versatile fruits you can keep in the kitchen.

I used to love pineapple and cheese on a stick, back in the day! And there was a delicatessen that sold cottage cheese with pineapple which I was quite partial to. 

Originally native to South America, pineapples were once considered such a luxury that wealthy families would hire them simply to display at lavish dinner parties. Today they're readily available in supermarkets throughout the UK, making it easy to bring a taste of the tropics to your table.

More than just delicious

Pineapples don't just taste fantastic – they're packed with goodness too. They're an excellent source of vitamin C, helping to support the immune system, while also providing manganese, fibre and antioxidants.

One of their most interesting natural components is bromelain, an enzyme that helps break down protein. This makes fresh pineapple a popular ingredient in marinades, as it can help tenderise meat while adding a subtle sweetness.

Fantastic ways to enjoy pineapple

International Pineapple Day is the perfect opportunity to experiment with this colourful fruit. Why not try:

Fresh pineapple chunks straight from the fridge on a hot summer's day.

Pineapple and coconut smoothies for a tropical breakfast.

Grilled pineapple served alongside chicken, pork or halloumi.

Pineapple salsa with chilli, coriander and lime to accompany fish.

Homemade upside-down pineapple cake.

Pineapple added to fruit kebabs for the barbecue.

Frozen pineapple pieces blended into a refreshing sorbet.

If you're entertaining friends or family, hollowing out half a pineapple also makes a spectacular natural serving bowl for fruit salads or tropical desserts.

Don't waste the leftovers

Even the tough outer skin and leafy crown don't have to go to waste. Pineapple peel can be simmered to make a fragrant syrup or infused into drinks, while the leafy top can even be rooted in water before planting to grow an attractive houseplant. Although growing a new pineapple takes patience, it's a fun project for children and gardening enthusiasts alike.

A little tropical sunshine

With Britain enjoying warm summer weather, International Pineapple Day arrives at just the right time. Whether you're hosting a barbecue, preparing a picnic or simply looking for a refreshing snack, pineapple brings colour, flavour and a taste of the tropics to every occasion.

So why not pick one up on your next shopping trip and celebrate one of nature's most cheerful fruits? Your taste buds will certainly thank you.

Happy International Pineapple Day from everyone at That's Food and Drink!

Too Hot to Shop? Let That's Food and Drink Bring the Drinks to You!

When the temperature climbs high enough to make the pavement shimmer and even your ice cubes start looking nervous, the last thing most of us want to do is stagger around a supermarket wrestling with a trolley full of drinks.

Let's be honest. In this sort of weather, putting on proper clothes feels like an achievement. Carrying a dozen bottles of fizzy pop, a case of lager and a few bottles of wine home? That's practically an Olympic event.

Thankfully, there is a much cooler solution.

The Amazon-powered That's Food and Drink online shop is packed with refreshing drinks that can be delivered straight to your front door. That means you can stay in the shade while someone else does the heavy lifting.

Whether you're looking to stock up on crisp lagers, craft beers, ciders, chilled wines, premium spirits, fruit juices, sparkling water, fizzy favourites or refreshing mixers, there's a huge selection waiting to be discovered.

No more standing in supermarket queues wondering why the person in front has chosen today to write a cheque. On an account they forgot they closed years ago.

No more discovering that the shelves where your favourite beer should be now resemble an abandoned archaeological dig.

And certainly no more trying to carry six bags home while simultaneously melting into a small puddle.

Instead, you can browse at your own pace from the comfort of your sofa. Better still, you can do it while enjoying the very last cold drink in your fridge before your fresh supplies arrive.

Planning a barbecue? Hosting friends? Watching the cricket, Wimbledon or simply trying to survive another tropical afternoon in Britain? Ordering online means you can keep your fridge well stocked without ever leaving the house.

Don't forget the snacks, either. Crisps, nuts, chocolate, biscuits and countless cupboard essentials are all available alongside drinks, making it easy to top up your supplies without organising one enormous supermarket delivery.

Best of all, every purchase made through the That's Food and Drink online shop helps support the work we do in bringing you daily food and drink news, recipes, reviews and features—all at no extra cost to you.

So if the thought of venturing outside fills you with dread, stay cool, stay hydrated and let your drinks come to you instead.

After all, whoever invented home delivery deserves a nice, cold drink... preferably one that somebody else has carried to the door.

Cheers to that!

Visit the That's Food and Drink Amazon Shop today and discover thousands of refreshing drinks and foodie favourites, all ready to be delivered directly to your doorstep. The address is here:-

https://amzn.to/4uVWgko

By the way, the shop also stocks a wide range of fans and air con units, too!