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

Nottingham Burger Lovers, Rejoice! The Beefy Boys are Coming to Town!

Nottingham's food scene is about to get a fantastic and major new addition.

The Beefy Boys, the UK's Best Burger winners (National Burger Awards 2023) and two-times World Food Championships finalists, have announced they will open their sixth restaurant on the city's iconic Queen's Street this April.

The announcement comes just weeks after the team celebrated the 10 year anniversary of opening their very first restaurant in Hereford, marking a decade of steady growth from backyard BBQs to internationally recognised burger champions.

Founded in 2011 by four childhood friends, Anthony 'Murf' Murphy, Daniel Mayo-Evans, Christian Williams and Lee Symonds, The Beefy Boys first made headlines when they placed second at the World Food Championships in Las Vegas in 2014.

They returned in 2024, securing fourth place in Indianapolis, cementing their reputation as one of the UK's leading burger brands.

Now, Nottingham will become their most northern restaurant to date, joining their growing portfolio in Hereford, Shrewsbury, Cheltenham, Bath and Oxford.

Speaking about the new launch, co-founder Murf told That's Food and Drink: “Nottingham has been on our radar for a while, now.

It's a brilliant city with a buzzing food scene, so we can't wait to bring our burgers here. Ten years on from opening our first restaurant, launching our sixth site feels like a huge milestone, and Nottingham feels like the perfect next chapter.”

The new city centre site will serve up The Beefy Boys' cult favourites, including the classic Beefy Boy Burger and the award-winning Oklahoma Onion Boy Cali Style burger, alongside indulgent loaded fries, buffalo wings, delicious sides, vegetarian and vegan options, and their famous hard shakes.

The brand is known for using 100% grass-fed Herefordshire beef from their hometown, and championing local suppliers wherever possible, building a loyal following thanks to its bold flavours, playful personality, and commitment to quality.

Recruitment for the Nottingham restaurant is now live, creating new jobs in the city. The team is seeking energetic, food-loving staff to join the Nottingham crew. Job listings can be viewed at https://jobs.thebeefyboys.com/nottingham.

Further details on the official opening, and the way in which local diners can be among the first to try out the new restaurant, will be announced soon.

For more information on The Beefy Boys, please visit their website: https://thebeefyboys.com

Cornwall's Firebrand Wins Double Gold for Shorebreak at International Non-Alcoholic Competition

Cornwall's Firebrand Brewing Co. is delighted to announce that its non-alcoholic hazy pale, Shorebreak, has won Double Gold at the International Non-Alcoholic Drinks Competition. 

This follows hot on the heels of being named Britain's Best Non-Alcoholic Pale Ale at the World Beer Awards and puts it firmly on the world beer map.

Co-owner and Head Brewer at Firebrand Brewing Co., Joe Thomson told That's Food and Drink: “Winning Double Gold at the International Non-Alcoholic Competition is a huge moment for us. 

"Shorebreak was created to give drinkers a full-flavoured, hop-forward beer without compromise, and to see it recognised by such a respected panel of judges is incredible.The awards were held in New York and we were up against beers from across the globe so this is a huge international accolade. 

The non-alcoholic category is growing quickly and to be leading the way with one of our core beers is something we're really proud of.”

At 0.5% ABV, Shorebreak is a non-alcoholic hazy pale which is packed with vibrant hop flavour. Brewed with Simcoe, Citra and Cascade hops, it delivers all the juicy, tropical flavour of a full-strength hazy pale but without the hangover. 

Smooth and light, this IPA is also gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and just 35 calories per can.

Joe adds: “When I started the brewery over a decade ago, alcohol-free beer wasn't on the popularity radar. 

"But after I took up running, finding a great-tasting alternative to my daily pint that wouldn't derail my training, became a passion project for me. That's where Shorebreak came from. 

"The response to this IPA has been phenomenal, with it now being one of our best-sellers, and having it recognised again by industry experts makes the journey even more rewarding.”

On the edge of the historic Bodmin Moor in North Cornwall, Firebrand Brewing Co was created in 2012. Born in an old converted milking parlour, the idea came from a passion for beer that is made from all-natural ingredients, including Cornish spring water and American hops. 

