Alternative Burns Night courtesy of Spearhead Whisky

Loch Lomond Distillery's Spearhead single grain Scotch whisky is paying tribute to Rabbie Burns by organising the Spearhead Alternative Burns night with a range of events in bars and pubs across the UK, but predominantly in Scotland. 

With special cocktail menus, live music and entertainment, Spearhead is offering a contemporary Burns Night offering.

Linking up with many bars Spearhead will lead the drinks offering with cocktails and serves appropriate for a Burns Night celebration - see below for what is happening in each bar. Spearhead is distributed in the UK by Mangrove Global.

Spearhead is bold and sweeter in style, similar to a Bourbon. It is crafted at Loch Lomond's distillery in Alexandria, and distilled using a continuous Coffey style still, allowing for a lighter spirit to be created.  The spirit is aged in ex-bourbon barrels before finishing in a combination of fire and infrared-toasted virgin American oak barrels.

Here's a list of the venues participating in the Spearhead Alternative Burns night:

Lower Third – London: A gig with a DJ and a Scottish singer

Acme Fire Cult – London – specials menu with food pairings

Alley cats – Chapel Allerton – Scottish tunes playing all night, spearhead cocktail menu and Scottish food

Sylvan – Glasgow: Cocktail menu and possible music

Fierce – Edinburgh: Cocktail menu and possible music

Lunar – Glasgow: Cocktail menu and possible music

99 – Aberdeen: Cocktail menu and possible music

The Church – Birmingham: Cocktail menu and Scottish menu

Tom Thumb – Newquay: cocktail menu and live music

The Rock Inn – Porthcawl: Cocktail menu and Scottish piper

The Hideout – Bath: cocktail menu and live music

Lost in Leith – Edinburgh: Live music and cocktail menu

Beehive Inn – Edinburgh: Live music and cocktail menu

Summerhall Drinks Lab – Edinburgh: Alternative poetry (Kate Ailes) and cocktail menu

Northern Monk – Manchester: Live music and cocktails

Tonne – Leicester: Cocktails and quiz and Scottish food

What's different about Spearhead whisky?

"The innovative infrared barrels allow for an exact level of toast that extracts natural properties in the barrel, releasing a range of flavours from the wood that are then caramelized to give a complex range of sweet notes. 

"Using a combination of traditionally fire toasted and infrared toasted barrels, the result is ultra-smooth, with a depth and complexity to the flavour. Loch Lomond Distillery is currently the only distillery in Scotland to use infrared barrels to finish whisky.

"Displayed in a striking Bourbon-style bottle, Spearhead offers notes of vanilla pod, blackberries and dark chocolate, making it a deliciously light neat dram, or an exciting base for longer serves. Spearhead is an ideal expression for those who enjoy American and Irish Whiskey and are keen to venture into the world of Scotch."

https://www.lochlomondwhiskies.com

Share the Love This Valentine's Day With Devon Hampers

For those you cherish, or even if you need a little self-love, for this Valentine's Day order a hamper from Devon Hampers nicely filled with food and drink lovingly produced in the heart of the West Country. There are so many to choose from, so here are four favourites.

Prosecco and Truffles Cream Tea Hamper £35 including delivery

A bottle of bubbles, decadent, handmade Devon truffles and the richest, creamiest clotted cream dolloped on a freshly baked scone and topped with the fruitiest Hogs Bottom jam are treats to that will be loved as much as that special person in your life loves you.

Charcuterie Style Picnic Hamper £80.50 including delivery

For those who prefer a savoury hamper on Valentine's Day, the Charcuterie Style Picnic Hamper is the perfect romantic feast, whether you wrap up warm and head outdoors, or enjoy your nibbles in front of the fire and dream of long, lazy summer days together.

This hamper is filled to the brim with delicious tastes and flavours for the perfect feast. There are award winning cheeses, Cornish Charcuterie, Devon-made chutney and crackers, nuts and olives, a slab of creamy Cornish salted butter, and artisan bread, baked in Devon, all to be enjoyed with a glass of Lyme Bay Sparkling Rose.

