May News from Masons of Yorkshire

A decade ago, Karl and Cathy Mason set up a facebook page about one of their favourite topics: gin.

They began posting reviews of their favourite finds, followers followed, and soon 10k people were on the page. It started to take up a lot of time and they had the lightbulb moment: what if we did this all the time? 

And Masons of Yorkshire was born. And in June 2023 the company, now employing 24 people, celebrates ten years in the business and is based in beautiful Bedale, and exports all over the world. The original distillery was destroyed by a fire in 2019, and the brand has grown back bigger and stronger.

This year sees the first foray into Tropical - a London Dry infused with mango, pineapple has been massively well received all over the country. With big brands such as Strongbow and Sierra Tequila coming through with great new products with tropical flavours, this is the summer to go full-on feel good flavour.  

This month also heralds a collaboration with Magic Rock Brewery: the Botanicalist Gin & Tonic IPA.

Launched just in time for Beer Day Britain, (15 June 2023) and Father's Day (18 June 2023) these two Northern English powerhouses Masons of Yorkshire and Magic Rock Brewery have paired up to launch Botanicalist, a zesty Gin & Tonic IPA, packed to the brim with juniper and hops, all brewed and canned in Yorkshire. Combining state-of-the-art distilling with cutting-edge brewing techniques, this is a delicious mix of eight different botanicals made into a clean and crisp classic IPA.

World Cocktail Day 13 May, 2023: Masons of Yorkshire also creates outstanding vodkas. Masons has just launched a delicious twist on the negroni at the Henrietta Hotel in Covent Garden. Out of the Night is their version of a Negroni but made with Mason's Espresso Vodka, Punt e Mes, Luxardo Maraschino Liquer and garnished with a cherry. 

It is the perfect drink for a pick-me-up and the end of the night, or a post-dinner cocktail, but with the crispness of the Espresso Vodka and the cherry flavours we're seeing people enjoy them in the summer sunshine too. A deliciously indulgent drink that can be enjoyed all day. It is so popular they ran out of our vodka the other day, and someone had to run to an independent down the road and top up stocks. I visited last week - such a great spot to go if you're in town with exceptional staff - and drinks!

B2B wise, Karl says: "This year we're ensuring that we'll attend as many trade shows as possible. It's been incredible for us to get back out on the road and meet customers face to face again and letting them taste our products. 

"As the big retailers only do range reviews twice a year, it's vital for us to keep the momentum going with our small independents as they are the backbone of our business. We've just attended the Harrogate Flower Show, about to go to the Lichfield Food Festival, RHS Flower Show, Hampton Court Palace Food Festival, and many more - it's going to be a busy summer. Come and say hello if you're around."

https://www.masonsofyorkshire.com.

Kaytea Leads the Iced Tea Charge With a New White Peach and a Re-Energised Sparkling Rosay

Hot on the heels of its NEW game-changing Sainsbury's, Deliveroo, M&S, Zapp & Spinneys listings, Kaytea coldbrew teas drinks is fulfilling its 2023 pledge to not only continue innovating but move 100% from glass to aluminium.

June 23 will see the arrival of a NEW flavour:

WHITE PEACH (new): Showcasing green tea's unheralded prowess as the perfect light yet refreshing setting for white peach to prosper.

N.B. Did you know white peach is more delicate than yellow peach & blends seamlessly with our sublime cold brewed green tea

SPARKLING ROSAY (repackage): There's also a TASTEFUL repackage for Sparkling Rosay, quite possibly the most sophisticated iced tea within the Kaytea stable! Inspired by the unique flavour profile of a well-balanced Rose; Rosay is a 95% rose tea infusion that combines with pink guava and cherry, apple, radish and sweet potato concentrate to create an effortlessly effervescent iced tea.

According to Kaytea founder, Kevin Tang, 'Having underpinned our reputation as a perfect 'soft drink that can pair with delicate foods (tie-ups with Sainsbury's & M&S's sushi counters), we've now backing our urban listings with a move from glass to aluminium which is better suited to more urban focused retailers like Zapp, WeWork & Deliveroo.

Kaytea is a leading voice in the UK's growing iced tea movement that is predicted to exceed £285m by 2024.  For all kombucha's chiller cabinet momentum the fact remains that functional drinks are not everyone's cup of tea.

