Thursday, 29 June 2023

Sainsbury’s invests £15m on household staple price

Sainsbury’s is investing £15m to cut the price of cupboard staples like rice and pasta to assist customers with managing their budgets. 

It will also become the only supermarket to offer Freefrom pasta at the same price as standard pasta as part of these latest price cuts. 

This latest round of reductions is part of Sainsbury’s commitment to keep prices low on the high-volume products that make the most difference to its customers. Sainsbury’s will continue to make price cuts on popular essential products throughout the rest of the summer.

Sainsbury’s is also announcing that all by Sainsbury’s ‘happier and healthier’ whole chicken breast fillets will now be included in its Aldi Price Match for the first time ever. This follows the commitment in March 2023 that all by Sainsbury’s chickens will have 20% more space than the industry standard, meaning customers can be certain they'll be getting the best of both worlds. Keen prices on chicken, but with no compromising on chicken welfare.

Rhian Bartlett, Food Commercial Director at Sainsbury’s, said: “As the cost-of-living challenges continue, we remain dedicated to lowering prices on the essential products that make the biggest difference to our customers.”

“In the last two years we’ve invested £560 million in keeping prices low and more recently we’ve reduced the price of high-volume essentials including bread and butter, milk, tuna and toilet rolls, too."

He went on to say: "These latest price cuts will help reassure customers we'll continue to pass on savings as soon as we see the wholesale price of food fall. Customers will find great deals when they shop with us and they don't need to go elsewhere to get the best prices on their everyday food essentials.”

However, Sainsbury's are emphasising that the price reductions for customers doesn't mean they'll pay farmers any less.  

A spokesman said: "We work closely with farmers to help them navigate cost pressures while continuing to invest in keeping prices as low and competitive for our customers as we can."

https://www.sainsburys.co.uk.

Bloc Hotels and Michelin-starred chef, Aktar Islam, join forces to offer a truly unique gastronomic getaway

Bloc Hotel, which is famous for its stylish accommodation and Opheem, the Michelin-starred restaurant known for its wonderful and innovative cuisine, are excited to announce a unique collaboration, creating an unforgettable gastronomic getaway.

Running throughout next month, July, and August, this very limited package will offer a special 10-course tasting menu which is crafted by Opheem’s Michelin-starred celebrity chef, Aktar Islam, paired with an indulgent overnight stay at Birmingham's Bloc Hotel.

The package costs a modest £249 per couple and includes the 10-course tasting menu (which is usually £125 per person) plus an overnight stay at Bloc Hotel which is in Birmingham’s iconic city centre Jewellery Quarter.

The exquisite 10-course tasting menu showcases Opheem’s progressive Indian cuisine, and commitment to locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to create dishes that harmonise flavours. 

Each course is a true work of culinary art, meticulously prepared and thoughtfully presented, reflecting Opheem’s distinctive culinary style.

“The partnership between Bloc and Opheem is a perfect blend of exceptional hospitality and culinary excellence,” said Rob Morgan, who is the MD of Bloc Hotels. “We're reall thrilled to collaborate with Opheem, a culinary gem in the city of Birmingham, to offer our guests an extraordinary experience that combines luxurious accommodation with a genuinely memorable gastronomic journey.”

Besides a sumptuous dinner, guests will enjoy an overnight stay at Bloc Hotel in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. Renowned for its contemporary design, innovative features, and attention to detail, Bloc provides everything needed to sleep, shower, and step out fresh, right into the heart of the city.

“We’re really excited to partner with Bloc to create a unique experience that combines the best of our respective offerings,” said Aktar Islam, Chef Patron at Opheem. “Our aim is to delight guests with a symphony of flavours and textures, pushing the boundaries of traditional cuisine. We look forward to welcoming guests and showcasing our culinary artistry.”

Guests can book this super-limited package at blochotels.com/opheem

Bloc Hotel Birmingham offers affordable luxury located in the very heart of the city’s historic Jewellery Quarter. 

With its commitment to contemporary design, innovative technology, and exceptional service, Bloc offers a unique and stylish experience for discerning travellers. The hotel’s prime location provides convenient access to popular attractions, shopping destinations, and transport hubs.