Cornish Lust Cream Liquor and Chocolates £39.95 including delivery

Devon Hampers Cornish Lust Cream Liquor and Chocolates Hamper is presented in the sweetest wooden heart-shaped tray. It's filled with delicious chocolate caramel love hearts, wrapped in red foil, and a bottle of the most decadent of drinks - Cornish Lust. 

This smooth and refreshing drink has a wine base blended with strawberries and fresh cream and is best served over ice, and accompanied with chocolate caramel love hearts of course - a perfect gift for your Valentine's.

Devon Love Hamper £58.95 including delivery

Send a little love from the West Country with this gorgeous hamper filled with delicious gifts carefully selected from Devon's finest artisan makers.

Relax and unwind with a bottle of pink bubbles from Lyme Bay winery, and enjoy while nibbling on the most sublime Willie's Strawberries and Cream Salted Caramel Pearls that come in a truly luxury chocolate box and handmade Devon fudge, made with love on the foothills of Dartmoor.

Sourcing only the very best and choicest produce from the West Country, Devon Hampers is the south west's leading hamper company giving the choice of over 100 hampers, delivered direct to your door, with a popular Create Your Own Hamper option too.

Vegan gluten free and low sugar options are available and there are a choice of three packages - classic cardboard box, printed box and a traditional wicker hamper.

Devon Hampers works with in excess of 30 local artisan suppliers and offers over 9,000 products to ensure it supports other thriving local businesses.

https://www.devonhampers.com

Grace Foods to help families with cash woes to cook well

Grace Foods UK, the UK's foremost supplier of Caribbean food and drink is launching a new campaign for 2023 to highlight the great value of its products and to help cash-strapped families make their household budgets go that bit further, with recipes that can feed a family of four for under £10.

Grace Foods UK has launched the 'Great Value with Grace' campaign and is joining forces with some of the UK's most exciting Caribbean chefs, –Hasan De Four (@ChefDefour) and Kay (@ksnice_n_spice) to create a series of video recipes that are easy to make, nutritious and, importantly, all about value as the recipes produce multiple portions. So, they are ideal for feeding a family or for batch cooking in under 30 minutes and freezing for future meals.

The recipes focus on using Grace Foods' value and scratch-cooking ingredients and products, predominantly from their Grace and Dunn's River brands, such as canned pulses, packet soups, coconut milk, canned meat and fish products, and pack macaroni and cheese

They include:

Loaded Mac and Cheese Bake – (approx. £2.43 per portion)

Caribbean Bean Curry served with Fritters – (approx. £1.29 per portion)

Spicy Caribbean Fish Stew – (approx. £2.22 per portion)

Island-spiced Corned Beef Meatballs, with Coconut Polenta – (approx. £2.37 per portion)

Spicy Ital Pasta – (approx. £1.52 per portion)

Nurishment Pancakes with Spiced Coconut Sauce - (approx. £1.20 per portion)

Talking about the new 'Great Value with Grace' activity, Giuseppe Vullo, who is the Brand Manager, at Grace Foods UK, said: “Supporting and giving back to the community all year round is a key part of Grace's ethos, but particularly when times are harder, we want to pull out of all the stops to help support cash-strapped families to navigate the cost-of-living crisis.

“So, the Grace team has launched our 'Great Value with Grace' campaign, which shines a spotlight on our more value-led  products that are affordable and also nutritious. Caribbean food is packed full of goodness and flavour and to help develop these recipes, we teamed with some of the UKs best Caribbean chefs, who worked very hard to come up with dishes that can each feed a family of four for under £10.”

Vandu Patel, marketing manager, Grace Foods UK, added: “Our Great Value with Grace campaign is something the whole Marketing Team at Grace Foods UK is focusing on through the year of 2023 and will be the first of many activities we'll be working on to help people cope with increasing costs. As well as this activity that has recipes on how to feed your family for under £10, we're looking at ways that we can help communities too.”

