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Poor or outdated lighting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.

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National Pet Day: Treat Your Four-Legged Family to Something Special

Every year on 11 April, animal lovers celebrate National Pet Day, a day dedicated to recognising the joy, loyalty, and companionship our pets bring into our homes. 

For food lovers and home cooks, it is also the perfect opportunity to celebrate the day through something close to every pet’s heart, a delicious treat.

After all, if food is one of life’s great pleasures for us, why shouldn’t our pets enjoy something special too?

Food Is One of the Ways We Show Love

Anyone who has ever opened a cupboard while a dog waits expectantly or a cat supervises every move in the kitchen knows that pets are deeply interested in what we eat. 

National Pet Day gives us a chance to channel that enthusiasm into safe, pet-friendly treats.

The key word here is safe. Many human foods can be harmful to animals, so it is important to stick to ingredients that are known to be suitable.

For dogs, this might include:

Cooked lean chicken or turkey

Small pieces of carrot or apple

Plain scrambled egg

Homemade peanut-butter dog biscuits (using xylitol-free peanut butter)

Cats, being obligate carnivores, usually appreciate simple protein treats such as:

Small pieces of cooked chicken or fish

Tuna in spring water

Freeze-dried meat treats

Simple, wholesome ingredients are often the best way to mark the occasion.

Bake Something Special

If you enjoy baking, National Pet Day is a great excuse to try making homemade pet treats.

Dog biscuits can be made from simple ingredients like oats, mashed banana, pumpkin purée, or peanut butter. The advantage of making your own is that you know exactly what has gone into them — no mystery additives or fillers.

For cats, baked treats tend to be simpler and meat-based, often using fish or poultry blended with egg and baked gently into small bites.

Not only is this a fun kitchen project, but it also turns National Pet Day into a proper food celebration for the whole household.

A Reminder About Pet Nutrition

While treats are fun, National Pet Day is also a good time to reflect on what we feed our animals every day. Many commercial pet foods contain surprisingly low levels of real meat, particularly cheaper brands.

Animal welfare organisations such as RSPCA often encourage owners to check ingredient lists carefully and choose nutritionally balanced foods appropriate for their pet’s needs.

Just as we increasingly care about the quality of food on our own plates, the same thinking should apply to what ends up in our pets’ bowls.

Celebrating the Animals Who Share Our Table

For many households, pets are very much part of the family. They sit nearby during meals, supervise cooking, and are always hopeful that a tasty morsel might come their way.

National Pet Day is a cheerful reminder that the bond between people and animals often revolves around shared routines, including food.

So whether you bake homemade dog biscuits, open a tin of a favourite treat, or simply offer an extra-generous portion at dinner time, 11 April is the perfect day to spoil the animals who bring so much happiness into our lives.

Because in the end, a happy pet with a full bowl is one of life’s simplest and most heart-warming pleasures.

Celebrate National Siblings Day with a Party to Remember

Food, Fun, and a Dash of Friendly Rivalry

National Siblings Day, celebrated each year on 10 April, is a wonderful excuse to gather the people who know you best, and remember every embarrassing childhood moment. 

While the day is often marked with a quick message or social media post, why not turn it into a proper celebration with a relaxed food-filled get-together?

For food lovers, it’s the perfect opportunity to combine nostalgia, laughter and a table full of delicious treats.

Start with a Nostalgic Menu

One of the easiest ways to celebrate siblings is through food that reminds everyone of growing up. Think about the meals you shared as children and recreate them with a slightly grown-up twist.

Ideas include:

Homemade pizzas where everyone chooses their own toppings

A retro buffet with sausage rolls, scotch eggs and mini quiches

Classic puddings such as sticky toffee pudding or trifle

Milkshakes or floats inspired by childhood treats

You could even recreate the family favourite meal that used to appear on the table when everyone was young. Food has a powerful way of bringing back memories, both good and mischievous.

Make It a Sibling Cook-Off

If your brothers and sisters are competitive (and many are), turn the celebration into a friendly cooking challenge.

Divide into teams and give each team a category such as:

Best comfort food

Best dessert

Best snack platter

Best “childhood throwback” dish

Let everyone vote for the winner. The prize could be something light-hearted such as choosing the next family gathering menu.

Build a Grazing Table

For a relaxed party atmosphere, a grazing table works beautifully. It allows guests to pick and nibble while chatting and sharing stories.

Include:

British cheeses and crackers

Charcuterie or cold meats

Fresh bread and chutneys

Olives, nuts and pickles

Fruit and chocolate bites

It becomes the centrepiece of the celebration and keeps everyone happily snacking.

Raise a Glass Together

A sibling party also deserves a toast. Depending on the mood, you could serve:

Prosecco or sparkling wine

Craft beers

Homemade lemonade or mocktails

A signature cocktail named after a family joke

Encourage everyone to share a favourite memory about their siblings while raising a glass.

Add Some Fun Activities

Food may be the focus, but a few playful activities help keep the atmosphere lively.

Try:

A childhood photo guessing game

“Who said it?” quizzes about family stories

A playlist of songs from the years you grew up together

Expect laughter, and probably a few stories that parents hoped would stay forgotten!

A Celebration of Lifelong Bonds

Siblings can be best friends, fierce rivals, and lifelong allies all at once. National Siblings Day is a chance to celebrate that unique bond.

With good food, a relaxed party atmosphere, and plenty of shared memories, it becomes far more than just another date on the calendar, it becomes a reminder of the people who have been part of your story from the very beginning.

And if the evening ends with everyone arguing over who was Mum’s favourite… well, that’s just part of the tradition!

National Dandelion Day: Celebrating the Humble Wildflower That’s Good for You

Every year on National Dandelion Day (5 April), this much-maligned “weed” gets a moment in the spotlight. 

For gardeners obsessed with immaculate lawns, the dandelion might be public enemy number one. But historically, and nutritionally, it’s one of the most useful plants growing in Britain.

In fact, before weedkillers and pristine turf became fashionable, dandelions were valued as food, medicine, and drink. 

