Why Your Restaurant or Pub Should Employ Trained Cleaners—Not Your Wait Staff

In the hospitality industry, first impressions matter—and so does cleanliness. Whether it’s the sparkle of your bar, the fresh scent of your loos, or the spotless floors underfoot, cleanliness speaks volumes about your standards. 

So why risk tarnishing your venue’s reputation by tasking untrained, often reluctant wait staff with cleaning duties after hours?

Here’s why hiring trained, qualified cleaners is a smart, professional move—and one that can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

1. Cleaners Are Trained to Do the Job Properly

Professional cleaners understand hygiene regulations, know how to use commercial-grade cleaning equipment safely, and are trained to spot areas that others might overlook. They’re not just wiping surfaces—they’re sanitising, degreasing, deep-cleaning and ensuring that the environment meets industry health standards.

In contrast, wait staff aren’t trained in specialist cleaning tasks. Even with the best intentions, they may not follow correct procedures or use the right products, potentially risking hygiene breaches or health and safety problems.

2. Health and Safety Compliance Is Not Optional

Restaurants and pubs are subject to stringent food hygiene and safety regulations. Cross-contamination, poorly cleaned kitchens, or unclean toilets can lead to serious consequences—including food poisoning incidents, poor food hygiene ratings, or even closure.

Trained cleaners are familiar with COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health), safe chemical use, and infection control measures. They know how to keep your premises compliant, helping to protect your staff, your customers, and your business.

3. It’s Unfair to Expect Wait Staff to Clean After Hours

Waiting tables is already a physically demanding, customer-facing job. Adding cleaning tasks to the end of a long shift can lead to burnout, resentment, and high staff turnover. Cleaning isn’t just “a bit of mopping”—it’s a job that requires focus, skill, and time.

Asking wait staff to mop, scrub or deep-clean after midnight often results in rushed, half-hearted efforts—not because they’re lazy, but because they’re exhausted. Morale drops, standards slip, and your business suffers.

4. Professional Cleaners Save You Money in the Long Run

While hiring cleaning staff may seem like an added expense, it’s actually a cost-saving investment:

Fewer hygiene-related fines or penalties

Lower risk of customer complaints or bad reviews

Reduced wear and tear on surfaces and equipment due to correct cleaning

Improved staff retention when wait staff aren't overburdened

Plus, outsourcing cleaning means you only pay for the time required—no overtime rates for tired waiters or rushed jobs leading to damage.

5. Your Venue’s Reputation Depends on Cleanliness

Word of mouth, online reviews, and food safety inspections all hinge on cleanliness. Customers remember sticky tables, dirty toilets, and grimy glassware. Trained cleaners help ensure that every corner of your venue is consistently spotless—even the places your customers don’t see but health inspectors will.

Final Thoughts

Running a successful restaurant or pub requires smart delegation. Let your wait staff focus on what they do best—delivering excellent customer service. Leave the cleaning to professionals who are equipped, trained, and motivated to do the job to the highest standard.

Because in hospitality, the little details make the biggest difference—and cleanliness is never just a detail.

📋 CLEANING STANDARDS CHECKLIST FOR RESTAURANTS & PUBS

Why Trained Cleaners Should Handle the Job

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✅ 1. Legal Compliance

• Cleaning staff are trained in COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)

• All surfaces sanitised using food-safe products

• Waste disposed of in accordance with local environmental health regulations

• High-risk areas (e.g., kitchen, toilets) cleaned to regulatory standards

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✅ 2. Professional Cleaning Standards

• All floors mopped, dried, and checked for slip hazards

• Kitchen equipment degreased and sanitised

• Toilets cleaned and restocked with hygiene products

• Tables, chairs, and bar surfaces thoroughly sanitised

• Hard-to-reach or often-overlooked areas (e.g., under fridges, skirting boards) regularly deep cleaned

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✅ 3. Staff Wellbeing

• Wait staff are not responsible for end-of-day deep cleaning

• Cleaning is done by trained personnel to avoid fatigue or burnout

• Cleaning schedule does not extend waiting staff’s shift unnecessarily

• Staff roles are clearly defined and respected

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✅ 4. Reputation Protection

• Cleaning logs maintained daily

• Deep cleaning carried out regularly (weekly or monthly)

• Venue passes mock EHO (Environmental Health Officer) inspections

• Positive customer feedback related to cleanliness

• Online reviews reflect consistent hygiene standards

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✅ 5. Efficiency and Cost Effectiveness

• Commercial-grade cleaning supplies used correctly

• Specialist tools (e.g., floor buffers, steam cleaners) available

• Fewer incidents of damage due to misuse of chemicals or tools

• Better staff retention and fewer sick days due to healthier work environment

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✅ Best Practice:
Outsource cleaning to a professional team or ensure your in-house cleaning staff are fully trained, equipped, and scheduled independently of front-of-house shifts.

