Swoon Gelato Celebrates a Decade on College Green with a Gold Card Giveaway

The UK's most decorated dessert producer marks ten years of artisan gelato in Bristol with an exclusive anniversary competition.

Award-winning artisan gelato brand Swoon is celebrating a landmark milestone this spring: ten years since it first opened its doors on College Green in the heart of Bristol. 

To mark a decade of handcrafted gelato, the brand is launching a once-in-a-generation competition, giving one lucky winner a Gold Card entitling them to free gelato for an entire year.

Founded in 2016 by Bruno Forte, whose Italian family introduced handmade gelato to Great Britain over 120 years ago, Swoon began its journey at 31a College Green, Bristol, with a simple but unwavering belief: that every life is made a little better by gelato. 

Ten years on, that belief has been rewarded with in excess of 100 Great Taste stars, a Supreme Champion title at the Great Taste Awards 2019, and a loyal following that stretches far beyond Bristol.

“College Green is where it all began. My Italian family introduced handmade gelato to the UK over a hundred years ago, and when we opened on College Green ten years ago, we were bringing that tradition home in a new way. 

"Every scoop we've served there has been made with the same love and the same belief in quality that drives everything we do. Reaching ten years feels extraordinary, and we wanted to celebrate with the community that made it possible.” Bruno Forte, Founder, Swoon Gelato told That's Food and Drink.

Swoon remains very much a family affair. Bruno's wife Ana Maria leads the brand's marketing and digital strategy, while co-founder Pat Powell,  Bruno's sister, is the creative force behind the brand's instantly recognisable chic black-and-white aesthetic, overseeing everything from shop design to packaging. 

Guiding the business through its next phase of growth is CEO Simon Blagden, one of the most experienced operators in the UK hospitality industry. Simon was previously operations director at PizzaExpress before joining Jamie Oliver's restaurant group, where he headed the celebrity chef's restaurant business from its launch in 2008, overseeing the full breadth of Oliver's hospitality businesses, from the charity restaurant Fifteen to his high-street restaurant empire. 

His depth of experience in scaling quality food brands makes him a natural fit to lead Swoon into its next decade.

To mark the anniversary, Swoon will hold a private gathering at College Green on Thursday 30th April 2026, a celebration of the people, the craft and the community that have been central to the brand's journey. As part of the festivities, Swoon will be running a special anniversary competition: one winner will receive a Swoon Gold Card, granting them free gelato at any Swoon bar for a full year. Full details of how to enter will be announced via Swoon's social channels in the lead-up to the event.

The College Green bar, the brand's spiritual home, remains open seven days a week, from 10am until 10pm.

The anniversary comes at a moment of significant momentum for the brand. Swoon has also recently opened its sixth location, at 79a Parchment Street in Winchester, continuing its expansion across southern England. The brand now operates bars in Bristol, Bath, Oxford, Winchester, and a permanent concession within Selfridges Foodhall on London's Oxford Street, with further openings planned.

Throughout its ten years, Swoon has remained steadfastly committed to the principles it was founded on: provenance, craft, and the very best ingredients, among them Somerset milk and Sicilian pistachios from the renowned Bronte growing region. All gelato recipes are developed exclusively for Swoon by Bologna-based gelato maestro Stefano Tarquinio of the Gelato University.

From a single gelato bar on College Green to the UK's most decorated dessert producer, the first decade has been quite a ride. The next one is already underway.

Key Anniversary Facts

Anniversary private gathering: Thursday 30th April 2026, College Green, Bristol

Anniversary competition: Win a Swoon Gold Card — free gelato for one year

College Green opening hours: 10am–10pm, 7 days a week

Address: 31a College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TB

Website: www.swoononaspoon.co.uk

Father's Day Gifts: Save £8.50 on top-scoring Trevethan 1929 Gin at Sainsbury's

As cinema found its voice and the world embraced the glamour of the Roaring Twenties, a Cornish chauffeur named Norman Trevethan was quietly crafting his own masterpiece, a classic 'bathtub gin' inspired by London's historic gin palaces. 

Nearly a century later, that original 1929 recipe has been revived, refined and reimagined by chemist-turned-master distiller John Hall, after a trip to a whisky distillery inspired him to go into the drinks business. Introducing Trevethan 1929 Dry Gin, a spirit steeped in heritage, and perfected by science. 