The plant has been used for centuries in traditional cooking and herbal remedies across Europe.

A Wild Plant with a Long History

The dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has a remarkable reputation in traditional herbalism. Every part of the plant is edible.

Leaves – often used in salads or cooked like spinach

Flowers – used in fritters, syrups, and wine

Roots – roasted as a caffeine-free coffee substitute

In Britain, older generations may remember dandelion and burdock, the traditional soft drink that became popular in the 19th century and still appears on shop shelves today.

The French even gave the plant its famous name: dent de lion, meaning “lion’s tooth”, referring to the jagged edges of the leaves.

A Forager’s Favourite

Foraging enthusiasts love dandelions because they are easy to identify and incredibly abundant. They thrive in gardens, fields, roadside verges and even cracks in pavements.

The young spring leaves are the most tender and have a pleasant bitter flavour similar to chicory or rocket. They work beautifully in:

wild salads

soups and stews

pesto or herb sauces

sautéed greens

Dandelion flowers can also be battered and fried, made into jelly, or fermented into the traditional dandelion wine beloved in rural Britain.

Surprisingly Nutritious

For such a humble plant, dandelions pack an impressive nutritional punch. The leaves contain:

Vitamin A

Vitamin C

Vitamin K

Potassium

Iron

Antioxidants

Herbalists have long used dandelion preparations to support digestion and liver function, though modern research is still exploring these traditional claims.

From Lawn Pest to Kitchen Ingredient

Ironically, many people spend time and money trying to eliminate dandelions from their lawns, while chefs and foragers are happily collecting them for the table.

If you do decide to harvest them yourself, remember a few simple rules:

Pick from areas free from pesticides or road pollution

Harvest young leaves in spring for the best flavour

Wash thoroughly before use

A Flower Worth Celebrating

National Dandelion Day is a reminder that sometimes the most overlooked plants are the most valuable. What many people see as a nuisance is actually a versatile wild ingredient with centuries of culinary and herbal tradition behind it.

So the next time you spot a bright yellow dandelion in the grass, you might look at it a little differently.

It’s not just a weed.

It’s lunch, tea, wine… and a small piece of edible history.

Celebrating National Deep Dish Pizza Day: A Slice of Chicago in Every Bite

Every pizza lover knows there are many ways to enjoy the world’s favourite comfort food. 

Thin and crispy, wood-fired Neapolitan, or loaded takeaway classics all have their fans. 

But once a year, pizza enthusiasts celebrate something a little more substantial. National Deep Dish Pizza Day, observed on 5 April, honours the towering, indulgent creation that turned pizza into something closer to a pie than a flatbread.

For many people, deep dish pizza represents the ultimate comfort food: rich, hearty, and unapologetically generous.

What Makes Deep Dish Pizza Different?

Unlike traditional pizzas, which rely on a thin or moderately thick base, deep dish pizza is built in layers inside a deep pan. The crust climbs up the sides of the dish, creating a sturdy edible bowl for the fillings.

The typical construction goes something like this:

A thick, buttery crust pressed into a deep pan

A generous layer of mozzarella cheese

Toppings such as sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, or peppers

A chunky tomato sauce layered on top

Sometimes finished with Parmesan or herbs

That reversed order, cheese first, sauce last, is deliberate. Because deep dish pizzas cook for longer than standard pizzas, placing the sauce on top prevents the cheese and toppings from burning.

The result is a pizza that’s almost a meal in itself. One slice can feel like a full dinner.

The Chicago Classic

Deep dish pizza is most closely associated with Chicag, where it first gained fame in the 1940s. The style is widely credited to Pizzeria Uno, which introduced the idea of baking pizza in a deep pan to create a richer, more substantial dish.

Since then, Chicago has turned deep dish into a culinary institution. Visitors regularly queue outside famous pizzerias to try their first slice of this legendary pie.

Deep Dish vs Regular Pizza

Fans of traditional pizza sometimes debate whether deep dish even qualifies as pizza at all. But its unique qualities are exactly what make it special.

Deep dish pizza:

Thick crust baked in a pan

Layers of fillings

Chunky tomato sauce on top

Requires a knife and fork for most diners

Traditional pizza:

Thin or medium crust

Sauce beneath the cheese

Usually eaten by hand

It’s less about choosing sides and more about enjoying two very different pizza experiences.

How to Celebrate National Deep Dish Pizza Day

There are plenty of ways to mark the occasion:

Visit a specialist pizza restaurant

Many independent pizzerias now offer deep dish or Chicago-style pies.

Try making one at home

A cast-iron pan or deep cake tin works well for recreating the style.

Experiment with fillings

Deep dish works brilliantly with hearty ingredients like sausage, roasted vegetables, or even spinach and ricotta.

Host a pizza night

Serve deep dish alongside classic thin-crust pizzas and let guests compare the styles.

One Slice Is Never Enough

Deep dish pizza isn’t subtle. It’s bold, filling, and gloriously indulgent, exactly the kind of food celebration days are made for.

So on National Deep Dish Pizza Day, grab a knife and fork, cut yourself a generous slice, and enjoy one of the most satisfying variations of pizza ever invented.

The Hidden Plastic in Tea Bags: Which UK Tea Brands Are Truly Compostable?

Many tea bags marketed as biodegradable contain hidden plastics that won’t break down in home compost. 

Discover which UK tea brands are genuinely plastic-free and compostable.

Not sure whether your tea bags belong in the compost bin? Try these quick checks:

Look closely at the bag

Paper fibre bags look slightly rough and matte.

Pyramid or silky mesh bags are usually plastic or plant-based plastic.

Check the wording on the box

Look for these phrases:

✔ Plastic-free

✔ Home compostable

✔ Plant fibre or abaca

Be cautious with wording like:

Biodegradable

Plant-based plastic

Industrially compostable

These often mean the bag won’t break down in a garden compost heap.

Try a compost test

Place a used tea bag in your compost and check after a couple of months. If the tea has vanished but a mesh skeleton remains, the bag likely contains plastic.

