TrueStart Coffee x Divine Chocolate Mother’s Day Decadent Duo!

Two of the key food groups, chocolate and coffee, have joined forces to make this Mothering Sunday aka Mother's Day, the best one in many years. 

Because this Mother’s Day, fellow B-Corps, TrueStart Coffee and Divine Chocolate have collaborated to produce a special limited-edition bundle, uniting the best things in life - coffee and chocolate. 

Featuring TrueStart’s Super Blend Coffee and Divine’s decadent Dessert Bars, it is the ultimate decadent duo to keep mum sweet this Mother’s Day!

To place your orders for your Mother and/or the mother figures in your life, please visit the TrueStart website here:- https://www.truestartcoffee.com/products/truestart-x-divine-mothers-day-bundle

The Link Between Stress and High Blood Sugar Levels

Stress is a normal and sometimes unavoidable part of our life, but prolonged or chronic stress can have serious effects on your health. 

One of the lesser-known consequences of stress is its impact on blood sugar levels. While many associate high blood sugar with diet and diabetes, stress can also play a significant role in elevating glucose levels. 

Understanding this link can help individuals manage both their stress and their blood sugar levels more effectively.

How Stress Affects Blood Sugar

When you experience stress, whether it be physical, emotional, or psychological, your body activates its fight-or-flight response. As a result this triggers the release of stress hormones, primarily cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare the body for immediate action.

One of the key ways your body responds to stress is by releasing glucose (sugar) into the bloodstream to provide a quick source of energy. This was useful for our ancestors who needed to escape from predators or fight for survival. However, in modern life, stress is often psychological (work pressure, financial worries, relationship problems), and the excess glucose released is often not always used up through physical activity.

The Role of Cortisol and Adrenaline

Cortisol: This hormone increases glucose production in the liver and reduces the effectiveness of insulin, meaning sugar remains in the bloodstream for longer.

Adrenaline: It temporarily boosts blood sugar levels to provide quick energy but can also lead to glucose spikes.

Over time, chronic stress can contribute to insulin resistance, making it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar effectively.

Who Is Most at Risk?

While stress can affect anyone, certain groups are more vulnerable to stress-induced high blood sugar:

People who have diabetes – Stress can make it harder to control blood glucose levels, leading to complications.

Individuals with prediabetes – Stress can push blood sugar levels into a dangerous range, increasing the risk of developing diabetes.

Those with high-pressure jobs or chronic anxiety – Constant stress exposure can lead to long-term glucose imbalances.

Signs That Stress Is Affecting Your Blood Sugar

Frequent sugar cravings – Stress hormones can make you crave sugary foods, which cause further blood sugar spikes.

Fatigue and brain fog – High blood sugar levels can leave you feeling sluggish and mentally drained.

Increased thirst and urination – A common sign of elevated blood sugar.

Mood swings and irritability – Fluctuating glucose levels can impact mood stability.

How to Manage Stress to Control Blood Sugar

Reducing stress is essential for maintaining balanced blood sugar levels. Here are some practical strategies:

1. Practice Relaxation Techniques

Deep breathing exercises – Helps reduce cortisol levels.

Meditation and mindfulness – Lowers stress and improves emotional regulation.

Yoga and gentle stretching – Reduces stress hormones and improves insulin sensitivity.

2. Engage in Regular Physical Activity

Exercise helps use up excess glucose and improves insulin function. Walking, swimming, cycling, or even dancing can be effective ways to lower stress and manage blood sugar.

3. Maintain a Balanced Diet

Choose low-GI (glycaemic index) foods to prevent sugar spikes.

Eat a mix of protein, fibre, and healthy fats to stabilise blood sugar levels.

Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake, as they can increase cortisol levels.

4. Get Enough Sleep

Lack of sleep increases stress hormones and insulin resistance. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night.

5. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water helps the body flush out excess sugar and supports overall metabolic health.

6. Seek Support

If stress feels overwhelming, consider speaking to a counsellor or joining a support group. Talking through worries can significantly reduce stress levels.

Points to consider

Stress is an unavoidable part of life, but managing it effectively can help prevent spikes in blood sugar levels. By adopting relaxation techniques, eating a balanced diet, exercising, and prioritising sleep, you can improve both your stress response and your blood sugar control. 

If you find yourself struggling with consistently high blood sugar due to stress, it may be worth consulting a healthcare professional for personalised advice.

HECK! of a good way to eat well and healthily

Introducing HECK!’s new Minted Lamb Burgers & Chorizo-Style 97% Pork Sausages for summer BBQs. 

