Food and drink news for the discerning consumer
Wednesday, 19 November 2025
That's Christmas 365: A Festive Wetherspoon Adventure: Touring Different...
That's Christmas 365: A Festive Wetherspoon Adventure: Touring Different...: Discover how to enjoy a festive Wetherspoon adventure by visiting different pubs, sampling their Christmas menus and trying the unique winte...
Tuesday, 18 November 2025
That's Christmas 365: Why You Should Source Your Turkey and Christmas Me...
That's Christmas 365: Why You Should Source Your Turkey and Christmas Me...: When it comes to Christmas dinner, the centrepiece matters. Whether it's a golden turkey, a succulent joint of beef, or a beautifully g...
That's Christmas 365: Keep the Festivities Safe: How to Avoid Drink-Driv...
That's Christmas 365: Keep the Festivities Safe: How to Avoid Drink-Driv...: Christmas is a season of joy, good food, and raising a glass with the people who matter most. But amid all the celebrations, it’s worryingl...
That's Christmas 365: Festive Spirits: Different Gins to Try This Christmas
That's Christmas 365: Festive Spirits: Different Gins to Try This Christmas: If your celebrations come with a clink of glasses and a dash of seasonal sparkle, Christmas is the perfect time to explore a few new gins. ...
Saturday, 15 November 2025
That's Christmas 365: Christmas Traditions from Around the World: A Glob...
That's Christmas 365: Christmas Traditions from Around the World: A Glob...: Christmas may be celebrated across the globe, but the way different countries mark the season is wonderfully diverse. From unique foods and...
That's Christmas 365: Host a Festive Family Mince Pie Taste Test: A Fun ...
That's Christmas 365: Host a Festive Family Mince Pie Taste Test: A Fun ...: There are few treats more closely associated with a British Christmas than a good mince pie. But with so many options on offer, from superma...
Thursday, 13 November 2025
Makan Malaysia's Range of Products Satisfies Brits' Increased Desire for World Cuisine
Makan Malaysia (which translates to 'Eat Malaysia') is capitalising on the trend for consumers to introduce global taste experiences in the comfort of their own home.
Their products celebrate traditional flavours rooted in heritage recipes.
Made using natural ingredients and heat levels to suit every palette, the range includes pantry sauces, cooking kits, and snacks, from Peanut Sauce to Satay to Sambal & Redang along with chef kits and snack gift sets providing a gastronomic treat for food connoisseurs.
Makan Malaysia was first launched in 2009 by two Malaysian friends, dynamic duo, Su and Kat, and started out as an event catering solution.
This has now evolved into the rollout of a branded collection of store cupboard essentials and gift sets inspired by the desire to bring people together through a love of food, sparking curiosity and understanding within the local community, while creating a sense of belonging for those living far from home.
With we Brits embracing an ever-wider range of foods combined with increasing diversity among our population, the world cuisine market is a lucrative market in the UK growing by 7.7% in 2022 according to Mintel's 2024 UK World Cuisines Market Report.
It also claims as many as 92% of Brits say they eat world cuisines at home as they seek to widen their culinary horizons and experience exciting new flavours they may not have tried before.
Commenting on the launch, Su and Kat, owners of Reading-based Makan Malaysia told That's Food and Drink: “When we first moved to the UK back in 2009 it was not always easy to feel that we fitted in. We soon realised that sharing the food and the vibrant Malaysian flavours that we grew up with provided a great way of connecting with people.
"Ultimately food provides the ideal conduit to raise awareness and encourage a wider appreciation of today's multicultural society. We strongly believe that if there was a greater understanding of the traditional customs associated with a diverse population, the world would be a better place.
"In addition to this altruistic desire and on a more practical basis, we wanted to cater for the growing number of adventurous home cooks who want to try exciting new flavours to replace the increasingly costly eating out experience.”
The product range, which includes dairy free, gluten free, nut free and vegan options, includes:
The core/best sellers: Satay Marinade, Peanut Sauce, Wok Sauce, The Sambal, Rendang. All vegan and gluten free except for the Wok Sauce.
The cooking sauces: Satay Marinade, Peanut Sauce, Wok Sauce, Rendang, Ginger and Garlic
The Sambals: fiery chilli sauces Sambal Mayo, Anchovy Sambal, The Sambal, Sambal Belacan
The snacks: Sambal Almonds, Anchovies & Peanuts, Sambal Cookies.