This helps search engines understand the topic cluster around tea and sustainability.

Tracklements award-winning Fresh Chilli Jam adds the heat to sweet with honey!

Do you love a chilli kick but crave rich, golden honey sweetness, too? Then Tracklements has the answer!

Introducing NEW Hilltop Tracklements Fresh Chilli Jam Hot Honey.  This is what happens when two top-tasting brands come together - pure, authentic honey and Tracklements Fresh Chilli Jam - the UK’s first and multi-award-winning best-seller.

The result is an addictive, sticky-sweet heat you’ll want to drizzle, spoon and savour every single day:

The chilli-and-honey combo delivers a tantalising fusion of heat, fruity undertones, and subtle savoury depth, making it the perfect finishing touch for a wide range of dishes:

Drizzle over creamy cheeses like brie and goat’s cheese

Glaze roast chicken, pork, salmon, cubed sweet potato and tofu

Jazz up chicken wings, grilled halloumi and wood-fired pizza 

Boost burgers and grilled sandwiches 

Spread on toast with avocado topped with a poached (or fried) egg

 The versatility of this little wonder earns it a well-deserved spot in every pantry!

NEW Hilltop Tracklements Fresh Chilli Jam Hot Honey, RRP £4.25 for 340g, is available from www.tracklements.co.uk and www.lovehilltop.com.

My wife and I love Tracklements and we love Hill Top Honey, so this is the best of both worlds, as far as we are concerned. 

National Tea Day: Raising a Proper Brew to Britain’s Favourite Drink

Every year on 21 April, Britain pauses (quite happily) to celebrate one of its greatest national institutions: tea. National Tea Day is a joyful tribute to the drink that fuels our mornings, powers our afternoons, and provides comfort in moments of crisis. 

When something goes wrong in Britain, someone inevitably says the magic words: “Put the kettle on.”

Tea isn’t just a beverage here, it’s practically part of our national identity.

A Very British Tradition

Tea first arrived in Britain in the 17th century and quickly became fashionable among the aristocracy before spreading to the wider public. 

By the 18th century it had transformed daily life, becoming a social ritual in homes, tearooms, and workplaces alike.

Today, the UK drinks around 100 million cups of tea every single day, making us one of the biggest tea-loving nations in the world. From builders’ brews in sturdy mugs to delicate afternoon tea poured into fine china, tea bridges class, culture, and generations.

The Perfect Brew

Ask ten Britons how to make the perfect cup of tea and you’ll likely get ten slightly different answers — and possibly a lively debate. However, most would agree on the essentials:

Freshly boiled water

A decent tea bag or loose leaf tea

A proper brew time (usually three to four minutes)

A splash of milk, added carefully

Sugar remains optional, though purists may raise an eyebrow at anything more adventurous.

A Moment to Slow Down

National Tea Day is also about more than just the drink itself. It celebrates the pause that tea brings. In busy modern life, the simple act of making a cup of tea encourages us to slow down, chat with friends, or gather around the kitchen table.

Tea has long been the centre of community life, from family kitchens to office break rooms and village halls.

How to Celebrate National Tea Day

There are plenty of ways to mark the occasion:

Host an afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones, and cakes

Try a new tea variety such as Earl Grey, Assam, or Darjeeling

Visit a local tearoom or café

Support British tea brands and independent tea merchants

Invite friends round for a proper tea break

Even something as simple as stepping away from your desk and enjoying a quiet cup can turn an ordinary day into a small celebration.

A Cup That Brings People Together

In a fast-moving world filled with digital distractions, tea remains reassuringly simple. A kettle, a cup, and a few minutes of patience are all you need.

So this National Tea Day, raise a mug, cup, or teapot to the humble brew that has been warming Britain’s hands and hearts for centuries.

After all, whatever the question may be, the answer in Britain is often the same:

Let’s have a cup of tea. Or two! And don't forget the biscuit barrel! 

Pasqua Wines Unveils Fifth Edition of Hey French

Sometimes the wine world takes itself a little too seriously. Not so at Pasqua Wines in Verona, who have just released the fifth edition of one of the cheekiest bottles on the market, a wine provocatively titled Hey French: You Could Have Made It But You Didn’t.

Yes, you read that correctly. Somewhere in France a sommelier probably just sighed loudly.

The Verona-based winery unveiled the latest edition of the wine during its annual press conference at the spectacular Museo Archeologico at Teatro Romano, a suitably dramatic setting for a wine that happily pokes the Bordeaux bear.

A Wine That Breaks the Rules

“Hey French” isn’t just about the name. The wine itself is deliberately unconventional.

Instead of following the traditional “one vintage per bottle” rule, Pasqua uses a multi-vintage blending technique more common in Champagne than in still wines. The new edition blends six vintages, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2024, to create a layered, evolving wine that changes character with every sip.

Think of it as the wine equivalent of a greatest-hits album.

The grapes come from Monte Calvarina, a volcanic hillside vineyard sitting around 500 metres above sea level, giving the wine its distinctive mineral backbone.

After fermentation, the blend spends six to eight months ageing in oak barrels before additional refinement in stainless steel. The result? A white wine with serious complexity but a playful personality.

What Does It Taste Like?

According to the winery, the fifth edition delivers:

Exotic fruit notes

Chamomile and sage aromas

Rose buds on the nose

Almond hints from Garganega grapes

Herbaceous touches from Sauvignon Blanc

A subtle volcanic minerality

In short: the kind of wine that practically demands a second glass.

A Global Hit

The cheeky label hasn’t hurt sales either.

Pasqua reports that global revenue for the wine doubled in 2025, with strong demand from Italy, the United States and, rather amusingly, the United Kingdom

It turns out British wine drinkers quite enjoy a little Franco-Italian rivalry with their dinner.

Wine Meets Art

Pasqua also used the event to highlight its continuing love affair with the arts. The winery is sponsoring Verona’s Estate Teatrale Veronese festival and commissioning a large public art installation by artist CB HOYO at the Teatro Romano.

