Young People Step Up for Their Communities Through Set for Success Programme

A programme that combines sport, leadership and community action is helping young people build confidence, develop vital employability skills and make a positive difference in their local communities, including supporting local food banks.

The impact of the Set for Success programme was highlighted recently when Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner visited Dixons Ashton Academy to meet students taking part in the initiative.

During the visit, students showcased a social action project they had developed as part of the programme, organising a donation drive in support of a local food bank at Cedar Park. 

The project demonstrated not only their commitment to helping others but also the practical skills they have developed through the programme, including teamwork, leadership and communication.

The visit comes at a significant time. The interim Milburn Review recently warned that the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) could reach 1.25 million by the early 2030s unless action is taken to address the issue.

Set for Success aims to tackle some of these challenges head-on. Funded by the Wimbledon Foundation, supported by Barclays and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust, the programme uses sport and physical activity as a platform for personal development.

Students work alongside athlete mentors, including British Paralympic wheelchair rugby player Ayaz Bhuta, while taking part in activities designed to strengthen confidence, resilience and future career aspirations.

Speaking during the visit, Angela Rayner praised the students' efforts and the positive impact the programme is having.

"It was brilliant to meet the pupils taking part in this wonderful project and hear how the sessions are helping to build their confidence and self-esteem. I am delighted they have decided to collect items for a local food bank," she said.

The programme's results are encouraging. During the 2024/25 academic year, 92% of participants reported improvements in at least one key employability skill, while 82% said they had a better understanding of how their skills could support future careers. Teachers also reported positive changes, with 77% observing improved school attendance among participating pupils.

Research conducted by Sheffield Hallam University's Sport Industry Research Centre found that every £1 invested in Set for Success generates £5.63 of social value during its first year. The study also suggests the programme makes a significant contribution to helping young people remain engaged in education, training or employment.

For food banks and community organisations, projects like the Cedar Park donation drive demonstrate another valuable outcome. Young people are not only developing skills for their own futures but are also learning the importance of giving back and supporting those facing hardship.

As concerns grow about youth disengagement across the UK, Set for Success shows how sport, mentoring and community action can work together to create brighter futures while strengthening local communities at the same time.

https://www.youthsporttrust.org

Double Dutch Scholarship Helps Women Build Long-Term Careers in Hospitality

A new group of aspiring drinks industry leaders has graduated from the latest Female Bartending Scholarship, a programme designed to help women develop the skills, confidence and industry connections needed to progress their careers in hospitality.

Founded in 2021 by twin sisters Joyce de Haas and Raissa de Haas, co-founders of premium mixer brand Double Dutch Drinks, the scholarship was created to address the ongoing leadership gap within the hospitality and drinks sectors.

Over the course of three months, participants took part in an expanded programme of virtual and in-person workshops covering drinks education, personal branding, professional development, confidence building and networking opportunities. 

Live sessions were hosted at leading industry venues including Swingers West End and 58 & Co Distillery, with the graduation ceremony taking place at the prestigious The Chancery Rosewood in London.

The programme arrives at a time when new research suggests that hospitality is increasingly viewed as a long-term career by many women working within the industry.

Research conducted by hospitality consultant and scholarship mentor Anna Sebastian found that while some women enter hospitality through a passion for food, drink and customer service, many initially join by chance. However, perceptions often change over time, with 78% of those who once viewed hospitality as a temporary job now considering it a long-term career path.

The findings also highlight some of the challenges women continue to face. Nearly four in ten respondents said a lack of mentorship had limited their career progression, while fewer than one-third felt adequately supported in their roles. 

When asked what would help them advance professionally, leadership training, career development support and greater knowledge of wine and beverages ranked highly.

For a sector built on creativity, innovation and human connection, these findings underline the importance of investing in talent and creating clear pathways for progression.

Speaking about the programme, Raissa de Haas said the scholarship was created to tackle the barriers identified by the research, including limited access to mentorship, training and support. She emphasised that the initiative goes beyond technical bartending skills, focusing instead on helping women build confidence, develop professional networks and establish sustainable careers within hospitality.

As the drinks industry continues to evolve, initiatives such as the Female Bartending Scholarship are helping to ensure that talented professionals have the opportunity to thrive, while creating a more diverse and inclusive future for bars, restaurants and hospitality businesses across the UK and beyond.

https://doubledutchdrinks.com

Love Strawberries, Love Crepes? St Michel launches new Strawberry Crêpes

Our snack times are getting a delicious new fruity twist with the arrival of the new St Michel Strawberry Crêpes. 

It's a delicious addition to the brand's beloved crêpe range, these new treats join the popular Chocolate Hazelnut and White Choco Crêpes on shelves this month, June.

