Athletic Brewing Company. Where alcohol-free does not mean taste free

If you are thinking of taking part in Dry January but are concerned not about missing out on the alcohol but on the tastes of what you would normally be drinking, then your new companion for January and beyond should be the brews produced by the Athletic Brewing Company. 

And as it's safe for vegans because it contains no animal products or by-products it's an ideal meal accompaniment for your Veganuary feasting. Also, it's great for people who suffer from coeliac disease as it is also gluten free, too. 

Established back in 2017,  the Athletic Brewing Company points out, and with considerable justification, that they brew without compromise. 

Take their Upside Dawn Golden Ale, for example. It contains under 0.5% alcohol. So is perfect for the designated driver, someone taking part in Dry January or who doesn't want to drink alcohol for whatever reason.

What about the taste? My wife, who is more of a connoisseur of Irish stouts than pale or golden pale ales like Upside Dawn has declared Upside Dawn to be "absolutely delicious." And I have to agree with her. It is one of the nicest golden ales that I have ever drunk, alcoholic or non-alcoholic.

It has a clean, nicely hoppy taste and it's clear that it has been brewed to taste good, with the non-alcoholic side being a very useful additional feature. 

It has an IBU of 15 and the taste is awesome on the tongue, with bright notes and a clarity of combined tastes.

It has a good mouthfeel and is a worthy beer for your fridge.

Of course, there are other ales and beers that are available including: Tucker's Westcoast IPA, Round of Cheers, Lodge Life, Wit's Peak Witbier, Run Wild, Free Wave, Athletic Lite, All Out (a stunning stout), Cerveza Atletica, a Mexican-inspired light copper ale, Mystery Limited brew packs, Sunset Stoke (a refreshing red IPA) Kyle's Pale, Jumbo Juicy IPA, The Ocean Under the Moon (a special, extra-dark beer) and Athletic ESB.

UK lovers of this American craft brewing revolution can order their cans here https://uk.athleticbrewing.com.

https://athleticbrewing.com

Athletic Brewing Company's beers are also available in Tesco stores, some independent off licence premises, via Amazon and in some restaurants. 

Get 2023 of to a fine start with Bone Idyll's Rums and Gins

Connoisseurs of fine rums can enjoy the debut collection, featuring Botanical and Aged Rum varieties. Bone Idyll's rums are a hassle-free way to enjoy premium spirits from the comfort of your own home.

Perfected for their hospitality comrades by admired local restaurateurs, residents and husband and wife team, Sam, and Alex Berry, they will continue to develop and grow the Bone Idyll offering throughout the year.

Botanical Rum, £40

700ml

For Wilful Wanderlusters

Hit the tropics and calypso with this mysterious, exotic beauty – an alluring one-of-a-kind blend of vibrant freshness, subtle sweetness, and a hint of fire. Lose yourself in the moment.

Botanicals

Scotch Bonnet pepper, banana, and lime leaf.

Serve With

Double measure with The London Essence Blood Orange and Elderflower tonic. Serve with a lime wedge and wild abandon.

43% ABV- 70cl

Aged Rum, £35

700ml

For Master Blasters

Blending the deep funky bassline of Guyana with lighter, brighter tones from Barbados and the Dominican Republic, this rock steady mix will liven up your at home drinks experience.

Notes

Rich peaches and cacao.

Serve With

Double Measure with The London Essence Roasted Pineapple soda. Serve with a pineapple wedge and a banging soundtrack.

45% ABV, 70cl

The Bone Idyll Spirit & RTD Cocktail Collection

Customers can enjoy the wider Bone Idyll spirits and RTD cocktail collection. Available to purchase online, with nationwide shipping to your door.

The Spirit Collection

Spirits: Barrel Aged Gin, £40.00, Blushing Pink Gin, £37.00, London Bone Dry Gin, £35.00, Vodka, £30.00, Botanical Rum £40 and Aged Rum, £35.

Refresh yourself with a choice of 5 RTDS cocktails (ready to drink): 

Cocktails: Pink Gin Cosmo, £30.00, Margarita, £30.00, Barrel Aged Negroni, £30.00, Espresso Martini, £30.00, Passionfruit Daiquiri, £30.00.

