That's Business: If You Ignore Customers, Don't Be Surprised When T...

That's Business: If You Ignore Customers, Don't Be Surprised When T...: A real-life lesson in customer service and why ignoring paying customers can drive shoppers straight to online retailers like Amazon. The ba...

National Best Friends Day: Why You Should Treat Your Best Friend to a Meal Out

National Best Friends Day: The Perfect Excuse to Share Great Food, Great Drinks and Great Company.

Celebrate National Best Friends Day with great food, drinks and friendship. Discover why sharing a meal is the perfect way to mark the occasion.

National Best Friends Day is the perfect reminder that life is better when shared with the people who know us best. While gifts and cards are always nice, there is one way to celebrate friendship that rarely disappoints, gathering around a table for good food, great drinks and plenty of laughter.

Whether your best friend is someone you've known since school, a work colleague who became family, or a neighbour who is always there when you need them, National Best Friends Day is a fantastic opportunity to show your appreciation by treating them to a memorable meal.

Food has always brought people together. From casual coffee catch-ups and pub lunches to elegant evening dinners, sharing a meal creates the perfect setting for conversation, storytelling and making new memories. In today's busy world, where everyone seems to be rushing from one commitment to another, setting aside time to simply sit down and enjoy each other's company is more valuable than ever.

The beauty of National Best Friends Day is that it doesn't have to be expensive. A visit to a favourite café, a relaxed lunch at a local pub, tapas and cocktails in town, or even fish and chips by the seaside can become a special occasion when shared with someone important.

For food lovers, why not make a day of it? Start with breakfast or brunch, explore local food markets, sample some sweet treats, and finish with dinner and a celebratory drink. If your friend is a foodie, this could be the perfect opportunity to try that new restaurant you've both been talking about visiting for months.

Of course, drinks play their part too. Whether it's a craft beer, a glass of wine, a fancy mocktail or simply a pot of tea, raising a glass to friendship is a tradition worth embracing. After all, some of life's best conversations happen over a favourite drink.

National Best Friends Day is also a great opportunity to support local hospitality businesses. Independent cafés, pubs, bars and restaurants continue to face challenges, and your visit helps keep these community favourites thriving.

So this National Best Friends Day, put down your phone, send that message, make a booking and spend some quality time with your favourite person. Good friends are one of life's greatest treasures, and there are few better ways to celebrate them than with delicious food, refreshing drinks and a table full of happy memories.

Here's to friendship, and to many more meals shared together.

Award Winning Operators Behind Exhibit and Mamma Dough, Launch The Hill in Streatham

Award-winning hospitality entrepreneurs Lisa Loebenberg and Emma Willis have unveiled their latest South London venture with the opening of The Hill, a modern British pub on Streatham High Road created from the transformation of popular independent venue SW16 Bar & Kitchen.

The Hill officially opened on Friday 29 May, retaining the same ownership and much of the team behind SW16 while embracing a renewed vision centred around accessibility, great food and traditional pub hospitality.

The venue is led by General Manager Clark James and Head Chef Oliver Brown, working under the guidance of Executive Chef Antonio Raspone (Recent winner of Pizza Chef Of The Year).

The launch marks another significant chapter for Loebenberg and Willis, who have become recognised figures within London's hospitality scene. 

After taking over legacy Balham venue Exhibit in 2019, the pair transformed the business into one of South London's most successful hospitality destinations. The venue recently won both Best Events Venue and Best Bar in London at the prestigious Muddy Stilettos Awards.

In 2023, they also rescued established South London pizza brand Mamma Dough from administration, preserving the business and its jobs while overseeing a period of growth that includes further openings planned later this year.

At a time when hospitality businesses across London continue to face significant pressures and venue closures remain commonplace, Loebenberg and Willis have earned a reputation for breathing new life into neighbourhood venues. 

Their combination of commercial instinct, guest-focused hospitality and commitment to local communities has enabled them to grow successful businesses while many operators across the capital continue to face significant challenges.

"We've always believed successful hospitality starts with understanding what local people actually want," said Lisa Loebenberg. "The Hill isn't about following trends. It's about creating a great neighbourhood pub that people can genuinely afford to use regularly and feel proud to call their local."

The Hill's food offering centres around British pub classics made with seasonal produce sourced from British farmers and suppliers. Guests can expect quality burgers, steaks, traditional bar snacks and Sunday roasts, alongside a drinks list featuring well-kept pints, classic cocktails and approachable wines.

Alongside its everyday food and drink offering, The Hill will host a number of weekly events designed to bring people together, including a free classic pub quiz every Wednesday and a Tuesday Steak Night, where guests can enjoy bavette steak and fries for just £15.

"Hospitality should be accessible," said Emma Willis. "We never want local people to feel excluded because of price. Whether it's a pint after work, a steak night with friends or a Sunday roast with family, we want The Hill to be somewhere people can enjoy regularly, not just for special occasions."

While the venue has a new identity, the owners emphasise that the values that made SW16 successful remain firmly in place.

"SW16 was an incredibly important part of our journey and of the local area," said Willis. "The Hill keeps the same heart, the same team and the same commitment to looking after people. We've simply returned to the timeless idea of what a great British pub can be."

Having operated in Streatham for more than five years, the team remains committed to supporting local initiatives, work experience opportunities and charitable causes throughout the area.

"The best pubs become part of the fabric of their neighbourhood," added Clark James. "We're here for after work pints, midweek dinners, Sunday roasts, first dates, celebrations and everything in between. We want The Hill to become one of those places that people simply couldn't imagine Streatham without."

