Discover the Gratitude Café: A Hidden Gem in Wellington, Telford

Nestled in the heart of Wellington, Telford, the Gratitude Café, in Duke Stret, offers a unique blend of warmth, community spirit, and delicious food that has quickly made it a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. 

Whether you’re in the mood for a cosy cup of coffee, a hearty lunch, or just a friendly chat, this café delivers an experience that is far more than just a place to eat—it’s a place to connect, relax, and feel truly welcome.

A Café with a Heart

What sets the Gratitude Café apart from other eateries in the area is its deep commitment to creating a space where everyone feels at home. As soon as you walk through the door, you’re greeted by a welcoming atmosphere that radiates kindness and inclusivity. The décor is charmingly eclectic, with mismatched furniture, soft lighting, and thoughtful touches that reflect the café's ethos of gratitude and mindfulness.

The Gratitude Café takes pride in promoting a sense of community, encouraging patrons to slow down and take a moment to appreciate life’s little joys. Whether it’s a warm conversation with the staff, a book from the community library shelf, or simply enjoying the serene atmosphere, the café is designed to help you unwind from the daily hustle and bustle.

Food for the Soul

The menu at the Gratitude Café is a delightful mix of wholesome, freshly prepared dishes that cater to a wide range of dietary preferences. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking for something hearty and delicious, the café has something to offer. Their focus on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients means that every dish is as fresh as it is flavourful.

From light bites like avocado toast and homemade soups to more substantial offerings like smashed burgers, veggie burgers and hearty sandwiches, there’s a dish to suit every taste. For those with a sweet tooth, the café’s selection of homemade cakes and pastries is simply irresistible. Pair your meal with one of their expertly brewed coffees, a pot of loose-leaf tea, or a refreshing smoothie, and you’ve got the perfect meal for any time of day.

Sustainability and Local Support

At its core, the Gratitude Café is about giving back to the local community. Their focus on sustainability is evident in everything they do, from the use of eco-friendly packaging to their partnerships with local suppliers. They believe in supporting small, independent businesses in the area, ensuring that every cup of coffee or slice of cake you enjoy has a positive impact on the local economy.

The café also regularly hosts community events, such as book clubs, mindfulness sessions, and workshops, fostering a sense of connection among Wellington’s residents. These events reflect the café’s mission to be more than just a business—they want to be a space where people come together, share ideas, and inspire one another.

A Personal Touch

One of the things that truly makes the Gratitude Café special is its staff. Friendly, attentive, and always ready with a smile, they go out of their way to make every visitor feel valued. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, you’re likely to find yourself having a conversation with the staff that goes beyond the usual pleasantries, making you feel like part of the Gratitude Café family.

Perfect for All Occasions

Whether you’re popping in for a quick coffee on your way to work, meeting friends for a leisurely lunch, or looking for a quiet spot to read or work, the Gratitude Café is the perfect destination. Its relaxed vibe makes it ideal for both solo visitors and groups, with plenty of seating options to accommodate everyone.

They also host musical events, too.

Conclusion

The Gratitude Café is more than just a place to grab a bite to eat—it's a place that embodies the values of kindness, community, and mindfulness. With its focus on fresh, locally sourced food, eco-friendly practices, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for all, it’s no wonder this charming spot has become a favourite in Wellington, Telford. If you’re looking for somewhere to relax, recharge, and enjoy a meal that nourishes both body and soul, the Gratitude Café is the perfect place to do so.

Next time you’re in Wellington, be sure to stop by the Gratitude Café. You’ll leave feeling not just satisfied, but uplifted and connected to the community around you.

The Benefits of Using CoQ10 for Health and Wellbeing

In recent years, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has gained significant attention in the health and wellness community. As a naturally occurring antioxidant in the body, CoQ10 plays a vital role in energy production and protecting cells from oxidative damage. 

But why should you consider incorporating CoQ10 into your daily routine? Here, we’ll explore the key benefits of CoQ10 and how it supports overall health.

1. Boosts Energy Levels

CoQ10 is essential for the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule responsible for cellular energy. ATP powers the basic functions of our cells, and by supporting its production, CoQ10 helps improve energy levels, particularly in organs with high energy demands like the heart, kidneys, and muscles. Those who experience fatigue or reduced stamina may find CoQ10 supplements beneficial in revitalising their energy levels.