Now Open, The Bone Idyll Gin School

Curate Your Own Gin 

Enjoy a creative 2.5hr session with this talented team and upon completion, you can take home your very own 700ml bottle of gin.

Rich Botanical Ingredients for Curating Your Own Gin

During the session, you'll be presented with an eclectic and wide range of botanicals, from citrus to spice to floral ingredients. You will choose your own botanical blend and your instructor will help you to carefully craft your unique and delicious gin.

"I'm really delighted to have launched our debut gin school. Launching a community offering for intimate gin school classes with our experienced team of distillers, has always been part of the Bone Idyll dream. These sessions will be creative, interactive, and fun. We want everyone to feel right at home and part of the Bone Idyll family,"  said Sam Berry, co-founder.

Feeling A Little Peckish?

During the session, the team will be serving bar snacks. If you feel you want a little more, guests can order from the Bone Idyll menu featuring the new pizza range. 

What Happens If You Want to Re-order Your Gin? 

The team has taken this into consideration and will keep every recipe on file. To re-order, simply email the team with your bottle number. It's that easy.

What's Included in A Gin Class Booking, £125 per person

A 2.5hr session includes 3 double gin & tonics, Bone Idyll gin tasters, bar snacks (per person), a 700ml bottle of your own gin and a £5 discount to spend at the Bone Idyll shop.

The Bone Idyll Bar 

And when you're done, why not stay a little longer in the main bar area – you can book a table and enjoy sampling more from the Bone Idyll range.

The bar and gin school areas are available for private bookings.

To book your session, please email

hello@boneidyll.co.uk

IG: @bone_idyll

New Limited Edition Bonne Maman Crêpe Pans

Leading conserve specialist, Bonne Maman is launching a limited very special edition crêpe pans ahead of Shrove Tuesday. Produced in partnership with Tefal, the beautifully decorated crêpe pans will be available from 1st February, for a four week period whilst stocks last, from Home Departments in Sainsbury’s stores nationwide.  

The 25cm special edition Bonne Maman crêpe pan plus 3 x mini jars of various flavours of Bonne Maman Conserves will be available for an RRP of £17.50.

Shrove Tuesday shoppers can find the delightful pans as part of special Pancake Day displays. They can also enjoy a selection of Bonne Maman classic flavours in adorable mini jars and the brand’s irresistible, perfect-for-pancake-day Hazelnut Chocolate Spread - made with all-natural ingredients, 20% hazelnuts and absolutely no palm oil. 

For the ultimate pancake day showstoppers, Bonne Maman has collated a selection of simply delicious, classic French crêpe recipes - perfect to enjoy on February 21st. Whether you choose luscious Hazelnut Chocolate Spread, vibrant Lemon Curd or fruity Conserves, delight friends and family with stacks of fantastic crêpes! 

Celebrate Veganuary in style with Jimmy's Iced Coffee

My wife and I love Jimmy's Iced Coffee. 

There's nothing like a nice drink of Jimmy's Iced Coffee at no matter what time of the day, well, excepting perhaps at bedtime!

So, what's available? There's Jimmy's original coffee, iced coffee with an extra shot, and delicious, decadent mocha.

They only use carefully chosen coffee beans (Arabica, and only ever Rain Forrest Alliance Arabica coffee beans) so clearly Jimmy's is the ideal coffee maker for those of us who care about what we consume and what impact we have on our world.

And Jimmy's has taken the extra step of making sure that its delicious iced coffee is only ever sold in 100% fully recyclable aluminium cans or in funky and very attractive BottleCans to which it proudly has the Trademark. Also guaranteed to be fully recyclable.  

But that's all very well, but what about Veganuary? Jimmy's has Veganuary covered with its most excellent and very tasty iced coffee made with oat milk! Tried other non-dairy coffees before but weren't all that impressed? That might have been so, but I'll bet that wasn't Jimmy's oat milk based non-dairy coffee? 

My wife and I both love Jimmy's Oat Milk Iced Coffee and we enjoyed the taste and as my wife has a dairy allergy, she was doubly pleased.

You can order your Jimmy's Iced Coffee direct at https://www.jimmysicedcoffee.com or from several smart retailers such as Morrison's, the Co-Op, Waitrose, Asda, M&S, Tesco, Sainsbury and bp. 