Chef Hasan de Four is well known on the UK Caribbean chef scene, having originally featured in Gary Rhodes's early 2000s TV series, Rhodes Across the Caribbean, where he accompanied the chef around a gastronomic tour of the Caribbean islands as a sous chef and local guide.

Chef Hasan is working alongside social media influencer, Kay. Kay launched her Instagram account during lockdown, sharing her love and passion for authentic Caribbean-inspired recipes, and has now amassed a very respectable 450,000 followers,

Speaking on the campaign, Chef Hasan said: “Grace Foods UK has a wide range of products that are affordable and packed with goodness and it's great to be working with such a prestigious food company, which has such a strong community focus to put together these nutritious and great value recipes that will help families eat well on a budget in these most challenging of times.”

Kay pointed out: “I'm really thrilled to be working with Grace to demonstrate these recipes. Money worries can be overwhelming for people and it's great to have campaigns like 'Great Value with Grace' on hand to help people to put together quick, easy, wholesome, and affordable meals to feed the family.”

The recipes will be live across Grace Foods UK website and social media platforms and will be published fortnightly through to the end of March 2023, with consumer competitions throughout featuring great prizes to encourage families to cook together.

Grace Foods products and ingredients featured in the campaign are available to buy from the World Foods aisles in supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide.

Grace Foods UK is the UK's leading supplier of authentic Caribbean food and drink.

As a member of the global GraceKennedy Group, headquartered in Kingston, Jamaica, Grace Foods is guided by a strong global company with significant expertise and passion for developing iconic and innovative Caribbean products.

Grace Foods' brands and products are national favourites and have been at the forefront of Caribbean food worldwide for 100 years, including market-leading brands Nurishment (nutritionally enriched milk drinks), Encona Sauce (hot pepper sauces), Grace, Dunn's River and Caribbean Choice (Caribbean beverages and general grocery ranges) and exciting new mainstream Caribbean street-food brand, Irie Eats. 

For more information, please visit:

www.gracefoods.co.uk

Facebook:@gracefoodsuk

Instagram:@gracefoodsuk

Twitter:@gracefoods.uk

Asda's Baby Event is back

Asda’s unmissable Baby Event is back in stores and online, offering massive discounts on over 100 essential items including groceries and toiletries, plus a 10% Asda Rewards App cash pot incentive when customers purchase selected items.

Six-time winner of Mother & Baby’s prestigious Supermarket of The Year Award, Asda is famed as being the destination for excellent value parenting essentials and now customers using the Asda Rewards app can earn money back when shopping items during Asda's iconic event. With the 10% Rewards incentive, customers could even earn as much as £7.50 in their cash pot for a single item.

Live until 29th January, the Baby Event cements Asda’s commitment to provide best-selling products at market-leading prices, at a time when the cost of living continues to rise, and many people will be looking at ways to make their money go further this year.

The event includes price reductions across a variety of everyday parenting essentials like nappies, wipes, on-the-go snacks and toys, including well known branded lines, with savings of up to £45 to be made on selected big-ticket items.

When it comes to making significant savings, the best-selling Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Perfect Pre Machine is on offer for £75 (WAS £90) and those with toddlers can also pick up a pack of Pampers Active Fit Nappy Pants, size 6, for half their usual price at just £5.50 (WAS £11).

When it comes to toys, fashion and homeware, George at Asda is also in on the Baby Event action.

From now until 29th January, customers can shop baby clothing from as little as £6 while earning 10% in their cash pot. Mini fashionistas will look adorable in the George Animal Print Rib Dress, £6 or George be Lion Set, £6. Whilst those expecting a new baby can pick up the perfect home-from-hospital outfit, the George be Born in 2023 set for just £6 and the twin pack sets for £6 or four pack sets for just £10.50, earning £1.50 in their Asda Rewards cash pot (10%).

Customers can shop in store and online at Asda.com or George.co.uk.

