Tradition Meets Technology as Tasty African Food Opens Digital-First Takeaway in Maidstone

Following the celebration of its 25th anniversary last year, Tasty African Food is entering a new phase of growth with the opening of its first fully digital takeaway in Maidstone, Kent.

The new Maidstone location marks a first for the brand, introducing a fully digital ordering system where customers can order via in-store kiosks or through the Tasty African Food app, with order numbers displayed on screens for seamless collection. 

The new format allows staff to focus entirely on food preparation and service, ensuring faster turnaround times, while maintaining the quality and authenticity that the brand has built its reputation on over the past two decades.

Speaking about the opening, Abolaji Modile, Head of Tasty African Restaurant Business, told That's Food and Drink: “We are excited to announce the opening of Tasty African Food in Maidstone, marking a bold, new chapter for our brand. 

For over 25 years, we have proudly shared the rich and authentic flavours of West African cuisine across the UK, bringing a sense of home to every community we serve.

"This new location features our first fully digital takeaway experience, allowing customers to order easily through our app or in-store kiosks. 

"These innovations are designed for speed, convenience, and accessibility for everyone. Our goal is to take African cuisine beyond its traditional boundaries and invite a wider audience to experience its vibrant flavours, warmth, and culture.”

For Tasty African Food, Maidstone marks the start of the next 25 years, where tradition meets innovation, and more people can discover the true tastes of Africa.

The opening follows the successful launch of the brand’s mobile app last year, part of Tasty African Food’s wider investment in technology to improve customer experience and accessibility.

Simi Olaleye, Business Development Manager, added: “We’re always looking for new ways to serve our customers better, and with our new app, we’re putting control back in the hands of our customers, offering lower prices, quicker service and a more rewarding experience.”

The Maidstone opening represents the start of the brand’s next chapter, where tradition meets innovation and new audiences are introduced to the depth and diversity of West African cuisine.

To celebrate the launch, customers visiting on opening day can enjoy free small chops, prizes and giveaways, including a spin-the-wheel competition and in-store celebrations.

You will find Tasty African Food Maidstone at 24–26 Pudding Lane, Maidstone, ME14 1LT.

Opening Times: Monday – Sunday, 11am – 9pm

FACTFILE: 

Tasty African Food is a heritage brand, now celebrating its 25th year in business, started from humble beginnings and has grown to become the largest West African food chain in the entire UK. 

Tasty African Food prides itself on authentic culinary experiences, centred around bringing people together with good food. 

From inception the Olaleye family has grown Tasty African Food into a multifaceted business, delivering authentic African ready meals, eat-in, or catering services for a variety of events. As Tasty African Food has grown it hasn’t forgotten its roots, as a family owned business Tasty African Food is rooted in its community, affordability and authenticity. 

https://tastyafricanfood.com

Best-Selling Steenbergs Rose Water Now In Holland & Barrett

Steenbergs Organic Rose Water, the brand's best-selling product, has just launched nationwide in high street wellness champion, Holland & Barrett, bringing this ancient ingredient to new and old fans around the UK. 

Made using freshly picked organic Persian Damask roses from Bulgaria, Steenbergs Organic Rose Water is distilled using a simple, traditional water extraction process. 

The result? A softly perfumed rose water often compared to the scent of Rose de Rescht, which is floral, fresh and never overpowering. 

With just two ingredients of water and organic rose petal extractives, it speaks directly to the growing customer demand for clean labels, transparency and multi-use wellness essentials. There are no added sugars, preservatives, colours or artificial flavours, making it as clean and considered as today's consumers expect. 

Pure, aromatic and incredibly versatile, Steenbergs Organic Rose Water is a favourite among home bakers and adventurous cooks alike. A few drops can transform everything from cakes and biscuits to ice cream, fruit salads and chocolate puddings, with imagination being the only real limit. 

It stars in several much-loved Steenbergs recipes, including: 

Peppermint, vanilla, rosewater, and lemon Turkish delight  

Gluten and sugar free Persian halva  

Now with increased nationwide availability in Holland & Barrett, this long-cherished ingredient of Middle Eastern and Persian cooking and beauty rituals, rose water is being rediscovered for its versatility. Customers are giving it five-star reviews.  