Jimmy's is a Dorset-based company and is B-Registered. 

That's Christmas: Lidl's Christmas offerings attracted over 1.3m ext...

That's Christmas: Lidl's Christmas offerings attracted over 1.3m ext...: Lidl’s industry topping prices and multiple award winning product ranges, helped it attract over1.3m more customers in the pre-Christmas per...

Asda Reveals Two New Vegan Ranges for 2023

That's right! Asda has launched not one but two new vegan ranges in time for Veganuary 2023!

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to cut down on your meat consumption this January, or want to provide vegans in your family or friends with something that's not only vegan but also tasty and nutritious,  Asda’s new OMV! and Plant Based ranges have you completely covered, with over 112 high-quality, unapologetically indulgent, and flavoursome vegan products.

The OMV! range contains delicious and utterly tasty treats sure to tantalise everyone's tastebuds, whilst the Plant Based range offers nutritionally balanced meat-free meals that don’t compromise on flavour, either.

New for January 2023, Asda’s OMV! Hot & Spicy No Chicken Burgers (£2.25) are a must-try. Prepared with a succulent pea and wheat protein blend and encased in a zingy hot and spicy crumb, they’re perfect for pairing with the delightfully soft OMV! Brioche Burger Buns (£1.15), for an easy Friday night dinner with family or friends.

For those who are missing out on a hearty fry-up on those cold, January mornings, the Plant Based by Asda Bacon style rashers (£2) are a brilliant option. Made with wheat protein, and nutritionist-approved, the 100% vegan rashers can be indulged on in between slices of soft farmhouse bread, or as an accompaniment to the juicy and flavour filled OMV! No Pork Caramelised Red Onion Sausages (£2). (Just as a reminder, That's Food and Drink says make sure its Asda's very own freshly baked bread!)

A vegan take on a classic dish, the OMV! Macaroni Cheese (£2.85), is perfect for a quick and comforting weekday meal. Brining together traditional macaroni pasta with a spiffing coconut oil-based cheese alternative, the cheesy favourite is topped off with a flavour filled paprika and parsley crumb.

For those who are eating lunch on the move, Asda has you covered, as its new ranges also includes on the go options, like the Plant Based by Asda Chick*n Caesar Wrap (£2.75) – a bar-marked tortilla wrap complete with flame-grilled soya protein pieces, vegan Caesar style mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, gherkins and a tasty alternative to Italian style hard cheese, and the OMV! No Prawn Sandwich (£2.75), an Oatmeal bread sandwich with a vegan prawn alternative marinated in a vegan Marie Rose sauce.

Perfect with a coffee or after a meal, the OMV! range includes a number of decedent sweet treats like the very indulgent OMV! Choc Brownies (£2), complete with a sprinkling of chocolate chips, and the OMV! Salted Fudge Chocolate Bar (£2.50), a rice-based caramel milk chocolate, topped with vegan salted caramel fudge and crunchy honeycomb pieces.

Also as That's Food and Drink have previously mentioned, Meat-loving Married at First Sight star Zoe Clifton was announced as the fairly unlikely ambassador for the brand’s new OMV! And Plant Based by Asda ranges. Renowned vegan-sceptic Zoe is vowing to go vegan for all of January, eating products from the Asda ranges and sharing her verdict on vegan cuisine, supported by her plant-based partner Jenna.

The full range will be available to buy in-store throughout 2023, with select products also available to buy online from the 4th of January. Throughout January, customers who spend £5 on vegan own-brand products (OMV! and Plant Based by Asda) can also earn £1 back in their cash pot in the Asda Rewards app.

www.asda.com

Asda reminds us of its café meal deals for kids and over 60s

Asda has announced its very popular and successful ‘Kids Eat for £1’ and ‘Winter Warmers’ deal for pensioners will be extended into 2023 to help more customers manage the cost of living crisis.

The supermarket, which launched the offer for kids under 16 to enjoy a hot meal in any of their 205 cafes in June 2022, has extended the deal until the end of March 2023, with no minimum adult spend. 

