Indoor pizza ovens is a new trend in the UK

Following on from the utterly dismal British summer, indoor wood-fired pizza ovens Are the latest major trend.  

They say that it's an ill wind that blows nobody any good and such is the case with British company, Orchard Ovens.

Because Preston, Lancashire-based Orchard Ovens, has experienced a spike in enquiries about its Cucina oven, which is a special oven, one designed to be installed at the heart of a kitchen and creating a wide variety of wood-fired cooked foods in doors.  

Orcard Ovens now views the Cucina as the immediate future of wood-fired oven ownership in the UK, due to the credentials required of any indoor oven.

Orchard Ovens says more diligence is being shown by indoor oven seekers than is normally the case with those looking for an outdoor oven. 

Hardly a second thought is ever given to money wasted on so-called outdoor pizza ovens, which fall apart due to poor quality and the fact that they are constructed using inappropriate materials. 

Anyone installing an indoor oven is fully aware that they can't afford to fit an oven not fit for purpose.

The fear of having to renew their entire kitchen, not just the wood-fired oven, disrupting design, layout, worktops and surround, is leading to the new boom at Orchard Ovens, where authentic, artisan-built woodfired ovens have a reputation when it comes to their lifespan.

Notably, astute homeowners, making the right choice, are often of Italian descent.

One is Luca Ferrazzano, who is now a resident of Bristol but originally hailing from Naples, the spiritual home of pizza, where pizza has protected UNESCO status. Such is the guardianship over Neapolitan pizza that severe rules govern its cooking and promotion.

It's fairy to say that Luca had previously struggled with British made pizza ovens. He found them too unreliable for a financial investment and not authentic enough to match his high native Italian standards. Unfortunately he also found them to be just about incapable of cooking anything, unless the weather was absolutely perfect.

After further consideration this led him to investigate indoor pizza ovens as an option and, wanting an oven that wouldn't see him mocked by visiting Neapolitan relatives, he turned to Preston-based Orchard Ovens.

Orchard Ovens is the only UK supplier of top-notch Tuscan Valoriani ovens, including the Cucina, a ready-built oven that can be fitted quickly inside an indoor kitchen, once the correct flue arrangement is installed.

The Ferrazzano family had the Cucina fitted by the Orchard Ovens’ team and is now wowing his friends who had no idea it was possible to have an indoor woodfired pizza oven.  

And Luca’s relatives from Naples can't detect any difference between its pizza and that enjoyed in a downtown Naples pizzeria.  

Obviously using only traditional ingredients plays an important part, but the oven ensures accurate cooking of food, due to the best insulation and best construction materials. There are no issues with cold spots and no problem in retaining heat.

Luca has realised that, unlike other ‘pizza ovens’, the Valoriani ‘Cucina’ is superb, with no temperature differential between the top of the oven and the bottom.  In others he'd previously tried, users either have to burn the pizza’s top or bottom and compromise on this.

But now, regardless of what the British weather brings us, sun, rain or snow, his Cucina pizza oven can be fired up and, thanks to its massive versatility, used for a wide variety of dishes, from curries to Lancashire hotpots and bread to shellfish, steaks and even chips and Yorkshire puddings.

Orchard Ovens’ director, Andrew Manciocchi, says, “We couldn't have a better recommender of the Cucina oven than a native of Naples, for whom oven authenticity and quality are obviously crucial.

“Luca is one of a number of customers who decided the way forward, in an era of climate change and wet summers, is to install an indoor, rather than outdoor, woodfired pizza oven.  The shift in thinking we've seen this summer is notable, so we shall be going all out to supply Cucina ovens right through the late summer, autumn and inot winter.  These will be in situ in time to cook up wood-fired festive treats for Christmas, providing lots of joy.”

To find out more about the Cucina (£3495), which comes in a wide variety of colours and for which installation can be quoted, call 01772 250000. More information can be found at www.orchardovens.co.uk  

Lidl has officially been named both the cheapest AND most popular supermarket in the UK

Lidl is now officially the cheapest and most popular supermarket in the UK. Lidl topped YouGov’s list of most popular supermarkets and was also named cheapest supermarket in The Grocer’s ‘Super Grocer 33’ –beating the UK’s major supermarkets and fellow discounter, Aldi.

Lidl's unbeatable value has won shoppers’ hearts up and down the entire country. In YouGov’s survey exploring the percentage of shoppers with a positive opinion of a supermarket chain, Lidl nabbed the number one spot. Scoring 79%, placing it ahead of rivals Aldi and M&S.

Meanwhile, The Grocer’s ‘Super Grocer 33’ index, which compares the price of 33 everyday grocery items across the UK’s seven major supermarkets, learned that Lidl was significantly better value than others on a range of products, including fresh fruit and veg. From apples (£1.49 for a six-pack) to aubergines (85p), and cabbages (69p) to carrots (50p for 1kg), Lidl was the cheapest across 26 items in total.