Feeding a hungry BBQ crowd who have a wide variety of dietary issues doesn’t have to be a problem any longer. 

Because HECK!’s sausage and burger range is big and varied enough to feed everyone, whether they are meat lovers, veggie, flexi, vegan, healthy or gluten/dairy-free. 

NEW for 2025, they’re firing up our tastebuds with MINTED LAMB BURGERS made with 100% British lamb, lightly seasoned and with a hint of mint. 

They’ve also added a banging new banger - CHORIZO-STYLE 97% PORK SAUSAGES – a smoky, paprika-spiked sausage full of Spanish flavour that’s perfect for tapas too. Both coming to Tesco at the end of this month.

HECK! is justifiably famed for combining flavour creations with nutrition to deliver high-protein, nutritious, balanced meals. They use only British meat across their range and everything is gluten-free, so if you’re Coeliac, gluten-intolerant or just want to cut your gluten intake, tuck in! 

BURGERS 

The next best thing to a homemade burger. There are no unnecessary ingredients or fillers, just good, British meat, herbs, spices and seasoning. 

NEW Minted Lamb Burgers (2 burgers/320g/£4/Tesco) – 100% British lamb mince, lightly seasoned and with a hint of mint. 

Chicken Italia Burgers  – the HECK! classic – juicy basil, tomato and mozzarella (250g/2 burgers/£3/Amazon Fresh, Ocado, Tesco, Waitrose) 

Steak & Butter Burgers (2 burgers/320g/£4/Tesco) – lean, succulent, flavoursome - made with prime steak mince and rich, creamy butter, seasoned with salt and pepper 

SAUSAGES 

HECK!’s award-winning, classic pork sausages – a mighty meaty BBQ winner. 

NEW Chorizo-Style 97% Pork Sausages – a smoky sausage full of Spanish flavour. British pork shoulder, paprika, spices and seasoning (400g/£3/Tesco). 

97% Pork Sausages (400g/£3/all major supermarkets). 

97% Pork Chipolatas (10 pack/£3/Tesco, Co-Op). 

LOW FAT 

HECK!’s favourite chicken sausages – low fat, gluten-free, high protein, low sugars. 

Chicken Italia Chipolatas - basil/tomato/mozzarella (300g/£3/all major supermarkets). 

Simply Chicken Chipolatas - lightly seasoned chicken, that’s it! (300g/£3/Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Asda, Amazon Fresh). 

Spring Chicken Chipolatas - spring onion, chilli, ginger (300g/£3/Sainsbury’s, Asda). 

Chicken Italia Burgers (low fat, high protein, gluten-free) – juicy basil, tomato and mozzarella (250g/2 burgers/£3/Amazon Fresh, Ocado, Tesco, Waitrose). 

VEGGIE AND VEGAN 

Meat-free Chipolatas (400g/£3/Tesco, Asda, Morrisons) - soy free and made from pea protein makes these veggie chipolatas high protein and a tasty source of fibre too. 

DAIRY FREE 

Minted Lamb Burgers 

Simply Chicken Chipolatas 

Spring Chicken Chipolatas 

97% Pork Sausages 

97% Pork Chipolatas 

NEW Chorizo-Style 97% Pork Sausages 

Meat-free Chipolatas 

Exciting News for Perry Lovers! Sandford Orchards Launches New Limited Edition Perry

Devonshire's Sandford Orchards is pleased to be able to announce the launch of its new limited edition 2024 Vintage Perry (ABV 7.5%) which will be available in 750ml bottles from Sandford Orchards and select retailers as well as to guests at the exclusive Deer Park Country House, Weston. 

Says Barny Butterfield, Chief Cidermaker at Sandford Orchards: “I planted a small perry orchard on a friend's farm 15 years ago and completely forgot about it. 

"This autumn Tom picked up the phone and asked what we were going to do with all these pears? Nothing for a decade and a half - then a trailer load!  As with cider apples, perry pears are grown only for the amazing drink they produce - they are essentially inedible. 

"But if you do the job well, the results are sublime. Perry is traditionally naturally sweeter than cider, and this bottling is wonderfully rich, aromatic and delicious. I put these pears together with those grown with some more friends of ours at the sublime Deer Park country house - we help manage their gorgeous orchard, including some rows of Brandy and Blakeney Red perry pears.”

