American Flavours Win Over British Taste Buds as Bourbon and BBQs Grow in Popularity

The FIFA World Cup may be taking place in the United States, but it appears the tournament is influencing more than just football fans. 

New research from Buffalo Trace Distillery suggests that British consumers are increasingly embracing American food, drink and culture, with bourbon and authentic American barbecue becoming particularly popular this summer.

According to the survey, 38% of Britons say they have become more interested in American culture since the World Cup began, while a further 26% already considered themselves fans before the tournament kicked off.

That growing enthusiasm is making its way onto the barbecue menu. While the traditional British barbecue remains a firm favourite for 38% of people, almost a quarter (23%) say they would now choose an American-style barbecue instead. Think slow-cooked brisket, smoky ribs, pulled pork and bold flavours replacing the familiar burgers and sausages.

The research also highlights changing drinking habits. Around one in six people (16%) say they are choosing American bourbon instead of more traditional European spirits, while nearly a third (30%) now view bourbon as an ideal drink for summer entertaining.

Buffalo Trace believes the trend reflects a growing appreciation for authentic American whiskey in the UK. Produced on the banks of the Kentucky River, Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon is known for its smooth vanilla and caramel notes and is aged longer than many mainstream bourbons to develop its distinctive flavour.

Whether served neat as the sun sets, mixed with ginger ale for a refreshing summer drink or used in classic cocktails such as a Manhattan, bourbon is increasingly becoming part of Britain's outdoor dining culture.

Lorenzo Farronato, European Marketing Director at Buffalo Trace, said it was encouraging to see more people discovering bourbon as part of relaxed summer occasions.

He explained to That's Food and Drink that the distillery has always focused on producing high-quality American whiskey, adding that many people who try bourbon quickly develop an appreciation for its unique character and versatility.

The popularity of American whiskey is also reflected by the opening of Buffalo Trace Distillery London in Covent Garden, where visitors can take guided tastings and learn more about the history and craftsmanship behind Kentucky bourbon.

With the United States preparing to celebrate its 250th anniversary, American food and drink appear to be enjoying a moment in the spotlight. Whether it's slow-smoked barbecue, classic cocktails or a simple bourbon and ginger, British consumers seem increasingly happy to add a taste of Kentucky to their summer celebrations.

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon is available from major UK supermarkets with a recommended retail price of around £29.50. Obviously, we should all remember to drink responsibly.

The Great Strawberry Taste Test: Why Cheaper Can Sometimes Be Better

We've all heard the saying, "You get what you pay for." Most of the time, there's some truth in it. 

Spend a little more and you often expect better quality, better flavour and a better overall experience.

But every now and then, reality has other ideas.

This week I bought two punnets of strawberries from two very different supermarkets. 

One came from a well-known premium supermarket with a reputation for quality. The other came from one of the UK's popular cheap but cheerful discount supermarkets.

If I'd been asked to guess which would be the better buy before tasting them, I would have confidently chosen the expensive ones.

And I would have been completely wrong.

The premium strawberries looked attractive enough, but biting into them was a real disappointment. They were firm to the point of being hard, lacked the juicy sweetness that makes strawberries such a summer favourite, and had an unexpectedly and jarring bitter flavour. They weren't unpleasant enough to throw away, but they certainly weren't all that enjoyable.

Then came the discount supermarket strawberries, which I bought the next day on a whim. (The purpose of the trip was to buy some unsalted rice cakes for our parrot.)

Costing around half the price, these strawberries couldn't have been more different. They were beautifully ripe, wonderfully soft without being mushy, packed with juice and bursting with natural sweetness. Every strawberry tasted like summer should taste.

It was a reminder price isn't always the best indicator of quality.

There are plenty of reasons why this can happen. Strawberries are highly seasonal and incredibly delicate. They don't continue to sweeten after being picked, so timing is everything. Fruit harvested slightly too early may survive transport and last longer on the shelf, but it may never develop the rich sweetness that customers expect.

Meanwhile, another retailer may receive fruit picked closer to peak ripeness, even if it has a slightly shorter shelf life. The result? Better flavour at a lower price.

Storage also plays an important part. Strawberries kept too cold can lose some of their aroma, while poor handling during transport can affect texture and taste.

The lesson for shoppers is simple: don't judge strawberries solely by their price or the name above the supermarket door.