Lidl was exclusively cheapest for its free range eggs (£1.09), with the price accolade coming mere hours after it announced a bold, new approach to boosting British egg production, by offering farmers special financial incentives to move into egg farming.

Even when compared to the traditional supermarkets with discount schemes, Lidl customers found themselves better off. Sainsbury’s shoppers using their Nectar card still paid £6.75 more than they would have if shopping at Lidl, while Tesco Clubcard holders paid £8.09 more.

Premium supermarket Waitrose, which claims it is implementing price cuts, was a massive £15.79 more expensive than Lidl. Rapeseed oil was almost double in price, while a whole chicken was nearly £2.00 more.

Peter De Roos, who is the Chief Commercial Officer at Lidl GB, said: “It’s no surprise when we’re continually shown to be the cheapest supermarket that we’re also topping popularity polls at the same time."

He went on to say: "Our customers, new and old, know shopping with us doesn’t mean they have to compromise on quality. Also, they can be assured we remain committed to keeping our prices low, which we know is more important than ever.” 

For nearly 30 years, Lidl’s unparalleled quality-value combination has been winning customers over from across the country. While the discounter has won The Grocer’s Super 33 five times out of seven, it’s also been named the cheapest supermarket by Manchester Evening News for over seven months in a row.

www.lidl.co.uk

Aldi opens applications for its Area Manager Programme. With an opening salary of £50,000

Aldi has just launched the application process for its latest Area Manager intake.

Aldi is now Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket and was recently named Employer of the Year by The Grocer Magazine for the second consecutive year. 

And Aldi is looking to fill 100 roles within its Area Manager programme. 

Applicants enrolled on the scheme will participate in a special, year-long training programme, equipping them with all the skills they would require to run a collection of stores successfully. 

Salaries begin from £50,000 for the opening year, with pay increasing to over £90,000 per annum by year eight.

Successful applicants will also be eligible for a number of additional benefits, including a company car and various third-party discounts, plus access to private healthcare and online wellbeing support.

Said Kelly Stokes, who is the Recruitment Director at Aldi UK: “We’re on the hunt for bright, driven and hardworking individuals to join the Aldi team as part of our Area Manager programme.

“Those joining the scheme can learn the ins and outs of the supermarket sector through in-depth training and support. And where better to learn than at the country's fastest-growing supermarket?

“At Aldi, our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do and we’re always looking for even more amazing people from all backgrounds to join our team.”

Those interested in applying for the Area Manager programme with Aldi can visit: www.aldirecruitment.co.uk/area-manager-programme

Also, Aldi is looking to recruit for 500 Store Apprentices across the UK as well as over 100 Logistics ‘Career Starter’ Apprentices by the year's end.

Those interested in applying for an apprenticeship with Aldi can visit: www.aldirecruitment.co.uk/apprenticeships.

Aldi to back nationwide clean beach project

The Aldi supermarket company is backing the Marine Conservation Society’s Beachwatch programme with a very helpful £50,000 in sponsorship.

As a result, Aldi has become the biggest corporate funder of the Marine Conservation Society’s beach cleaning and litter survey project, Beachwatch, which aims to support over 15,000 volunteers to participate in 1,200 local beach cleans over the coming year.

And what's more, Aldi colleagues are eager and ready to join the thousands of volunteers across the UK with an overall target to remove in excess of half a million (500,000) items of litter.

Aldi’s support for the project will be launched in Brighton on 26th September, with further beach cleans taking place throughout 2024.

Liz Fox, who is Aldi's Sustainability Director in the UK, said: “We are really pleased to be able to support the Marine Conservation Society to create positive change for the UKs seas.

“We're obviously aware that making significant changes does take time, but through our commitments we are working towards improving the environment for everyone.”

Katherine Stephenson, who is the Director of Fundraising at the Marie Conservation Society, added: “We’re obviously delighted to have the support of Aldi and we can’t wait to get out on the beach with their team and members of the public, too.

“Our partnership with Aldi means we now have the capability to undertake beach cleans year-round and collect valuable data that makes a big difference in keeping our seas safer for people, wildlife and for our future generations.”

To learn more about the Marine Conservation Society’s Beachwatch programme and volunteer at your local beach clean, visit:  https://www.mcsuk.org/what-you-can-do/join-a-beach-clean

Last year, 2022, Aldi UK partnered with Project UK, an initiative dedicated to fostering a sustainable future for UK fisheries, with a focus on protecting ecosystems, habitats and endangered species.

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Madhūka Teas new to the UK

ōForest (https://oforest.co) is the new food brand bringing the unique taste of the Madhūka flower to the UK for the very first time.  