How to Drought-Proof Your Vegetable Garden

With increasingly unpredictable weather and longer dry spells, ensuring your vegetable garden can withstand drought is essential—especially if you want consistent harvests throughout the growing season. 

Fortunately, with a few proactive steps, you can make your garden more resilient to water shortages while still keeping it productive and lush.

1. Improve Your Soil Structure

Healthy soil is the foundation of a drought-resistant garden. Add plenty of organic matter such as compost, well-rotted manure, or leaf mould. These amendments boost your soil’s ability to retain moisture, support beneficial microbes, and improve nutrient availability.

Tip: Try the "squeeze test"—if soil holds its shape when gently squeezed and crumbles easily, it’s well-balanced.

2. Apply a Thick Layer of Mulch

Mulching is a drought gardener’s best friend. A 5–10 cm layer of organic mulch (like straw, bark chips, or shredded leaves) reduces evaporation, suppresses weeds, and keeps the soil cool.

Bonus: Mulch also breaks down over time and further enriches the soil.

3. Water Wisely

Deep, infrequent watering encourages strong, deep root systems. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Avoid using sprinklers and opt for soaker hoses or drip irrigation instead.

Tip: Install a water butt to collect rainwater and reduce reliance on mains water.

4. Choose Drought-Tolerant Varieties

Some vegetables handle dry conditions better than others. Consider planting:

Root vegetables like carrots and parsnips

Legumes such as chickpeas and runner beans

Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano

Check seed packets or ask at your local garden centre for varieties specifically bred for dry conditions.

5. Provide Shade Strategically

During the hottest part of summer, even the hardiest vegetables can suffer. Use shade cloth, garden fleece, or position taller crops (like sweetcorn or sunflowers) to shield delicate plants from harsh afternoon sun.

6. Group Plants by Water Needs

Planting vegetables with similar water requirements together ensures you water efficiently and don’t over- or under-irrigate any one section of the garden.

7. Reduce Bare Soil

Bare soil loses moisture rapidly. Maximise ground cover by interplanting, using green manures, or growing low-lying crops to protect soil moisture levels.

Final Thoughts

Drought-proofing your vegetable garden doesn’t require a complete overhaul—it’s about working with nature, conserving what water you have, and building a system that can sustain itself even in drier periods. With a bit of planning and the right techniques, your garden will thrive no matter the weather.

Grow Your Own Vegetables & Herbs at Home: A Guide for Beginners

There's something deeply satisfying about harvesting and eating food you’ve grown yourself. 

Whether you have a garden, a patio, or just a sunny windowsill, growing your own vegetables and herbs is rewarding, cost-effective, and surprisingly simple — even during hot, dry spells.

Here’s how to get started, plus tips on water-wise gardening and composting to keep your green space healthy and sustainable.

Why Grow Your Own?

Fresher produce – You can't beat the flavour of just-picked tomatoes or snipped herbs.

Saves money – Reduce your grocery bill by growing essentials like lettuce, basil and carrots.

Boosts wellbeing – Gardening is great for reducing stress and getting you outdoors.

Top Veg & Herbs to Start With

Ideal for beginners and the UK climate:

Tomatoes – Thrive in pots or grow bags.

Lettuce – Quick to grow and perfect for salads.

Carrots – Great in deeper pots or raised beds.

Courgettes – High yield from a single plant.

Basil, Mint, Chives – Easy herbs for pots and windowsills.

Gardening in Dry or Drought Conditions

As summers become warmer and drier, water-saving tips are essential:

Water early or late to reduce evaporation.

Mulch soil with straw, bark or compost to lock in moisture.

Choose drought-resistant herbs like rosemary and thyme.

Install a water butt to collect rainwater from roofs or sheds.

Composting Tips for Beginners

Composting turns kitchen scraps into rich, nourishing soil. Here’s how to start:

Use veg peelings, coffee grounds, eggshells, tea bags (plastic-free!).

Avoid meat, dairy, or oily food to prevent pests.

Mix green (wet) and brown (dry) materials – e.g., grass clippings with cardboard.

Turn the compost regularly to speed up decomposition.

Quick Gardening Tips

Start small: A few pots or a grow bag can be enough.

Use containers if space is limited – herbs love a sunny windowsill.

Label your plants to keep track of what’s where.

Enjoy the process – gardening is as much about patience and care as it is about the harvest.

