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Make sure your cocktails are smokin' hot with Flavour Blaster!

If you are the kind of person who wants to add the "wow" factor to home entertaining, then you can now follow in the footsteps of the world’s top restaurants and cocktail mixologists.

Flavour Blaster, which creates unique smoke-filled bubbles which sit atop of everything from cocktails to culinary masterpieces, has become a massive hit with professionals across the entire hospitality industry.

And now anyone who wants to recreate this experience for themselves, their family members and friends can do exactly that, because its creators are now marketing their latest creation, a new version designed for use in the home.

Flavour Blaster Mini is delivered in its own stylish box and in a range of colours, complete with all the kit that is required to produce the bubbles, which release smoke in any one of a range of aromas when they burst.

Users can make their selection from a whole host of different, exciting aromatics and infusions to ensure they create the required perfect result, with aromas like passion fruit, bergamot, cinnamon, coffee and mixed berry to name only a selection from the enchanting range.

And what's more, there are also a number of savoury options for anyone who wants to add a chef-like touch to their dinner parties, including rosemary and smoke, which then dissolve into a cloud of fragrant vapour.

Since being launched, Flavour Blaster has become the must-have techno-accessory gadget for the hospitality industry used in venues such as celebrity haunts like Annabel’s, to the five star Fleming Hotel in London’s swanky Mayfair.

The Flavour Blaster Mini costs £199 plus VAT and comes with two aromas, with more available to buy via the website at www.flavourblaster.com.

Avallen Calvados Launched in a Paper Bottle as a First at Harvey Nichols

Almost everyone has heard the song Paper Roses, but I have to admit that paper bottles is something entirely new to me. 

Because Avallen Calvados has launched a paper bottle as an amazing first at Harvey Nichols,

Sustainability in the spirits industry has taken a gigantic leap forward with the launch of the first mainstream spirit to be housed in a paper bottle. 

Pioneering environmentally aware brand Avallen, which is distributed throughout the UK by premium spirits distributor Mangrove UK, has just launched this utterly unique new paper bottle for its deliciously refreshing completely natural Calvados. 

And it's available exclusively until the end of November at Harvey Nichols. It must be emphasised that this marks a true and very revolutionary first for the UK spirits industry.

Not only is it far more robust than standard glass bottles it's also six times lighter, weighing in at a mere 82 grams, this type of packaging will reduce glass use in the future and will dramatically cut the brand's carbon footprint, with the carbon footprint of each bottle being no less than six times lower than average glass alternatives.

And the design of the bottle is truly stunning. The design of the bottle remains beautifully detailed, with a colourful, intricate design that wraps around the whole bottle, showcasing the existing Avallen Calvados brand. 

The brand itself reflects, not only the sustainable credibility that makes it a popular choice with conscious consumers, but also the delicate, floral and fruity flavours that Calvados lovers' desire above all else. And it remains at the same price as the glass bottle alternative.

Avallen Calvados has always prided itself on a pioneering brand, creating sumptuous spirits whilst helping the planet. Indeed being 'planet positive' is built into every stage of Avallen's process, from distillation to shelf. 

Tim Etherington-Judge, Co-Founder of Avallen points out: “Here at Avallen we're always trying to improve our environmental performance and combine it with beautiful designs. I think our new paper bottle really delivers on both and we're thrilled to launch it exclusively in Harvey Nichols, which is  one of the world's most famous retailers.”

The development is in partnership with sustainable packaging brand, Frugalpac, who's global mission is to help the planet by decarbonising the food and drinks industry. 

The paper bottle which is home to Avallen's delicious Calvados spirit is made from 94% recycled paper, with a food grade pouch inside to make sure the spirit inside is kept safe. With each bottle so light, the reduced weight also makes it cheaper to deliver, or to post if you're sending it as a gift. 

Since its launch in 2019, Avallen has built its business around taking action against the climate crisis. The drinks industry can often be viewed as an environmental  rogue, responsible for catastrophic biodiversity loss and the depletion of natural resources. 

Avallen tackle this by authentically and honestly giving back more to the planet than they take. The brand is an ideal example of a company that's producing great quality alcohol alongside helping the environment, with impact-led production methods and the use of a mere three ingredients (apples, water, and time). They have already achieved B Corp certification and 1% For the Planet membership – certifications granted to only the most conscious of businesses.

Nick Gillett, MD of Mangrove UK adds: “Avallen has always embarked on a mission to take action against the climate crisis and inspire drinkers to giving back more than they take. This new incredible paper bottle exemplifies exactly this and will appeal not just to eco-conscious drinkers but to anyone who is intent on reducing waste.”

This latest step solidifies Avallen's commitment to being 'planet positive' and is now available in its paper packaging, exclusively within Harvey Nichols.

Nick Bell, Senior Spirits Buyer at Harvey Nichols said of the product: “At Harvey Nichols we're proud to stock Avallen in its spectacular sustainable packaging across our bars and our stores.

“As a buyer you have a real opportunity to take genuine, positive steps to reduce carbon and improve biodiversity, so being able to take on a carbon-negative product with the quality of Avallen is extremely rewarding.”

The product and its eye catching new paper bottle will be available for wider purchase in stores and online at avallenspirits.com, from the 1st December. Priced at £35.

This will make an ideal Christmas gift for eco-aware family members and friends who like fine drinking.

New experience offered by Steven Edwards at etch.

etch. by Steven Edwards has silently opened a stylish speakeasy experience to non-diners, following the success of its subterranean bar among its diners since it opened a year ago, last November.

The restaurant was reopened following an extension last November, with diners able to enjoy pre and post dinner drinks in the bar. However, Steven had always hoped to open up to those looking for a sophisticated drinking experience on a night out.