Crafted in France using traditional recipes, these irresistibly soft French crêpes are filled with a vibrant and juicy strawberry jam, contain absolutely no palm oil, artificial preservatives or colourings. 

Conveniently individually wrapped in packs of six, St Michel Strawberry Crêpes are the ultimate versatile snack. They are perfectly sized for lunchboxes, as an afternoon pick me up or a quick on-the-go treat for the whole family.

The new Strawberry Crêpes are available now at Sainsbury's stores nationwide. RRP £2.10

For further information see  www.stmichel.com/uk/en  like on Facebook @stmicheluk and follow on Instagram @stmichel_uk

Choco Crêpes available at Iceland and Farm Food stores nationwide plus on Ocado.

Strawberry Crepes available at Sainsbury's stores.

- Choco Cakes range available at Tesco stores nationwide and online from Ocado.

- Range availability in store may vary by location, so do keep an eye open for them.

International Picnic Day: Delicious Ideas for the Perfect Outdoor Feast

Celebrate International Picnic Day with tasty picnic food ideas, outdoor dining inspiration and tips for creating the perfect summer picnic with family and friends.

Every year on 18 June, people around the world celebrate International Picnic Day, a simple but joyful occasion that encourages us to take our meals outside and enjoy good food in the fresh air.

In an age of busy schedules, constant notifications and meals eaten on the go, there is something wonderfully refreshing about spreading out a blanket, opening a basket of homemade treats and enjoying a leisurely meal outdoors. 

Whether it's a family gathering in a local park, a romantic lunch by a river, or a get-together with friends in the garden, a church picnic, picnics remain one of life's simplest pleasures.

How about a picnic on your back garden? Or in the conservatory or orangery should the weather take a turn to the wet and windy? 

The tradition of picnicking has a surprisingly long history. The word "picnic" is believed to have originated in France during the 17th century, where diners would bring their own food to social gatherings. 

Over time, the idea spread across Europe and became particularly popular in Britain during the Victorian era, when public parks became more accessible and outdoor leisure activities flourished.

Today, picnics are more popular than ever. They offer an affordable way to spend quality time with loved ones while enjoying the beauty of nature. 

They can also be as simple or as elaborate as you like. Some people prepare gourmet spreads with artisan cheeses, charcuterie and chilled sparkling drinks, while others are perfectly happy with sandwiches, sausage rolls and a flask of tea or coffee.

When planning a picnic, food that travels well is key. Classic choices include filled baguettes, Scotch eggs, pork pies, pasta salads, quiches and fresh fruit. Sweet treats such as brownies, flapjacks and homemade cupcakes are also ideal additions. Don't forget plenty of water, especially if you're picnicking on a warm summer day.

International Picnic Day is also a great excuse to explore local parks, nature reserves, beaches and beauty spots that you may not have visited before. Combining good food with a scenic setting can turn an ordinary lunch into a memorable experience.

As more people seek opportunities to slow down and reconnect with family and friends, the humble picnic continues to prove its enduring appeal. It requires little more than good company, tasty food and a patch of grass, yet it creates lasting memories that often outshine far more expensive outings.

This International Picnic Day, why not pack a basket, head outdoors and celebrate one of the most enjoyable ways to eat and socialise?

Father's Day Goes Digital with Free Charity eCards for Dads

A Herefordshire charity has launched a collection of free Father's Day eCards, helping families celebrate dads and father figures while supporting charitable causes.

Father's Day is all about celebrating the dads, grandads, stepfathers and father figures who have made a difference in our lives. Whether you're planning a family meal, firing up the barbecue, or raising a glass together, it's also the perfect opportunity to let Dad know just how much he means to you.

For those who can't be together in person this Father's Day, a Herefordshire-based charity initiative is offering a simple way to stay connected.

Hope Spring eCards has launched a new collection of free Father's Day digital cards designed to help people send messages of appreciation to the important father figures in their lives. The collection includes both traditional digital greetings and a range of animated Father's Day cards, all available free of charge.

The launch reflects the growing popularity of digital greetings as more people look for convenient and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional paper cards. With families often spread across different towns, cities and even countries, digital cards offer an instant way to share thoughtful messages regardless of distance.

Hope Spring eCards has built a reputation for combining modern technology with charitable giving. The platform offers a wide range of digital greetings for birthdays, anniversaries, seasonal celebrations and special occasions, helping users stay connected while raising awareness of charitable causes.