2. Promotes Heart Health

One of the most well-researched benefits of CoQ10 is its positive impact on cardiovascular health. The heart is a highly active organ, requiring vast amounts of energy to function effectively. CoQ10 has been shown to improve heart muscle strength, reduce oxidative damage, and support overall heart function. Studies suggest that CoQ10 may also help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart failure in some individuals.

3. Reduces the Effects of Ageing

As we age, our body’s natural levels of CoQ10 decline, which can contribute to the ageing process. By replenishing these levels through supplementation, CoQ10 may help slow down some of the signs of ageing. Its potent antioxidant properties combat free radicals, which can cause cellular damage and contribute to wrinkles, fine lines, and reduced skin elasticity. This has led to CoQ10 being a popular ingredient in many skincare products aimed at anti-ageing.

4. Supports Cognitive Function

The brain, much like the heart, requires a significant amount of energy to function at its best. CoQ10 helps maintain the energy balance in brain cells, supporting cognitive functions like memory, concentration, and mental clarity. Emerging research suggests that CoQ10 may even help in protecting the brain against neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, by reducing oxidative stress.

5. Improves Exercise Performance

For those looking to enhance their athletic performance, CoQ10 could be a useful supplement. Studies have found that CoQ10 may improve exercise endurance and reduce muscle fatigue by enhancing the body’s energy production and protecting against exercise-induced oxidative stress. Athletes and active individuals may notice improved recovery times and better stamina when using CoQ10 regularly. There's also evidence that CoQ10 can help in reducing pain. I was recommended to take it for sciatic pain and the difference it made to my condition was nothing short of remarkable and very rapid. 

6. Supports Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

Some research has shown that CoQ10 may be beneficial for individuals managing type 2 diabetes. It appears to help regulate blood sugar levels by improving mitochondrial function, which in turn enhances insulin sensitivity. Though more research is needed, preliminary studies suggest that CoQ10 supplementation may help reduce the complications associated with diabetes.

7. Aids Fertility

For both men and women, CoQ10 may support fertility by improving the quality of eggs and sperm. In women, CoQ10’s ability to support energy production in cells helps maintain the health of eggs, particularly as they age. For men, CoQ10 has been linked to improved sperm count and motility, making it a potential aid for couples facing fertility challenges.

8. Acts as a Powerful Antioxidant

CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralise harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can lead to chronic inflammation and has been linked to various health conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. By reducing oxidative damage, CoQ10 helps protect cells and supports overall health.

Conclusion

CoQ10 offers a wide range of health benefits, from boosting energy levels and supporting heart health to improving exercise performance and reducing the effects of ageing. Whether you’re looking to enhance your overall wellbeing or address specific health concerns, CoQ10 can be a valuable addition to your health regimen. As always, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medication.

If you’re looking to improve your energy, protect your cells from oxidative stress, and promote long-term health, CoQ10 might just be the supplement you’ve been searching for.

Local pubs deliver invaluable socio-economic value, ministers must act to save them – new report urges

The government must overhaul a counterproductive regulatory and tax landscape that threatens the future of the ever-popular British local pub as a vital social and economic anchor for communities across the country, a study published by the think-tank Localis today warns.

In a report issued today at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool entitled ‘Inn-Valuable 2: unlocking the socio-economic potential of our nation’s pubs’, Localis urges the government to launch a taskforce to clear obstacles that endanger the beer and pub sector which cumulatively supports more than one million jobs, generates £34.3bn in GVA to the economy and delivers £11.4bn in tax revenues to the Exchequer annually.

According to polling undertaken by YouGov for the report, 72% of people felt the impact of pubs to community life to be positive. When asked if pubs are important in bringing people together, over four-in-five (81%) of British adults agreed they are, with just 14% feeling they are not.

Polling undertaken for the report showed nearly three quarters (73%) of British adults felt pubs can help combat loneliness in their local area. 

Among pro-community activities supported by local pubs, almost half (42%) of people were aware of pub events that bring the community together, over a quarter (27%) knew of local pubs that supported charitable causes and close to one in five, 19%, knew of local pubs that supported vulnerable people in their local area.

The research identified from case studies taken pubs across the country some dominant themes on how the sector supports local people and communities, namely by:

combatting isolation

supporting local causes

bringing local business together

keeping prices down so pubs remain accessible social spaces for communities.

Pollsters also learned among those who’ve ever visited a pub more than half (53%) had met a friend in one, while nearly two-in-five (38%) of people had visited the pub to meet up with family members, a quarter (26%) had enjoyed Sunday lunch in one and 11% of the public had attended a pub-held birthday party in that timespan. Also, 7% of the public had used pubs for dating purposes and 20% watched a sporting event in a pub.