According to Kevin, "I realised long ago that there's a si
gnificant void in the soft drinks aisle that resides between bland sugary pop and overtly worthy functional brews.  Our primary focus has always been our tea prowess, which is why we visited over 250 tea estates to unearth the best providers of quality teas (black, white & green).  Yes, we could have easily added blends of lab made vitamins & minerals to claim some arbitrary health claims but that seemed counter-intuitive to our quest to be known for best-in-class, organic ingredients."

White Peach & Sparkling Rosay move to striking slimline cans will broaden Kaytea's reach and extend its appeal among farmshop & deli,  airlines, catering, vending & festival operators.

Kaytea.co.uk

Both 330ml lines will retail £1.60-£1.80 a can

Clearspring Launches UK-First Caffeine-Free Organic Japanese Kuwa Matcha

Top authentic Japanese and Organic fine foods specialist Clearspring is launching the UK's first Organic Japanese Kuwa Matcha. Kuwa (桑) is Japanese for mulberry and Matcha (抹茶) is Japanese for powdered tea. 

Just like traditional Matcha, Kuwa Matcha is a vibrant green, finely ground powder. Instead of tea leaves it is made using mulberry leaves and unlike green tea Matcha, it is naturally caffeine free.  

Clearspring Organic Japanese Kuwa Matcha is made using the finest quality organic and sustainably grown mulberry leaves that are grown in Kagoshima, Japan, where volcanic soils and humid climates make for ideal growing conditions. Once harvested the leaves are steamed, dried and ground into a fine powder which is just as versatile and delicious as traditional Matcha.

Kuwa Matcha has a delicious, balanced flavour that's less astringent than the taste normally associated with green teas and Matcha tea powder. It's the perfect zero caffeine alternative for consumers who enjoy the taste of Matcha but wish to reduce or avoid caffeine in their diet.

Maria Dawson, who is the Managing Director at Clearspring said about the new addition: “Mulberry leaves have been enjoyed in Japan for centuries in either loose leaf or ground powder form. We're extremely excited to be the first to offer a premium quality authentic and Organic Japanese Kuwa Matcha in the UK. It perfectly complements our existing organic Matcha range whilst tapping into the growing demand for low or no-caffeine hot and cold beverages.

“Clearspring Organic Japanese Kuwa Matcha also delivers on flavour. It has a very similar taste to our premium Matcha, with a mellower taste that is smoother on the palate, especially when enjoyed as a latte. You can also use it for cooking and baking!”

Clearspring's existing offering includes several popular Matcha products such as Organic Japanese Ceremonial Grade Matcha, Premium Grade Matcha, Matcha Shots and a range of Organic Matcha-blend teabags with flavours including Matcha Sencha, Matcha Ginger, Matcha Turmeric, Matcha Three Mint and Matcha Genmaicha.

Treat Your Dad to a Father's Day Gift from Salcombe Brewery Co.

Salcombe Brewery Co. has a range of fantastic presents for beer-loving Dads this Father's Day. Our favourites include a Brewery Tour Voucher (£20), a Pub in a Box (£19.99) and a Gift Pack of 6 Beers (£12), all available to order online from www.salcombebrewery.com for delivery to Dad's door.

Brewery Tour Vouchers (£20.00 from salcombebrewery.com) 

The ideal gift for anyone who would enjoy a behind the scenes tour of an award-winning brewery and an extended tasting session. The ninety minute brewery tour starts with a welcome drink in the taproom. This is followed by a tour of the brewhouse and the chance to grill the experts on any beer-related topics. The tour ends in the taproom, where visitors enjoy a flight of Salcombe beers. Brewery tour vouchers cost £20* and can be bought online at www.salcombebrewery.com.

Salcombe Brewery Co. Pub in a Box (£19.99 from salcombebrewery.com)

A Salcombe Brewery Co. 'Pub in a Box' is the perfect gift for any beer fan and includes everything they need for a quiet night in. There are three different options in the range, including a gluten-free set, and each contains some of Salcombe Brewery Co.'s fabulous beer, tasty snacks from the west country, branded glasses, beer mats and bar towels.