Vegan, Kosher certified, and made with care by a B Corp, Steenbergs Organic Rose Water is part of a wider range of flower waters and organic extracts built on craftsmanship and integrity. 

Steenbergs Organic Rose Water (100ml) is now available in store and online at Holland & Barrett, priced at £4.99, with an introductory 'Buy One, Get One Half Price' offer.   

Whether stirred, savoured or spritzed, this is rose water for a new generation: simple, soulful and effortlessly on trend. 

https://steenbergs.co.uk

Strawberry Rose takes the top spot at Fudge Kitchen's 2026 'New Year, New Flavour' Competition

Fudge Kitchen are delighted to unveil a brand-new fudge flavour for 2026 following their highly anticipated New Year, New Flavour competition. 

Now an annual highlight in the Fudge Kitchen calendar, the competition gives all six of the brand's high-street shops the chance to battle it out creatively, developing innovative new flavours that could become the next customer favourite. 

The winning flavour is then rolled out nationwide, both in-store and online at fudgekitchen.co.uk.

This year's New Year, New Flavour competition took place on Thursday 15 January at Fudge Kitchen's production kitchen in Aylesham, Kent. 

Teams were challenged to create flavour-led, seasonal, limited-edition fudges that could be released throughout the year.

In total, twelve flavours were entered, including Mulled Cider, Candy Cane, Pistachio Cream, Tiramisu, Cherry Lemonade and Peaches & Cream.

An esteemed judging panel was made up of Fudge Kitchen staff and experienced Fudge Makers, alongside four distinguished guest experts:

Annabelle Cox, Owner and Creator of Dunk Cookies

Robin Newall, Head of Sales at Kent's Simply Ice Cream

Bethan Grylls, Editor at Food Manufacture

Mia Chapman, Content & Features, Sideways Media

And the Winner Is…

🥇 Windsor – Strawberry Rose

After a full morning of tasting and debating Strawberry Rose, created by the team at Fudge Kitchen Windsor, was crowned the overall winner of the competition.

From the very start, Strawberry Rose consistently ranked highly with the judges, and by the final round it had clearly come out head and shoulders above the rest. The judges were won over by the flavour pairing itself, with fresh strawberries and fragrant rose combining to create a refined fudge perfectly timed for a Valentine's Day launch.

Richard Parson, Fudge Kitchen MD told That's Food and Drink: “Strawberry Rose feels elegant, balanced and exactly the sort of thing we're delighted to share. 

"While it wasn't the most outrageous entry visually, what it lacked in appearance it more than made up for in flavour and its perfect 'Fudge Kitchen' texture. Best in show, and a real all-round crowd pleaser.”

The Windsor team were thrilled with their win, commenting: “We're so excited to have won. Strawberry Rose was all about balance - something elegant, seasonal and celebratory - and to see it tick so many boxes for the judges is exactly what we were hoping for!”

Runners-Up

🥈 Joint 2nd Place: Candy Cane & Pistachio Cream

York's Pistachio Cream impressed the judges with its depth of flavour and indulgent profile whilst Windsor's Candy Cane really delivered on the brief by delivering a perfect candidate for a 'Limited Edition Drop' and packing a deliciously seasonal flavour punch.

🥉 3rd Place: Mulled Cider

Bath's Mulled Cider topped many individual scorecards thanks to its beautifully balanced flavour, attractive appearance and excellent texture. Even judges who weren't traditionally fans of the iconic drink found plenty to love in this warming, seasonal fudge.

Honourable Mentions

Special mentions also went to Edinburgh's Tiramisu, described as a near-perfect copy of the classic dessert, and Canterbury's striking triple-layer Strawberry Trifle. While perhaps not the most practical to produce at scale, the Strawberry Trifle was universally admired for its show-stopping visual appeal.

Fudge Kitchen pride themselves on remaining innovative, even after more than 40 years in the business. The New Year, New Flavour competition plays a key role in this commitment, with previous winners often going on to secure permanent spots on shop menus across the UK. Fudge Kitchen shops can be found in Canterbury, Bath, York, Edinburgh, Windsor and Cambridge.

Strawberry Rose Fudge is available online and in all Fudge Kitchen shops and online, too.