QUIET & SMART : Revolutionise Your Home with Quiet Mark Certified Smart Home Technology Solutions

As the Smart Home Technology trend continues to sweep through our the nation, more and more people and families are looking for ways to make their homes not only more efficient but also more comfortable to live in. 

With the increase in hybrid working, including working from home, the need for a functional and quiet environment has never been more imperative and important. 

In fact, the Quiet Mark National Noise Report found over four fifths (82%) of Brits would like to make their home quieter with a further 52% saying they would factor noise into their employment decision.

Quiet Mark, the independent international approval award programme associated with the UK Noise Abatement Society Charitable foundation, has been at the forefront of this trend, identifying and awarding the quietest products in various categories.

With the increase in demand for quieter appliances, also comes the expectation of smart connectivity, too. Manufacturers recognise that this is no longer seen as luxury or reserved for only high-end homes. And, thanks to voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa, most households are familiar with some aspects of AI functionality, whether it's used to control the lights in your home, check if your fridge is stocked or simply to ask what the weather will be like tomorrow. 

Quiet Mark certified brand Miele for example, has created the Miele@home app, which works with all intelligent Miele domestic appliances and can be networked conveniently and securely via a home WiFi router and the Miele Cloud. 

Here are six top Smart Home products to help revolutionise your home, but quietly! 

Duux Whisper Flex Ultimate Fan

Whisper Flex Ultimate has a reach of over 17 metres and, with an incredible 30 speed settings, the double-bladed fan can be set to your ideal temperature. Building on the same great features of the Whisper and Whisper Flex, including 100-degree vertical and 90-degree horizontal oscillation, smart connectivity (via Duux app) and super silent rotations, Whisper Ultimate also comes with a battery pack for a cordless option.

Melitta Barista T Smart Coffee Machine

The Melitta® Barista T Smart® can really do a great deal. With the Melitta® Connect app you can steer the preparation of coffee and manage many other features really simply with your smart phone.

Coway Airmega 300S Air Purifier

The Coway Airmega 300S smart air purifier is compatible with Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Coway IoCare app to remotely activate the air purifier and check filter life cycle and more. 

LG InstaView ThinQ GSXV91MCAE American Fridge Freezer

Control your fridge from your smartphone with LG ThinQ™ technology. You can adjust temperature settings or freeze items when you're on the go, in a meeting or just don't want to leave the sofa.

Siemens WD4HU541GB iQ700 10kg/6kg Freestanding Washer Dryer

iQ700 Washer dryer, 10/6 kg 1400 rpm. Wash & dry in one go with the wifi-enabled washer-dryer in only 60 minutes.

Miele G7660 SCVi AutoDos Integrated Dishwasher

Fully integrated dishwasher with automatic dispensing thanks to AutoDos with integrated PowerDisk.  Exploit the full potential of your Miele appliance and make your everyday life even smarter with the Miele@home system.  

View a selection of Quiet Mark certified products on QuietMark.com.


I am Döner wins prestigious national restaurant award

Yorkshire's very own Leeds-headquartered, I am Döner, has been rightfully recognised at a national level as it has won an Editor’s Choice Award at the annual QSR Media Awards, held in London yesterday.

This award is a special award decided upon by the editorial bench of QSR media, in recognition of outstanding achievements over the course of the year.

Over the past year I am Döner has continued its growth both nationally and internationally through their growing franchise operations. 

The brand has five operating stores throughout the UK and also in Dubai, with additional stores scheduled to open in Windsor, Liverpool and London by the year's end. And an important, major international franchise partnership soon to be announced. The brand is also in talks with various partners about future sites in airports and universities.

The brand is digitally led, focusing on delivering fantastic food items with homemade bread, sauces, pickled cabbage and fresh salad which is always prepared daily. 

They take pride in being a plastic free company constantly looking at new packaging that is biodegradable and kind to the environment.

Chef Paul Baron who is the founder of I am Döner collected the award on behalf of his team.  Baron says “We're obviously very honoured to be have been selected for this prestigious award within our industry. It has been a busy year for us so far with more exciting news to share very soon. We are thrilled to be working with some of the best franchise partners to help our brand scale so successfully.”