A key recommendation of the report calls for short-term support by extending business rates relief for the hospitality industry and to increasing the window for this to three years in line with the spending review period to give long-term certainty to pub landlords.

The report authors also call for a government taskforce to arrest the decline of the Great British pub which would identify policies to ensure long-term sustainability for the sector, including:

reviewing business rates and excise duty;

providing employment incentives so pubs keep employing younger members of staff;

examining planning policies to support the night-time economy and preserving the role of local pubs as social, cultural and economic anchors in our towns and villages.

Report author and Localis head of research, Joe Fyans, said: “Pubs are more than just businesses; they are the heart and soul of our communities.

“To ensure their long-term survival, we need a policy framework that recognises their value and supports their continued success."

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, added: “This research cements what people up and down the country know and believe – that the pub is a home from home, the beating heart of our towns and villages, and offers a warm welcome to people from all walks of life.

“As this research proves, pubs aren’t just about a pint – people know that pubs stave off loneliness, support the vulnerable in their communities, and raise millions for charity.

“While we know brewers and pubs invest billions into the economy, their huge contribution to our communities and society is priceless and they must be supported.

“Government must use this Budget to cut beer duty, reform business rates, and maintain 75% business rates relief so that pubs and brewers can remain a cherished part of society.”

https://www.localis.org.uk

Grab a Slice of the Action – Plant-Based Pizza Company 'One Planet Pizza' Launch a UK Supermarket First

One Planet Pizza, the fast-growing plant-based pizza company, is launching in Morrison's nationwide from October with a frozen category first, a plant-based Tex Mex pizza.

One Planet Pizza originally launched into Asda with their trademark sourdough plant-based pizzas. Since then, they have grown fast, outpacing plant based growth and developing several new recipes.

Now, chefs at One Plaent Pizza have developed a plant-based version of a UK favourite, Tex Mex.  Like the rest of the range, the new variant combines One Planet Pizza's popular wood fired sourdough base with rich tomato sauce and a unique and highly acclaimed white bean based cheese (a high protein secret weapon which makes their pizzas around 35% lower fat than the market1). To top it all off, the Tex Mex is covered with marinated vegetables and sprinkled with jalapeños for a little kick. 

One Planet Pizza was founded by father and son team, Mike  and Joe Hill, with a clear mission to revolutionise the freezer aisle and get more people excited about plant-based food. Since their inception in 2016, they have grown rapidly, now listed in Morrison's, Asda, Booths, and across 6 markets, with a passionate fan base of vegans and flexitarians alike.

Joe Hill, co-founder of One Planet Pizza and guest Judge on BBC's The Apprentice, says “We can't wait to spice up Morrison's freezers with our outrageously tasty Tex Mex. Our mission has always been to make vegan pizzas SO good that even meat eaters want a slice. We're pretty proud that our strong sales, reviews, and brand growth suggest we are doing exactly that.”

Mike and Joe are both passionate long term vegans who believe strongly in the power of plant-based foods to tackle the climate crisis. Adopting a plant based diet can reduce carbon footprint by up to 52%2, though some sources think it could be far higher, so the pair developed hundreds of different recipes in their search for the perfect combination of toppings and sourdough base to make pizzas which appeal to everyone. The glowing reviews and strong sales suggest that their mission is well underway.

One Planet Pizza will be available in Morrison's from October 2024.

Goodrays Launches “Perfect Pairing” Campaign With CleanCo and Waitrose

Goodrays is launching an exciting in-store collaboration with CleanCo in Waitrose, with the aim to highlight the versatility of CBD drinks via CBD infused alcohol-free cocktails.

'The perfect pairing to unwind' will raise awareness around new ways to serve and incorporate both CBD and non-alcoholic spirits into consumers daily routines and lifestyles, with a focus on the benefits of using a 100% natural, vitamin-D drenched, low-calorie and low-sugar drink as a mixer with CleanCo's non-alcoholic spirits.

The fixture will be on the alcoholic drinks aisle - a first for Goodrays who normally sits in the functional drinks section - demonstrating customers can use CBD as a mixer and that CBD drinks are becoming an alternative for an evening tipple.

The Goodrays mixed pack of sparkling drinks (normally £7.50 for 4x250ml cans) will now be £5.63. Each pack contains 1x Yuzu and Elderflower, 1x Raspberry and Guava, 1x Passionfruit & Pomelo and 1x Blood Orange & Grapefruit. Each can contains a market-leading 30mg, the strongest dose of CBD available in a carbonated drink in the UK as well as a daily recommended dose of Vitamin D.