From Punk to Pizza: Casadei Foods' Plant-Based Stracciatella Listed at Everyman Cinemas Nationwide

Casadei Foods, the London-based, family-run makers of premium plant-based Italian-style cheeses,  has landed a listing for its plant-based Stracciatella at Everyman Cinemas locations across the UK.

 The plant-based Pesto and Sundried Tomato Pizza will now be topped with Casadei Foods' Stracciatella,  innovatively created to perform beautifully under heat, the 100% vegan cheese delivers the signature spoonable curds, clean melt without splitting or pooling and a delicate, subtly tangy flavour. 

The cheese, as are all of Casadei Foods' products, is crafted specifically for chefs who refuse to compromise on quality and want to specify a product that is authentically Italian.

Casadei Foods was founded in 2023 and has seen growth triple year on year as restaurants and bars increasingly look to offer plant-based choices for consumers and the flexitarian lifestyle becomes the norm. 

There is also a Mozzarella in the portfolio, currently being used at venues such all Purezza restaurants nationally.

Casadei Foods is run by a husband-and-wife team combining culinary craftsmanship with a bold creative vision. 

Co-founder and Executive Chef Carla Casadei hails from Brazil; before moving into food, Carla studied journalism, worked in television, and organised punk gigs in Rio de Janeiro, and is now a well-known vegan influencer with over 30k followers on instagram. Carla's other half, Marco, is British-Italian and shares Carla's passion for authentic, world-class plant-based food. 

The couple opened London's first and only 100% vegan pie and mash shop - Young Vegans - in Camden Market, and Carla was the Executive Chef, and ran Death by Pizza - a vegan pizza takeaway based out of a wooden shack with a wood fired oven. 

Dissatisfied with the plant-based mozzarella options available, Carla, a dedicated vegan, took it upon herself to create her own. While perfecting the mozzarella, she also mastered their  signature pizza dough, blending the fluffiness of Naples' double-fermented crusts with the bold flavours of NYC pizza. A sit down restaurant in Bethnal Green came next - Pizza Shop - but lockdown forced closure admidst rave reviews.

The business has evolved to focus on the food and what goes on in the kitchen,  while the Casadeis' experience in hospitality has elevated their understanding of what chefs really need.

Carla Casadei told That's Food and Drink: “We started Casadei Foods because we believed plant-based cheese could be exciting, indulgent and uncompromising, drawing upon our passion for meat-free lifestyles. 

"Our experience in running vegan restaurants means we have a unique understanding of our customer base and seeing our Stracciatella featured at Everyman Cinemas is incredibly rewarding - it shows that plant-based options can be just as decadent and satisfying as their traditional counterparts, whether you're at a restaurant or enjoying a film, or making a pizza at home. 

"Everyman joins our roster of partners that are interested in sustainable and innovative food products for the plant-based and flexitarian lifestyle.”

This listing marks a meaningful milestone for Casadei Foods - Casadei is Marco's family name, with roots in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region,  as it continues to expand its footprint within the UK foodservice sector, partnering with forward-thinking brands and bringing chef-quality plant-based ingredients to new audiences. 

Other recent listings include Drake & Morgan, Fatto a Mano and Big Mamma Group. The brand plans further UK foodservice expansion in 2026, with additional hospitality partnerships in the pipeline and a push via its DTC channel.

https://www.casadeifoods.com 

Wye Valley Brewery & Lakefest raise a glass to new partnership

Wye Valley Brewery and Lakefest have announced an exciting new partnership which sees the brewery's award-winning lager, 1985, becoming the official beer of the popular family festival.

Brewed in Herefordshire, 1985 is the brewery's first-ever lager and this year is celebrating its 10th anniversary. 

Named after the year the family-run brewery was founded, the premium lager will be available on draught at all bars at Lakefest, giving thousands of festivalgoers the chance to enjoy the award-winning beer

Over the past decade, 1985 has earned widespread acclaim, winning numerous awards and becoming a firm festival favourite. Its popularity continues to grow, with the lager now enjoyed in more the 100 pubs and venues across the region.

Founded in 2012, Lakefest takes place in Herefordshire's picturesque Eastnor Castle Deer Park, and has grown to become one of the UK's favourite independent family festivals.

From humble beginnings as a cider festival, Lakefest is now renowned for its standout live music, diverse daytime activities and welcoming family atmosphere. Headline artists this year include The Charlatans, Example, and Madness.