That's Christmas: Tesco reports good Christmas trading

That's Christmas: Tesco reports good Christmas trading: Ken Murphy, the CEO of Tesco said: “I’m really very pleased with our performance over this period,  especially the further strong growth at ...

Guild of Fine Food Launches Fantastic New Great Taste Bursary for 2023

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Great Taste, the Guild of Fine Food is offering 50 micro producers the opportunity to put one new product in front of its expert panel of Great Taste judges for free. But applications must be in by 7 February 2023.

Great Taste is recognised as the world's most trusted food and drink accreditation scheme. It's an opportunity for any food and drink producer to have its products assessed by chefs, buyers, food writers and retailers. Currently, the awards scheme is open for entries from members of the Guild of Fine Food, with general entries opening on 23 January 2023.

This new bursary is aimed at micro producers who have never entered Great Taste before or have a new product, which has never been entered before. Our bursary panel, consisting of Adrian Boswell, buyer at Selfridges, industry commentator and food entrepreneur Mallika Basu, and PR & marketing expert AJ Sharp, will select the 50 most eligible entries.

John Farrand, who is the MD of the Guild of Fine Food says: “Here at the Guild, we're very proud to be celebrating the 30 years of Great Taste.  Since its inception the accreditation scheme has celebrated and helped excellent food & drink. We've always been about working with businesses across the entire industry and our activities have an ecosystem of scaled entry costs that mean our biggest entrants also support our smallest ones."  

He went on to point out: "It's true, though, that micro producers often need more help, especially with the current economic headwinds, and that's why we're thrilled to be launching the Great Taste Bursary. By helping fledging makers, we'll continue the great work our team, our judges, and the sector is doing to nurture start-ups and innovative new businesses.  It will encourage and help the very smallest makers to enter, receive constructive feedback and, hopefully, receive affirmation that they're producing top-notch food & drink.

“If our bursary candidates go on to achieve an award, they'll be able to display it on packaging and benefit from support and the undoubted kudos which comes with a Great Taste award. If they are not successful, our rigorous judging process provides every entrant with impartial, honest feedback from industry experts. And that is incredibly valuable.”

Adrian Boswell, who is the buyer at Selfridges comments: “I've been judging Great Taste for over ten years and understand the good it does to the wider food and drink sector.  It's important for my buying role in the food hall to know what's out there and who are the emerging and quality makers. Great Taste has always done that but being involved in assessing applications to the bursary can only improve that market awareness and, more importantly, the initiative will encourage innovative producers to take part.”

Each year, over 2,300 artisan producers from the UK and across the globe enter their most prized products into Great Taste to receive the all-important judges' feedback. Some go on to receive an award too, either 1-, 2-, or 3-star; the latter is the highest global accolade based entirely on taste.

Eligible micro producers must:

Be under two years old

Have a turnover of under £100,000

Only enter one product per business (that hasn't been entered in Great Taste before)

Be commercially available in the UK

What happens next?

Applications must be received by 7 February 2023 via https://gff.co.uk/bursary

Their panel of judges representing three different disciplines across food and drink will shortlist the final 50 producers from their online application

Bursary winners will be announced 24 February 2023

The products will enter the Great Taste 2023 accreditation scheme, just like any other, and go on to be blind-tasted alongside the other entries in March – June 2023.  Results will be available as part of the overall Great Taste scheme on 1 August 2023.

What is Great Taste?

Recognised as a stamp of excellence and actively sought out by food lovers and retailers alike, Great Taste, organised by the Guild of Fine Food, values taste above all else. All products in the line-up for judging are blind tasted: every product is removed from its packaging so it cannot be identified, before entering a robust, layered judging process.

The full list of last year's winners and where to buy them can be found at www.greattasteawards.co.uk and a wide range of the award-winning products are available to buy in delis, farm shops and independent retail outlets across the country.

How does it work?

