Food and drink news for the discerning consumer
Thursday, 3 October 2024
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Food Lifestyle Awards 2024: Independent South West Food, Drink and Lifestyle Businesses Reign
Hosted by Food Lifestyle magazine, the awards were the culmination of many thousands of votes cast across 10 new award categories.
Championing independence and high quality over chain restaurants and pubs and identikit experiences which can be found across the UK, Food Lifestyle Awards shine a light on the outstanding experiences that the South West has to offer. Here's who won:
Chef of the Year – sponsored by Knightor Winery
Winner: Adam Handling, The Ugly Butterfly, Carbis Bay
Finalists:
Cass Titcombe, Brassica Restaurant
Connor Reed, River Cottage
Elly Wentworth, The Angel of Dartmouth
Paul Ainsworth, Paul Ainsworth at No6
Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Trencherman's Guide
Winner: The Angel of Dartmouth
Finalists:
Appleton's Bar & Restaurant, Fowey
Bristol Lido, Bristol
Restaurant Mine, Falmouth
Root, Wells
Pub of the Year – sponsored by Thatchers
Winner: The Queen's Arms, Corton Denham
Finalists:
Harbour Inn, Porthleven
The Cotley Inn, Chard
The Tartan Fox, Newquay
The Tolcarne Inn, Newlyn
Hotel of the Year – sponsored by Trevethan Distillery
Winner: The Old Bell Hotel, Malmesbury
Finalists:
Bedruthan, Mawgan Porth
Homewood, Bath
The Greenbank Hotel, Falmouth
The Pig at Harlyn Bay, Padstow
Casual Dining Experience – sponsored by Trewithen Dairy
Winner: Darts Farm, Topsham
Finalists
FARA, Glastonbury
Sacred Grounds, Exeter
Situ, Penryn
St Eia, St Ives
Exceptional Spa Experience – sponsored by South West 660
Winner: Gaia Spa, Boringdon Hall, Plymouth
Finalists:
Chewton Glen, New Forest
Gara Rock, Salcombe
Scarlet, Mawgan Porth
The Headland, Newquay
Cool place to stay – sponsored by Bramley
Winner: Star & Garter, Falmouth
Finalists:
Atlanta Trevone, Padstow
Durslade Farmhouse, Bruton
The Collective at Woolsery, north Devon
Wildcomfort, Dartmouth
Drink Brand of the Year – sponsored by Indy Coffee Guide
Winner: Yallah Coffee, Cornwall
Finalists
Girls Who Grind, Warminster
Loveday Distilling, Cornwall
Somerset Cider Brandy, Somerset
Trevethan Distillery, Cornwall
Food Brand of the Year – sponsored by Indy Coffee Guide
Winner: St. Ewe
Finalists:
Black Bee Honey
Cornish Sea Salt
Cut to the Smoke
Granny Gothards
Outstanding Retail Experience – sponsored by Ellis Wines
Winner: Durslade Farm Shop, Bruton
Finalists:
Botanica Studio, Bath
Nkuku, Harbertonford, Devon
Rise Market & Bakery, Bridport, Somerset
Sunshine & Snow, Bideford, Devon
Speaking about the awards Food Lifestyle magazine editor, Jo Rees, said: 'This year's Awards were a veritable who's who of the outstanding businesses from Cornwall to the Cotswolds and showcase just how sophisticated the South West has become.
'This region rivals any in the UK for cool places to stay, eat, visit and shop but has its own particular flavour that everyone who has experienced it will recognise.
"We host the awards each year to honour the community of independent businesses, suppliers, growers, makers and creatives and everyone who relies on those industries.'
The celebratory supper and awards ceremony at Nancarrow featured a feast cooked by the Nancarrow team led by head chef Jack Bristow. It included dishes such as ricotta ravioli with heritage tomato, lovage and Old Winchester, and grilled hispi cabbage with lamb-fat crumb, Cornish seaweed and shallot. Wines were supplied by Ellis Wines, aperitifs were provided by Thatchers and Trevethan Distillery, and the meal ended with speciality caffeination from Yallah Coffee.