Abbie Gadd, Head of Sales & Marketing at Wye Valley Brewery, told That's Food and Drink: “We are chuffed to announce this partnership with Lakefest. 

"As a family-friendly festival that champions Herefordshire produce, it's a natural fit for us, and we're delighted to become the official Lakefest beer partner.

“1985 has earned its place as one of our most popular beers, thanks to its light, crisp and refreshing taste. It's the perfect summertime pint and an ideal choice for festival crowds. We're thrilled to share our multi-award-winning lager with festivalgoers as we celebrate its 10th anniversary.”

Founded by Peter Amor in 1985, Wye Valley Brewery has flourished under the leadership of his son, Vernon, becoming one of the UK's largest independent family‑run breweries. 

From its base in Herefordshire, the nation's biggest hop‑growing county, the brewery creates premium beers using the freshest local hops.

From 5–9 August, Lakefest brings five days of live music, entertainment and activities for all ages. Tickets, with a range of camping options, are on sale now: https://www.lakefest.co.uk

Pictured in the photograph are:- L-R Max Amor (Marketing Assistant at Wye Valley Brewery), Jack Morris (Marketing Supervisor at Wye Valley Brewery), Abbie Gadd (Head of Sales and Marketing at Wye Valley Brewery), Lee Martin (Founder of Lakefest), Ross Forno (Sales & Marketing Director of Lakefest), Rob Wells (Managing Director of Lakefest).

The Beefy Boys Fire Up Summer 2026 With New Book 'Great British BBQ'

The Beefy Boys have announced they are to release their second cookbook this summer. The Beefy Boys' Great British BBQ will be released on 7th May 2026 (Quadrille, £20).

Barbecues in the UK conjure up images of grilling under a brolly, burnt sausages, undercooked chicken and overcooked steak. 

The Beefy Boys are here to change that and show you how a proper British BBQ should be done!

With recipes for everything from smoky roasts to low-and-slow ribs, chops, steaks and (of course) burgers, all tastes and appetites get the Beefy Boys treatment.

Taking inspiration from Britain's long history of cooking over fire and the world-class culinary influences that have helped to shape modern Britain's food culture, there's something for everyone in this ultimate guide to live-fire cooking.

Come rain or shine, join the boys and cook up a storm in the comfort of your own backyard! (Umbrella not included.)

Who are the Beefy Boys? They are Anthony Murphy, Daniel Mayo-Evans, Christian Williams and Lee Symonds. 

Initially launching with a food truck and pop-ups they now have five restaurants in Hereford, Shrewsbury, Cheltenham, Bath and Oxford, UK. 

They have won multiple awards including Signature Burger and Burger Chef of the Year in 2023 at the National Burger Awards and runners-up in the World Burger Championships. 

They have featured in TV shows including Saturday Kitchen, The One Show and The Hidden World of Hospitality with Tom Kerridge.

The Beefy Boys' Great British BBQ follows The Beefy Boys' debut cookbook, The Beefy Boys: From Backyard BBQ to World-Class Burgers, which was released in 2024 and reached #1 on the Sunday Times' Bestseller list.

https://thebeefyboys.com

That's Christmas 365: Pancakes and Sweet Treats for Shrove Tuesday

That's Christmas 365: Pancakes and Sweet Treats for Shrove Tuesday: A That’s Food and Drink celebration of flipping, feasting and a little indulgence before Lent Shrove Tuesday, often called Pancake Day here ...

Aureus Vita Introduces the Millionaire Martini at Fitz's Russell Sq., London

Fitz's Russell Sq: Aureus Vita Gin unveils its most indulgent creation to date: the Millionaire Martini - a refined expression of modern luxury designed for discerning cocktail aficionados.

A sophisticated reimagining of a classic, the Millionaire Martini blends Aureus Vita Gin with a finely balanced dry vermouth blend, finished with a flourish of Dom Pérignon.

The cocktail is crowned with yuzu caviar, delivering delicate bursts of citrus that elevate both flavour and presentation. 

At the heart of the cocktail is Aureus Vita Gin, selected for its expressive character and refined structure, an ultra-luxury gin meticulously created in 2025 after years of meticulous experimentation  and crafted to the golden ratio of Fibonacci (1.618). 