Indulge in Wimbledon-Inspired Delights With Trewithen Dairy's Limited Edition Pimms Cornish Cream Tea Hamper for Two and Two New Recipes

Cornish dairy Trewithen Dairy has presented a quintessential English cream tea experience.

Indulge in Wimbledon-Inspired delights with their limited edition Pimms Cornish Cream Tea Hamper for two.

Trewithen Dairy Pimm’s Cornish Cream Tea Hamper for two -  at a RRP £24.49 - www.trewithendairy.co.uk 

Why not immerse yourself in the true essence of Wimbledon, whether you're captivated by the on-court action or enjoying the tournament from the comfort of your own sofa or recliner, with the perfect serving of strawberries and cream. 

Trewithen Dairy is offering customers a delicious and exclusive limited edition summer hamper, designed to delight all aficionados of a quintessentially English cream tea. With the rich heritage of Cornwall woven into each and every product, this is a true celebration of wonderful English culinary traditions.

Inside the carefully curated hamper, you’ll discover a selection of premium products which will include Trewithen Dairy’s delicious and award-winning golden crusted clotted cream, four fluffy scones (plain, fruit or gluten-free), a pot of Cornish strawberry jam, The Cornish Tea Company’s tea bags or Cornish Ground Coffee and two cans of Pimms for an extraordinarily delicious  cream tea experience. Extra Pimms cans and a special Wimbledon Guest Towel can also be purchased as optional extras.

Adding an extra taste of summer, Trewithen Dairy has collaborated with the Cornish summer cup company, Pocketful of Stones, to create two new and exclusive recipes. You'll be captivated by the burst of summer flavours in their summer cup scones and no-churn summer cup clotted cream ice cream, perfectly complementing the cream tea ensemble. (That's Food and Drink has already published that recipe!)

Indulge in the spirit of Wimbledon, savour the delights of Trewithen Dairy's limited edition summer hamper, and experience the pinnacle of a English cream tea affair while enjoying Wimbledon.

Summer cup scones

Light and refreshing, the scones are a delicious talking-point to serve at parties for a summery twist on the classic cream tea. Pen Sans Summer Cup is bursting with ripe summer fruits and red berries - perfect with our luxurious Cornish clotted cream. Feel free to use shop-bought scones and take them to the next level if you haven’t time to bake your own.

Ingredients

For the scones

350g Self-raising flour, sieved

Pinch of salt

100g Trewithen Dairy unsalted butter

110ml Trewithen Dairy whole milk

1 Egg, beaten

For the topping

150g Frozen strawberries

2tbsp Caster sugar

50ml Pen Sans Summer Cup

Garnish 

Fresh strawberries

Mint leaves

Cucumber, sliced

Trewithen Dairy Cornish clotted cream

Method

BeginS with the scones. Preheat the oven to 190c. Grease and line two baking trays.

Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour to create fine breadcrumbs. Stream the milk in slowly, using a cold knife to gently mix until it just forms a dough. Wrap in cling film and chill for 20 minutes while you make the strawberry topping.

Place the frozen strawberries and a splash of water in a saucepan over a medium heat, allowing them to break down. At this point, add a measure of summer cup and caster sugar. Continue to stir for a couple of minutes until it has reduced down slightly. Remove from the heat and chill.

Back to the scones. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to a thickness of 2cm and cut into rounds with a cutter. Don’t twist them out of the cutter, otherwise they will warp in the oven. 

Place on the baking trays, before brushing the tops with the beaten egg. Bake for 12 minutes until slightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack.

To serve, smother with strawberry sauce, a generous spoonful of Cornish clotted cream and garnish with strawberries, cucumber and mint. Enjoy with a large jug of summer cup filled with summery botanicals. Heaven!

No-churn summer cup clotted cream ice-cream

The epitome of summer flavours, Pen Sans Summer Cup is bursting with red berry aromas and pairs perfectly with our rich Cornish clotted cream. Make this easy no-churn ice-cream in advance so you have it ready to pull out of the freezer for hot days and al fresco dessert.

Ingredients

2 Large eggs

125g Caster sugar

250ml Double cream

200g Trewithen Dairy Cornish clotted cream

250ml Trewithen Dairy whole milk

200g Strawberries - frozen (defrosted) or fresh

1 tbsp Icing sugar

50ml Pen Sans Summer Cup

Garnish

Mint leaves

Strawberries

Orange slices

Method

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until light and fluffy. While still whisking, add the caster sugar, one spoonful at a time and continue mixing for a few minutes. Add both creams and pour in the milk, while continuing to whisk.