Barny continues: “Perry pears are trickier customers than predictable cider apples, a pear ripens from the centre so harvest timing is even more critical, and pressing must be very gentle and careful. We've made small batch perries over the years, but this is easily the one we are most proud of. We are delighted with the results of our efforts and hoping that our customers will love it too. 

"It's lighter and more aromatic than our session ciders and much more akin to our fine Katjas. At 7.5% ABV, it's not designed to be glugged by the pint, but enjoyed in place of a glass of wine. ”

Sandford Orchards 2024 Vintage Perry (ABV 7.5%, 750ml bottles, RRP £7.00) is crafted from Blakeney Red, Green Horse, Brandy and Gin pears. It is a delicate floral perry that is crisp, fragrant and fresh with ripe pear, citrus acidity and a subtle tropical nose. It pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, creamy pasta or grilled fish.

www.sandfordorchards.co.uk

Make Mothering Sunday Special at Bistrot Pierre

Image courtesy Bistrot Pierre

Bistrot Pierre is helping families celebrate the most important people in their life with a day of indulgence on Sunday 30th March.

Taking bookings now in their ten locations across the UK, Bistrot Pierre is indulging guests with a three-course set menu for lunch and dinner on Mother’s Day for just £26.95 per person.

The classic Sunday Roast is on the menu, as well as timeless French choices like Beouf Bourguignon and Steak Frites alongside a selection of starters and desserts – from chicken liver parfait and calamari to Crème Brûlée and a blackberry cheesecake.

Club Bistrot Pierre members can also treat mum to a complimentary Kir Royal on the special Sunday – salut!

Nick White, Bistrot Pierre’s CEO said: “The relaxed and welcoming vibes at Bistrot Pierre’s locations make it a perfect setting for all ages and we’re looking forward to helping diners celebrate the important people in their lives.”

Families can also start the celebrations early by treating mum to a breakfast treat. Bistrot Pierre’s morning menu features dishes like a traditional English breakfast, croissant French toast with mixed berries and crème fraîche, avocado on toast as well as pastries and lighter options.

Additionally, the restaurants offer the option of treating mum to an Afternoon Tea for Two in the week leading up to and after Mother’s Day, as well as on Saturday 29th March, which is bookable now in all locations.

People can also give the gift of dining at Bistrot Pierre’s restaurants with a gift voucher available to purchase online. Customers can bestow an Afternoon Tea for Two, a voucher for an indulgent six course Soirée Gastronomique event, or a cash voucher to spend how they like.

With multiple outlets across the UK, Bistrot Pierre offers great-value French-style dishes, freshly prepared by its chefs on site, in stylish, relaxing environments. 

Follow its social media pages and visit www.bistrotpierre.co.uk for more information or to book a table for Mother’s Day celebrations.

Turner & George: Butchery done right

Founded in 2010, Turner and George is an independent  butcher who sell their ethically reared meat both online, as well as over the counter at their shop on St John Street in North London. 

Increasing demand has seen Turner & George expand their London reach meaning they now have a butcher's counter at both Greensmith’s Deli in Lower Marsh and Gladwell’s Deli in Camberwell. 

The brainchild of former work colleagues and now friends, Richard Turner and James George, Turner & George is the butcher of choice for restaurants, chefs  and food enthusiasts alike.  

A perfect pairing, Turner is an acclaimed chef and the man behind mega meaty restaurants such as Pitt Cue, Hawksmoor and Foxlow and also established the legendary Meatopia Festival here in the UK. George is a man who knows and loves his trade having been a butcher for over 20 years.

Both have a genuine understanding of the importance of meat welfare and skill of butchery, meaning all their meat is hand cut and dry aged at their shop in Islington. 

Richard and James pride themselves on personally knowing each and everyone of their suppliers and are safe in the knowledge that all their meat has been raised naturally, and lived the best possible life free from growth promoters, hormones and cruelty.

With Beef being the star of the show, Turner & George  showcase  a variety of breeds from a range of farms across the UK. Their Lamb is mostly sourced  within Yorkshire and Essex, where they are provided with carcasses of native-breed and grass-fed lamb reared outdoors on pasture and then dry-aged (by them) for up to 14 days. 

All Pork comes from native-breed animals reared outdoors on small British farms and again dry-aged in house for a minimum of 10 days and hand cut to order. Their chickens are from Warwickshire, where the birds live a truly free-range life. Slow grown in smaller groups, with free access to large grassy areas and banks they are supplemented with a diet of natural whole maize, natural whole oats and apples for further enrichment.