The award-winning Cornish gin is available at a special promotional price in Sainsbury's from the 10-30 June.  The super luxe gin is reduced from £38 to £29.50 with a Nectar card – offering a touch of luxe for less, just in time for Father's Day gifting and hosting.

Trevethan Distillery achieved significant recognition in the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) - one of the toughest drinks competitions in the world. In  2021, Trevethan was named 'UK Gin Distillery of the year, ' and a year later the gin scored 98/100 in a blind tasting: a record for the London Dry category at the time, and an 'outstanding' gold medal. 

Crafted in Cornwall and perfected by science, Trevethan 1929 Dry Gin (43% ABV | 70cl | RRP £38) is distilled using the traditional London Dry method. It balances ten botanicals with precision and poise – juniper, coriander and angelica forming its classic backbone, layered with orange and lemon peel, cassia, cardamom and vanilla. Locally foraged Cornish elderflower and gorse flower lend a soft floral elegance, bringing warmth and romance to every sip.

The result is beautifully structured and expressive: bold juniper and bright citrus open the palate, unfolding into gentle florals and herbal complexity before finishing smooth with a subtle spiced sweetness. Venues such as Cici's Bar at Paul Ainsworth's No.6 in Padstow, Lympstone Manor, and Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling MBE serve the gin in G&Ts and cocktails.

Housed in a striking Art Deco-inspired bottle, Trevethan 1929 Dry Gin looks as stunning on your drinks cabinet as it does in a G&T. This is the perfect centrepiece for summer gatherings – celebratory toasts and moments.

The Perfect Serve

For a refreshing springtime G&T, the dream way to serve Trevethan 1929 Dry Gin is to  fill the glass with ice, then the tonic, followed by the gin so the botanicals are not disrupted. 

John Hall told That's Food and Drink: “There is one rule in my house  on how to make a G&T. Add the gin first! As a distiller, and if you're interested in the chemistry of gin, then you'll know tonic water and gin have very different density levels. 

If you pour gin over ice immediately you'll shock the botanical oils within the gin, and this will destroy the balance of the drink. If we  put the ice in first, then the tonic, stir, and then the gin in last, what happens is the gin will cool a lot more slowly.

"As the gin cools, the lighter density of te gin starts to slowly match the density of the tonic.  The slower cooling is much less of a 'shock' to the gin. This way you'll get a much more balanced drink, the best G&T you've ever tried, with the flavour shining through.” 

Garnish a Trevethan G&T  with a twist of orange peel and a sprig of rosemary to enhance its citrus brightness and juniper depth – a gin steeped in history, made with passion and perfected by science, Trevethan 1929 Dry Gin is almost a century in the making – a timeless spirit designed to be shared.

For more information, visit:

https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/trevethan-handcrafted-cornish-dry-gin-70cl 

English Whisky’s Goldilocks Moment. And Why Bristol Is Bottling It Beautifully

For years, whisky conversations in Britain have tended to begin and end north of the border.

 Scotland had the headlines, the heritage, and the tourists buying tartan-labelled bottles at airports.

But quietly, and rather stylishly, England has been getting on with making some seriously good whisky of its own.

And right now, according to Bristol’s Circumstance Distillery, English whisky is sitting in a perfect little “Goldilocks Zone”.

Not too young. Not too established. Just right.

Founded in 2018 in Bristol’s industrial heartland, Circumstance Distillery has built its name on a simple but clever idea: flavour first, rules second.

Unlike Scotch, which has centuries of tradition and enough regulations to make your head spin faster than a cask-strength dram, English whisky still has room to play. Yes, it must still meet the legal basics — grain-based, matured for at least three years in wooden casks, and bottled at 40% ABV or above — but beyond that, the playground is wide open.

Founder Liam Hirt puts it brilliantly.

England, he says, has enough maturity for spirits to be genuinely good, but the industry is still young enough to stay experimental. In short: “the conditions are just right.”

Think less “we’ve always done it this way” and more “what happens if we try this?”

At Circumstance, that means working with malted and unmalted barley, rye, wheat, unusual yeast strains, and cask experiments that would probably make a traditionalist on Islay reach for the smelling salts.

The result? Whisky with personality.