A truly international competition, Great Taste has a rigorous judging process, with comprehensive blind taste-testing of food and drink products from a staggering 110 different countries across the world, taking place over 90 days in both the Dorset and London judging venues, by a rotating panel of industry experts.

Lusso to launch over 100 new products driven by home renovations

Lusso's long-term vision is to become the world's leading luxury department store, offering everything for the home, under the Lusso brand.

With established industry expertise and excellence designing bathrooms, the team have replicated these skills through the delivery of a contemporary kitchen collection growing their portfolio of homeware, from kitchen taps to sinks, radiators and stunning hardware.

Says Wayne Spriggs, Lusso CEO and founder: "In response to the current economic climate, at Lusso we're seeing a lot more interest in our collections of smaller homeware pieces, with sales of Basins, Basin Taps and Bath Taps increasing by over 25% across the last 3 months of 2022.

"For us, these figures indicate a growing number of UK homeowners are looking to update their bathrooms without investing in a full refurbishment, and we expect that pattern to continue well into 2023.

"And we're seeing higher demand for our ranges of luxury vanity units, mirrors, and accessories,  including our range of brushed nickel accessories and wall hung vanity units - which are more affordable ways to transform the look of your bathroom."

New Bathroom Launches

Customers can expect over 70 new bathroom designs launching to market in 2023, including a range of smoked resin baths.

Wayne went on to say: “Lusso saw a sales increase of 20% from August to October 2022 on our range of kitchen products, with a 25% increase on our signature Filtrata boiling water taps.

"Function and aesthetics play a large part and we have observed the highest sales increases of our brushed gold and polished nickel kitchen taps, in keeping with the renaissance of Art Deco and period home trends which utilise the two distinct brassware shades.

"Due to the increase in sales of polished nickel, we're introducing more varieties to the exclusive collection, with recent additions including the Claridge and Asbury taps as well as pot fillers, a brand-new concept to Lusso.

"Ahead of this, we're launching a brand new Filtrata which combines the excellence and function of our signature tap with a brand new, traditional style, aiming to bridge the gap in the market for period glamour which doesn't lose out on function and efficiency.”

New Kitchen Products

Customers can expect over 30 new designs launching to market in 2023. Key products include pull out Filtrata boiling taps.

www.lussostone.com.

The heat's boosted by Very Lazy with the New Chilli Boost Range

Those clever folks at Very Lazy has unveiled a new range of highly versatile Chilli Boost condiments that are certain to get the nation’s tastebuds a-tingling. 

They'll be available in Tesco from 16 January onwards, this mouth-watering range has been created for those looking to spice up life in their kitchens.  

The Chilli Boost range are oil-based condiments, blended with chillies to give them their unique flavours. Packing a punch when it comes to delivering both heat and taste, this multi-sensory range will initially include Smokey (medium) and Zingy (hot) flavours, with the line-up set to expand further in 2023.

Cleverly designed to deliver maximum flavour with minimum fuss, the naturally versatile Chilli Boost range can be spooned, spread, or stirred into any dish to add heat and flavour. Whether added to pizza, pasta, rice, fajitas, hummus, or as a dip, it will provide a delicious chilli boost to any dish, making the opportunity to have fun in the kitchen limitless for both novice and pro cooks alike.

The ideal store cupboard essential, the range has been created in response to a raft of market research that shows an uplift in consumer demand for a fusion of more intense flavours and spicier chilli-based options.

Zingy Chilli Boost – the hot one (£3.00 RRP)

The Zingy Chilli Boost provides a chilli kick with rich savoury notes from the herbs & spices. The unique zingy flavour is driven from a blend of dried chillies, onion and garlic, as well as miso and oil.

Smokey Chilli Boost – for medium bite (£3.00 RRP)

The Smokey Chilli Boost is a well-balanced fusion of smokiness with a chilli kick, providing an easy way to add great flavour and heat to your dish. The smokiness is driven by smoked paprika, chillies and chipotle, with a blend of rich balsamic vinegar and oil.

For further information, visit Very Lazy here https://www.verylazy.com/the-range.

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