The Food Lifestyle Awards 2024 were supported by Bramley, Churchill, Darts Farm, Ellis Wines, Knightor Winery, South West 660, Thatchers, Trevethan Distillery and Trewithen Dairy.
That's Food and Drink offers our hearty congratulations to everyone involved.
Living Memories CIC Launches "Sharing Memories In Warm Spaces" Winter Initiative to Help Reduce Loneliness
Living Memories CIC is stepping up to support older residents as the UK faces a challenging winter with rising energy costs and the removal of winter fuel payments.
The Devon-based non-profit social enterprise is justifiably proud to announce the launch of its new subscription service, "Sharing Memories In Warm Spaces," designed to combat isolation and provide warmth for both body and spirit during the cold months ahead.
For just £10.00 (inc VAT) per month throughout the winter, community groups and local councils can access a wealth of resources to create engaging, fascinating memory triggers for all older residents.
This innovative programme aims to bring people together, stimulate memories, and foster a sense of community during a time when many older individuals may feel isolated, vulnerable and cold.
Explains Brian Norris, founder of Living Memories CIC: "We understand the difficulties many of us older people are facing this winter. Our 'Sharing Memories In Warm Spaces' initiative is more than just a subscription service, it's a lifeline. We're providing the tools required to create warm, welcoming environments where older residents can come together, share experiences, and find comfort in collective memories."
The "Sharing Memories In Warm Spaces" subscription includes:
1. Access to Living Memories Online: Subscribers can stream close to 3,000 archive film programmes and newsreels from throughout the 20th century. These captivating historical footage pieces are proven to trigger memories and encourage communication among older people, including those living with dementia.
2. Helpful Start-Up Booklet and Video: Each subscriber will receive a detailed guide on setting up and running an effective reminiscence session and a video guide to using the streaming platform. These valuable resources will help even those new to organising such events to create meaningful experiences for participants.
3. Dedicated Phone Helpline: Subscribers have access to a phone helpline, 07737 827991 offering support and guidance on using the resources and maximising the impact of their warm space reminiscence initiatives.
The service is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, allowing community groups and local councils to incorporate these resources into their winter support strategies, easily. Whether used in community centres, libraries, church halls, or other local spaces, "Sharing Memories In Warm Spaces" provides a structured, yet flexible approach to creating engaging activities for older residents.
"Our archive films have a unique ability to spark conversations and bring people together," Norris continues. "By combining these visual prompts with warm, communal spaces, we're not just addressing physical comfort but also emotional and social wellbeing, too. It's about creating an environment where older people feel valued, connected, and warm in every sense of the word."
Living Memories CIC encourages local councils, community groups, and caring citizens to consider how this affordable subscription service could benefit their older residents this winter. By subscribing to "Sharing Memories In Warm Spaces," communities can:
- Create regular meetups where older residents can gather in a warm, welcoming environment
- Facilitate intergenerational connections by inviting younger community members to participate and learn from shared histories
- Provide cognitive stimulation and social interaction, which are crucial for maintaining mental health and well-being in older adults
As communities across the UK prepare for a challenging winter, Living Memories CIC's "Sharing Memories In Warm Spaces" offers a beacon of hope and warmth. This initiative not only addresses the immediate need for warm spaces but also provides a sustainable, engaging solution to combat loneliness and isolation among older residents.
To subscribe to "Sharing Memories In Warm Spaces" or for more information, please visit https://livingmemories.imagencloud.com or https://www.livingmemoriesonline.com
You can contact Brian Norris at sharingmemories@livingmemories.io.
FACTFILE:
Living Memories CIC is a not-for-profit social enterprise based in Devon. Dedicated to improving the lives of older people, particularly those living with dementia, Living Memories uses archive films and innovative reminiscence techniques to reduce isolation and enhance wellbeing in communities across the UK.
Lomi - It's the future of food waste management, for all our kitchens
Lomi, the innovative kitchen countertop food recycler, is making a genuine transformation the way households, like yours and ours, manages organic waste, making composting not just easy, but seamless and eco-friendly, too. And dashed good fun, too!
It's been carefully and skillfully designed to fit in any kitchen, be it big or small. Lomi offers you a convenient and extremely clean solution for managing your food scraps.