Their Organic Single Grain Wheat Whisky is affectionately described as a “breakfast whisky” which sounds alarming until you realise it means soft, elegant, and dangerously easy to drink. With pastry notes, butterscotch, creamy texture and a gentle bready sweetness, it works beautifully neat or as a highball with soda and lemon.

Frankly, if your breakfast is stressful enough, I’m not here to judge.

Then there’s the gloriously chaotic Cask Blend Whisky, created from leftover new make spirit from different mash bills throughout the year. Instead of treating that as a problem, they embraced the uncertainty and filled a cask with it.

Whisky by happy accident? Very British.

Their Estate Whisky, meanwhile, is the house signature, layered with vanilla, citrus, stone fruit and spice, and even picked up a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Add in organic certification, local grain sourcing, spent grain returned to nearby farms, and a genuinely sustainable ethos, and it becomes clear this is not whisky pretending to be Scotch.

It’s whisky confidently being English.

And honestly, about time too.

https://www.circumstancedistillery.com/store

Clear the Shelves: Why It’s Time to Sort Out Your Cookery Book Collection

If you love food, chances are you also love cookery books. 

They start innocently enough, one trusted baking book, a favourite celebrity chef title, perhaps a regional recipe collection from a holiday. 

Then suddenly, your kitchen shelves are groaning under the weight of duplicate slow cooker books, three versions of the same air fryer recipes, and that bread-making guide you swore you’d use during winter.

Sound familiar?

Spring is the perfect time to sort out your cookery book collection, reclaim some shelf space, and make sure your books are actually working for you rather than gathering dust.

Start With an Honest Shelf Audit

Take every cookery book off the shelf and ask yourself a few simple questions:

Have I used this in the last two years?

Would I genuinely cook from it again?

Do I own another book with almost identical recipes?

Is this book still relevant to how I cook now?

Food trends change. Many of us have moved from heavy dinner party cooking to quicker one-pan meals, air fryer recipes, or healthier weekday cooking. That fondue recipe book from 1998 may hold nostalgia,but does it deserve valuable kitchen space?

Duplicates are especially common. You may have bought the same title twice, been gifted copies at Christmas, or inherited books from family members.

Keep the Books That Inspire You

Some cookery books are more than instruction manuals—they are old friends. Family recipe collections, signed books, or the one with the Christmas pudding recipe your grandmother always used deserve pride of place.

Keep the books that genuinely inspire you to cook, not the ones you feel guilty about never opening.

Your kitchen should support your real life, not your fantasy life of making soufflés every Tuesday.

Give Unwanted Books a Second Life

Once you’ve created your “let go” pile, don’t just throw them away.

Charity shops are often delighted to receive clean, good-quality cookery books, especially attractive hardbacks and popular baking titles. Your unwanted books could raise valuable funds for local causes and help someone else discover a new favourite recipe.

You could also donate to cookery lesson charities, community kitchens, food education projects, or organisations teaching young people and adults essential cooking skills. These groups often welcome practical recipe books that can be used in teaching sessions.

Sell Online for Extra Cash

If you have valuable titles, specialist books, or recent bestsellers, selling online can be worthwhile.

Book resale platforms and second-hand book sites make it easy to scan ISBN numbers and get quick offers. This can be especially useful for professional chef books, niche baking guides, or sought-after vintage editions.

Even a few pounds per book can quickly add up, and might help fund a few fresh additions to your “keeper” shelf.

Just be careful not to use the profits as an excuse to buy twenty more books immediately.

Create a Better Kitchen Library

A well-organised cookery book collection should feel useful, inspiring, and enjoyable,not overwhelming.

By clearing duplicates, donating unused titles, and selling books you no longer need, you make space for recipes you’ll actually use and help others along the way.

Sometimes the best recipe for a happier kitchen starts not with cooking, but with a good clear-out.

How to Degloomify Your Kitchen: Brighten Up Dark Spaces Without a Full Refit

Is your kitchen dark and gloomy? Discover simple ways to “degloomify” your kitchen using lighter colours, better lighting, and clever design tricks. No full renovation needed.

There was a time when deep plum, chocolate brown, and rich espresso tones ruled the kitchen. 

They felt warm, sophisticated… even a bit luxurious? 

But fast forward a few years, and those same shades can leave your space feeling heavy, shadowy, and, let’s be honest,a bit miserable.

If you’re flicking the lights on at midday just to make a sandwich, it’s probably time to degloomify your kitchen.