Mary Adeotan, Platform Manager at Hope Spring eCards, said the organisation wanted to make Father's Day celebrations more accessible for everyone. Mary told That's Food and Drink: "Father's Day is an important occasion for many families, and we wanted to make it easier for people to express appreciation to the father figures in their lives. By making these cards freely available, we hope to encourage more people to share thoughtful messages while also learning about the charitable work that Hope Spring supports."

The charity has also expanded its online presence through a growing collection of animated and video eCards, helping people find creative ways to celebrate special occasions.

Long-standing volunteer Joshua Ojo highlighted the positive impact that even a simple message can have. Joshua told us: "Over the years, I have seen how a simple message can make a significant difference to someone's day. Digital cards provide a practical way for people to stay in touch, particularly when distance or busy schedules make face-to-face celebrations difficult."

As Father's Day approaches, digital greetings are becoming an increasingly popular addition to family celebrations. While nothing quite replaces sharing a meal together, a heartfelt message can still bring a smile to Dad's face.

At That's Food and Drink, we're encouraging readers to make this Father's Day special, whether that's by treating Dad to his favourite restaurant, cooking his favourite meal at home, or simply letting him know how much he is appreciated.

https://www.hopespring.org.uk

Pret A Manger Faces Animal Welfare Campaign Over Chicken Welfare Commitment

Animal welfare charity Anima launches a major campaign against Pret A Manger, accusing the chain of delaying its pledge to phase out fast-growing chicken breeds.

One of the UK's best-known high street food chains has found itself at the centre of a major animal welfare campaign after campaigners accused the company of failing to honour a long-standing commitment to improve chicken welfare standards.

Animal welfare charity Anima launched a high-profile protest in central London this week, unveiling a giant mechanical "Frankenwrap" outside Pret A Manger's Oxford Circus branch. 

The eye-catching sculpture, which resembles an oversized Pret chicken wrap stuffed with a whole chicken complete with feathers, marks the start of a week-long campaign targeting multiple Pret locations across the capital.

The campaign centres on Pret's decision to delay a pledge it made in 2018 to stop using fast-growing chicken breeds in its supply chain. At the time, the company committed to transitioning to slower-growing breeds by 2026 as part of wider efforts to improve animal welfare standards.

However, according to Anima, Pret has now pushed that target back to 2032 and has yet to make any meaningful progress towards introducing slower-growing chickens into its supply chain.

Connor Jackson, Chief Executive of Anima, claims the delay has left customers believing they are supporting higher welfare practices when, in reality, the chickens used remain the same fast-growing breeds commonly supplied to major fast-food chains.

The charity argues that these breeds have been selectively bred to grow at an exceptionally rapid rate, which animal welfare groups say can lead to health and mobility issues during the birds' lives.

The London campaign is expected to be highly visible. 

Alongside the touring Frankenwrap sculpture, advertising highlighting the issue is appearing across the London Underground network, while newspaper advertisements are also planned throughout the week.

Anima says it previously attempted to engage with Pret privately but has now decided to take its concerns directly to consumers. The organisation is encouraging customers to reconsider visiting Pret until progress is made on the company's original welfare commitment.

The campaign highlights the growing importance of animal welfare in consumer food choices. Increasingly, shoppers want to know not only where their food comes from, but also how it is produced.

Whether the pressure will prompt Pret to revisit its timetable remains to be seen, but the issue serves as another reminder that food ethics and animal welfare continue to play an increasingly important role in the UK's food and drink industry.

Incidentally, Pret A Manger's own 2025 Progress Update confirms 0% adoption of slower-growing breeds in UK, US and France. The company's new plan targets 50% by 2031 and 100% by 2032, with no steps until 2031. https://assets.ctfassets.net/4zu8gvmtwqss/j2iieCUwjKdP38sRMnaJv/26788fb29e541489d7814aa4da005288/Pret_A_Manger_Better_Chicken_Commitment_Progress_Update_2025.pdf

(Images used are courtesy of Tom Woolard / Anima) 

If Pret a Manger would like a right of reply, please contact That's Food and Drink.

HelloFresh Can Give Your Dad a Super Father's Day Feast

With Father’s Day just around the corner, HelloFresh are celebrating all Dads and father figures in the UK this summer and have released a limited run of special Father’s Day recipes to give Dad the ultimate present… a meal cooked by his loved ones!

Available from to the 19th June, you can opt from delicious meals like Pork Steaks and Caramelised Onion Guinness® Gravy, and Chimichurri 21 Day Aged Rump Steak Surf and Turf to enjoy in the evening.

Or perhaps Dad would prefer a Classic Sausage Burger, or a hearty Double Bacon Brunch with Smoky Bacon Beans & Ciabatta? That would make for the ultimate breakfast in bed occasion. 

Just visit https://www.hellofresh.co.uk to learn more!