With a simple push of a button, your leftovers, whether they are peelings, fruits, veggies, meat, dairy, and organic waste are transformed overnight into a nutrient-rich natural fertiliser, called Lomi Earth.
In just 24 hours, Lomi converts what was once waste into something that's a fantastic, natural resource that you can use for your garden, your houseplants, or your green waste bin.
The eco-mission is clear. We must eliminate 4.5 million tonnes of waste from the global waste stream by 2028. Lomi is right at the forefront of this effort, turning what would have once been waste into a very valuable resource, all while helping you reduce your greenhouse gas emissions and the waste your produce.
With Lomi, composting is now genuinely accessible to everyone, regardless of any space constraints or weather conditions. No more dealing with insects that swarm out of your garden composter and bite you and you'll be able to bid farewell to the unpleasant odours, too.
Also, if your council operates a food scraps service with a tiny plastic bin that keeps being blown into the road and run over by cars, then the Lomi means you can deal with your own food scraps with no messy, smelly little bin! And also keep any compost your create for your own benefit!
So, What Sets Lomi Apart?
You Get Year-Round Convenience: Lomi makes composting possible all year round. Some garden composters can't work during cold, winter weather.
Compact Design: Its sleek, compact build fits seamlessly into any kitchen setup. And it looks good, too.
Energy Efficient: Lomi uses only 60 kWh of energy per 100 cycles. That's even less energy than leading star-approved fridge/freezers.
Sustainability Commitment: Lomi is carbon neutral upon delivery, with 100% of its manufacturing emissions offset.
Already, in excess of 200,000 households have integrated Lomi into their daily routines, dramatically reducing their environmental footprints. And it's not just food scraps, Lomi can even handle compostable packaging, making it a versatile tool in the fight against waste.
How Lomi Works:
Fill: Add food scraps, coffee grounds, and even compostable products like Pela cases.
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Reclaim: Use the Lomi Earth in your garden, plants, or add it to your green bin.
For those looking to make a difference, Lomi offers an easy and impactful way for you to contribute to climate. Despite being powered by electricity, Lomi users see an average reduction of 169 kg CO2e in their carbon footprints each year.
Join the movement towards a cleaner, greener future. Lomi is available for £399 through eu.Lomi.com
And That's Food and Drink thinks that the Lomi will make a superb Christmas present for the environmentally aware gardeners in your life, so we will be sharing this with our sister site, That's Christmas.
Wednesday, 2 October 2024
Exploring Smug Dairy and Oat Milk Cheese Blend: A New Era for Cheese Lovers
It was the usual day-to-day type of shopping list, lard,cooking oil, strong white bread flour, yeast and the like.
But I then saw something that I decided to add to our shopping basket. A block of Smug dairy and oat milk blended cheese. It tastes absolutely delicious (as it happens, on a cheese sandwich made with the strong white bread flour we bought!) so I decided to write this blogpost about Smug.
In a world where dietary choices are becoming more varied and inclusive, innovation in the food industry continues to surprise and delight us.
One of the most exciting recent developments in the dairy world is the rise of blended cheeses, combining the creamy richness of traditional dairy with plant-based alternatives.
Smug Dairy and Oat Milk Cheese Blend is a prime example of this delicious evolution, offering something fresh and unique for cheese lovers who want the best of both worlds.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at Smug’s dairy and oat milk cheese blend and why it’s making waves among those seeking a balance between indulgence and conscious eating.
1. What Is Smug Dairy and Oat Milk Cheese Blend?
Smug has developed a cheese that blends traditional dairy with oat milk, creating a product that delivers the creamy texture and richness associated with classic cheeses, but with a twist. By incorporating oat milk, Smug’s cheese blend provides a lighter, plant-forward alternative without compromising on the indulgence of dairy. This fusion of dairy and oats offers a modern, versatile option that caters to a wide range of dietary preferences.
2. Why Oat Milk?
Oat milk has been taking the food world by storm, largely due to its environmental benefits and creamy consistency. Compared to other plant-based milks like almond or soya, oat milk is more sustainable, requiring less water to produce and typically creating less strain on the environment. Oat milk is also naturally free of common allergens, such as nuts and soy, making it a more inclusive choice for those with dietary restrictions. It also tastes pretty good, too!