The term (brilliantly coined by my wife, a qualified professional interior designer) perfectly sums up what many homes need right now: a simple, practical refresh that brings light, energy, and usability back into one of the most important rooms in the house.

What Causes a “Gloomy” Kitchen?

Gloom doesn’t just come from colour alone. It’s usually a combination of factors:

Dark cabinetry absorbing natural light

Heavy wall colours (plum, burgundy, deep brown)

Limited reflective surfaces

Poor or outdated lighting

Clutter blocking what light you do have

The result? A kitchen that feels smaller, duller, and far less inviting than it should.

The Art of Degloomifying

The good news is you don’t need a full kitchen refit. A few clever changes can completely transform the mood.

1. Lighten Up Your Colour Palette

Start with the biggest visual surfaces:

Swap dark cabinet doors for lighter tones (cream, soft grey, pale sage)

Repaint walls in light-reflective shades

Consider satin or silk finishes to bounce light around

Even a shift from dark brown to warm neutral can make a dramatic difference.

2. Reflect More Light

If you can’t add more natural light, amplify what you already have:

Install a glass or high-gloss splashback

Choose glossy tiles over matte

Swap handles and fixtures for chrome or brushed steel

Add a strategically placed mirror (yes, even in a kitchen!)

These touches subtly bounce light around the room.

3. Upgrade Your Lighting (Properly)

One central ceiling light won’t cut it anymore.

Layer your lighting:

Under-cabinet LEDs for worktops

Ceiling spots or track lighting for general brightness

Pendant lights for style and focus

Aim for warm white (not harsh blue) to keep things inviting.

4. Declutter and Reclaim Space

A cluttered kitchen blocks both light and mood.

Clear windowsills completely

Reduce countertop appliances where possible

Use open shelving sparingly, and keep it tidy

Store darker items (like bulky cookware) out of sight

Less visual noise = more perceived light.

5. Introduce Natural Touches

Nothing lifts a kitchen quite like a bit of life:

Fresh herbs on the windowsill

A small indoor plant or two

Light wood accessories (chopping boards, utensils)

These elements soften the space and make it feel fresher instantly.

Small Changes, Big Difference

“Degloomifying” isn’t about chasing trends, it’s about restoring balance. Kitchens should feel bright, functional, and welcoming, not like a dimly lit corner of a 2007 design catalogue.

And the best part? You can achieve it without ripping everything out.

A tin of paint, better lighting, and a few smart swaps might be all it takes to completely transform how your kitchen looks. And more importantly, how it feels and how it makes you feel.

Supermarket Discounts for Pensioners: A Helpful Way to Save on Food

Many food retailers offer special discounts for pensioners. Here’s how schemes like Iceland’s Tuesday discount can help stretch the food budget.

With food prices remaining stubbornly high, every saving counts, particularly for pensioners who may be managing on fixed or limited incomes. 

Fortunately, some food retailers recognise this challenge and quietly offer special discounts designed to make grocery shopping a little more affordable.

One example comes from the well-known frozen food retailer Iceland Foods, which offers a 10% discount to pensioners every Tuesday. To take advantage of the offer, shoppers simply need to present their Iceland Bonus Card at the checkout.

It’s a straightforward scheme that can make a meaningful difference over time. A weekly grocery shop of £40, for instance, would drop to £36,  and across a year that saving adds up to more than £200.

Small Discounts, Real Benefits

While a 10% discount may sound modest at first glance, the cumulative effect can be significant. For many older shoppers, particularly those living alone, food shopping is a regular weekly expense. Any reduction in that cost can help free up money for heating, transport, or other essentials.

For disabled shoppers, discounts can also help offset additional costs that others may not think about,  from mobility transport to specialist dietary needs.

Retailers that provide targeted discount days are effectively acknowledging that some members of the community face higher living costs or reduced income.

Loyalty Cards Often Unlock the Savings

Another useful tip is that these discounts are often tied to store loyalty cards. In Iceland’s case, the Bonus Card is required to access the Tuesday pensioner discount.

Loyalty schemes can also bring additional benefits such as:

Cashback or stored savings on the card

Exclusive promotions

Special pricing on selected food items

Occasional vouchers or bonus offers

For shoppers who regularly visit the same supermarket, signing up for the store’s loyalty card is usually well worth the few minutes it takes.