Six Beer Gift Pack (£12.00 from salcombebrewery.com) 

You can mix and match six cans of beer from Salcombe Brewery Co.'s Discovery range to create your own very special gift pack for Dad. The Discovery range includes Salcombe Pilsner, Salcombe Pale Ale, Breeze and Island Street Porter so there is something to suit all tastes.

Salcombe Brewery's range of beer gifts and merchandise is available from www.salcombebrewery.com and the on site brewery shop. For further information on Salcombe Brewery Co. please visit www.salcombebrewery.com follow Salcombe Brewery Co. on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.  

* Brewery tour vouchers are valid for one year and can be used to book tours within that period. All brewery tours must be booked in advance.

 

Sandford Orchards' Father's Day Gifts

Sandford Orchards has a wonderful and fantastic range of gifts ready to be delivered to your dad this Father's Day. 

Devon Red Mini Keg & Glass Set (£23.00 from www.sandfordorchards.co.uk)

Perfect for parties and sharing with his friends, the Devon Red Mini-Keg gives Dad the chance to practise his pint pouring skills at home. This kit contains a 5 litre Devon Red Mini-Keg and a Sandford Orchards branded pint glass.

Pub in a Box  (£22.00 from www.sandfordorchards.co.uk)

Treat Dad to Sandford Orchards' Pub in a Box, which is filled with Devon cider and snacks. This hamper contains: a 500ml bottle of Devon Mist, Shaky Bridge and Fanny's Bramble plus a 440ml can of Devon Red, a packet of Burts Crisps and Burts Popcorn, Pork Scratchings, a Sandford Orchards pint glass, some beer mats and either a bottle opener or sunglasses.

For their full gift range and for further information on Sandford Orchards please visit www.sandfordorchards.co.uk, follow Sandford Orchards on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

Dads Deserve Melt-in-Your-Mouth Flapjacks This Father's Day

Genuinely melt in your mouth flapjacks delivered straight to your door are a delicious treat for all dads this Father's Day. 

Made in Devon by Flapjackery using the finest British ingredients, these syrupy chunks of gluten-free flapjacks are a delicious treat, whether they're packed into a rucksack in readiness for  snack time during an outdoor adventure, or they're enjoyed with a cup of fine English tea at breakfast time -  even better if they're slightly warmed and smothered in Devon clotted cream!

Order a box of six chunky treats for just £22.50 or 12 for £45.00. With different flavours like golden salted caramel fudge, milk chocolate orange, cherry bakewell and lemon drizzle they're as moorish as they sound and as dads tuck into the sumptuous flavours they'll be feeling a whole lot of home baked love.  

Order online and have Flapjackery's delicious Father's Day flapjack boxes, all in recyclable cardboard, delivered straight to your dad's door.

All flapjacks are suitable for home freezing and have a varying shelf life, depending upon the ingredients, with the shortest shelf life two weeks.

www.flapjackery.co.uk

6 Box for Father's Day £22.50

Millionaire Flapjack

Caramel Latte Flapjack

Chocolate Fudge Flapjack

Milk Chocolate Orange Flapjack

Golden Caramel Flapjack

Raspberry & White Chocolate Flapjack

12 piece box  £45.00

Millionaire Flapjack

Caramel Latte Flapjack

Cherry Bakewell Flapjack

Chocolate Fudge Flapjack

Clotted Cream Fudge Flapjack

Milk Chocolate Orange Flapjack

Golden Caramel Flapjack

Lemon Drizzle Flapjack

Peanut Butter Brownie Flapjack

Raspberry & White Chocolate Flapjack

Salted Caramel Fudge Flapjack

Rocky Road Flapjack

www.flapjackery.co.uk

You won't go pasta these! New! nSriracha Chilli, Original Mac N'cheese, from Kabuto at Tesco

This will be a fantastic find for your pantry! Brand new Kabuto Mac n'Cheese pasta pots. Bursting onto the shelves at Tesco, there's a sizzlingly hot Sriracha Chilli and creamy, oozy Original variations to tantalise the tastebuds and take you on a fun, fusion flavour journey. Available at Tesco stores now. 