Pour into a freezer-proof container (a loaf or baking tin works well) and freeze for two hours. Remove from the freezer, whisk thoroughly and return to the freezer. 

In the meantime, place the strawberries and a splash of water in a small saucepan over a medium heat and cook until the strawberries break down into a sauce. Add the icing sugar and Pen Sans Summer Cup. Allow to simmer for a few minutes until the mixture reduces slightly. Set aside too cool. 

Stir the strawberry sauce through the semi-frozen ice cream and, using a cocktail stick, pull it gently through to create a beautiful marbling effect. Add the remaining strawberries on top and return to the freezer until frozen - approximately one hour later. When you’re ready to serve, remove from the freezer and add fresh strawberries, mint and orange slices to garnish. Enjoy in cones or bowls.

https://www.trewithendairy.co.uk.

Trewithen Dairy's No-churn summer cup clotted cream ice-cream

The epitome of summery flavours, Pen Sans Summer Cup is truly bursting with red berry aromas and pairs perfectly with Trewithen Dairy's delicious rich Cornish clotted cream. 

Why not create this easy no-churn ice-cream in advance so you have it ready to pull out of the freezer for hot days and al fresco dessert?

Here is the recipe:-

Ingredients

2 Large eggs

125g Caster sugar

250ml Double cream

200g Trewithen Dairy Cornish clotted cream

250ml Trewithen Dairy whole milk

200g Strawberries - frozen (defrosted) or fresh

1 tbsp Icing sugar

50ml Pen Sans Summer Cup

Garnish

Mint leaves

Strawberries

Orange slices

Method

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until they are light and fluffy. While you are still whisking, add the caster sugar, one spoonful at a time and continue mixing for a few minutes. Add both the types of creams and pour in the milk, while continuing to whisk.

Pour into a freezer-proof container (a loaf or baking tin is ideal) and freeze for two hours. Remove from the freezer, whisk the mixture thoroughly and return it to the freezer. 

In the meantime, place the strawberries and a splash of water in a small saucepan over a medium heat and cook until the strawberries break down into a sauce. Add the icing sugar and Pen Sans Summer Cup. Allow to simmer for a few minutes until the mixture reduces slightly. Set aside to allow it to cool. 

Stir the strawberry sauce through the semi-frozen ice cream and, using a cocktail stick, pull it gently through to create a beautiful marbling effect. Add the remaining strawberries on top and return to the freezer until frozen. This should be something like an hour later. When you're ready to serve, remove from the freezer and add fresh strawberries, mint and orange slices to garnish. Enjoy in cones or bowls.

https://www.trewithendairy.co.uk.

Wednesday, 28 June 2023

Summer Cup Scones - Perfect for Wimbledon

Light, refreshing and utterly delicious, these scones are a delightfully scrummy talking-point to serve at parties for a summertime twist on the classic cream tea. 

Pens Sans Summer Cup is bursting with ripe summer fruits and red berries - perfect with Trewithen Dairy's  luxurious Cornish clotted cream. 

You can even use shop-bought scones and titivate them if you haven't time to bake your own.

Ingredients

For the scones

350g Self-raising flour, sieved

Pinch of salt

100g Trewithen Dairy unsalted butter

110ml Trewithen Dairy whole milk

1 Egg, beaten

For the topping

150g Frozen strawberries

2tbsp Caster sugar

50ml Pens Sans Summer Cup

Garnish 

Fresh strawberries

Mint leaves

Cucumber, sliced

Trewithen Dairy Cornish clotted cream

Method

Start with the scones. Preheat the oven to 190c. Grease and line two baking trays.

Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour to create fine breadcrumbs. Stream the milk in slowly, using a cold knife to gently mix until it just forms a dough. Wrap in cling film and chill for 20 minutes while you make the strawberry topping.

Place the frozen strawberries and a splash of water in a saucepan over a medium heat, allowing them to break down. At this point, add a measure of summer cup and caster sugar. Continue to stir for a couple of minutes until it has reduced down slightly. Remove from the heat and chill.