Worth Asking About

Not every retailer heavily advertises these schemes, and sometimes discounts are introduced quietly or vary by location. It can therefore be worth asking at the customer service desk or checking store notices to see whether any pensioner or accessibility discounts are available.

Even if a supermarket does not have a specific discount day, they may offer other helpful schemes such as loyalty rewards, reduced-price “yellow sticker” sections, or community support initiatives.

A Welcome Gesture

At a time when household budgets are under pressure, small gestures from food retailers can make a genuine difference. Discount days for pensioners help stretch food budgets further,  and they also show that businesses are paying attention to the needs of their communities.

Some shops offer blue light discounts for emergency services workers. Others offer discounts for disabled shoppers.

For anyone eligible, it’s certainly worth keeping an eye out for these offers, because when it comes to grocery shopping, every little saving helps.

Incidentally, I tried the Tuesday pensioner discount myself this week on a fairly modest shop and saved nearly £3 on my shopping, proof that these small supermarket discounts really do add up over time.

Whilst waiting for the bus home I crossed the road and reinvested part of the savings in a very pleasant pint of IPA at the local Wetherspoon pub. £1.99 well spent!

Smartening Up Your Kitchen Without a Costly Full Refit

If your kitchen is starting to look a little tired but the thought of an expensive  full refit fills you with dread, there is good news. 

You don’t necessarily need to rip everything out and start again. 

Many homeowners are discovering that a partial kitchen upgrade, such as replacing cupboard doors or installing new worktops, can dramatically refresh a kitchen at a fraction of the cost and disruption of a complete renovation.

This is where experienced kitchen fitters can make a huge difference.

A Simple Upgrade That Makes a Big Impact

Kitchen units are often built to last for decades. The carcasses (that's the industry name for the internal cabinet structures) are usually perfectly serviceable even when the doors and surfaces have begun to look dated or scuffed. 

By replacing just a few key elements, you can achieve a surprisingly dramatic transformation.

Popular upgrades include:

New cupboard doors and drawer fronts

Replacement handles and fittings

Modern worktops in laminate, wood, or quartz

New splashbacks or wall panels

Updated plinths and trims

These changes can make an older kitchen feel completely modern without the need to remove cabinets, re-plumb appliances, or re-tile entire walls.

Cost Savings Compared to a Full Kitchen Replacement

A full kitchen refit can easily cost many thousands of pounds, particularly once installation, plumbing, electrics and flooring are taken into account.

Replacing doors and worktops, however, is typically significantly cheaper because:

Existing cabinet units remain in place

Installation time is shorter

Less building work is required

There is far less disruption to your home

For many households, this approach delivers the look of a new kitchen without the full renovation budget.

Faster and Less Disruptive

Anyone who has lived through a kitchen refit will know how disruptive it can be. Weeks of noise, dust, and takeaway meals or sandwiches are often part of the process.

A door and worktop upgrade can often be completed within a day or two, depending on the size of the kitchen. That means you can quickly enjoy your refreshed space without turning the house upside down.

A More Sustainable Choice

There is also an environmental benefit. By keeping your existing cabinet structures and simply updating the visible elements, you are reducing waste and making better use of materials already in your home.

Rather than sending perfectly usable units to landfill, you are extending their life while still achieving a modern look.

Ideal for Kitchens That Are Structurally Sound

This approach works best when:

Cabinet carcasses are still solid

The kitchen layout works well

Appliances are functioning properly

If the overall design of the kitchen still suits your needs, a cosmetic upgrade may be all that is required.

A Fresh Kitchen Without the Headache

Sometimes a kitchen doesn’t need a full overhaul, just a thoughtful refresh. With the help of skilled kitchen fitters, replacing cupboard doors, worktops, and fittings can give your kitchen a clean, modern appearance without the cost, mess, and upheaval of a full refit.

It’s a practical reminder that sometimes the smartest home improvement is working with what you already have, rather than starting from scratch.

A Taste of Cornwall Delivered to Your Door: Discover The Cornish Company

If you’ve ever visited Cornwall, you’ll know that its food culture is something special. 

From golden, flaky pasties to indulgent cream teas piled high with clotted cream, the county has a culinary identity that is loved across the UK. 

But what if you could enjoy those flavours without travelling hundreds of miles?

That’s exactly what The Cornish Company aims to deliver, quite literally.