These are  the first ever pasta meals from Kabuto, (normally known for its and they're the 'posh pot noodles') are easy peasy cheesy pots of goodness, perfect for Mac n'Cheese obsessed and for those busy souls who need a quick, decent meal packed to the brim with taste. 

It's the ultimate in comfort food heaven and is only ever four four minutes away! Stun your colleagues and make them go spinach pasta green with envy when you whip out this perfect pot at lunchtime, or look forward to a #macncheesemonday when you get home if you just haven't got the energy or time to cook.

After successful roll outs at Ocado and Sainsbury's, this will be Kabuto's third retail listing for their pasta pots. 

Kabuto has modernised this universally acclaimed and beloved dish and made it easier than ever to get your cheesy fix. What specialist items and tools do you required? Nothing more complicated that some cold water and a microwave. 

So, what does this mean, exactly? No more crunchy mac, just proper, soft, squishy tubes of pasta mixed with the creamiest of creamy sauces.

With a market beating 12g of protein too, this is a filling fix that will banish grumbling tummies. No more feeling hangry! 

And there are no additives, preservatives or artificial colours and stuffed full of ,quality ingredients, all Kabuto products are now 100% Vegetarian to cater for Veggie and flexitarian lifestyles too.

And when you're done, pop the whole thing into your recycling, because all of Kabuto's product packaging is100% recyclable and the UK business is carbon neutral, too.

Kabuto Founder Crispin Busk says:- “A Tesco listing for our new Mac N'Cheese is the dream. For far too long the instant mac and cheese at the supermarkets has meant crunchy pasta, bland sauces and no real taste at all, we knew it was time to revitalise and reinvent this delicious dish. 

"We've nailed noodles and it was time to perfect pot pasta, and we think we've smashed it with our new range. We can't wait for the nation's pasta fans, busy families and possibly even the odd hungover foodie to enjoy our latest range of deliciousness. Sales of convenience food is booming and consumers are looking for adventurous meals that don't break the bank."

Available at Sainsburys, Ocado and now Tesco, RRP £1.50 for 85g.

Check out where Mac n'Cheese lives for recipe ideas, hacks, fun and more: https://www.tiktok.com/@kabutonoodles 

Nutritional Values

Original

Fat 2g per 100g

Fat of wich saturates 1.1g per 100g

Salt 0.6g per 100g

Protein 4.6g per 100g

Calories 128 per 100g

Siracha

Fat 2g per 100g

Fat of which saturates 1g per 100g

Salt 0.7g per 100g

Protein 4.6g per 100g

Calories 127 per 100g

 

New Sainsbury's Local now open as part of Coventry Station Masterplan

Passengers travelling to and through Coventry’s busy railway station, plus local residents and shoppers, have been trying out a new Sainsbury’s Local that's now open as part of the recently upgraded station buildings.

Now serving a specially selected range of Sainsbury’s convenience products, including freshly cut sandwiches and the retailer’s delicious food-to-go range, the new store is open to customers from 6am to 11pm every day of the week. 

Sainsbury’s Coventry Station Local also features a healthy selection of fruit and veg as well as a host of delicious branded and Sainsbury’s own brand staples from salads to savoury snacks and sweets. It also has a general merchandise offer that includes a collection point for picking up products from Argos, Habitat and Tu Clothing when customers order them online.

Fresh bread, rolls and pastries are baked in the store every day and there's also a Costa Coffee machine and in-store juicer for busy commuters and customers on the go to pick up a refreshing drink.

Customers can choose to check out using Mobile Pay or SmartShop, Sainsbury’s scan, pay and go technology, which allows them to pay for products using their smartphones, making the process quicker and more convenient. Using SmartShop in conjunction with a Nectar account also allows customers to benefit from ‘Your Nectar Prices’, personalised discounts in the Nectar app that are based on the things people buy the most.

Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s Property Director, said: “We’re really pleased to have opened a fresh, modern store as part of the redevelopment of Coventry Station and Coventry's iconic Friargate. Our station Local stores consistently prove a hit with customers, who appreciate being able to pop into Sainsbury’s whenever they are passing through, and I look forward to seeing our new Coventry Station store flourish.”

Liam Roberts, Coventry Station Local Store Manager, said: “It’s great to now be open for business in Coventry Station, serving and helping customers as they try out their brand new Sainsbury’s store.