PerfectDraft's beer machines. Perfect Gift for Father's Day

With four models available, there's an amazing PerfectDraft machine to suit every dad and every hosting style. 

The range includes the Philips PerfectDraft machine, the sleek PerfectDraft Black, and the PerfectDraft Pro and PerfectDraft Pro Black, featuring SmartPour technology, variable temperature control (0–12°C), faster cooling and regular software updates for an enhanced at-home draught beer experience.

All PerfectDraft machines use six-litre kegs, equivalent to approximately 10.5 pints, and feature an easy-to-read LED display showing temperature and beer levels. The PerfectDraft app also allows users to schedule cooling in advance, perfect for preparing for a Father's Day party, match day, a barbecue or afamily gathering.

The six-litre kegs can be ordered directly from PerfectDraft.com, with selected machines also available from Majestic, Morrisons, Currys, Asda and Amazon UK.

Pricing is as follows - Promotion shows discounted sale price valid until 19 July 2026. Pro Silver and Black discounted sale price valid until 20 June 2026.

PerfectDraft Black: £179 | £159 

PDA (Philips original): £199 | £189

Pro Silver and Black: £299 | £275

Shop the full range and six-litre kegs at PerfectDraft.com, or find selected models at Majestic, Morrisons, Currys, Asda and Amazon UK.

PerfectDraft beer kegs are available from PerfectDraft, Amazon, and other independent local convenience stores. They are priced from £23 - £45.

To buy via our Amazon shop please use this link https://amzn.to/3S65fC6

The new taste of summer: Mindful Chef pairs England’s most exciting wines with seasonal, feel-good cooking

A truly joyful celebration of English wine and the magic of flavour pairing, bringing the best of British soil to your table.

Curated by wine expert Jane Rakison, showcasing standout producers from vineyard to city winery

Available exclusively from 20th – 28th June 2026

his summer is shaping up to be a true celebration of what’s on our doorstep. As more people embrace slower travel and stay closer to home, there’s never been a better moment to discover the depth of quality, craft and flavour coming from British producers, especially in the world of English wine.

To mark English Wine Week (20th – 28th June 2026) Mindful Chef, the UK’s highest-rated recipe box, has partnered with wine expert Jane Rakison to showcase the magic that happens when great food meets the right wine. The collaboration brings together fresh, seasonal recipes with carefully selected bottles from vineyards across England.

Rooted in a shared passion for championing local producers, the menu celebrates the very best of British soil, from responsibly sourced ingredients to world-class wines. By bringing together food and wine grown and made closer to home, each dish offers a more connected experience, linking the people at the table with the producers behind every element.

Designed to be shared and savoured, each dish encourages long, relaxed meals, where great conversation sits alongside a deeper appreciation of the craft and provenance behind every bite.

English wine is having a moment. With production rising sharply and over 1,000 vineyards now across the UK, producers are crafting bottles that are not only distinctive but globally competitive. England’s cool climate continues to create wines with bright acidity and freshness, ideal for pairing with vibrant, seasonal dishes.

This limited-edition menu captures that energy and diversity, showcasing wines from some of England’s most exciting regions. From crisp coastal whites to elegant sparkling wines from Dorset and West Sussex, and lighter-style reds from an innovative urban winery in London, each bottle has been chosen to complement and enhance Mindful Chef’s dishes, proving just how versatile and food-friendly English wine can be.

Highlights include Langham’s Corallian Classic Cuvée NV, an elegant sparkling from Dorset, and Nyetimber’s limited-edition English Summer Rosé, which reflects the flavours of English wild strawberries and raspberries. The menu also spotlights boundary-pushing producers such as Black Book in London, whose lighter English reds offer a fresh take on classic pairings.

Each recipe has been created by Leiths-trained Head Chef Jesse Kempner, using a selection of seasonal ingredients and Mindful Chef’s signature approach to balanced, nourishing cooking. The result is a menu designed not just to taste great, but to feel good too, with dishes that are fresh, flavour-packed and perfectly matched to their wine counterparts.

Standout pairings include samphire-baked salmon with herby potato salad, elevated by a crisp English sparkling that enhances fresh herb notes while cutting through the richness of the fish. Meanwhile, Somerset pork meatball fusilli with sundried tomato sauce and rocket pesto is paired with a lighter English red - a combination that brings out the depth and complexity of both dish and wine.

At its heart, the menu is about rediscovering joy in the kitchen by removing the guesswork from pairing and helping home cooks confidently create meals where every bite and every sip work in harmony.

Jane Rakison, wine expert, told That's Food and Drink: “English wine is incredibly exciting right now, not just because of its quality, but because of how well the various styles work with food. 