The Hill is now open on Streatham High Road.

The Hill is a modern British pub in the heart of Streatham, serving seasonal British food, quality drinks and warm, welcoming hospitality. Built around the values of accessibility, comfort and genuine local service, The Hill aims to be a true neighbourhood pub for South London.

https://thehillsw16.com

Battersea’s New Afternoon Tea Lets You Decorate Cupcakes and Support Rescue Pets

Afternoon tea has had a serious glow-up in Battersea.

Award-winning bakery Jack & Beyond is launching a brand-new Power Station Afternoon Tea at its impressive new flagship bakery, bringing together handcrafted cakes, unlimited tea, local history and even a chance to get creative with cupcake decorating.

Opening to the public on 18 June at Arch 64, Queens Circus, the experience has been inspired by Battersea’s iconic power station heritage and the vibrant local community. The result is a playful twist on the traditional afternoon tea that feels every bit as fun as it is delicious.

Nicknamed "Batter-Tea" by the team, the experience is served on specially designed power station-themed stands featuring handmade and 3D-printed elements. It's certainly not your average three-tier cake stand.

Guests can tuck into a tempting selection of savoury bites, including tomato, mozzarella and basil canapés, avocado and feta canapés, and mini quiches packed with Gruyère and sun-dried tomatoes.

The sweet treats are equally impressive. Expect freshly baked plain, Red Velvet and cheese scones alongside colourful patisserie creations such as Electric Lemon Tart, flower fruit custard tart, chocolate chip brick brownie fingers and white chocolate pistachio blondies.

One of the standout features is the interactive Cats & Dogs cupcake decorating activity, allowing guests to create their own edible masterpieces while enjoying their tea.

Speaking of tea, there's plenty of it. The afternoon tea includes bottomless brews from Novus Tea, with blends ranging from classic English Breakfast and Earl Grey to Persian Pomegranate, Egyptian Mint and Dragonwell Green Tea.

Even better, every booking helps support a good cause. Jack & Beyond will donate £1 from every Power Station Afternoon Tea sold to the famous Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, a charity the bakery has supported since relocating to Battersea.

The launch marks an exciting new chapter for founder Fulop Gabor, whose business has grown from a small Fulham bakery in 2019 into a spacious 3,000-square-foot flagship destination. The new site features a large open kitchen, allowing visitors to watch the team baking and decorating cakes while they enjoy their afternoon tea.

At £45 per person, the experience includes the full menu, unlimited tea and a bonus 20% discount on shop purchases made after the visit.

For food lovers looking for something a little different, this could be one of London's most imaginative new afternoon tea experiences, combining cake, creativity, community spirit and plenty of tea under one roof.

Now that's a recipe for a memorable afternoon!

For public bookings and further information, visit:

https://jackandbeyond.com/pages/power-station-afternoon-tea-experience

Easy Smashed Beef Burgers: A Simple Homemade Burger Recipe Anyone Can Make

Learn how to make delicious homemade smashed beef burgers using simple minced beef and a handful of ingredients. Crispy, juicy and ready in minutes.

Few meals are as satisfying as a freshly made smashed beef burger. Crispy around the edges, juicy in the middle and packed with flavour, smashed burgers have become a favourite in kitchens across the UK. 

The good news is that you don't need fancy equipment, expensive ingredients or chef-level skills to make them at home.

This easy smashed beef burger recipe uses simple minced beef and just a handful of everyday ingredients to create restaurant-style burgers in minutes.

Why Smashed Burgers Taste So Good

Unlike traditional thick burgers, smashed burgers are pressed firmly onto a hot cooking surface. This creates maximum contact with the pan, producing a delicious caramelised crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

The result is a burger that is packed with flavour and cooks incredibly quickly.

Ingredients (Makes 4 Burgers)

500g beef mince (15-20% fat works best)

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

4 burger buns

4 slices of cheese (optional)

A little vegetable oil

Optional Toppings

Lettuce

Sliced tomato

Red onion

Pickles

Burger sauce

Ketchup

Mustard

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Divide the minced beef into four equal portions. Gently roll each portion into a loose ball. Avoid compacting the meat too much as this helps keep the burgers tender.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

Place a heavy frying pan, skillet or griddle over high heat. Add a small amount of oil and allow the pan to become very hot.

If you wish you can cook them in a convection oven using a greased baking tray, flipping them over every several minutes, cooking time 10 to 20 minutes.

Step 3: Smash the Burgers

Place a beef ball into the pan and immediately press it down firmly using a spatula or burger press until it is around 1cm thick.

Season with a little salt and pepper.

Step 4: Cook

Cook for approximately two minutes without moving the burger. This allows the crust to develop.

Flip the burger and cook for a further minute. If using cheese, place a slice on top immediately after flipping.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

Lightly toast the burger buns in the pan for around 30 seconds until golden.

Step 6: Assemble

Place the burger onto the bun and add your chosen toppings and sauces.

Serve immediately.

Top Tips for Perfect Smashed Burgers

Use beef with a reasonable fat content for maximum flavour.

Make sure the pan is extremely hot before cooking.

Only smash the burger once.

Don't overcrowd the pan.

Serve straight away for the best texture.

A Family Favourite

This easy smashed beef burger recipe proves that great burgers don't have to be complicated. With just minced beef, seasoning and a few simple toppings, you can create a delicious homemade meal that rivals many takeaway burgers.

Whether you're cooking for a quick midweek dinner, a weekend treat or a summer garden gathering, these crispy, juicy smashed beef burgers are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.