CleanCo non-alcoholic spirits (£17 per bottle) will now be £12.75.  CleanCo is the first of its kind offering a full suite of alcohol-free alternatives to all major full-strength spirits, with a range that includes Clean G (the essence of a London Dry Gin, boasting crisp juniper notes and romantic botanicals), Clean G Rhubarb (a delightful fusion of London dry gin, rhubarb and red berries), Clean W (with notes of oak and sweet vanilla with rich spice, apple and figs), Clean R (a take on Spiced Caribbean Rum with warming spice, golden caramel and a hint of cayenne pepper), and Clean T (an oaky agave spirit with the fresh aroma of blue agave and subtle hints of new oak).

The in-store promotion will be the start of an ongoing cross-company partnership which includes a social media and PR campaign which celebrates 4 new cocktail recipes created by CleanCo's in-house mixology team. Each recipe has been specifically created for evening relaxation, with additional benefits to help consumers strive for a restful sleep and a hangover-free morning. 

In-store visual merchandising

The Goodrays and Waitrose relationship has proven to be a fruitful one since the brand launched with its range of drinks, gummies and oils. Goodrays now has the highest rate of sale across the energy, sport and functional beverage categories within store, as well as being listed in the first ever meal deal which launched August 2023. 

CleanCo has seen similar success with Waitrose. CleanCo is the number one independent spirit brand stocked in Waitrose nationwide, with the brand seeing a 93% YoY sales growth in Waitrose in 2024.

Founded in 2020 by CBD industry expert Eoin Keenan, Goodrays exists to help busy minds find calm and clarity, via the most exciting, effective and accessible CBD products for people who want to improve their mental wellbeing. As Europe's fastest growing CBD brand and one of the fastest growing soft drinks brands in the UK, Goodrays wants to change the way that the food and drink industry treat products for mental wellbeing. All of Goodrays' products are crafted with rigorous testing, science-backed efficacy and outstanding taste, made with as little impact on the planet as possible and supported by a community of mental wellbeing experts and advocates

Founded in 2019, Founded in 2019 by entrepreneur, media personality and Guinness World Record holder Spencer Matthews, CleanCo has rapidly grown to become the world's leading independent non-alcoholic spirit brand, offering optionality and choice with an unrivaled range of non-alcoholic equivalents to full strength spirits, without compromising on experience, taste, aroma, or mouthfeel.  With over 30 awards to their name including recent Great Taste and IWSC wins, CleanCo continues to dominate taste-led innovation in the non-alcoholic category worldwide.

“For too long, mental wellbeing has been ignored by the food and drink industry, dominated by high sugar, hard alcohol and ultra-processed foods. But times are changing. We're buzzing to be working with someone like Spencer Matthews and CleanCo on this partnership. Our consumers want to see new and exciting ways to moderate drinking, and calming cocktails are perfect for at-home drinking moments when you need to relax, unwind and recover. All of our products are crafted with rigorous testing, science-backed efficacy and outstanding taste, made with as little impact on the planet as possible and supported by a community of mental wellbeing experts and advocates. We see so many synergies with CleanCo in terms of their message around mental health and look forward to working with them in the months ahead.”

The Great Cornish Seafood Weekend Announced

Listen up, seafood fans! The first-ever Great Cornish Seafood Weekend is taking place on the 26th and 27th of October at the Great Cornish Food Store in Truro.

The special inaugural event will be a celebration of seafood, Cornwall's fishing industry and all those who work within it. The weekend-long event will include live demonstrations, talks, tasting stations, a seafood bar, sea shanties and a host of children's activities.

Pete Murt, who is the head chef at Rick Stein's flagship The Seafood Restaurant, is one of the first guest chefs to be confirmed in the event's line up. Pete's seafood journey began in 2000 at the age of 16 when he became a kitchen porter at Rick Stein's St Petroc's Bistro. After a stint of travelling in East Asia, Pete returned to Padstow and became head chef at The Seafood Restaurant, only the fourth in its 40-year history.

Joining Pete will be Stephane Delourme, former head chef and group chef at Rick Stein Restaurants, who will demonstrate the art of shucking and cooking oysters using different flavours. Acclaimed fishmonger Annie Seabourne of My Fish Kitchen will be using her renowned skills to show how to cook, pick and eat crab. 