It’s all part of the winery’s broader cultural programme, which has invested around €6.7 million in artistic projects over the past decade, bringing together wine, creativity and public spaces.

A Bottle With Attitude

Wine is often wrapped in centuries of tradition, rules and whispered tasting notes.

Pasqua’s “Hey French” proves it doesn’t always have to be.

Sometimes the best wine stories start with a wink, a raised eyebrow… and a bottle that basically says:

“We did it our way.”

Edible Book Day: When Literature Meets the Kitchen

Every year on 1 April, food lovers, bakers and bookworms celebrate Edible Book Day, a wonderfully quirky event that combines two great pleasures of life: reading and eating.

Originally inspired by the French gastronome Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, whose famous work The Physiology of Taste explored the relationship between food and culture, the day encourages people to create edible creations inspired by books, authors, or literary characters. 

Think cakes shaped like novels, biscuits decorated with famous quotes, or entire scenes from classic stories recreated in icing and chocolate.

For anyone who enjoys both cooking and reading, it’s the perfect excuse to get creative in the kitchen.

Turning Books into Bakes

The concept is simple: take a book and reinterpret it as something delicious. The results can be as elaborate or as simple as you like.

Some popular ideas include:

“The Great Catsby” cake decorated with feline motifs

Harry Potter butterbeer cupcakes

The Very Hungry Caterpillar fruit platter

Alice in Wonderland tea-party biscuits

At its heart, Edible Book Day is about playful creativity. It’s not just for professional bakers either. Home cooks, families, schools and libraries all join in the fun.

Perfect for Cafés, Bookshops and Libraries

For hospitality venues, this quirky celebration can be a brilliant way to attract customers.

A café could run a literary cake display, where each dessert is inspired by a famous book. A pub might create a themed menu based on classic novels, while a hotel restaurant could host a literary afternoon tea featuring edible “books” made from sponge cake or chocolate.

Bookshops and libraries often take part too, hosting competitions where participants bring their edible creations along for judging. The rules are usually simple: the entry must be entirely edible and clearly inspired by a book or author.

These events are fantastic for families, helping to encourage both reading and creativity in the kitchen.

Easy Edible Book Ideas for Home

If you’d like to celebrate at home, you don’t need complicated baking skills. A few easy ideas include:

A chocolate brownie “book” decorated with icing to resemble a cover

Cupcakes topped with edible paper quotes from favourite novels

Jam sandwiches cut into the shape of stacked books

A sheet cake decorated like an open storybook

Children especially love the chance to turn their favourite stories into food.

A Celebration of Stories and Taste

Edible Book Day reminds us that food and storytelling have always gone hand in hand. Both bring people together, spark conversation and create lasting memories.

Whether you’re recreating a classic novel in cake form, baking literary biscuits, or simply enjoying a good book with a cup of tea and something sweet, it’s a charming celebration of imagination, creativity and the joy of sharing food.

So today, why not pick up a favourite book… and see if you can turn it into something delicious?

Celebrating National Sourdough Bread Day: The Rise of Britain’s Favourite Tangy Loaf

There are few aromas quite as comforting as freshly baked bread, and on National Sourdough Bread Day (1 April) bakers and bread lovers around the world celebrate one of the oldest and most flavourful breads ever created.

Sourdough has enjoyed a remarkable revival in recent years, moving from artisan bakeries into home kitchens across Britain.

What was once considered a specialist craft loaf has become a staple for food lovers who appreciate traditional baking methods, deep flavour, and the simple magic of flour, water, and time.

A Bread With Ancient Roots

Sourdough is believed to be the oldest form of leavened bread, with origins stretching back more than 5,000 years to ancient Egypt. Before commercial yeast was discovered and mass-produced, bakers relied on wild yeast naturally present in flour and the air.

This wild yeast, combined with beneficial bacteria, creates what bakers call a “starter” — a living culture that ferments the dough slowly. The process produces the characteristic tangy flavour, chewy crumb, and beautifully blistered crust that sourdough is famous for.

Unlike fast-rising breads, sourdough rewards patience. Fermentation can take many hours, sometimes overnight, allowing the dough to develop complex flavours that simply cannot be rushed.

Why Sourdough Has Become So Popular

The renewed enthusiasm for sourdough isn’t just about flavour, although that distinctive tang certainly helps. Several factors have driven its modern popularity:

1. Artisan food culture

Consumers increasingly appreciate traditional methods, craft baking, and food with a story behind it.

2. Long fermentation

The slow process can make sourdough easier for some people to digest compared with rapidly produced bread.

3. Simple ingredients

True sourdough contains just flour, water, salt, and a starter, no additives or preservatives.

4. The home baking boom

During lockdowns, many people discovered the joy (and occasional frustration!) of nurturing a sourdough starter and baking their own loaves.

How to Celebrate National Sourdough Bread Day

If you’ve never baked sourdough before, this day is the perfect excuse to explore it. You could:

Visit a local artisan bakery and try a freshly baked sourdough loaf.

Toast thick slices with good butter and sea salt.

Use sourdough for grilled sandwiches, bruschetta, or eggs on toast.

Start your own sourdough starter and begin the rewarding journey of baking at home.

Even a simple slice toasted and topped with honey, jam, or cheese highlights why sourdough has been beloved for centuries.

A Living Tradition

What makes sourdough special is that it’s alive. A well-maintained starter can last for years, even decades, passed between bakers like a culinary heirloom.

Across Britain, small bakeries and enthusiastic home bakers are keeping this ancient tradition thriving, proving that some of the best food innovations aren’t new inventions at all — they’re rediscoveries of techniques that have stood the test of time.

So today, whether you bake your own loaf or pick one up from your favourite bakery, raise a slice to the quiet miracle of flour, water, and wild yeast.

Happy National Sourdough Bread Day. 

World no. 1 Soy & Oyster Sauce brand, Haday, is to launch range in UK

World no.1 Soy & Oyster Sauce brand, Haday, has big ambitions for the UK with condiments range on show at IFE next week.