Already legendary in the communities local to where the Madhuca Longifolia tree is found, the forests of India, Nepal, Myanmar and Sri Lanka, Madhūka is now set to take the UK by storm thanks to its nutty, caramel-like taste and rich nutritional benefits.

The brand is working in partnership with carefully selected local farmers to sustainably source the highest premium grade Madhūka, which is only hand-harvested and roasted before being crafted into the most delicious Nibs, Powders and a range of five Teas. All of which are utterly delicious.

The Madhūka Teas are perfect for those looking for a great tasting, caffeine-free option.  They come in a pure mellow Madhūka option and four other masterful blends, where the Madhūka has been combined with other natural ingredients that are also brimming with health benefits. Particularly there is Space (a calming clove and spicy cinnamon blend) and Fire (smooth sea buckthorn and warming ginger blend) which are of especial interest as we move towards the Autumn and Winter months. In fact we at That's Food and Drink feel these teas would make fantastic Christmas presents for the people in your life who are keen on healthier, tastier options.

Incidentally all the products in the range are rich with fibre, vitamins, nutrients and minerals including potassium, manganese and vitamin B3.  Plus, all are 100% natural, organic, gluten-free and vegan.

Rude Health is good health!

Rude Health, who are real full-on pioneers in healthy, natural and delicious food and drink have just launched a new Apple & Cinnamon flavour Instant Bircher Muesli, just in time for the cooling Autumn weather.

With the Original Soft & Fruity Bircher Muesli already a firm favourite with breakfast eaters, it features the same base of finely milled oats, along with delicious pieces of dried apple and cinnamon for a touch of added spiciness. So it's the perfect choice for an autumnal overnight oats in an instant! (EDITOR: I add milk to it and place it in the fridge overnight. Delicious!)

Actually, when you add milk to the Rude Health Mueslis, you can use Rude Health's fantastic Oat Drink, Almond Drink, Coconut Drink, Soya Drink, Brown Rice Drink, Cashew Drink, Hazelnut Drink, Tiger Nut Drink, Ultimate Almond, etc.

There's also flours, crackers, snack bars, Granola (Utterly delicious, I have to say!) and more besides.

To learn more about the entire range visit them here https://rudehealth.com.

Tesco shoppers set for £500k gold rush

Tesco shoppers have a golden hour to win a share of HALF A MILLION POUNDS for their local school or a community group that supports children this Saturday (23rd Sept).

As part of the ‘Stronger Starts’ campaign, between 12 noon and 1.00pm, shoppers in 100 Tesco stores can take a lucky dip to find a gold version of Tesco’s famous blue voting token. 

Customers who find a gold token will be able to choose which local school or community project will receive a £5,000 Golden Grant to spend on equipment or healthy food to help give children a stronger start in life. 

The Golden Grants are being supported by Diversity star and Kiss Breakfast presenter, Jordan Banjo, who helped to launch Tesco’s Stronger Starts campaign in July. He said:

“Right now, £5,000 can make massive difference to a school or community project and help them give children a stronger start in life, so get down to your local store and try and find that golden token!” 

Jason Tarry, Tesco UK CEO, said: “Schools and local projects are really vital in supporting our children and our communities. We’re giving customers who visit these 100 stores the chance to make a difference to a school or group that’s doing amazing work on their doorstep.” 

Last year’s recipients of a Tesco Golden Grant included Achieve, Thrive, Flourish (ATF) a group based in Basildon, Essex, which works with communities and young people at risk of exclusion and helps to improve their wellbeing through after school activities and food provision. Red Hill Primary School in Worcester used their grant to purchase sensory equipment, therapy toys and learning resources to maximise the potential of children with additional and SEND needs. 

Golden Grants are awarded twice a year and are part of Tesco Stronger Starts, a £5m grant programme in partnership with Groundwork UK. The grants are there to help schools and children’s groups provide nutritious food and healthy activities that support young people’s physical health and mental wellbeing, such as breakfast clubs or snacks, and equipment for healthy activities. 

Schools and children’s groups can apply via Groundwork for a grant by going to www.tescoplc.com/strongerstarts. Successful applications will go to a vote in their local Tesco store where customers choose which of the three projects they’d like to support by voting with a blue token. 

Since Tesco launched its Community Grants programme in 2016, over £100million has been given to in excess of 50,000 local schools and community groups. 

To learn what stores are participating visit https://www.tescoplc.com/sustainability/communities/strongerstarts#participating-stores

Top food, drink and lifestyle PR agency, RAW earns new awards and more

Besides an absolute flurry of new business wins, RAW has been very deservedly shortlisted for two categories in the inaugural TheBusinessDesk.com South West Business Masters Awards. 