Also making an appearance will be Jeffrey Robinson, one of the first chefs in the world to receive a Green Michelin Star, who has a passion for provenance and sustainability and is opening his own cookery school in his hometown of St Ives.

The Great Cornish Seafood Weekend is a collaboration between the award-winning Great Cornish Food Store and the Cornish Fish Producers' Association (CFPO), which represents more than 160 member vessels. 

CFPO chief executive Chris Ranford is among the weekend's speakers and will focus his session on the fishing industry's vital economic role, with around 8,000 people employed west of the River Tamar. 

Says Chris: “The Great Cornish Seafood Weekend is a great opportunity to celebrate how crucial the seafood sector is to our economy and how we are home to one of the most diverse, sustainable fleets in Europe, landing more than 50 different species of fish every year.”

Ruth Huxley, director of the Great Cornish Food Store, added: “With the first-ever The Great Cornish Seafood Weekend we want to shine a light on our brilliant fishing industry, the lifeblood of so many of our coastal communities.

“We found that when we asked people what food they most associated with Cornwall, more stated seafood rather than any other type of food.

“We're obviously really looking forward to showcasing the huge variety available from our coastal waters and encouraging people to explore lesser known species and different ways of using them.”

Also attending over the weekend will be the Cornwall Wildlife Trust promoting their Good Seafood Guide, the go-to source for advice on sustainable fish choice, and Falmouth singer songwriter Toby Webb as well as fiddle and double bass duo 'Months Advance', who will both be entertaining visitors with folk music and sea shanties on both days.

The store's outside space will be transformed into a play area for children, with mobile rock pooling led by Cornwall and Devon-based social enterprise, The Rock Pool Project and fishy face painting. 

The weekend is part of the Agrifood Sector Development Project delivered by the team behind the award-winning Great Cornish Food Store.

The project has been made possible through the Good Growth programme, which is managed by Cornwall Council and funded by the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

For more information on Great Cornish Seafood Weekend or to book your chef demo tickets go to www.greatcornishfood.co.uk

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James Gin - A Gin by James May - Steers Into the On-Trade With Major London Listing

South London Street Food Mecca Market Place Vauxhall will list James Gin - a gin by James May. The partnership will kick off today at Market Place's 2nd birthday bash, with a delicious James Gin inspired food menu, created by the street food vendors on site. 

Culinary delights include Gin & Duck Croquettes from The Duck Shed, Japanese chicken karaage with James Gin spicy orange mayo and orange zest from Inamo Sukoshi, James Gin & Tonic Battered Haddock from Wicked Fish, and a James Gin Infused Yorkshire Burrito from Yorkshire Burrito.

Opines James May: “I've travelled the world over the last 25 years or so, at other peoples expense but now is the big one, I'm going to Vauxhall. Not to celebrate the famous Vauxhall H A Viva, but to celebrate the second birthday of Market Place Vauxhall where I'll be talking about my gin. Come along, say hello, buy my gin. A massive thank you to the street food vendors on site, who are as experimental with their cooking as I am - perhaps next we can do something with cheese.”

Matthew Mckee, National Sales Manager James Gin says: “Market Place is at the top of its game when coming to consumer trends and best in class food and drinks offerings. To have our first on-trade list at such an exciting, innovative venue is really game-changing for our brand. We hope South London embraces James Gin, and the rest of the country follows soon. This has been an incredibly successful few months and we're looking forward to seeing what comes next as we seek to expand our presence in pubs, bars and restaurants.”

James Gin was launched in 2021, with the technical side of things run by Hugh Anderson of Downton Distillery, while James May came up with the flavours. The range is now sold in over 40 countries worldwide on a direct to consumer basis. 

Planet Gin - James Gin's Youtube Channel - now has over 300k subscribers. Like all things gin-based, it's all got a bit out of hand. Market Place will stock best-selling Asian Parsnip, London Drizzle and American Mustard from the range. Most recently, the brand has partnered with Wild Flower Distillery on the Gold Coast, Australia meaning that fans can purchase without the delays and fees incurred when shipping from Europe.

James May was named an Icon of Gin by Gin Magazine in 2023. He passed his driving test on the second attempt.

Tickets for Market Place Vauxhall's second birthday can be purchased here: 

https://www.eventim-light.com/uk/a/6695c7a9b6190c28cbf82934/e/66ba091355737158d964d1c4?lang=en 

Looking to stock James May Gins? James Gin Sales enquiries can be directed to: Matthew Mckee | matt@magneticbrands.co.uk |+44 (0) 7876 834128 

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