Over 60s will also be able to continue enjoying hot soup, a roll and unlimited tea and coffee in Asda cafes until the end of March 2023, thus making sure thousands of older customers can benefit from a warm space and a hot meal during the colder months. 

Since Asda launched the two initiatives last year, it's served over 1.2 million meals to kids and over 60s from its cafes nationwide.

For the first time since the launch, both café meal deals are now also available in the 28 Asda Living Stores across the country.

The extension of café initiatives comes as Asda’s Income Tracker shows UK households were £107 a month worse off in November 2022 and predicts disposable incomes will continue to decline into as inflationary pressures continue to bite.

Besides its support for kids and older people, Asda has confirmed it will be extending its 10% discount for emergency workers to at least the end of March 2023 through its partnership with Blue Light Card. 

Blue Light Card is a nationally acknowledged scheme which provides workers in the NHS, emergency services, social care sector and the armed forces with a range of discounts. Asda has extended its discount for card holders to acknowledge the amazing work they do day in, day out.

Asda’s colleagues will also continue to receive 10% discount in stores and online from their first day of employment.

Mohsin Issa, Asda’s co-owner said; “We know as families head into the New Year, the pressures on household budgets will continue, but we remain as committed as ever to supporting our customers tackle tough times. Our café initiatives have already proven a lifeline for over a million customers since we launched them last year, and we hope to support many thousands more into 2023, alongside our ongoing support for emergency workers and our valued colleagues.”

www.asda.com

Zoe vows to go vegan

Zoe Clifton and Jenna Robinson seemed like a match made in heaven on Channel 4’s Married at First Sight. That was until committed carnivore Zoe discovered Jenna was a vegan, and the relationship hit a bump. 

Yet they remain the only couple still together from this last season, despite the die-hard differences around the dinner table.

Now, in an unlikely twist, vegan-sceptic Zoe has vowed to go vegan for the month of January as she steps into a new role as she steps into a new role as the official Ambassador for Asda’s new vegan ranges: OMV! and Plant Based by Asda. For 31-days, Zoe will drop the dairy and swap meat-based burgers, pies, pizzas, curries, and fry-ups for the vegan alternatives from the new OMV! and Plant Based by Asda ranges, before offering up her verdict on vegan cuisine, helped along the way by partner Jenna.

The announcement comes as new a new study reveals despite plant-based diets becoming more mainstream in the last decade, over half (56%) of Brits would still never consider going vegan. Top reasons cited include respondents would miss meat and dairy too much (51%), a vegan diet is boring (21%), vegan food is bland and lacking in flavour (18%), there's a lack of tasty vegan snacks or comfort food options (11%) and concerns over the lack of choice and variation in a plant-based diet (10%).

Zoe isn't alone in her trepidation about having a vegan partner. One in ten (11%) Brits say they wouldn’t date a vegan, or if they did, they’d be reluctant (8%). A third of these (30%) are put off by the fact they wouldn’t be able to cook together or enjoy the same meals as their partner, whilst a quarter (25%) are deterred by the possibility of arguments that might occur around food.

Over one in five (21%) would pass on a vegan paramour because it would be an issue when visiting friends and family or dining out, whilst one in five (20%) would find it difficult to know what to cook.

In partnering with staunch meat-lover Zoe, Asda hopes to challenge existing preconceived ideas about a vegan diet and debunk the myth vegan food is dull and lacks flavour.

Asda's new OMV! range features delicious comfort food options, for those looking to reduce their meat intake with vegan alternatives that don’t compromise on flavour. 

The tempting OMV! range includes everything from creamy Macaroni Cheese to Hot and Spicy No-Chicken Burgers and decadent Chocolate Brownies, whilst Plant Based by Asda celebrates the flavour of plants and is designed for those looking for tasty, healthy meals, think Plant Based Bean Burgers and Plant Based Meat-Free Meatballs. All products in the Plant Based by Asda range are nutritionally approved and in line with Asda’s Live Better promise to help customers enjoy healthy, sustainable diets.

Over 80 new products are launching across Asda’s OMV! and Plant Based by Asda ranges this Veganuary, now available in-store and online. All products in both the OMV! and Plant Based by Asda ranges are Vegan Society approved.