Growing your own food is a journey that brings joy, saves money, and makes a difference. Whether you're nurturing basil in your kitchen or tending tomatoes on a balcony, every little bit helps. With water-wise habits and a compost heap on the go, you're well on your way to a greener, more sustainable lifestyle.

Ready to get your hands dirty? Let us know what you’re planting this season – and don’t forget to share a snap of your garden using #GrowYourOwnUK!

Marking Mental Health Awareness Week with Coffee, Cake and Conversation

Mental Health Awareness Week is a time to pause, reflect, and connect. Held annually in the UK and organised by the Mental Health Foundation, it shines a light on the importance of mental wellbeing and offers a chance for individuals and communities to come together in support of one another.

One warm and welcoming way to get involved is by hosting or attending a coffee and cake morning. Simple in concept, powerful in impact, these gatherings offer an opportunity to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and foster open conversations — all over a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of something sweet.

Why Coffee and Cake?

Coffee mornings aren’t just about caffeine and sugar (although those don’t hurt!). They create relaxed, informal settings where people feel more at ease to open up. Whether it’s catching up with a friend or sharing experiences with someone new, these moments of connection can be incredibly meaningful.

Plus, they’re easy to organise and inclusive — you don’t need a big venue or elaborate setup. Just a table, a kettle, and a welcoming atmosphere.

How to Host a Mental Health Awareness Coffee Morning

Here’s how you can create a meaningful event, whether at home, in the workplace, or within your community:

1. Choose a Date and Venue

Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 runs from Monday 12 May to Sunday 18 May. Pick a date during the week that works for your group. It could be a mid-morning break at work, a weekend catch-up with neighbours, or even a virtual gathering via Zoom.

2. Make it Welcoming

Create a calm, comfortable space. Think warm lighting, soft music, and perhaps a few quiet corners for those who prefer one-to-one chats. A few thoughtful touches like bunting, fresh flowers, or handmade signs can go a long way.

3. Provide Conversation Starters

Not everyone finds it easy to talk about mental health. Consider having cards or posters with gentle prompts, such as:

“What’s one thing you do to unwind?”

“Who inspires you to take care of yourself?”

“How do you check in with your own mental health?”

You could also print out facts or positive affirmations related to mental health to place around the space.

4. Bake (or Buy!) with a Purpose

If you enjoy baking, this is your time to shine! Classic sponge cakes, brownies, lemon drizzle, or even healthier options like oat bars — all are welcome. Not into baking? No problem. Shop-bought treats or fruit platters do the job just as well.

Consider labelling items clearly for allergens and dietary requirements to ensure everyone feels included.

5. Fundraise (If You’d Like)

You could use the event to raise funds for a mental health charity like Mind, Rethink Mental Illness, or the Mental Health Foundation. A simple donation box or QR code to an online fundraiser can help support vital services.

6. Signpost Support

Have leaflets or information cards available with details of mental health resources and helplines. You could include:

Samaritans – 116 123 (free 24/7)

Mind – mind.org.uk

SHOUT – Text 'SHOUT' to 85258

NHS Every Mind Matters – nhs.uk/every-mind-matters

These small takeaways can make a big difference.

A Cup of Kindness

You don’t need to be a mental health expert to make a difference — simply showing up, listening, and being present can mean the world to someone. Mental Health Awareness Week is a timely reminder that we all have mental health, and we all have the power to support each other.

So why not pop the kettle on, invite a few friends over, and make space for those conversations that matter?

Let’s raise a mug — and a slice of cake — to kindness, connection, and community.

Have you hosted or attended a mental health-themed coffee morning? Share your stories in the comments below or tag us on social media using #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek and #CoffeeAndChat!

The Pathfinder: The Best Non-Alc Tipples for your Dad this Father's Day

Fermented and distilled, this hemp-based elixir transforms your booze-free concoction with its bold flavours and Old West mystique 

This Father's Day, elevate your cocktails to revolutionary new heights with The Pathfinder Hemp and Root, the cult non-alcoholic spirit that has taken the US by storm. 

Inspired by the mysteries of Old West apothecaries, alternative medicine and the supernatural, The Pathfinder “lifts the veil of illusion” with its bold flavours and distinctive character – an ingenious elixir for a sunny-day serve that takes a step away from the ordinary.

While its exact formulation remains a closely guarded secret, The Pathfinder Hemp and Root is crafted with a methodical three-step process: the fermentation of naturally harvested hemp seed into a powerful elixir; distillation in 16th-century-style copper pot stills; the artful blending together of angelica root, wormwood, ginger, sage, juniper, saffron, orange peel and wild-crafted Douglas-fir, as well as natural terpenes.