“I’m really thrilled with the response we’ve had from people so far. I’d like to thank everyone for being so welcoming, as well as my team who are doing a fantastic job and enabling us to get off to a flying start.”

Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, said: “I’m really happy to see this new store open, it will be a great asset for commuters and for local people. The new extension to the station has really made its mark and now there is good reason for everyone, not just train passengers, to pop in. I’m looking forward to the rest of the units being occupied to help give a warm Coventry welcome to everyone who is arriving by rail.”

Maria McCarron, Station Manager for Avanti West Coast at Coventry station said: “Our customers are really starting to see the benefit of the new station. Easier access, improved, better facilities and now the start of the retail transformation with the arrival of Sainsbury’s, and more shops to follow later this year.

“We’re also just about to open our new Courtyard area on platform 1, offering our customers a place to relax whilst they wait for their trains.”

Sainsbury’s Coventry Station Local is the latest addition to the retailer’s extensive portfolio of stores that can be found in train stations throughout the UK. Prior to its Coventry Station store, Sainsbury’s recently opened a new Local in London Waterloo Station earlier this year.

Not going out: Nation embraces hosting at home as millions make the most of staying in

As a nation we are dusting off its hosting skills as millions are staying in instead of going out in a bid to save money, according to new research from Tesco - with the supermarket also encouraging customers to try a ‘Use Up Night In’ to make the most of the ingredients wet already have in our kitchen.

This is an effective way to cut food waste and spending, as according to Tesco, implementing a Use Up Day each week could save households an average of £260 per year.

Data shows that over the last year, 68% of UK adults have reduced spending less on going out, with many preferring to play host to friends or family instead.

Almost half (47%) of those who said they're spending less on eating and drinking out or going out to socialise are recreating a night out in the comfort of their homes, using ingredients from supermarkets.

Return of ‘potluck’ dinners

As the country switches nights out for nights in, the research indicates 48% UK adults who are spending more time at home instead of going out, are having friends and family over for meals. And while bringing a bottle is still deemed a helpful contribution by some hosts (48%), one in ten (11%) hosts prefer a contribution to the meal in the form of a dish or ingredient – with 37% of those saying they would like to receive a dessert and 18% appreciating a contribution of snacks and nibbles.

BYO takes on a new meaning for under-35s

Tesco analysis found 1 in 4 under-35s (26%) are likely to ask dinner party guests to come bearing a dish or ingredient, compared with only 13% of 55+.

A Use Up Night In to help your pocket and our planet

To support our nation’s hosting habits and help reduce the amount of food wasted in homes, Tesco has created a ‘Use Up Night In’ guide containing recipes, smart ways to use up leftovers and even how to host a potluck party where each guest is encouraged to bring their own ingredients.

It forms the next phase of Tesco’s Use Up Day campaign, which encourages people to cook a meal once a week using food they already have at home, helping customers to spend less and stop good food from going to waste.

Jamie Oliver, renowned chef and Tesco Good Food ambassador, said: “Having a dedicated night of the week to use up the food you already have is such a brilliant idea. Not only does it mean less food going in the bin, which can only be a good thing for the planet, it also means you’re not spending as much. This is where flexible recipes, the ones where you can easily swap ingredients in and out, are your best friends. I love Tesco’s ‘Use Up Night In’ campaign for encouraging everyone to have a go at doing this, because it really can make a difference.”

Tony McElroy, Head of Campaigns at Tesco, said: “Since creating Use Up Day in 2021, Tesco has helped thousands of customers make the most of their food shop and reduce waste. Cutting the amount of food that’s thrown away in homes is win-win, saving money and limiting harmful emissions."

“Adapting Use Up Day to cater at home for friends or family is a great way of making food go further; whether that’s reinventing your own leftovers or combining the contents of your kitchens.”

Tesco works with the local sharing app Olio to further reduce waste. Tessa Clarke, co-founder of Olio, said: "Food waste is hard to stomach at the best of times — but even more so in the midst of a cost of living crisis. Tesco’s new guide couldn’t be more timely, full of brilliant ideas that make it easy to turn spare food into delicious meals. And, of course, any ingredients that you don’t use can be easily passed on to local people using Olio, meaning not a single piece of good food need go to waste."