When incorporated into a cheese blend, oat milk brings a subtle sweetness and light texture, complementing the creaminess of dairy while also softening its richness. The result is a cheese that is easier on the stomach for those who may have minor lactose sensitivities but still want to enjoy the pleasures of cheese.
3. The Flavour Profile
One of the standout features of Smug’s dairy and oat milk blend is its sophisticated flavour profile. The cheese maintains the familiar tang of traditional dairy, but with a mellow finish thanks to the oat milk.
It’s smooth, slightly nutty, and has a delicate sweetness that makes it highly versatile for a variety of dishes. Whether you’re adding it to a sandwich, melting it over pasta, or simply enjoying it on a cracker, the cheese delivers a satisfying and well-rounded flavour.
For those who enjoy a more refined cheeseboard, Smug’s blend pairs beautifully with both savoury and sweet accompaniments, such as caramelised onions, figs, or even a drizzle of honey.
4. Health Benefits
Beyond the delicious taste, Smug’s dairy and oat milk blend offers some health advantages. Oat milk is high in fibre, particularly beta-glucan, which has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels. Additionally, by incorporating oat milk, the cheese blend is slightly lower in fat and calories than traditional cheeses, making it a lighter option for those looking to indulge more mindfully.
For individuals who are not fully lactose intolerant but experience discomfort with high-lactose products, the combination of dairy and oat milk can offer a more digestible option, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of dairy without as much heaviness.
5. A More Sustainable Choice
Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor for consumers, and Smug’s oat milk and dairy cheese blend is a step in the right direction. By blending dairy with a plant-based alternative, Smug helps reduce the environmental impact typically associated with cheese production, particularly in terms of water use and greenhouse gas emissions.
While fully plant-based cheeses are undoubtedly a great choice for those seeking to minimise their environmental footprint, Smug’s cheese blend offers a thoughtful middle ground for people who still enjoy dairy but are looking to make more sustainable choices in their diet.
6. How to Enjoy Smug’s Dairy and Oat Milk Cheese Blend
Smug’s innovative cheese blend is incredibly versatile, making it a great addition to any kitchen. Here are a few ideas for how to use it:
Melt it: This cheese blend melts beautifully, making it a great option for pizza, grilled sandwiches, or over pasta dishes like mac and cheese.
Cheeseboards: Add Smug’s cheese to your next cheeseboard for a modern twist. Pair it with nuts, fruits, and oat biscuits for a delicious mix of textures and flavours.
Salads: Crumble it over a fresh salad for a light, creamy addition that won’t overpower your greens.
Baking: Use it in savoury tarts, quiches, or pies to add richness without the heaviness of a full dairy filling.
7. Where to Find It
Smug Dairy and Oat Milk Cheese Blend is available in select supermarkets and speciality food stores. As the demand for innovative cheese alternatives grows, we’re likely to see more variations of this product become widely available.
A New Age for Cheese Lovers
Smug’s dairy and oat milk cheese blend represents a new era for cheese lovers who are seeking both indulgence and mindfulness in their eating habits. Whether you’re looking to reduce your dairy intake, experiment with plant-based products, or simply try something new, this blend is a delicious way to explore a more balanced approach to cheese. It’s not just a product for vegans or lactose-intolerant individuals; it’s for anyone who enjoys the art of cheese and appreciates thoughtful, sustainable innovation.
This Christmas, why not give your cheeseboard a modern twist with Smug Dairy and Oat Milk Cheese Blend? Your guests will want to know where you got it!
Smug also make Salted Blended oat & Dairy butter and a Spreadable Blended oat & Dairy butter version, too.
It's available in Morrisons, Tescos and other stores.
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Shropshire Blue Cheese. Not as Shropshire as You Might Think, But Still Blue at Heart
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Despite its name, this bold and creamy delicacy doesn’t originate from Shropshire but has gained its reputation thanks to the county’s renowned cheesemakers.
Its vibrant orange colour, contrasting with its blue veins, makes it instantly recognisable on cheese boards across the country.