Bringing Cornwall to the Rest of the UK

Founded by two Cornish entrepreneurs with a passion for their home county, The Cornish Company was created with a simple goal: share the taste of Cornwall with people everywhere. Their mission was to build a community of people who love traditional Cornish food as much as they do.

Since launching, the company has grown into a fast-expanding e-commerce brand specialising in Cornish food hampers delivered nationwide, helping customers experience authentic regional food without leaving home.

The idea taps into something very British: the joy of a proper cream tea.

The Classic Cornish Cream Tea Experience

A traditional Cornish cream tea is delightfully simple, but incredibly satisfying. It usually consists of freshly baked scones served with strawberry jam and rich Cornish clotted cream, accompanied by a good cup of tea.

The Cornish Company packages this iconic treat into postal hampers that arrive ready to enjoy.

A typical cream tea hamper might include:

Freshly baked scones

Rodda’s Cornish clotted cream

Strawberry conserve

Cornish tea

Traditional Cornish biscuits

Some hampers also include handmade steak pasties, combining two of Cornwall’s most famous foods in one box.

The result is a ready-made afternoon tea experience that can be enjoyed at home or sent as a thoughtful gift.

Hampers That Make Perfect Gifts

Food hampers have become increasingly popular for birthdays, anniversaries and celebrations, and Cornish-themed hampers offer something a little different from the usual chocolates or flowers.

The Cornish Company allows customers to:

Choose a delivery date

Add personalised gift messages

Send hampers anywhere in the UK

With options ranging from classic cream teas for two to larger party hampers packed with pasties, biscuits and sweet treats, there’s something for almost any occasion.

Supporting Cornish Food Heritage

Another appealing aspect of the brand is its commitment to sourcing from Cornwall. The company works with local suppliers to showcase the region’s food traditions and artisanal producers.

In doing so, each hamper acts as a small celebration of Cornish food culture, from its famous dairy products to its beloved pastries.

A Little Box of Cornwall

Whether you’re missing the Cornish coast, planning a cosy afternoon tea at home, or looking for a unique food gift, The Cornish Company offers a simple idea done well: authentic regional food delivered straight to your door.

And if you do order a cream tea hamper, remember the golden rule of Cornwall…

Jam first. Always. 

An interesting personal aside, apparently I have always made my cream teas in the jam first Cornish style, but I just didn't know it!

https://thecornishcompany.com

Celebrate Chinese Language Day with a Chinese Food and Drink Party at Home

Every year on Chinese Language Day (20 April), people around the world celebrate one of the oldest and most influential languages in human history. 

The day recognises the beauty of the Chinese written and spoken language and honours Cangjie, the legendary inventor of Chinese characters.

While language celebrations often involve cultural talks or learning activities, there is another wonderfully enjoyable way to mark the occasion: hosting a Chinese-themed food and drink party at home. 

Combining cuisine, culture, and conversation can make Chinese Language Day both educational and delicious.

A Celebration of Culture Through Food

Chinese cuisine is deeply tied to culture, symbolism, and language. Many traditional dishes have names that reflect prosperity, happiness, or longevity, making them perfect conversation starters during your gathering.

For example:

Dumplings (Jiaozi) – shaped like ancient Chinese gold ingots, symbolising wealth and prosperity.

Longevity noodles (Changshou Mian) – long noodles representing long life.

Spring rolls – associated with wealth and renewal, especially during festivals.

By serving these dishes, guests can learn the meanings behind their names while enjoying authentic flavours.

Create a Simple Party Menu

You don’t need a professional kitchen to host a Chinese-inspired feast. A mix of homemade and shop-bought dishes works perfectly.

Consider a menu such as:

Starters

Vegetable spring rolls

Steamed dumplings with soy and chilli dipping sauce

Main dishes

Sweet and sour chicken

Stir-fried vegetables with garlic and ginger

Egg fried rice or chow mein

Side dishes

Chinese cucumber salad

Sesame greens

Dessert

Fortune cookies

Mango pudding or sesame balls

Encourage guests to try using chopsticks for the full experience, it’s a fun challenge and part of the cultural tradition.

Drinks to Match the Occasion

No celebration is complete without drinks to accompany the food. A Chinese-themed party could include:

Jasmine tea – fragrant and refreshing

Oolong tea – perfect alongside richer dishes

Bubble tea (boba) – a playful modern favourite

Chinese rice wine, plum wine or Chinese beer for adults

Serving tea in small cups can also introduce guests to the elegance of Chinese tea culture.