The result is an aroma of sweet citrus and fresh pine followed by heavier botanical bitters. On the palate, relish the flavours of herbs, citrus, hemp and bitter extracts with an aftertaste of characterful complexity. (This means "Yes! It is the most delicious drink we have tried, alcoholic or otherwise in several years!") 

Whether sipped solo, taken as a shot, served on the rocks or used to add aromatic intensity to your favourite classic cocktail concoction, The Pathfinder’s versatility makes it a fervently delicious ingredient for any occasion – from sun-drenched afternoon reveries to leisurely sundowners. Or for reflecting sipping as you hide from a British thunderstorm in your conservatory, which happened today.)

This wild and enigmatic liquid always travels well in its signature spritz, with a simple splash of citrus and a rush of bubbles. Or discover The Pathfinder’s own harmonious marriage of distillates, extracts, tinctures and oils in these spring and summer serves: 

Summer Highball 

2 oz The Pathfinder Hemp & Root Spirit

½ oz lemon juice 

Top with seltzer 

Muddled cucumber and mint 

Lemon wedge garnish 

Serve over the rocks in a drinking glass

The Pathfinder Espresso Cola

Recipe developed by Caffe Vita 

1 oz The Pathfinder Hemp & Root Spirit 

16 oz cup of ice 

1 oz black tea concentrate 

2 oz espresso

4 oz seltzer water 

¼ teaspoon citric acid 

Lime wedge garnish 

Serve in a drinking glass and top with ice 

My wife and I like it with Schweppes soda water or some chilled lemonade.  

A bottle should cost £34.00.

Are PR Companies Paying for Fake 5-Star Restaurant Reviews? Here's How to Spot Them

I recently received a WhatsApp message asking me if I wanted to make some 5-star reviews on certain restaurants. I wouldn't have to visit the restaurants, just make Google reviews and I would be paid for my time. 

I am an official Google reviewer and I value my status as a Google reviewer and would do nothing to jeopardise this by making fake paid for reviews. I blocked the PR firm concerned. But this got me thinking about the entire fake reviews industry which made me decide to write this blogpost about this issue.

In today’s digital age, the star rating next to a restaurant’s name can make or break its success. With Google, Trustpilot, Yelp, and TripAdvisor shaping public perception, many consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. But what happens when those glowing reviews are not genuine?

The uncomfortable truth is that some PR agencies and marketing firms are paying for fake 5-star reviews to boost a restaurant's reputation. Whether it's a brand-new bistro trying to build credibility fast or an established chain attempting to drown out negative feedback, fake reviews are more common than many realise. And this doesn’t just hurt competitors — it misleads diners and undermines trust in the entire review system.

Why Would PR Firms Pay for Fake Reviews?

PR and marketing agencies are hired to generate positive buzz — and in a competitive food industry, pressure to deliver quick, measurable results can tempt some firms to cross ethical lines. Instead of focusing solely on authentic coverage, some resort to purchasing fake reviews through review farms, incentivising “customers” with discounts or freebies in exchange for positive feedback, or even writing the reviews themselves using fake profiles.

This kind of manipulation might temporarily boost a restaurant's online reputation, but it can lead to long-term consequences, including:

Loss of consumer trust

Penalties from review platforms

Reputational damage when exposed

How to Spot Fake Restaurant Reviews

As a savvy consumer (or a fellow restaurateur), here’s how you can identify potentially fake reviews:

No customers but many 5-Star reviews?

1. Too Many 5-Star Reviews All at Once

If a restaurant suddenly gets dozens of five-star reviews within a few days — especially when it’s newly opened or recently received criticism — that’s a red flag.

2. Generic or Vague Language

Genuine reviews tend to reference specific dishes, staff interactions, or atmosphere. Fake reviews often use vague, overly enthusiastic phrases like “Absolutely amazing!” or “The best restaurant ever!” without providing meaningful details.

3. Reviewer Profiles with No History

Click through to a reviewer’s profile. If they’ve only ever posted one or two glowing reviews — or they’ve left similar praise for multiple unrelated businesses — they may not be legitimate.

4. Overuse of Keywords

PR-driven fake reviews often read like SEO content. Watch out for unnatural repetition of the restaurant name, menu items, or phrases like “best Italian restaurant in London”.

5. Inconsistent Language or Style

Fake reviews might be generated using AI tools or written by non-native speakers. If the writing style is inconsistent or awkward across several reviews, it may indicate they’re not genuine.

6. Lack of Negative Feedback

Even the best restaurants occasionally receive 3 or 4-star reviews. If a place only has glowing feedback and no constructive criticism, it could be suspicious.