The story of Shropshire Blue is not as ancient as some other British cheeses, but it is a fascinating one filled with tradition, innovation, and a touch of international influence.
The Origins: From Scotland to Shropshire
Unlike many of the UK’s heritage cheeses, Shropshire Blue’s history dates back only to the 1970s. It was first created by cheesemaker Dennis Biggins at the Castle Stuart Dairy in Inverness, Scotland, not in Shropshire.
Biggins was experimenting with blending the blue-veined style of Stilton cheese with the bright orange colouring of Red Leicester. His aim was to produce a cheese that would combine the depth of flavour associated with traditional blue cheeses and the visual appeal of an orange cheese. His creation was initially called "Inverness-shire Blue."
However, it wasn’t until the cheese moved production to Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, regions known for Stilton, that the name “Shropshire Blue” was adopted. This was more a marketing decision than one based on geographic accuracy. The name added an English heritage touch, likely to appeal to a broader audience who already associated the Midlands and Shropshire with quality cheese production.
The Rise in Popularity
Though initially produced outside of Shropshire, local dairies in the Midlands, including Shropshire, soon adopted and refined the recipe. Over time, Shropshire Blue gained a loyal following, both for its striking appearance and its unique taste. The cheese’s golden-orange hue comes from the addition of annatto, a natural colouring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, which has long been used in British cheesemaking, particularly in cheeses like Red Leicester.
By the late 1980s, Shropshire Blue was being produced by several renowned dairies, including Colston Bassett and Cropwell Bishop, two producers also known for their award-winning Stiltons. The cheese’s deep, savoury flavour, slightly tangy notes, and creamy texture made it a favourite among blue cheese lovers. The name may still have caused some confusion, but its quality spoke for itself.
Shropshire Blue Cheese Today
Today, Shropshire Blue is regarded as one of the finest blue cheeses in the UK. It has garnered numerous awards and accolades and is often featured alongside Stilton on cheese boards both at home and abroad. Many cheese connoisseurs appreciate its balance of strong, blue flavours without the sharpness that sometimes accompanies more mature blue cheeses.
Despite its relatively recent origins, Shropshire Blue has earned a place in Britain’s cheesemaking tradition. While it may not be steeped in centuries-old history like Stilton or Cheddar, its story reflects the ingenuity and adaptability of British cheesemakers, who continue to innovate while respecting their craft.
A Modern British Classic
Though Shropshire Blue Cheese started as an experiment in Scotland and gained fame through Midlands dairies, it now stands proudly as a British classic. Whether served as part of a traditional ploughman’s lunch, crumbled into a salad, or enjoyed with a glass of red wine, it offers a taste of British cheesemaking at its finest. Its rich, creamy texture, combined with the earthy tang of its blue veins, makes it a cheese that’s hard to forget.
In a world where heritage and innovation often collide, Shropshire Blue stands as a reminder that sometimes, new traditions can become as beloved as the old.
It's certainly a popular cheese on the Christmas cheeseboards and we will be featuring it on ours, although side-by-side with its older cousins, Blue Stilton and White Stilton! Actually, I think I feel a feature on White Stilton forming in the back of my mind!
Make your very own easy-peasy Italian-Mexican-Indian-British tortilla wrap in minutes!
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First, take a tortilla wrap and oil it with ghee, butter or vegetable margarine, olive oil, or rapeseed oil. In fact Borderfield's British Rapeseed oils are excellent for this. Especially their delicious spray oils. Trust me. You won't know how you coped before you buy Borderfields!
Spread it with humus or a similar paste.
Next spread a thin level of tomato puree or tomato sauce over it.
Then shred ham, chicken, any other type of cooked meat that takes your fancy, or a vegetarian alternative. Squeaky Bean products are ideal.
Next add a good layer of grated or sliced cheese dairy or otherwise, it really is up to you.
Sprinkle with cumin, turmeric, a little bit of salt, a good deal of pepper (ground black is awesome!) and some Italian seasoning.
Roll it up tightly and then microwave it for two to three minutes.
It'll be piping hot, as they say, so whatever you do, don't burn your mouth on it!
You are then the owner of an Italian-Mexican-Indian-British feast on a plate. Enjoy it!
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