Retailers and farm shops & delis can source Makan Malaysia products via the company website or directly from wholesalers on Faire, Fine Food Angel and Artisan Food Club.
For more information on Makan Malaysia's range of products visit their website: https://makanmalaysia.co.uk
That's Christmas 365: The Best Coffee Machines to Buy for Christmas 2025
That's Christmas 365: The Best Coffee Machines to Buy for Christmas 2025: Perfect presents for coffee lovers who deserve something special under the tree. Finding a meaningful Christmas gift can be tricky, but a hi...
Wednesday, 12 November 2025
Discover Monty’s Brewery: The Heart of Welsh Craft Beer
Nestled in the charming market town of Montgomery, Powys, this award-winning independent brewery has been putting Mid Wales firmly on the craft beer map since 2009, one beer at a time.
A Taste of Wales in Every Glass
Founded by husband-and-wife team Pam and Russ Honeyman, Monty’s Brewery began as a small local project with a big idea: to brew exceptional beers that showcase Welsh quality and flavour.
Today, Monty’s has become one of Wales’s most respected independent breweries, known not just for great taste but also for innovation and inclusivity.
One of their biggest achievements?
They were among the first UK breweries to produce a range of certified gluten-free beers, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a true craft ale experience, no compromises required.
Award-Winning Ales and Modern Classics
Monty’s beers combine traditional British brewing with contemporary flavour. Whether you prefer a light golden ale or a dark, rich stout, there’s something in their range for every palate.
Masquerade
A smooth golden ale, refreshingly crisp and completely gluten-free. It’s the ideal companion for a summer afternoon or a Welsh cheese board.
Sunshine
As its name suggests, this bright, lively ale brings warmth to any day. Perfect for pairing with grilled meats or fish dishes.
Gwyn a Du
A beautifully balanced stout, full of roasted malt flavour, gentle chocolate notes and a surprisingly clean finish. It’s also gluten-free, proof that indulgence doesn’t have to exclude anyone. This is a personal favourite of my wife, who is a coeliac who loves proper stout beers.
Mischief IPA
A bold, hop-forward India Pale Ale that delivers citrus and pine notes with a smooth, malty base. A fine choice for anyone who enjoys the modern craft-beer style.
Each of these beers is brewed, bottled, and labelled on-site in Montgomery, ensuring total quality control and a sustainable, small-batch approach.
The Gluten-Free Difference
Monty’s Brewery has earned praise across the UK for pioneering gluten-free brewing.
Instead of relying on substitutes, they’ve developed a brewing process that removes gluten after fermentation, preserving the full flavour and body of their beers.
For those with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivities, Monty’s beers offer a rare treat: genuine craft beer with no restrictions.
It’s a thoughtful, inclusive touch that reflects the brand’s wider ethos, everyone deserves to enjoy great Welsh beer.
Visit Monty’s in Montgomery
For those travelling through Mid Wales, The Cottage, Monty’s Brewery Visitor Centre is well worth a stop. Set among rolling hills and historic streets, it’s a delightful spot to sample beers, pick up gifts, and learn about the brewing process.
Visitors can:
Sample Monty’s full range of beers, including seasonal releases
Watch small-scale brewing demonstrations
Purchase gift packs and local produce
Explore Montgomery’s independent shops and stunning countryside
It’s a perfect day out for anyone combining beer tourism with a taste of real Welsh hospitality.
(Always drink responsibly — plan your visit around a local stay or make use of transport links.)
Pairing Welsh Beer with Welsh Food
One of the joys of Monty’s beer range is how well it pairs with traditional Welsh fare. Here are a few easy ideas for your next meal or tasting evening:
Masquerade with Welsh rarebit or leek and cheese tart
Gwyn a Du stout with chocolate brownies or rich beef casserole
Sunshine ale alongside smoked salmon or Welsh lamb burgers
Mischief IPA with spicy sausage, curry or mature cheddar
Local ingredients meet local brewing — a match made in culinary heaven.
Sustainability and Craftsmanship
Monty’s is a proud advocate of sustainable brewing. From reusing spent grain in local agriculture to bottling on site and minimising waste, the brewery exemplifies what small-scale, responsible production looks like in practice.