Instead, look carefully at the fruit itself. Bright, fresh green leaves are a good sign. The berries should be evenly coloured with no white shoulders, and there should be little or no juice collecting in the bottom of the punnet, which can indicate damaged or overripe fruit. Most importantly, buy them when you plan to enjoy them within a day or two for the very best flavour.

Sometimes you'll find exceptional strawberries in a premium food hall. Sometimes you'll discover a bargain that tastes even better in a discount store.

This week's shopping trips reminded me that good food isn't always about spending more. Sometimes it's simply about finding the retailer that has sourced the very best produce that week.

So next time someone tells you, "You get what you pay for," just smile... and offer them one of your delicious bargain strawberries. If you have any left, that is!

Easy White Chocolate Rocky Road Recipe Using Aldi or Lidl White Chocolate

Make this delicious no-bake White Chocolate Rocky Road using Aldi or Lidl own-brand white chocolate, caramelised biscuits and mixed nuts. A simple, affordable dessert that's perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.

An indulgent no-bake treat that proves supermarket own brands can be every bit as delicious in your dessert making.

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying, and this White Chocolate Rocky Road is a perfect example. 

Made with Aldi or Lidl own-brand white chocolate, layers of crunchy chopped mixed nuts and crushed caramelised biscuits, it's rich, creamy, wonderfully crunchy and incredibly easy to make. 

You can use other smooth white chocolates if you don't have a Lidl or Aldi near to your home.

One of the biggest surprises when I made this recipe was just how well the supermarket own-brand white chocolate performed. It melted beautifully using a simple double boiler, creating a silky smooth mixture that set perfectly in the fridge without any fuss.

The caramelised biscuits add a deep, buttery flavour that balances the sweetness of the white chocolate, while the mixed nuts provide plenty of texture and bite. Every mouthful offers something slightly different.

Best of all, there's no baking involved.

Ingredients

500g Aldi or Lidl own-brand white chocolate

250g caramelised biscuits (Biscoff-style), roughly crushed

150g chopped mixed nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts or a mixture)

200ml double cream

50g butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Pinch of sea salt (optional)

For the topping

Extra crushed caramelised biscuits

A handful of chopped mixed nuts

Equipment

Medium saucepan

Heatproof bowl (for a double boiler) or a double boiler

Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

20cm square or round baking tin

Baking parchment

Method

1. Prepare your tin

Line your baking tin with baking parchment, leaving enough overhang to lift the finished rocky road out easily.

2. Melt the chocolate

Bring a saucepan of water to a gentle simmer.

Place the white chocolate, butter and double cream into a heatproof bowl sitting above the water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water.

Stir gently until everything has melted into a smooth, glossy mixture.

Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract if using.

3. Build the layers

Spread a thin layer of the white chocolate mixture into the base of the tin.

Scatter over:

a layer of crushed caramelised biscuits

a layer of chopped mixed nuts

Cover with more white chocolate.

Repeat the layers until you've used all the ingredients, finishing with a smooth layer of white chocolate on top.

Sprinkle generously with extra crushed biscuits and chopped nuts.

4. Chill

Place in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours, preferably overnight, until completely firm.

5. Slice

Lift from the tin using the baking parchment and cut into generous squares with a sharp knife.

Tips for Success

Keep the water gently simmering rather than boiling when melting the chocolate.

Stir continuously to prevent the white chocolate overheating.

Use good-quality own-brand white chocolate from Aldi or Lidl for excellent results without the premium price.

Chill overnight for the cleanest slices.

Warm your knife in hot water and wipe dry before each cut for bakery-quality portions.

Variations

Once you've mastered the basic recipe, it's easy to experiment.

Try adding:

mini marshmallows

dried cranberries

raisins

chopped glacé cherries

toffee pieces

honeycomb chunks

orange zest

a sprinkle of cinnamon

Or add Christmas spices and pieces of candied ginger to make an absolutely show stopping Christmas sweet treat. 

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

It can also be frozen for up to three months. Simply thaw in the fridge before serving.

This recipe proves you don't need expensive ingredients to create an impressive dessert. Aldi and Lidl's own-brand white chocolate melts beautifully, while the combination of caramelised biscuits and mixed nuts creates layers of flavour and texture that make every bite irresistible.

It's perfect with a mug of tea or coffee, makes a wonderful homemade gift, and is guaranteed to disappear quickly whenever family or friends come to visit.

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!