Beyond the UK, Turner & George also champion Galician and Basque steak. Sourced from the lush pastures of northern Spain both embody centuries of tradition and craftsmanship and offer unparalleled tenderness and rich marbling. Galician steak is renowned for its distinctive depth of flavour and comes from mature cows aged over eight years, delivering a  beefy taste that's both bold and complex. 

Meanwhile, the Basque steak celebrates the region's passion for grilling, delivering a robust and smoky character.

At the core of Turner & George is their partnership with Grassroots Farming - a group of farmers throughout the UK who ensure their farms and landscape aren't damaged or depleted by modern agricultural practices. 

Instead Grassroots Farming focuses on creating farming practices that continually restores the environment - a step beyond sustainability that is a long term solution which embraces the biodiversity of farming to ensure an entirely renewable ecosystem.

Ruminant livestock, such as cows and sheep who are designed to eat plants thrive on a diverse  diet obtained just from the land, this subsequently benefits the structure of the soil. 

There is a strong and growing belief that the newly formed terroir on these Grassroots Farms  is contributing to the texture and flavour of the meat produced; you are what you eat.

It is these farming practices that Turner & George fully support and have inspired their ‘Grassroots’ meat boxes in the hope that over time, all their meat can be sourced this way. 

A timeless butcher where the quality of ingredients, and service is paramount, Turner & George believe in the longevity of butchery. 

Whether delivered directly to your door, or personally handpicked in their shop or at one of their meat counters  - customers are always safe in the knowledge that what is available, is the best it can be. In a world that often moves too fast, Turner & George are the custodians of butchery who put craftsmanship and ethics first -  because doing it right is a long game. 

https://www.turnerandgeorge.co.uk/

Mother’s Day brunch at Akira Back at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London

This year, treat mum to a modern Japanese brunch experience, featuring a family-style menu with dishes such as the Signature Sushi Platter, the iconic AB Tuna Pizza, AB Wagyu Tacos, and indulgent desserts. 

For an elevated experience, guests can upgrade to the premium menu, which includes Dynamite Lobster and a Chef's Selection of Sashimi. 

As a special touch, mums will receive a complimentary glass of Moët & Chandon to raise a toast.

Brunch is priced at £58 per person, with the premium menu available for £78 per person.

You can find more details here https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/london/mayfair/dine/akira-back

Free glass of bubbly for Mum at Cocotte

Mums are in for a real treat this Mother’s Day, as Cocotte – the rotisserie chicken restaurant with six locations in London – is offering all mums a complimentary glass of bubbly if they come and dine on Sunday 30th March with their family.

To celebrate, why not opt for a sharing rotisserie chicken cooked in a secret blend of herbs and spices and finished off in Cocotte’s traditional rotisseries. To go alongside, choose from a wide variety of sides to keep the whole family happy, from truffle mac & cheese and Tenderstem broccoli, to fries and mash. 

For dessert, indulge in the likes of a Chocolate & Hazelnut Tart or choose from an array of ice cream and sorbet flavours.

At Cocotte, each dish is crafted with care, using only the freshest, seasonal ingredients. Despite the premium quality, Cocotte is dedicated to offering accessible price points such as lunch offers and evening set menus that appeal to all.

Now located across six London neighbourhoods - Parsons Green, Queen’s Park, Shoreditch, South Kensington, Notting Hill, and Richmond - Cocotte invites locals and visitors alike to enjoy a homemade dining experience that’s as welcoming as it is delicious.

T&Cs

·       Offer is only live on Sunday 30th March

·       Offer available to any mother who comes in for a meal with their children / family on 30th March

·       Cannot be used in conjunction with other offers

·       Cannot be swapped for cash

·       Management reserves the right to cancel the offer at any time

https://mycocotte.uk/

A treat for the coffee-loving mums for Mothering Sunday

For those seeking something a little less traditional than flowers and chocolates for Mothering Sunday  this year, the ideal gift will be a special gift subscription to Tambia’s coffee for Mothering Sunday Day, 30th March.

Tambia is a single origin, speciality coffee brand from Colombia that grows, harvests, and roasts its own coffee, ensuring full traceability and full commitment to quality. 

Tambia oversees each step of the production process guaranteeing a coffee experience that's deeply rooted in origin, sustainability, and community, delivering exceptional flavours straight from farms to cups.

As part of the subscription is a monthly delivery of Finca La Sierra Coffee, a single origin coffee grown on Tambia’s own La Sierra Farm, positioned at a high-altitude on the slopes of the extinct volcano Cerro Bravo. 