"What we’ve created here is all about unlocking those flavour combinations. From elegant sparkling wines that lift fresh, herb-led dishes, to lighter reds that pair beautifully with comforting classics, these wines really come into their own at the table. 

"With more people staying closer to home this summer, it’s the perfect time to explore just how versatile and world-class English wine can be.”

Jesse Kempner, Head Chef at Mindful Chef, told us: “This menu is all about showing how great ingredients with the right pairings can completely transform a meal. We’ve focused on creating dishes centred around  fresh, seasonal produce, and have matched them with English wines to elevate the flavours, and balance the different elements on the plate. 

"It’s about creating an accessible and easy restaurant-quality experience at home, while celebrating the incredible producers we have here in the UK.”

Dishes on the Mindful Chef wine pairing menu are available from 20–28 June 2026.

Mindful Chef’s wine pairing menu:

Langham Corallian Classic Cuvee NV (Dorset) with Samphire Baked Salmon & Herby Potato Salad

Nyetimber English Summer Rosé (West Sussex) with Roasted Vegetable Gnocchi with Sundried Tomato & Walnut Pesto

Lyme Bay Shoreline (Devon)with Nicoise-style Anchovy Salad 

Stopham Estate Pinot Gris 2023 (West Sussex)with Honeyed Chorizo & Sweetcorn Salad with Caramelised Onions

Black Book Drums Space 2022 (London) with Pork Meatball Fusilli with Sundried Tomato Sauce & Rocket Pesto.

How it works

Choose from 28 meals for 1, 2 or 4 people.

Select delivery day and frequency: skip a week, cancel anytime, or change deliveries.

Ingredients arrive pre-portioned, reducing prep time, waste and stress.

Recipes are easy to follow and can be cooked in as little as 20 minutes.

Pricing and delivery

One-person meals from £11.85 per portion

Two-person meals from £6.90 per portion

Family meals from £4.50 per portion

New customers receive 30% off their first four boxes plus free delivery on their first box. Delivery is an additional £5.99, available 7 days a week across mainland UK, with Wednesday delivery to the Channel Islands and Northern Ireland.

mindfulchef.com 

Want to give your Dad one of the best Father's Day gifts he has ever had? Present him with a Father's Day easy celebration at home would be great to include Mindful Chef's new wine pairing menu. The menu runs from 20th - 28th June so is perfect for Father's Day dinners at home for a delicious home-cooked treat away from set restaurant menus. You can even send him a gift card so he can create his own special menu. https://www.mindfulchef.com/gift-cards 

Ideal For Father's Day. Beers With All The Taste, But None of the Headaches!

Mash Gang – RRP from £8.99 

Unlike many other alcohol-free beers, Mash Gang doesn’t dealcoholise the beer, but instead brews it with precision to 0.5%, allowing the drink to keep all the flavour that is held by a full-strength beer.

It also means consumers can still enjoy alcohol-free without compromising their drinking experience!

Lesser Evil | 0.5% Cherry Chocolate Stout 

Creamy, Rich, Exquisite. A decadent 0.5% chocolate stout with vanilla and creamy oats, spiked with a rather extravagant amount of sweet and sour cherry juice. Despite its supernaturally creamy taste it contains no dairy products and is entirely vegan. It was named 2025 International Non-Alcoholic Competition ‘Porter Beer of the Year’

Chug | 0.5% Hazy IPA  

Mash Gang's flagship IPA. Fluffy and full-bodied, with that signature bite of bitterness on a clean, pale base. A modern approach to a classic combination of hops. Citra and El Dorado create a tropical torrent providing your palate with a perfect, unparalleled drinking experience. Heroic in haze, full flavoured and never brewed by halves. It won Gold at 2025 International Non-Alcoholic Competition

Journey Juice | 0.5% Fruited Hazy IPA  

This is one to try, even if for someone who might  think they don't like beer... the perfect 'beer and juice in one'.  

A fruited IPA cranked with magnificent mango and supreme Sabro hops, perfect for the adventure, no matter what journey you're on. This is fruity, bitter, salty, spicy and sweet on a juicy pale ale base. 2025 International Non-Alcoholic Competition Bronze

Glug | 0.5% Cerveza Lager 

Since day one Mash Gang has been asked 'can you make a lager?' and now it's finally here...an Alcohol-Free twist on a full flavoured golden Cerveza Lager. A classic style, complex and crisp. Boasting notes of masa, candied lime, and a refreshing gooseberry finish. 2025 International Non-Alcoholic Competition Bronze.

To learn more about Mash Gang and to source some for your Dad, visit https://mashgang.com