Applied to every step of the mathematically-balanced production, in what is now called the 'Fibonacci-Hall' distillation method, Aureus Vita is mathematical taste perfection. Chemist-turned-master-distiller John Hall has created pure harmony: from the intense study of the molecular behaviour of spirits, to the geometric laws that govern nature, this is a c
ategory-defining liquid that stuns and surprises in equal measure.

Served in the richly atmospheric, velour-lined interiors of Fitz's Russell Sq., the cocktail reflects the bar's philosophy of precise craftsmanship paired with unapologetic glamour.

Edgars Zavoronkovs, Bars Manager at Fitz's Russell Sq. told That's Food and Drink: “The Millionaire Martini is indulgence, precisely measured. A martini designed to be savoured, not rushed. The complexity of flavour is unmatched within the industry and the Champagne adds another level of luxury for Valentines.” 

John Hall, Creator of Aureus Vita Gin, added: “We always hoped that the creativity of the London bar scene would understand and enjoy Aureus Vita and the ultimate accolade is to see our gin embraced by venues such as Fitz's.” 

Set within the historic grandeur of the Kimpton Fitzroy London, Fitz's Russell Sq. has become a destination for those seeking elevated cocktail experiences. 

The Millionaire Martini embodies the bar's signature approach - timeless, confident and exquisitely crafted.

More than a cocktail, the Millionaire Martini is an invitation to linger, indulge and celebrate life's finer moments in one of London's most seductive cocktail settings.

Available exclusively at: Fitz's Russell Sq., Kimpton Fitzroy, London.

https://www.kimptonfitzroylondon.com/fitzsrussellsq

Karen Gillan unveiled as The Muse for Compass Box Whisky's Hedonism 2026

Karen Gillan is today unveiled as The Muse for Scotch Whiskymaker  Compass Box's limited edition Hedonism. 

Gillan is the muse for internationally renowned artist Emma Hack, best known for her work on Gotye's Somebody That I Used to Know - one of the most viewed music videos of all time. 

Hedonism made history when it first launched in 2000, as the first Scotch whisky to place a woman at the centre of its label. 

This bold creative decision went one step further when, in 2023, Hedonism became a Limited Annual Release, and Compass Box began working with a different female artist each year to reimagine the original Hedonism woman in her own eyes. 

The tradition continues now with Karen. 

The Scottish actor and filmmaker known for her roles in Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers and Jumanji was born in Inverness - the gateway to the Highlands -  she has become one of Scotland's most successful Hollywood exports while continuing to champion independent film and female-led storytelling.

Karen Gillan told That's Food and Drink: “To be considered a muse for this whisky and to be a part of its story is deeply personal to me. 

"Sharing whisky and stories are some of the best times of my life. There's no wilder sensation than seeing yourself on a whisky bottle.”

Acclaimed artist Emma Hack, celebrated for her striking fusion of body art, collage, and photography, has reimagined the original Hedonism woman through a contemporary, layered lens. With Gillan at the centre, the artwork celebrates grace, strength, and individuality.

Artist Emma Hack told us: “Hedonism means to me the power, the beauty, the goddess, the strength within, and that's what I really wanted to capture.”

Behind the artwork sits one of the most influential whiskies of the modern era.

First released in 2000, Hedonism was a revolutionary moment in drinks: the world's first blended grain Scotch whisky. Celebrated for its silky texture, layered sweetness, and remarkable complexity, it transformed perceptions of grain whisky forever. 

As Hedonism rose to global prominence, the rare and mature grain whiskies that defined its style became increasingly scarce. 

In 2023, Compass Box responded by reinventing Hedonism as a Limited Annual Release, using each one to push the conversation around grain whisky forward.. 

For the 2026 edition of Hedonism, Compass Box's Creative Director of Whiskymaking, Angela D'Orazio, included some of the oldest components ever used in Hedonism to date, including a 30-year-old from Strathclyde Distillery; the recipe also includes whiskies ranging from 20 to 24 years old from Port Dundas and Cameronbridge Distillery, alongside some historic Blended Grain Parcels.