Back to the scones. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to a thickness of 2cm and cut into rounds with a cutter. Don't twist them out of the cutter, otherwise they will warp in the oven. 

Place on the baking trays, before brushing the tops with the beaten egg. Bake for 12 minutes until slightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack.

To serve, smother with strawberry sauce, a generous spoonful of Cornish clotted cream and garnish with strawberries, cucumber and mint. Enjoy with a large jug of Pen Sans summer cup filled with appropriately delicious and refreshing summery botanicals. Divine!

https://www.trewithendairy.co.uk

Wise Bartender hosts Wise Fest 2023 – the Fun and Free Family Event That Showcases the Best of Alcohol-Free Drinks

On Saturday 15 July Wise Fest 2023 is being held at Wayside Farm, Evercreech, Somerset, BA4 6QW from 12noon-10pm. 

With a wide and eclectic range of alcohol-free drinks to choose from, visitors can also enjoy fantastic live music, tasty BBQ food and tutored drinks tasting sessions with kids face painting and glitter tattoos available for younger guests.

Says Wise Bartender Founder and organiser of Wise Fest 2023, Tom Ward: “Wise Bartender has specialised in alcohol-free drinks since our launch back in 2017. We offer people a choice about what they want to drink. 

"We stock over 600 products to meet the growing demand for alcohol-free beer, cider, wine, spirits, cocktails and kombuchas and know from research that over a quarter (29%) of UK drinkers now 'semi-regularly' consume low and no alcohol products. The quality has increased and improved dramatically over the last several years and there's now an incredible range of full-flavoured alcohol-free drinks that are perfect to enjoy on a sunny summer's day. We feel that Wise Fest is the perfect way of exploring and discovering some new gems alongside enjoying some old favourites in a relaxed and enjoyable setting with the whole family.”

One of the highlights of Wise Fest 2023 will be tutored tasting sessions, all hosted by drinks experts. “For those who want to know a little more about the range of alcohol-free drinks and finding some new alcohol-free must-have drinks, we're genuinely thrilled to welcome some of the most knowledgeable experts in the category who'll be leading tasting sessions” Tom went on to say.

“Leading wine expert and founder of the world alcohol-free awards, Chrissie Parkinson, social media personality Emma Newman (@Emma_Sobersonic) and Club Soda beer expert Teddy Hardman will all be taking guests through sampling sessions at free tastings throughout the day. 

"Among the alcohol-free drinks available to try will be beers from Big Drop Brewing, Butcombe and Clean Break Brewing; spirit alternatives from Caleño, Myth Spirits, Ish Spirits and Mahala Spirit; wine from McGuigan's and Not Guilty and Maiden Mill, which is the world's only dedicated alcohol-free cider producer.”

Everyone is welcome at Wise Fest 2023, as are dogs on leads, with a wide range of alcohol-free drinks available plus BBQ and ice creams. Live music will be provided by local artists Eddie Dean, 34 South Duo and John Lime Acoustic and you may even catch a glimpse of the Caleño Brazilian dancers!

There is plentiful parking and admission to Wise Fest 2023 is free on the gate, but advance tickets can be ordered for £5 which will include a free drink at the event and a free glass to take home with you.

Wise Fest 2023 is on Saturday 15th July 2023

Wayside Farm, Evercreech, Somerset, BA4 6QW from 12noon-10pm

Wise Fest 2023 Tickets, Sat 15 Jul 2023 at 12:00 | Eventbrite


Sweden's Flävar Strawberry & Lime Schnapps will be a Summer hit

Many people are glued to the tennis at the moment. So, why not take the traditional Wimbledon treat of strawberries and cream and give it a nifty, modern twist by serving a chilled shot with squirty cream on the top for a bit of Flävar flair? 

Flävar Strawberry & Lime is also delicious served with prosecco (the 'Flävecco'), or topped up with ice and lemonade. Inspired by Founder Rolf's Scandinavian heritage, plus the Swedish concept of 'Fika' (a short break from a busy day to enjoy a sweet treat with friends), Flävar's retro refresh of the schnapps category is well-timed to coincide with celebratory occasions like Wimbledon, receptions, garden parties, BBQs and more.