Zoe’s progress can be followed on Instagram at @zoeclifton and @jennarobo, and on TikTok at @zoeclifton and @jennathegayvegan, where the pair will be posting regular updates.

Zoe Clifton, Veganuary ambassador for Asda, comments: “This time last year, I’d never have contemplated dating a vegan as I had more love for meat. One year on not only am I in a relationship with a vegan, but I’m also going meat and dairy free.  As my family and friends know, this is a very big challenge for me, but I’ve been assured I won’t be able to taste the difference between plant-based alternatives. Jenna will be there to support me and stop me sneaking off for a cheeky fry-up.”

Jenna Robinson, Zoe’s partner, comments: “Whilst I never thought this day would come, I’m over the moon Zoe is opening her mind to my way of life. I’m anticipating some ups and downs along the way, but I’m really looking forward to giving Zoe an insight into my lifestyle and proving her wrong about a plant-based diet being boring. Let the challenge begin!”

Jessica Cole, Senior Director of Asda Own Brand, comments: “We’re incredibly excited to announce Zoe Clifton as our ambassador for the launch of OMV! and Plant Based by Asda. Whilst we already have a loyal base of shoppers who follow vegan and flexitarian diets, we want to open this up and challenge existing stereotypes surrounding the quality of vegan food,  stereotypes that are clearly still prevalent in society as research shows.

“In working with Zoe, we hope to inspire even devoted meat-eaters to give vegan food a chance. The OMV! range is a great place to start if you’re looking to cut down on meat but don’t want to compromise on flavour, and the Plant Based by Asda range provides options that are healthy, delicious, nutritionist-approved and carry Asda’s Live Better icon. 

"We’re really very proud of our new vegan and plant based ranges, which offer a breadth of choice and quality you won’t see anywhere else. We can’t wait for customers to try them and hope they love them as much as we do.”

Throughout January, customers who spend £5 on vegan own-brand products (OMV! and Plant Based by Asda) can also earn £1 back in their cash pot in the Asda Rewards app.

www.asda.com.

Frankie & Benny's go big this Veganuary with three-way vegan partnership

Three Vegan Icons. One innovative restaurant!

Top Italian American restaurateurs Frankie & Benny’s has announced its biggest partnership ever with three of the UK’s top vegan brands.

The popular restaurant has launched The Big Vegan Takeover to celebrate Veganuary and to encourage more people to eat less meat.

Frankie & Benny’s has seen an increased demand for vegan alternatives and has chosen three vegan iconic brands for their innovative collaboration.

The Veganuary takeover features plant-based heroes Biff’s™, THIS™ and OGGS®to show just how delicious vegan comfort food can be. 

Over the past several years Frankie & Benny’s has worked extremely hard to expand and improve its vegan offering as part of its central menu offering. 

It's hoping the collaboration with Biff’s™, THIS™ and OGGS® this Veganuary will showcase the best of vegan comfort food and convert those who are looking to follow a more flexitarian lifestyle. The new dishes will be in addition to the Frankie & Benny’s central menu which already has 20 vegan dishes available

Said Sasha Storey, Frankie & Benny’s Head of Brand "This Veganuary our vision is to show the UK comfort food and vegan dishes aren’t mutually exclusive, at Frankie & Benny’s you can have the best of both worlds! 

"We’ve selected some of our most beloved dishes, and challenged three exciting vegan partners, Biff’s™, THIS™ and OGGS®, to give these dishes a new, plant-based spin. So, whether you’re 100% meat-free, or just looking to make the odd sustainable switch over, you can find familiar favourites at Frankie & Benny’s throughout this January."

The menu will feature Biff’s™ Parmigiana Hoagie, smashed wings in a baked garlic ciabatta, topped with Napoletana sauce, crispy THIS™ Isn’t Bacon, vegan cheddar sauce & fresh basil leaves. Served with skin-on fries.

BBQ Spicy Banana Blossom Burger, a crispy vegan patty topped with vegan cheddar sauce & BBQ sauce with vegan mayo, lettuce & red onion. Served with skin-on fries.

And OGGS® Vegan Carbonara, silky garlic creamy sauce tossed with fettuccine & mushrooms, topped with THIS™ Isn’t Bacon & parsley.