Add a Language Twist

To truly honour Chinese Language Day, incorporate a few simple language elements into your gathering:

Label dishes with Chinese characters and their English translations

Teach guests a few useful phrases such as nǐ hǎo (hello) or xièxiè (thank you)

Write guests’ names in Chinese characters as fun place cards

You could even play a lighthearted game where guests try to guess the meanings of certain Chinese words or characters.

Decor and Atmosphere

Simple decorations can transform your home into a festive setting. Think red and gold tableware, paper lanterns, chopstick holders, and Chinese calligraphy prints. Traditional instrumental music or modern Chinese pop playlists can provide a relaxed background atmosphere.

A Celebration of Language, Culture and Community

Chinese Language Day is about appreciating the richness of one of the world’s most widely spoken languages. Hosting a Chinese food and drink party brings that celebration to life by blending language, cuisine, and shared experiences.

It’s a chance to gather friends, explore a remarkable culture, and perhaps even learn a few Chinese words along the way, all while enjoying some fantastic food.

And really, any celebration that involves dumplings, noodles, and good company is a celebration worth hosting.

NEW: Filled bars From Tony

Tony's have been speaking to That's Food and Drink: "When full-on indulgence is all you're craving.. we're full of it. 

"Meet our brand-new Filled bars: the ultimate sweet relief from your full-on life, packed to the brim with delicious flavours, rich textures and serious impact. 

your fill of indulgent choco 

Our new range includes 3 irresistibly tasty flavours: gooey caramel sea salt crunch, creamy milk chocolate hazelnut crunch + creamy milk chocolate ganache.

As chunky and unequally divided as ever, but now with even more flavour-filled layers.. The combo of chunky chocolate and soft, layered fillings offers creamy, crunchy, and gooey textures in every bite. These new bars are the sweet relief when life feels full, and you just need something.. fuller.  

Yepppp, these Filled bars are so indulgent, it's kinda ridiculous.. Rumour has it there's nothing you can't forget about with a delicious chunk of Tony's filled choco.. at least temporarily. Your laundry? That's a future-you job. Your plans? They're basically asking to be rescheduled. Your mom? You can call her back later.

Psst.. Craving the full low-down on our flavours? Let us fill you in: 

gooey caramel sea salt crunch: Our best-selling flavour, now even more ridiculously indulgent.. Creamy milk chocolate filled to the brim with gooey golden caramel, crunchy caramel pieces and a bold pinch of sea salt. It's everything you crave in every single bite.

creamy milk chocolate ganache: This might be our most indulgent bar yet.. Milk chocolate filled with smooooooth, creamy chocolate ganache. A choco bar so irresistibly tasty, you'll need a moment alone with it.

creamy milk chocolate hazelnut crunch: Irresistible indulgence with a serious bite. This milk chocolate is packed with a deliciously soft hazelnut filling with roasted hazelnut pieces. It's the creamy-crunchy combo you'll go totally nuts over..

choc-full of impact

Full of purpose, our new Filled bars offer choco fans the ultimate feel-good treat that ticks all their boxes, on taste and ethics. 'Cause with Tony's, there are no compromises – just irresistibly tasty chocolate with a chunkin' good mission.

All (yes all!) of our chunky choco is made from ethically sourced cocoa beans. That means we enable cocoa farmers to earn a living income for their families by paying them a higher price long term and investing in their productivity + climate resilience. Plus, we trace all our cocoa from bean to bar! So we know exactly where each bean was farmed and under which conditions. 

And it's crucial that we do.. 'cause millions of cocoa farmers in Ghana + Côte d'Ivoire have been grossly underpaid – for decades. Stuck in poverty, they're left with no choice but to grow more cocoa by clearing forests + turning to their children for help on the farm. The result? Widespread deforestation and 1.5 million kids trapped in child labour.

Tony's exists to change that, but we can't do it alone. And that's where you come in.. 'Cause by enjoying our new Filled bars (or any Tony's Chocolonely product for that matter), you're joining our sweet movement for change! Bar by bar, bite by bite.. until we end exploitation in cocoa.

So go on.. get your fill.

https://uk.tonyschocolonely.com