Named as a nod to the tattoo bar that formerly occupied the premises, Ink is a modern, minimalistic take on the basement speakeasy concept. 

The cocktail bar is situated immediately beneath Steven Edwards' flagship restaurant etch, in Brighton and Hove. The bar has an intimate décor with flashes of neon in its artwork created by Ben Slow.

Bar manager Bethany Pogson and her dedicated team have created a menu that breathes new life into the classics, plus creating some new and original serves. 

Cocktails include the ever popular 'etchspresso' Martini that elevates a modern classic using butter almanac and walnut bitters and a vodka-based Old Fashioned enhanced with a comforting Horlicks infused cream. 

A unique range of non-alcoholic alternatives are also available as are olives and smoked almonds which are complimentary when one orders drinks.

Steven said: “With our extensive local inspired drinks list, Ink is the perfect spot for an intimate after-work drink, a romantic date, birthday, intimate festive celebration or a late-night cocktail. It's proving really popular with those who know etch already and they are bringing new people to try the etch experience which really has to be a good thing.”

Ink is currently open on a temporary event notice and non-diners must book a table in advance in order to access the bar. The bar is open from 6pm until 11pm on Wednesday and Thursday and from midday until 11pm on Friday and Saturday.

To reserve a table at Ink visit: https://www.etchfood.co.uk/home#/ink/

What is etch? It serves a 5, 7 or 9 course tasting menu with a focus on local, ethically sourced produce and the restaurant is famous for the marmite bread, served with seaweed butter.

The restaurant was ranked 58th in this year's National Restaurant Awards and to quote a review in the Independent, Steven has "found a way to make dippy eggs exciting. No, that's not even the right word for it… he's made them sexy. Jammily, gloriously sexy, which is certainly not something I ever thought I would say about a soft boiled egg and a bit of toast.” 

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Asda makes "massive" change to its own brand tea bags, making them much greener

Asda has made a massive change to its own brand tea bags with the introduction of new, plant-based packaging, meaning that the 550 million tea bags Asda sells sells every year can be disposed of using  kerbside food waste bins, which are sometimes called caddies. 

The new tea bags are specially created using PLA which is derived from corn starch, which is a natural, plant-based material and will replace the non-renewable oil-based plastic bags which Asda previously employed.

Asda will be phasing in the new bags over the next half-year across its entire range, from Just Essentials to Extra Special brands.

Jon Wells, who is Asda's Packaging Technologist, said: “We know our customers want to do all they can to reduce their environmental impact and we want to make that as easy as possible for all our customers.

“Let's face it, tea is a staple in most customer’s households so for us to make a change which can make such a difference is a big moment for us.”

Adam Herriott, Sector Specialist, Resource Management, WRAP, said: “It’s very positive to hear of further moves by Asda, a founding member of The UK Plastics Pact, to make innovative moves on their products and tackle plastic waste. 

"We must continue to go further, and ensure we bring in more changes that benefit shoppers and the environment”.

You can check out Asda at www.asda.com.

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Grab some snacks the Proper way!

PROPER Snacks, The UK's top better-for-you snack brand, has launched the absolutely sensational 'The PROPER Dropper'; which is a life-sized arcade claw in London's Shoreditch, which will see players strapped in and dunked into a pit of 16,000 snacks and thousands of pounds worth of prizes!

Open today and tomorrow only (28th and 29th of October) The PROPER Dropper has been launched in response to research showing that nearly 70% of us are looking to seize new opportunities, and 68% are open to trying something they've never tried before.

Members of the public will have the chance to take home bags of PROPERCORN and PROPERCHIPS, plus new PROPERCRISPS, besides special hidden prizes including high-end fashion rental platform ByRotation, where you can hire out a show-stopping look for less, exclusive merch from iconic fashion brands FILA and NICCE, and Roam speakers from surround sound connoisseurs, SONOS.

Said Cassandra Stavrou, co-founder of PROPER Snacks: “PROPER is a brand that's always been about bringing fun and creativity to every day life. So, we decided to turn up and give the public something unforgettable.”

“Whether it's building a giant popcorn cement mixer or wallpapering London in popcorn pattern, we've always done this the 'PROPER way'. The human claw goes right to the heart of our brand, which is  another moment where we totally reimagine a childhood arcade game, and stop people in their tracks with our creative ambition. We're so excited to bring the Human Claw to life this Autumn!”

The activation is the latest in a long line of bold moments in PROPER Snacks' history, including popcorn-wrapped London buses and a 33ft pink cement mixer tour around the UK.

Also, the brand has a long history of championing iconic up-and-coming designers and artists, with many contributing to its now infamous on-pack designs. 

The decision to launch a (literal) 'pick-me-up' attraction in collaboration with iconic designer Toby Triumph, was taken to inject the same creativity and fun seen on its packs, back into the city.

The PROPER Dropper opens on Friday, 28th October and will run till Saturday 29th, October at Ely's Yard, Shoreditch, 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QL, London. Sessions will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis and at random through a 'spin the wheel'. 

Sessions are limited between the hours of 11:00 and 20:00 and are completely free. Pre-booking is unavailable. The ride is available for those 18+, and surrounding activities are suited for all ages. Prizes are allocated at random and issued at the discretion of the provider. For further updates, follow @proper on Instagram and @propersnacks TikTok and search #properdropper to find out more.

PICTURED: Tash and Amy demonstrate the 'PROPER Dropper', the UK's first human claw arcade machine.

It's opened at Ely's Yard, Shoreditch for two days only, The arcade machine contains a pit of 16,000 bags of PROPER Snacks, as well hidden gold packs with prizes from brands such as NICCE, ByRotation, FILA, and SONOS. The photo is courtesy of Jonathan Hordle/PA Wire.