The coffee beans are picked, processed and packed by hand before being sent to the UK for roasting to ensure maximum freshness.

Made from Castillo, a resilient and flavourful bean which delivers a smooth, well-balanced cup with notes of chocolate, caramel, red berries, and roasted almonds. Versatile and full-bodied, Tambia Castillo is perfect for espresso, filter, or any brewing method, offering a consistently rich and satisfying experience. Three levels of roasting are available: light, medium and dark. 

Subscription starting from £7.43 a month for 200 g.

To learn more and to order your gift subscription visit https://tambiacoffee.com/collections/gift-subscription

CHIMMY’S - the Authentic Argentinian Chimichurri Sauce Range, Available Here in the UK

CHIMMY’S chimichurri sauces bring the authentic flavour of the hacienda, or Estancia as they say in Argentina, to UK kitchens and gardens.  

Developed by Michelin starred chef, Diego Cardoso and his wife, Sofia, the Argentinian couple were keen to replicate the classic sauce of their homeland and share it with a British audience.

The result? Is a range of rich, russet-coloured sauces made from a delicious all-natural blend of dried herbs and spices, combined with red pepper, tomato and paprika.  

CHIMMY’S sauces use less oil than is usual so they contain less fat and fewer calories, they are free from artificial preservatives, additives, flavourings or colourings, as well as all 14 allergens, and are vegan friendly. 

The CHIMMY’S range comprises:

Classic chimichurri: An everyday sauce to give your dishes an extra kick. Chimichurri is a vibrant and flavourful sauce originating from Argentina, renowned for its rich herbal flavour and for its versatility. The base of classic chimichurri is parsley and coriander while garlic adds a pungent kick and oregano contributes earthy undertones. 

A hint of red pepper introduces a subtle heat, lifting the sauce with a gentle kick of spiciness. Combined oil, vinegar, and a splash of water, the sauce achieves a harmonious balance of tanginess and richness, making it a versatile A bottle of sauce and ingredients on a table

Smoky BBQ chimichurri: Smoky and rich with a little bit of sweetness at the end, at its heart, Smoky BBQ Chimichurri features the familiar parsley and coriander base however, a subtle smoky dimension is introduced through the addition of smoked paprika and chipotle chili.  These smoky notes infuse the sauce with a deep, savoury flavour reminiscent of charred wood and open flames.

The result is a tantalisingly smoky chimichurri sauce that is robust, aromatic, and bursting with complexity. Whether used as a marinade for grilled meats, a bold topping for roasted vegetables or seafood, or a dipping sauce for crusty bread or empanadas, smoky chimichurri adds an irresistible depth of flavour that transports the palate to the smouldering depths of an outdoor grill.

Spicy chimichurri:  Extra heat to tickle your taste buds.  Spicy chimichurri offers a fiery twist on the classic Argentine condiment, infusing it with an extra kick of heat and bold flavours.

At its core, Spicy chimichurri maintains the classic herbal base, however, it introduces an additional layer of intensity with the inclusion of fiery red pepper flakes and different types of chillis such as jalapeno and chipotle.  These infuse the sauce with a fiery heat that lingers on the palate, enhancing the overall flavour profile with a satisfying kick, adding depth to any dish.  

Get ready to spice up your meals with this fiery twist on a beloved classic!

With a growing interest in world and South American flavours, these sauces are a perfect way to impress your friends and be right on trend.  They’re versatile, easy to use and make mouthwatering dips, condiments, marinades and cooking sauces which embolden meat, compliment fish and add zing to vegetables and salads, all in one jar.   Just perfect for BBQ season.

Sofia explains the inspiration behind the sauces: “Our sauces successfully combine cultural influences from Argentina, the US and the UK, all places we have enjoyed living and which have inspired us. 

“Our Classic chimichurri reminds us both of growing up in Buenos Aires, conjuring up the smells and flavours of our childhood.   The Smoky BBQ reflects our time spent in the USA – Diego finished high school there while I did an MBA in Michigan.  

"BBQs were a staple of our lives, even more so than in Argentina, and so our Smoky BBQ sauce brings back happy memories from then.  Finally, the Spicy sauce was inspired by our current life in the UK and the excitement of living in a cosmopolitan city, making new friends from diverse cultures and backgrounds.”

CHIMMY’S sauces are available in 265g glass bottles and retail for around £5.45.  For more information, and to buy, visit www.chimmys.com, Ocado or in store in Selfridges and many independent stores nationwide.