Now based in Launceston, their purpose-built brewery uses the finest ingredients and aims to 'Go Beyond The Usual', encouraging drinkers to explore new flavours and discover something new in every sip.

The International Non-Alchoholic Competition celebrates the finest creations from around the globe, blind-tasted by expert judges. Double Golds are the highest accolade and only awarded to products unanimously considered to be phenomenal by the panel of judges.

Shorebreak is available in 440ml cans direct from www.firebrandbrewing.co.uk, RRP £2.70 and other retail and hospitality outlets.

Affiliate links are available through www.Amazon.co.uk.

Porte Noire Kings Cross Awarded Two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence

Porte Noire, the highly acclaimed restaurant co-founded by Idris Elba and David Farber, is thrilled to announce it has been awarded two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence by the AA Restaurant Guide. 

This prestigious recognition celebrates the restaurant's commitment to high-quality food and exceptional dining experiences.

Located in the heart of  London's Kings Cross, since opening its doors Porte Noire has been dedicated to crafting innovative dishes using the finest seasonal ingredients, paired with a carefully curated wide selection of wines. 

The team is constantly working hard to create a menu that reflects both classic Mediterranean dishes with a twist of creativity and innovation.

 "We are incredibly honoured to receive this recognition from the AA, said David Farber, founder & co-owner of Porte Noire. "This award is a testament to the hard work, dedication and passion of our entire team. We strive to create a unique dining experience for the enjoyment of our guests, and this acknowledgment inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries of culinary excellence."

The AA Rosette Awards are a benchmark for culinary excellence in the UK, with only a select number of restaurants achieving this notable distinction. The two AA Rosettes signify that Porte Noire is achieving standards that are "excellent cooking, worth a visit."

For reservations and more information, please visit www.portenoire.co.uk or contact us at bookings@portenoirekx.com.

Sandford Orchards' Devon Red Cider Scoops More Awards

Fiercely independent and proudly family-owned Sandford Orchards  is celebrating two more awards for its hugely popular session cider, Devon Red. 

It's just scooped a well-deserved Gold at the Food Drink Devon Awards and a Silver at the Great British Food Awards. These are in addition to the Gold it was awarded at the Taste of The West Awards earlier this year.

Says Barny Butterfield, Chief Cidermaker at Sandford Orchards: “Devon Red's our flagship cider and the one that is most well-known and widely adored by our fans. 

"Just last year it was voted 'best drink' by the readers of Food Lifestyle Magazine. However, we are sometimes, perhaps, a little complacent about just how good it is. 

"So this year, we decided to put this to the test with the professionals and entered it into three award competitions. We are thrilled to say it's returned victorious from each one. Across the board, the judging panels, which included some leading drinks experts, recognised Devon Red as an award-winning cider.” 

Devon Red (ABV 4.5%) is a naturally tasty and utterly delicious, crisp and fruity cider. It takes its name from the rich red Devon soil that gives the orchards their distinctive quality. It's a refreshing, balanced apple cider packed with the juice of Farmers Glory, Dabinett and Sweet Alford apples, all grown and pressed within Devon.

The Great British Food Awards were launched in 2014 to celebrate the country's finest artisanal produce, as well as the hard-working people behind the scenes. 

This year's awards were judged by some incredibly high profiled industry experts including michelin-starred chefs, Raymond Blanc and Michele Roux junior and TV personality and drinks expert, Olly Smith.

The Food Drink Devon Awards, now in their 13th year, celebrate the best food and drink the region has to offer. This year over 340 products were judged by a panel of independent, unbiased experts which included renowned drinks writers Fiona Beckett and Susy Atkins and TV drinks presenter, Andy Clarke.

Founded in 2002, independent, family-owned Sandford Orchards is based in Crediton, Mid Devon in the oldest working cider mill in the UK. The area has long been known as one of the most fertile parishes in all of Britain, both for its grazing and ability to grow apples. Crediton sits in the lee of the moors, so receives just the perfect amount of rain and the right units of heat during the summer months.

Sandford Orchards takes a fresh, natural and low impact approach to producing cider. Combining tradition and innovation, Sandford Orchards produces an award-winning range of core session, traditional, fine and fruit ciders.

For further information on Sandford Orchards please visit www.sandfordorchards.co.uk, follow Sandford Orchards on X, Facebook and Instagram.