Bee Better for the Environment on World Bee Day With Avallen's Buzzing Bar Campaign!

On this next World Bee Day (20th May) Avallen, the calvados brand which is on a mission to be the world's most planet positive spirit, is launching a campaign in bars and venues across the country in order to raise awareness of the plight of these perfect pollinators, or very own bees.

A fresh approach to traditional calvados, Avallen is unusual in that it's climate positive, this is due to the spirit being made with nothing but apples, water, and time. Each bottle of Avallen removes 2.82kg of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. 

Given that bees are a key part of the pollination process required to grow the juicy apples Avallen is made from, there's no better time for Avallen to launch an awareness campaign than World Bee Day.

The activation will highlight just how vital these fuzzy little winged warriors are; without bees, there would be no cocktails, no pizza, the coffee industry would collapse, and beyond that life would be very difficult indeed. 

So to do this, Avallen is engaging bars and hospitality venues up and down the country to serve a special cocktail for World Bee Day. For every cocktail sold, £1 will be donated to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust by Avallen, to champion the protection of the mighty bumblebee, help restore their habitats, and ban harmful neonicotinoids.

Avallen will also provide one bottle of stock, menu design and printing support, and sustainability training for bar teams, as well as promotion across their own channels.

It's an overlooked fact the humble bumblebee is vital to the pollination of many plants which only release pollen to the exact vibration of a bumblebee. If bumblebees die out due to agricultural intensification, then many spirits would also disappear.  There would be no potatoes for vodka, grapes for brandy or botanicals for gin. And that's before we even mention the demise of the fruit mixers.

Avallen have suggested a number of cocktails set to tantalise customers, featuring twists on classic drinks like the Forbidden Fruit Martini which is a riff on the popular Pornstar Martini and the Avallen Espresso. There's even a spritz option to serve in sunny, alfresco spaces. Bar teams are also being encouraged to get creative themselves and design their own Avallen calvados based cocktails.

On top of raising awareness on behalf of the bees, the campaign will introduce consumers to a more conscious way of drinking. By choosing to drink Avallen, consumers aren't just saving the bees, they're also improving the planet's biodiversity and battling climate change. Quite an achievement for merely sipping a cocktail.

Tim Etherington Judge said of the campaign: “World Bee Day is an exceptional opportunity for us to raise awareness of why wild bees are so important and how spirits that support biodiversity need to be the future of drinks. 

"What better way to do that than to let people taste Avallen and understand that great tasting products can still be planet positive and do a bit of good. Every person can help increase wild bee populations by simply dead heading flowers to encourage more blooms or getting involved in No Mow May. Small steps like this can make a huge difference- as well of course as drinking sustainable, bee friendly spirits.”

To find out how to get involved get in touch with tim@avallenspirits.com or keep your eyes peeled for the activations taking place in venues nationwide from Saturday 20th May.

What venues are already booked to participate?

Participating venues to date (more being added every day):

Filthy XIII Bristol, Amolfini Bristol, Tom Thumb Newquay, Scarlett's Hotel Newquay, STERLING Bar Manchester, Ugly Butterfly St.Ives, Cornwall, Eve Bar London, The Longstore Truro, Cornwall, The Library, Bristol, Hoot the Redeemer Edinburgh, Hey Palu Edinburgh, Gleneagles Townhouse Edinburgh, Common's Club, Virgin Hotel Edinburgh, The Walcot Bath, Henrock Windermere, Bartender's Lounge Aberdeen, Lab 22 Cardiff. 

Avallen Spirits is a Climate Positive company with the environment at its core. Made from nothing but apples, water and time, Avallen calvados is completely natural with no additives or added sugar. Avallen's liquid is fresh, fruity, and proudly apple forward in its flavour profile which is aged in French oak barrels for 2 years. Avallen is now also available in a paper bottle – one of the first spirits to take this bold, sustainable move.  Far more robust than glass and six times lighter, weighing in at just 82 grams, this bottle significantly reduces the brand's carbon footprint, with each bottle being no less than six times lower in its carbon footprint than the average glass alternative.

www.avallenspirits.com