THIS™ makes hyper-realistic plant-based meat alternatives that are high in protein & fibre, and lower in fat than real meat. By making game-changing meat alternatives that are as good as the real thing (we reckon, at least), THIS™ is on a mission to make plant-based eating a zero compromise option.

THIS™ Marketing Director Dee Bulsara said “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Frankie & Benny’s using our THIS™ Isn’t Bacon in two new delicious plant-based dishes: the Pasta Carbonara and the Parmigiana Hoagie. Eating plant-based in Veganuary has never been easier (or tastier) than THIS™!”

OGGS® create a range of plant-based egg alternatives and sweet treats made from chickpeas that taste great and do good, too. To date they've reduced the need for over three million eggs, given half a million chickens the week off and saved over 500,000kgs of CO2e. Scrambled OGGS® is the plant-based egg perfect for scrambles, omelettes, quiches - and a Vegan Carbonara at Frankie & Benny's!

Hannah Carter, Founder & CEO, OGGS® said: “We’re on a mission to make delicious plant-based eggs mainstream, so we couldn’t be prouder to work with an institution like Frankie & Benny’s on the ultimate team up with the Vegan Carbonara. A delicious dinner that works towards a kinder, more sustainable future is the ultimate Veganuary treat!”

Biff's make seriously tasty planet-friendlier vegan comfort food that's actually made from proper plants, not weird stuff. Ever since 2017 they've been on a mission to make doing good taste great with their 'Naturally Naughty' Wingz and Burgers made from Jackfruit: a more climate friendly alternative to chicken.

Biff's co-founder, Biff Bloom-Burrows says: "With it's tender flavour-packed jackfruit centre and deliciously crispy panko crumb, our hand-formed Crispy Fried Jackfruit is the perfect addition to any sandwich - but Frankie & Benny's have taken it to the next level with this Parmigiana Hoagie- we're hyped to be collaborating with them on such an incredible dish for Veganuary".

So, what on offer? The Menu

Mains

Biff’s™ Parmigiana Hoagie £11.90 

Smashed Biff’s™ wings in a baked garlic ciabatta, topped with Napoletana sauce, crispy THIS™ Isn’t Bacon, vegan cheddar sauce & fresh basil leaves. Served with skin-on fries (1182 kcal) 

BBQ Spicy Banana Blossom Burger £14.60 

Crispy vegan patty topped with vegan cheddar sauce & BBQ sauce with vegan mayo, lettuce & red onion. Served with skin-on fries (894 kcal) 

OGGS® Vegan Carbonara £12.90 

Silky garlic creamy sauce tossed with fettuccine & mushrooms, topped with THIS™ Isn’t Bacon & parsley (991 kcal)

Dessert

Chocolate Chip Blondie £6.80 

Rich & gooey blondie brownie topped with banana, chocolate sauce & crumbled dried raspberries, served with vegan choc-chip ice cream (746 kcal)

Plus you can find more vegan dishes from the main menu here https://www.frankieandbennys.com/veganuary.

New heart-shaped jar of Fresh chilli jam tastiness from Tracklements

This month (ideally placed for Veganuary) Tracklements has launched it's all-new Heart-Shaped Jar of award-winning Fresh Chilli Jam which is both vegan-friendly and gluten free. The latter point is especially helpful for my wife and others who have been diagnosed as suffering from coeliac disease. 

It's moreish and very, very addictive. It's sticky and delightfully sweet with an inspirational but very gentle heat, brought about by fresh red chillies, so making it ideal for just about every culinary use you can think of, including dipping and serving with cheese on your cheeseboard. It really is very versatile.

My wife is not usually a fan of chilli products but she absolutely adores this particular Fresh Chilli Jam.

It comes in a delightful heart-shaped jar, so we feel that it will make an excellent additional to the Valentine's Day breakfast in bed that you are planning for the special person in your life. And even if you weren't thinking of making them breakfast in bed, please let this heart-shaped jar of sweet chilli jam loveliness be your inspiration!  

But best to buy several jars, because they are so tasty, we don't think they'll last long, as it is that tasty!

RRP £6.55 for 350g, from fine food delis and farm shops all over the country or online at www.tracklements.co.uk.