Stand No. N2958, London ExCeL, 30th Mar - 1st Apr 2026, Haday, the flagship condiment brand of Foshan Haitian Flavouring & Food Co., Ltd., will exhibit its leading range of Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce and other condiments at the upcoming International Food & Drink Event (IFE), at London ExCeL next week. 

Haday will be exhibiting in partnership with Food Team International Ltd, who have recently been appointed as UK distributors for the globally recognised brand.

The world’s top selling Soy & Oyster sauce brand, Haday will use this event to showcase its extensive portfolio of traditional fermented sauces and seasonings developed for both retail and food manufacturing markets. 

The range includes Soy sauce, Oyster sauce, cooking sauces, vinegars and seasoning products designed to deliver authentic Asian flavours, developed through time honoured culinary traditions dating back over 400 years, and consistent quality required for large-scale food production.

Haday will also announce its new UK distribution partnership with Food Team International Ltd. Through the partnership, UK food manufacturers can gain direct access to Haday’s range of sauces and condiments, plus access to Haday’s inhouse R&D team who specialise in developing bespoke products that meet specific recipes and specifications in as little as just seven days. 

This combination of authentic, premium quality products, customisable solutions and scalable production enables UK businesses to integrate recognised and trusted Asian flavours into a wide variety of products, from ready meals and sauces to marinades and prepared foods, and all at highly competitive prices.

The collaboration aims to support growing demand in the UK for Asian cuisine and globally inspired flavour profiles, while providing food manufacturers with reliable access to high-quality ingredients produced at scale.

“We are delighted to be appointed as UK distributors for Haday, one of China’s “Time-Honoured Brands”, and a truly exceptional range of Asian sauces and condiments. 

"We’ve seen strong growth in this sector of the ingredients market, and we know our customers will welcome both the quality and flexibility that a supplier of Haday’s calibre can offer our customer network” Mark Roscoe, Managing Director of Food Team International Ltd told That's Food and Drink.

https://food-team.co.uk

Food & Drink Expo Birmingham 2026: What to Expect at the NEC (13–15 April)

The Food & Drink Expo returns to the NEC Birmingham from 13–15 April 2026. Discover new products, meet suppliers, and explore the latest UK food and drink industry trends.

Every year the UK food and hospitality industries gather for one of their biggest trade events, and in 2026 the Food & Drink Expo returns to the NEC Birmingham from 13 to 15 April. For anyone involved in food retail, hospitality, catering, or manufacturing, this three-day event has become a key date in the industry calendar.

Held at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), the show runs from 10am–5pm on Monday and Tuesday and 10am–4pm on Wednesday, bringing together thousands of industry professionals to discover new products, meet suppliers and discuss the future of the sector.

A Major Gathering for the Food Industry

Food & Drink Expo forms part of the wider UK Food & Drink Shows, a collection of industry exhibitions that also include the Farm Shop & Deli Show, National Convenience Show and Forecourt Show. Together, they create one huge marketplace for ideas, innovation and networking across the food supply chain.

The event attracts around 25,000 visitors and more than 1,200 exhibitors, representing businesses from grocery retail, hospitality, manufacturing, wholesale and specialist food sectors.

For buyers, chefs, retailers and producers alike, it offers a rare chance to explore the latest products and services all under one roof.

What Visitors Can Expect

The expo floor is typically packed with producers showcasing everything from artisan foods and innovative drinks to large-scale supply solutions for restaurants and retailers. Well-known brands such as Belvoir Fruit Farms, Jersey Dairy, Mizkan, Meadow Vale Foods and Grumpy Mule Coffee are among the companies appearing at the show.

Visitors can expect:

New product launches and tastings

Networking with buyers and decision-makers

Industry talks and trend discussions

Opportunities to discover emerging brands

One focus for 2026 is a “Future Foods” spotlight, highlighting companies that are redefining what modern food innovation looks like.

Why Events Like This Matter

Trade events like Food & Drink Expo play an important role in keeping the industry connected. They provide a platform where independent producers can meet large retailers, hospitality businesses can discover new suppliers, and manufacturers can showcase technological advances.

For small producers or speciality brands, the expo can be a gateway to major distribution deals. For buyers, it’s an efficient way to scan the market for the next big trend.

Planning a Visit

Food & Drink Expo is a trade-only event, meaning it is aimed at professionals working in the food and drink sector. Entry is typically free for verified industry visitors who register in advance.

Taking place in Hall 3 of the NEC Birmingham, the event is easily accessible by road, rail and air, with Birmingham International station and airport located nearby.

For anyone working in hospitality, retail, catering or food production, Food & Drink Expo offers three days packed with ideas, connections and inspiration. Whether you are sourcing new ingredients, scouting emerging trends or simply looking to understand where the industry is heading, Birmingham will once again become the meeting place for the UK food and drink world this April.

https://www.foodanddrinkexpo.co.uk

BIXOLON Brings High-Performance POS, Mobile and Labelling Solutions to Food & Drink Expo 2026

BIXOLON Europe GmbH, a subsidiary of BIXOLON the global manufacturer of advanced Receipt, Label and Mobile printers, will be exhibiting on stand C149 at Food & Drink Expo 2026, where the company will present its comprehensive portfolio of printing solutions designed to support the fast-paced requirements of food production, hospitality and retail environments. 

Visitors will be able to explore its range of linerless, POS, Mobile, Desktop Label, Industrial, and Kiosk printing technologies engineered to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and streamline operations.

POS and Kiosk Printing – To support front-of-house and self-service environments, BIXOLON will be demonstrating its versatile POS receipt printer range including the SRP-350plusV 3-inch (80 mm) feature rich receipt printer and SRP-275III 3-inch (80 mm) dot-matrix kitchen printers. 

Alongside the SRP-Q300 3-inch (80 mm), and SRP-Q200 2-inch (58 mm) cube printers which deliver reliable, high-speed receipt and ticket printing for hospitality and retail applications. 