In addition, a new sherry component contributes notes of cherry and raisins. The nose is warm, rich and inviting, with clove-spiced fruitcake, dates and toffee. The palate is complex, evoking coffee and cocoa-infused cream. The finish melts softly and lingers.

Angela D'Orazio, Compass Box Creative Director of Whiskymaking said: “The 2026 release is unmistakably Hedonism, but this year's expression is richer, darker and more intense than previous editions, it is also the first time we have used an old sherry component in Hedonism, which brings a new flavor perspective to our original and most iconic whisky.

"Working with Emma and Karen to bring the label to life was a fantastic experience - seeing the different forms of artistry blending together and our whiskymaking process mirroring art. Karen as our Muse truly is the Hedonism woman brought to life.”

Compass Box's Hedonism 2026 will be available for pre-order at www.masterofmalt.com on the 24th February exclusively, with general release from 1 March 2026 |£90 46% ABV 70cl. Your bottle will be on of 13,126 bottles available worldwide.

Discover more at https://www.compassboxwhisky.com

https://www.instagram.com/compassboxwhiskyco

Finding Good Teashops and Coffee Shops: A Practical Guide for Proper Brew Lovers

There’s something quietly reassuring about a good teashop or coffee shop. 

Whether you’re seeking a perfectly brewed pot of Assam, a flat white with velvety microfoam, or simply a warm corner to gather your thoughts, the right place makes all the difference.

But how do you separate the genuinely good from the merely convenient?

Here’s a practical guide to finding spots that are worth your time (and your money).

1. Start With the Brew Itself

A good café or tearoom should take its drinks seriously.

In Teashops

Look for:

Loose-leaf options rather than only bagged blends

Clear information about origin (Darjeeling, Assam, Ceylon, Japanese green, etc.)

Proper teapots and strainers

Milk served separately

If a place advertises “afternoon tea”, check whether they actually know their teas or if it’s simply about the cake stand.

In Coffee Shops

Watch for:

Beans sourced from known roasters

Baristas who weigh and time their shots

Clean machines and well-maintained grinders

Milk that’s textured, not scalded

A good flat white shouldn’t taste burnt or bitter.

2. Pay Attention to Atmosphere

A truly good spot has an identity.

Are people lingering, chatting, reading? Or is it just a quick turnover counter?

Some places have become institutions because of this welcoming character:

Bettys Café Tea Rooms https://www.bettys.co.uk/cafe-tea-rooms

Elegant, traditional, and meticulous about tea service. A benchmark for classic British tearoom culture.

The Attendant https://attendantcoffee.com/pages/locations

A quirky London coffee shop set in a converted Victorian lavatory — proof that atmosphere can elevate a simple cup of coffee into an experience.

You don’t need grand heritage or novelty architecture — but you do want somewhere that feels intentional.

3. Check the Cake (It Tells You Everything)

The counter is revealing.

Are cakes clearly homemade?

Is there a seasonal element?

Are scones fresh, not dry?

If a place cuts corners on baking, it often cuts corners on brewing too.

4. Look Beyond the High Street Chains

Chains aren’t automatically bad — consistency can be reassuring — but independent places often offer more character and better sourcing.

In the UK, you’ll find quality in both national names and smaller operators:

Caffè Nero

Costa Coffee

Tea Room at Fortnum & Mason

Each offers a different experience — from dependable espresso to refined afternoon tea service.

5. Use Reviews — But Read Between the Lines

Five stars mean little without context.

Instead, look for:

Comments about friendly staff

Mentions of clean facilities

Praise for specific drinks

Repeat visitors

If locals keep returning, that’s usually a good sign.

6. Trust Your Instincts

Sometimes you walk in and immediately feel at ease. The lighting is right. The cups feel solid. There's an attractive smell of coffee in the air. The music isn’t intrusive. The staff greet you properly.

That instinct matters.

7. Turn It Into a Ritual

Finding good teashops and coffee shops isn’t just about caffeine. It’s about slowing down.

Make a habit of:

Trying one new independent café per month

Ordering something different each visit

Supporting local businesses

You may discover a hidden gem just off the high street.

Final Thoughts

A good teashop or coffee shop isn’t defined by trendiness or Instagram aesthetics. It’s defined by care — care in brewing, care in baking, care in hospitality.

And once you find one that gets it right, you’ll return not just for the drink… but for the feeling.