RAW, which is a truly leading food, drink and lifestyle PR agency is amongst the select few in the 'Hospitality & Leisure' and 'Creative & Media' categories.

The shortlist announcement comes hot on the heels of RAW winning a number of very high profile new business accounts. 

Over the summer months, The Watercress Company, Royal Warrant holder DukesHill, leading online organic grocery retailer Eversfield Organic and the Millbrook Inn in South Devon have come on board as new clients. 

The brilliant food and drink innovation centre, The Food WorksSW has signed up the agency for a second project, following the success of their work with them earlier this year.  RAW also started working with The Collective at Woolsery in North Devon earlier this summer.

Further extending its team to support the new business wins, Rebecca Payne has joined RAW in a freelance capacity bringing with her a wealth of experience in PR, especially within broadcast media having headed up Press and PR for ITV Westcountry for a number of years. 

Rebecca says: “It's fantastic to be a part of the RAW team at such an exciting time of growth for the agency and this really complements the work I also do for Denhams Digital.” 

To which, co-founder of the Devon based PR agency, Hayley Reynolds adds:  “We have such an outstanding team all of whom have an impressive cross section of skills within the media, PR and broader marketing space. 

"Everyone works remotely, however there's an extremely strong and totally united approach to all with creativity and passion for the industry in abundance.” 

Hayley went on: “We are obviously absolutely thrilled to have extended our portfolio with such high calibre national businesses. Alsdo, we feel truly honoured to have been recognised in TheBusinessDesk.com's South West Business Masters Awards in two such competitive categories."

This is the first time TheBusinessDesk.com South West Business Masters Awards will be held in the South West with the awards announced at Bristol Harbour Hotel on Thursday, November 9th.

RAW's current prestigious client list include such outstanding food and drink companies as: The Watercress Company, DukesHill, Eversfield Organic, Trewithen Dairy, Salcombe Gin, Kamado Joe, Flapjackery, Luscombe Drinks, Masterbuilt, Matthews Cotswold Flour, The Collective at Woolsery, Sandford Orchards, Hattiers Rum, Wickhams, Millbrook Inn, Darts Farm, Sandridge Barton, Sharpham Dairy, Salcombe Brewery, Devonia Water, Owens Coffee, Food Drink Devon, The Food Works SW, Blackpool Sands, New London Light, England's Seafood Feast, Taste East Devon and South West Wine School. 

If you feel that your food or drink company would benefit from being represented by RAW, please visit them here https://rawfoodanddrinkpr.co.uk.

That's Food and Drink would like to add our praise to RAW for all its support it has offered ourselves and their clients in recent years.

Burger & Lobster launches £10 Whole Lobster for National Lobster Day across all London restaurants

The celebratory offer will be available to guests for one day only on 25th September 2023.

With September marking the end of the summer season and the annual celebration of National Lobster Day, London’s favourite home of all things surf and turf is delivering a legendary offer to guests for one day and one very special day only, £10 whole lobster and lobster rolls.

This month, Burger & Lobster are on a mission to celebrate all things lobster, entice new and returning guests into their restaurants for the big day and more importantly, they'll continue bringing half of its namesake offering to the masses at an unbeatable price without compromising quality.

Seafood-loving diners will be able to enjoy a selection of both locally-supplied, British Isles lobsters alongside the restaurant’s classic Canadian wild-caught lobsters at a fraction of their usual price, steamed or grilled to absolute perfection. 

Or they can indulge in one of their beloved lobster rolls dressed with lemon mayo, chives and served in a toasted brioche bun. Each comes served with a portion of crisp B&L fries and their signature unctuous lemon and garlic butter, included in the £10 deal.

The premium eatery chain isn't a stranger to offering a good deal, it's known for serving well-priced and indulgent fare in plush settings with guests now being able to enjoy an even more elevated experience as the chain’s estate recently underwent a complete refurbishment this year.

In anticipation of National Lobster Day, Misha Zelman, Founder and CEO at Burger & Lobster Restaurant Group says: “We're not just celebrating lobsters, we're celebrating the extraordinary collaboration between our dedicated suppliers, our cherished restaurant guests and our esteemed peers within the industry. 

"To honour this partnership, we're thrilled to give away £10 lobsters and lobster rolls to all our guests on National Lobster Day in London. It's a small token of our appreciation for the unwavering support that fuels our passion for delivering the finest lobsters to your plate. I look forward to celebrating this Lobster Festival with as many of you as possible”

The offer of £10 lobsters and £10 lobster rolls will be available all-day, for one day only on Monday 25th September 2023 across all Burger & Lobster restaurants. The promotion will also be available to customers ordering via Deliveroo on National Lobster Day.

For more information, and to book a reservation, please visit their website here http://www.burgerandlobster.com.