Complementing these solutions will be the SRP-S200 2-inch (58 mm) and SRP-S300II 3-inch (80 mm) linerless-capable printers, offering waste-reducing label production ideal for food labelling and order management. 

For unattended, self-ordering applications, the BK5-31 3inch (80 mm) and BK3-21 2-inch (58 mm) kiosk printer mechanisms provide compact, dependable printing designed for integration into a wide range of self-service systems.

Mobile Printing – Designed for flexible and on-demand operations, BIXOLON will showcase its robust mobile printing lineup, including the XM7-20 2-inch (58 mm), XM7-30 3-inch (80 mm) and XM7-40 4-inch (112 mm) mobile label printers, built for high durability, fast data processing, and seamless wireless connectivity. Also on display will be the SPP-R200III 2-inch (58 mm), a lightweight and ergonomic mobile receipt printer widely used for queue-busting, table-side ordering, and delivery applications. These solutions enable staff to print labels and receipts wherever needed, improving workflow efficiency across food preparation, service, and logistics tasks.

Label Printing – For back-of-house labelling and high-volume production, BIXOLON will present its XQ-840II 4-inch (118mm) stand-alone tablet-integrated label printer and the cost-effective XD3-40 4-inch (118 mm) series desktop label printers, offering reliable performance in compact footprints suited to food labelling, traceability, and inventory management. 

For more demanding environments, the XT5-40 and XT3-40 4-inch (114 mm) industrial printers provide durable construction, high-speed output, and the capability to handle continuous, high-volume labelling requirements common in food manufacturing and distribution.

“Food and Drink Expo provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate how reliable and efficient printing technology can enhance productivity, accuracy, and sustainability across food and hospitality operations,” Paul Kim, Managing Director, BIXOLON Europe GmbH told That's Food and Drink.

“From linerless labelling that reduces waste to mobile and kiosk solutions that streamline service, our portfolio is designed to help businesses adapt to evolving operational demands while maintaining speed and quality.”

www.Bixolon.com

Chartered Institute of Brewers and Distillers launches its latest short course on spirit maturation

The Chartered Institute of Brewers and Distillers (CIBD), the most widely recognised provider of technical education in the distilling industry, has launched a brand new self-assessed and on demand technical course: Spirit Maturation.

The Spirit Maturation course is the latest in a hugely popular series of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) short courses.

It's aimed at distillers producing matured spirits in distilleries of all sizes, providing a practical understanding of all stages of the spirit maturation processes. The course provides essential knowledge and best practice for spirit maturation at a commercial scale.

The course covers raw materials, how to understand their specifications, how they’re used to produce wort, fermentation, batch and continuous still distillation, maturation and blending. It also explains how to assess and analyse whiskies using laboratory and sensory methods.

This course has been developed in collaboration with leading distillers and spirits experts. These include:

Billy Mitchell – Consultant, Will and Spirit Limited

Ian Thorn – Master Distiller and Operations Manager, The Gospel Distillery

Maggie Campbell – CEO American Cane

The Spirit Maturation course provides the same technical excellence found in all CIBD qualifications, without needing to take a formal exam.

The course includes a downloadable PDF with technical information such as:

A summary of the key points of the course

Details of the significance of the analyses carried out during production

Key calculations for spirit blending

An overview of all aspects of spirit maturation

The course features text, videos, animations, quizzes, and online games to help enhance learning. At the end of the course, learners receive a Certificate of Completion.

On this announcement, Ed Wray, Technical Development Manager, explained to That's Food and Drink: “This course provides in-depth scientific and technical information specifically about spirit maturation. It is written in collaboration with experts in the field and with the technical rigour and accuracy that you expect from the CIBD. If you want to gain an understanding of all aspects of spirit maturation or you want to optimise your spirit maturation processes, then this is the course for you!”

https://www.cibd.org.uk

Nationwide shift in crustacean welfare is redefining UK seafood

The days of seeing live crabs and lobsters on sale in UK shops may soon be over, as new figures reveal most major seafood suppliers and supermarkets have now stopped selling live crustaceans for home cooking. 

Many are also making major strides to ensure crabs, lobsters and prawns are treated humanely across the supply chain.

According to The Snapshot 2025 benchmark report from Crustacean Compassion, nineteen of the thirty companies assessed now have published policies prohibiting the sale of live crustaceans for home cooking, including most UK major supermarkets.

Retail giant ASDA has also committed to not sell live animals in stores but their policy change came too late for inclusion in the animal charity’s assessment.

This marks a clear shift in expectations in crustacean welfare and signals a tipping point for other retailers to follow suit. Combined with strong statements from the UK government who just before Christmas announced plans to ban live boiling and provide guidelines on humane slaughter for crustaceans, it appears the moment has come where it is no longer possible nor ethical to buy, kill and cook crustaceans at home. This move has been ‘welcomed with open claws’ by animal welfare group Crustacean Compassion.

“In the four years since The Snapshot was founded, we have seen significant progress on company welfare policies. 

"Many businesses are now ahead of the law, adopting best practice for crustacean welfare, as well as listening to consumer demands,” Dr Ben Sturgeon, CEO of Crustacean Compassion told That's Food and Drink.

He went on to say: “Our campaign urging supermarkets to stop selling live crustaceans was instrumental in this shift, and we’re delighted to see almost all major retailers now upholding this standard.”

The Snapshot: who’s leading the way in crustacean welfare

Sykes Seafood takes top spot after a huge two-tier jump in its welfare policies and transparency.

Marks & Spencer, Young’s Seafood, and New England Seafood International – Paignton all sit in the top tier, demonstrating strong, consistent commitments.

Nineteen of the 30 companies (63%) now publish policies committing to continue, adopt, expand or trial use of electrical stunning in their supply chain, including most supermarkets.

ASDA remains the only supermarket in the bottom tier.

New support for shoppers: The Snapshot Supermarket Scorecards 

To help shoppers navigate these changes and choose shops that treat animals responsibly, Crustacean Compassion is today launching a new consumer guide. Based on the results of The Snapshot, the guide offers clear and simple advice on which supermarkets are performing well on crab, lobster and prawn welfare.