They’re also accredited under the SALSA Plus Beer scheme, which recognises high standards in food safety and quality control. It’s another reason why Monty’s continues to attract attention from retailers and beer lovers alike.
Where to Buy Monty’s Beers
You can find Monty’s beers across Wales and the UK, both in pubs and through specialist retailers.
For online shopping, check their official site at montysbrewery.co.uk or browse curated selections at stores such as Best of British Beer and Blas ar Fwyd.
Why Monty’s Matters
Monty’s Brewery embodies everything we love about Welsh craft brewing, independence, inclusivity, community, and exceptional taste. It’s a brand that doesn’t chase trends but builds them, one careful batch at a time.
Whether you’re gluten-free, a craft-beer enthusiast, or simply someone who loves exploring local flavours, Monty’s offers a reason to raise your glass to Wales.
Plan Your Welsh Beer Adventure
Next time you’re in Powys or planning a weekend away, make Montgomery part of your itinerary. Visit Monty’s Brewery, meet the team, and taste why this little Welsh brewery has made such a big name for itself in the world of beer.
Cheers to Monty’s — the taste of Mid Wales in every drop.
You can also buy their beers at this link which will earn That's Food and Drink a modest affiliate fee:-
Food Rebels Launches to a Global Audience Through Partnership With US-Based Heritage Radio Network and UK-Based Food FM
The partnership means Food Rebels is now available across two of the world’s most respected food-and-drink audio platform; HRN, a nonprofit that produces the world’s largest and most diverse collection of food and drink podcasts; and Food FM, a UK-based radio and podcast platform telling stories all about food - bringing new listeners into the fold every week.
Fuelled by these collaborations, Food Rebels has increased its weekly global listenership every week. The show now attracts an estimated weekly listenership of 135,000 from the UK and across the world. New episodes air every Wednesday at 5pm.
AJ Sharp, host of Food Rebels, told That's Food and Drink: “Our mission has always been to champion the people, ideas and movements reshaping how we eat and drink for the better. Partnering with Food FM and Heritage Radio Network lets us take those conversations truly global, while keeping the show intimate, curious and fun.”
Stacy Basko, HRN Head of Marketing, added: “Food Rebels fits perfectly with our audience’s appetite for insightful food storytelling. AJ Sharp has a great way of putting guests at ease to get the most out of every interview and her on-air tastings are really fun and informative. We are thrilled to bring “Food Rebels” to our listeners around the world.”
Caroline Kenyon, Food FM Founder, went on to add: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Food Rebels to the Food FM family. AJ’s passion for uncovering the stories behind our food, and the people driving real change, aligns nicely with our ethos. The show captures that blend of authenticity, curiosity and joy that makes food radio so compelling, and we’re excited to see it reach new audiences through this collaboration.”
FACTFILE:
Food Rebels spotlights boundary-pushing voices across food and drink, producers and founders, chefs and critics, activists and innovators, asking the big questions about flavour, ethics, craft, sustainability and culture. Expect candid interviews, sharp analysis and fresh stories from the front lines of the culinary world.
Format: Weekly radio show and podcast
Host: AJ Sharp (food and drink commentator, speaker, writer and judge)
When to listen: Wednesdays at 5pm
Where to listen: Food FM and Heritage Radio Network (HRN), plus all major podcast platforms.
Heritage Radio Network is a nonprofit on a mission to build a more sustainable world by shifting the way we think about food. The organisation creates podcasts that explore the rich and essential stories behind food while passing the microphone to both established and emerging voices.
HRN started as a grassroots gathering of people involved in the local food scene in Bushwick, Brooklyn, NY in 2009. A recording studio built inside a shipping container behind Roberta’s pizza served as the nerve center for pirate radio broadcasts on food and drink. Since then, HRN has collaborated with thought leaders, celebrity chefs, food advocates, and forward-thinking brands in addition to the countless fellows who discover their voices through the network’s educational programming. It all happens with support from HRN’s devoted listeners.
Food FM is a radio and podcast platform from the UK telling stories all about food—food for your ears. With passionate presenters and a focus on the people, places and ideas behind what we eat, Food FM brings listeners closer to the world of food.
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