Says founder Rolf Munding: “Anyone brought up in Scandinavia or Germany will know Schnapps as a huge part of our culture. It always makes me think of the good times with friends and family, as I'm certain it does for many other people too. Flävar is inspired by this retro-drinking experience and we've created a range that appeals to the UK's desire for exploring new, delicious flavours.”

Time for the perfect serve? You'll discover your Flävar at https://flavarspirit.com or Amazon. 

RRP is £19.99 for 70cl, 25% ABV.

Salford's SEVEN BRO7HERS BREWERY launched Crowdfund Campaign to build 'Forever Home" and boost production

Salford's SEVEN BRO7HERS BREWING CO is aiming to raise half a million Pounds via a crowd funding campaign in an exciting bid to build a new 'forever home' as it expands to meet rapidly growing production demands.

The much-loved Salford-based brewery is looking to invest in “near-term” production, as well as launching the process to build a larger brewery and distillery site in city.

The crowd funding callout promises a big investment in the north – aiming to provide more jobs for the region, as well as revenue.

The initial wave of funding would support the implementation of an upgraded canning line, as well as new tanks. This upgrade will caterer to the brand's growing production demands from major retailers, like ASDA and ALDI, as well as supporting its capacity to fulfil new craft beer arena tenders and contracts.  

As part of the expansion plans, SEVEN BRO7HERS is looking to secure brand-new location to build their 'forever home' by 2026. The new site will be the base for a brewhouse, a custom-made distillery, packaging, and operations, plus an onsite taproom and restaurant.

CEO Keith McAvoy, said: “We don't expect this funding round to be able to finance all our ambitious plans, but this round will lay the groundwork. It will allow us to staff and resource the right team to make this dream into a reality. ​

“It's our ambition to have a new venue operational by 2026, and this new premises would support group revenue to exceed £30m before 2030.”

The latest crowd fund is targeted to raise £500,000 at a valuation of £12m – this is up 50% from when SEVEN BRO7HERS crowdfunded in 2020.

Keith McAvoy, went on to say: “We've operated from the same brewery since 2017, we're  now nearing operational capacity.​ We have two investment scenarios available to us; one is an overhaul and increase of capacity within our current premises, the second is to invest in a new destination brewery in Manchester, suitable for growth over the next two decades.​

“We have several retail opportunities available to us, not only in Manchester but cities across the north including Sheffield, Leeds, Nottingham and York and further south into Birmingham and London. ​Which, of course, we can only explore with more operational space.”

He added: “Initially we're raising to support the current production site; increasing volume and speed of packaging, then looking to invest significantly in a future home for the business this year and in 2024.”

The brewery was founded in 2014 by McAvoy brothers, Guy, Keith, Luke, Daniel, Nathan, Kit, and Greg, inspired by their dad's home-brewing efforts in their cellar at home.

Since crowd funding in 2020, the brewery has utilised every penny invested to maximise the return on investment and promote growth within the business. The total investment, including founder funding is £1.3m from which the company has generated cumulative revenues of more than £14m.

SEVEN BRO7HERS have four successful beer houses and a taproom across Salford, Manchester, and Liverpool. Most recently the brothers opened a summer pop-up in Manchester City Centre within the 'Kampus' residential complex, there are currently discussions in place to make this a permanent fixture in the portfolio.

In July 2020 they opened their partnership bar at Manchester Airports new T2 Departure Lounge, operated by HMS Host International.

This Summer SEVEN BRO7HERS and SIS4ERS DISTILLERY will be collaborating on the launch of a new brand “ELEVEN CENTRAL” this will include a range of spirits.

SEVEN BRO7HERS will be offering 'investor rewards' to those who support the crowd fund. A £25 investment will get you a free pint at one of the SEVEN BRO7HERS beer houses, with £100 securing you dinner as a thank you.

Larger investments mean greater perks, £250 a 5% off investors card for the webshop and bars, £1,000 will get you 10% off. For those investing over £10k you will receive a monthly case of beers for 12 months plus discounts.

To invest in the crowd fund, head to https://www.crowdcube.com/early-access/seven-bro7hers.

(That's Food and Drink: I'll be working in Liverpool city centre this week. I'll pop in for a drink if I can.)