Dr Sturgeon continued, “Consumers want to know that innovative companies can supply ethical, high-welfare seafood and will reward those who take their responsibilities to animal welfare seriously. The Snapshot gives businesses a roadmap towards higher welfare, and now our Supermarket Scorecards help shoppers make informed choices too. Together, these tools support a food industry that is innovative, responsible, and compassionate.”

https://www.crustaceancompassion.org.uk

Would You Feed Your Family 'Meat' That’s Only 4% Meat? So Why Feed It to Your Cat?

Stand in the pet food aisle for five minutes and you’ll see packets covered in pictures of juicy chicken, tender beef, and flaky salmon. 

The implication is clear: this is proper meaty food for your cat.

But then you turn the packet over.

And suddenly you discover something surprising.

Many popular supermarket cat foods contain as little as 4% of the named meat.

Now imagine serving dinner to your human family under the same rules.

“Tonight we’re having steak.”

Except the steak is 96% something else and only 4% actual beef.

Would you serve burgers that were only 4% meat?

Would you grill sausages that were mostly “derivatives”?

Probably not. Yet millions of cats in the UK are fed food built around exactly that formula.

What “4% Meat” Actually Means

Many well-known cat food pouches list ingredients such as “meat and animal derivatives (of which 4% chicken)”.

That means:

The food contains a mixture of animal-derived ingredients

Only 4% of the total product is the named meat

The rest may include other animal parts, cereals, vegetable protein, thickeners, flavourings, and water.

Now, to be fair, the pet food industry follows strict labelling rules. The products are safe and formulated to meet nutritional standards.

But the wording can easily create the impression that a pouch labelled “with chicken” is mostly chicken.

It often isn’t.

Cats Are Carnivores. Not Grain Lovers

Unlike humans, cats are obligate carnivores. In nature they eat prey animals, meaning their diet is overwhelmingly meat-based.

A mouse, for example, is roughly:

55–60% protein

20–30% fat

virtually no carbohydrates

Yet many lower-cost cat foods rely heavily on cereals, plant proteins, or fillers to bulk out the recipe.

That doesn’t necessarily make them harmful, but it does move them further away from the sort of diet cats evolved to eat.

The Big Difference Between Cheap and Premium Foods

If you start reading labels, the contrast becomes obvious.

Typical examples:

Budget supermarket pouches

Around 4% of the named meat

Often labelled “meat and animal derivatives”

Higher-quality wet foods

Often 60–80% meat or fish

Premium natural brands

Sometimes 80–97% meat

Dry foods vary too, with some using large amounts of plant protein to boost the overall protein percentage.

So What Should Cat Owners Do?

You don’t necessarily have to buy the most expensive brand on the shelf. But it’s worth getting into the habit of reading the ingredients list rather than the front of the packet.

Look for:

Clearly named meats (chicken, turkey, salmon)

Higher percentages of meat or fish

Fewer vague “derivatives”

Less reliance on cereals or sugars

But the next time you pick up a pouch labelled “with chicken”, ask yourself one simple question.

Would I serve my family a burger that was only 4% meat?

If the answer is no, it might be worth taking a closer look at what’s going into the cat’s dinner bowl as well.

Bruce Jack Wines scoops major global industry honour for sixth time

In a tribute to its global footprint and widespread acclaim, Bruce Jack Wines has been recognised as one of the World’s Most Admired Wine Brands of 2026. 

This accolade from Drinks International has been described as the Oscar Awards of the wine industry.

South African-focused Bruce Jack Wines produces wine across four continents including Africa, Europe, North and South America, and is available in 23 countries.

“Being included on the list of the Top 50 Most Admired Wine Brands for the sixth time is a wonderful recognition of our incredible team and our strategic partnerships. It also shows we are not a fad business that bursts onto the scene only to fade away,” the eponymous Bruce Jack told That's Food and Drink.

“And while we are a long way from being a ‘planet’ brand, one of those anchor bodies around which the industry orientates itself, we are shining strongly, standing firm in the beautiful chaos and mayhem that is the global wine market.”

The business grew by 30% during 2025, driven by new listings across the African continent with far flung markets like Brazil and Japan enthusiastically discovering what our traditional markets in the UK, Canada and Europe already knew.

"As a country South Africa has struggled to be recognised on global lists like these, despite over-achieving in international blind tasting competitions," Jack said. "But this is changing thanks to a growing recognition that South Africa makes consistently brilliant wine at every price point. 

"Our industry is a healthy mix of established, heritage brands and a constant bustle of new kids on the block. 

"We are  steeped in authenticity and sparkle with African resilience. The South African wine industry is more vibrant and more relevant than ever.”

"Many of the international wine businesses on this list are renowned industry leaders with extensive experience, large teams and stellar heritage. The vast majority have been around for decades, and some for over a century.”

“It is lekker (good) to have made the cut once again, especially as a family-owned business with a very small team,” said Jack. 

“Being family-owned, we contribute to the social fabric of our communities, supporting environmental organisations, establishing resilience in civic structures, driving young student education (especially in music).

 "While we take our winemaking very seriously, we don’t take ourselves too seriously. This allows us to push the boundaries. And at the end of the day, we value the end consumer as the most important person in the chain.”

“I think the hundreds of judges who vote for the brands that appear on the “Most Admired” list are not only interested in the big guns with huge marketing budgets – they also value the new leaders with trailblazing brands and an inspiring vision.”     

The consistent performance on this list reflects over 30 years of Bruce's total immersion in the industry, from vineyard establishment and viticulture to winemaking and marketing.

In the UK, wine lovers can sip on the Bruce Jack Lifestyle range created for different occasions and with unique character across the UK, available at ASDA, Co-op and Sainsburys. The Bruce Jack Reserve, Heritage and Estate ranges are available from Hallgarten & Novum Wines and the boundary-pushing, multiple award-winning Ghost in the Machine range is available for the on-trade from Majestic Commercial.

https://brucejack.com

How to Start Growing Microgreens at Home

If you enjoy fresh food, want to save money on herbs and salad ingredients, or simply fancy trying something new in the kitchen, growing microgreens at home is one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to begin gardening indoors. 

You don’t need a garden, expensive equipment, or even much space. A sunny windowsill, a shallow tray, and a packet of seeds are often all it takes.

Microgreens are young vegetable seedlings harvested just after their first leaves appear. Despite their small size, they are packed with flavour and nutrients, making them popular with chefs and home cooks alike.

What Exactly Are Microgreens?

Microgreens are harvested when plants are very young, usually between 7 and 14 days after planting. At this stage they have developed their seed leaves (called cotyledons) and sometimes their first true leaves.

Common microgreens include:

Radish

Pea shoots

Broccoli

Mustard

Sunflower

Rocket

Red cabbage

Beetroot

They add colour, texture and a burst of flavour to salads, sandwiches, soups and even cooked dishes.

What You Need to Get Started

The good news is that growing microgreens requires very little equipment. Most beginners start with:

A shallow tray or container

Good quality compost or growing medium

Microgreen seeds

A spray bottle or watering can

A bright windowsill or small grow light

Shallow trays work best because microgreens don’t need deep soil. Many people even reuse takeaway containers or old food trays to get started.

Planting Your First Microgreens

Growing microgreens is remarkably simple.

Fill your tray with 2–3 cm of compost or growing medium.

Scatter the seeds evenly across the surface. Don’t worry about spacing them perfectly.

Lightly press the seeds down so they make contact with the soil.

Mist with water using a spray bottle.

Place the tray in a bright location but out of intense direct sunlight.

Keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy. Most seeds germinate within two to three days.

Watching Them Grow

Within a week, you should see a thick carpet of tiny green shoots. This is when the magic really happens. As the plants stretch toward the light, they quickly develop flavour and colour.

Rotate your tray occasionally so the plants grow evenly, and continue misting lightly each day.

Harvesting Your Microgreens

Microgreens are usually ready to harvest when they are 5–10 cm tall.

To harvest them:

Use clean scissors

Cut just above the soil line

Rinse gently before eating

The flavour is often far more intense than mature vegetables. Radish microgreens, for example, deliver a surprisingly peppery punch.

Why Grow Microgreens?

People start growing microgreens for several reasons:

They are fast to grow

They require very little space

They are nutrient-dense

They add fresh flavour to meals year-round

Many home growers even turn microgreens into a small side business supplying local cafés or restaurants.

A Simple Way to Start Gardening

If you’ve always wanted to grow something but felt intimidated by gardening, microgreens are a perfect place to begin. Within two weeks you can go from a handful of seeds to a harvest ready for your plate.

And once you start, it’s surprisingly addictive. One tray quickly turns into two… then three… and before long your kitchen windowsill becomes a tiny indoor farm.

Fresh food, minimal effort, and a little bit of daily green growth to brighten your home, not a bad return from a handful of seeds. 

How Special Events Can Help Your Pub, Café, Hotel or Restaurant Increase Covers

In a competitive hospitality market, simply opening your doors and hoping customers wander in is no longer enough. 

Pubs, cafés, hotels and restaurants that thrive tend to be the ones that give people a reason to visit, and special events are one of the most effective ways to do exactly that.

Events create excitement, encorage bookings in advance and often attract new customers who might never have discovered your venue otherwise. 

Done well, they can transform a quiet midweek evening into a full house.

Start With Themed Food Nights

One of the easiest ways to create an event is by organising themed dining evenings. These can be as simple or elaborate as you like.

Examples include:

Steak nights

Curry nights

Fish and chip Fridays

Italian or Spanish tasting menus

Seasonal tasting events

A themed evening gives customers somethig to look forward to and allows your kitchen team to plan menus efficiently. It also creates a sense of occasion that makes guests far more likely to book ahead.

Celebrate Seasonal and Calendar Events

The hospitality calendar is full of opportunities. A well-timed special event can bring in customers who are already looking for somewhere to celebrate.

Consider hosting events around:

Father’s Day or Mother’s Day

Valentine’s Day dinners

Christmas in July celebrations

Burns Night suppers

British Pie Week

French Language Day dining specials

These themed celebrations work particularly well because they tap into occasions people are already keen to mark.

Add Entertainment

Food alone is excellent, but pairing it with entertainment makes an event feel even more special.

You could organise:

Live music evenings

Comedy nights

Quiz nights

Wine or whisky tasting sessions

Guest chef evenings

Murder mystery dinners

Entertainment creates a full evening experience, encouraging customers to stay longer and spend more on drinks as well as food.

Partner With Local Producers

Another strong approach is to collaborate with local suppliers. Breweries, vineyards, cheesemakers or artisan producers often love the opportunity to showcase their products.

Ideas include:

Meet-the-brewer nights

Local cheese tasting boards

Wine pairing dinners

Farm-to-table events

These events add authenticity to your offering and also give you additional promotional support from the producers involved.

Promote the Event Properly

Even the best idea will fail if nobody hears about it. Promotion is crucial.

Use:

Social media posts

Posters in your venue

Email newsletters

Local community groups

Event listings

Adverts in local magazines

Encourage advance booking where possible. This not only secures covers but also helps your kitchen and front-of-house teams plan staffing levels.

Make It a Regular Feature

The real power of special events comes from consistency. A monthly tasting night or weekly quiz night can build a loyal following.

Customers love traditions, and if they know that every Thursday is curry night or the first Friday of the month is live music night, they are far more likely to make it part of their routine.

Turning Quiet Nights Into Profitable Ones

Special events don’t just boost revenue; they also create atmosphere. A lively dining room attracts more customers than an empty one, and guests who have a memorable evening are far more likely to return.

For pubs, cafés, hotels and restaurants looking to increase covers, events transform dining from a simple meal into an experience, and that’s something customers will happily book a table for.