What Review Platforms Are Doing About It

Platforms like Google, Trustpilot, and TripAdvisor are investing in AI and moderation teams to detect and remove fake reviews. Some even take legal action against businesses or agencies that engage in fraudulent behaviour.

However, enforcement isn’t perfect. The responsibility also lies with consumers and ethical PR professionals to report suspicious activity and support honest businesses.

What Can Restaurants Do Instead?

Ethical marketing wins in the long run. Here’s how restaurants can build trust the right way:

Encourage genuine customer reviews via in-store signage or follow-up emails.

Respond to reviews — both good and bad — showing that feedback is valued.

Work with PR agencies that prioritise transparency and integrity.

Final Thoughts

Fake reviews may offer a short-term boost, but they’re a risky gamble. As consumers become more discerning and platforms grow more sophisticated, honesty remains the most sustainable strategy.

So next time you're scrolling through five-star reviews, take a moment to dig a little deeper — your next great meal (or PR investment) might depend on it.

Bacon and Cockles — A Coastal Welsh Classic

Few dishes capture the spirit of Welsh coastal life like a plate of Bacon and Cockles. 

Simple, rustic, and brimming with salty-sweet contrast, it’s a dish born of land and sea — one that tells the story of seaside communities, cockle gatherers, and cast-iron frying pans sizzling with breakfast.

From the Sands to the Skillet

This dish finds its heart in places like Penclawdd on the Gower Peninsula, famous for its cockle industry. For generations, families harvested cockles from the estuary flats, selling them fresh at markets and to travellers across the UK.

The natural pairing? Back bacon, sizzling until crisp, and often a side of laverbread or fried bread, completing what’s affectionately called the “Welsh breakfast.”

What’s in the Dish?

At its simplest, Bacon and Cockles needs only:

Good-quality back bacon

Fresh or prepared cockles (steamed or pre-cooked)

Optional: Laverbread, fried bread, or boiled potatoes

A dab of butter or bacon fat for frying

When fried together, the bacon’s savoury richness perfectly balances the cockles’ briny sweetness.

Traditional and Modern Twists

Traditional Style: Fry bacon, then lightly sauté the cockles in the bacon fat. Serve with laverbread and a thick slice of buttered bread.

Contemporary Versions:

Serve atop toasted sourdough with a Welsh poached egg

Toss cockles through pasta with bacon lardons and leeks

Try a “surf and turf” Welsh breakfast stack with all the trimmings

A True Taste of Wales

You’ll often find Bacon and Cockles served at:

Welsh food festivals and seaside cafés

Farmer’s markets across South Wales

Hotels in Tenby, Aberystwyth, and Swansea, where they’re a highlight on breakfast menus

Recipe: Bacon and Cockles (Serves 2)

Ingredients:

6 rashers of thick-cut back bacon

150g cooked cockles (rinsed and drained if preserved in brine)

1 tsp butter or bacon drippings

Black pepper to taste

Optional: 2 tbsp laverbread, fried bread, or new potatoes

Method:

Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until golden and crisp. Remove and keep warm.

Add a small knob of butter or bacon drippings to the pan.

Add the cockles and toss gently in the hot fat for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.

Serve the bacon and cockles together, with laverbread or fried bread on the side if desired.

Finish with a twist of black pepper and a wedge of lemon if you fancy.

From Tide to Table

Whether served with seaweed and soda bread or reinvented as a chic brunch dish, Bacon and Cockles remains a true culinary bridge between Welsh land and sea — humble, flavourful, and proudly rooted in tradition.

Next up: Leek Soup with Oats — The Farmer’s Bowl.

Beat the Heat: Food, Drinks and Supplements to Ward Off Cramps in Hot Weather

When the temperature rises your body has to work overtime to keep cool. 

Sweating may help regulate your body temperature, but it also means losing vital fluids and electrolytes—which can lead to those dreaded muscle cramps. 

Whether you’re working outdoors, hitting the gym, or simply trying to enjoy a sunny day, what you eat and drink can make all the difference.

Here’s your summer-ready guide to foods, drinks and supplements that help prevent cramps and keep you feeling your best when the weather turns scorching.

Why Do Cramps Happen in Hot Weather?

In hot conditions, your body loses fluids faster than usual. This includes electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium—minerals essential for muscle function. A lack of these can result in involuntary muscle spasms and painful cramps, especially during or after physical activity.

Hydration Is Key: What to Drink

1. Water – with a twist

Plain water is a good start, but when you’re sweating heavily, water alone may not be enough. Add a pinch of sea salt and a splash of fresh citrus juice (like lemon or orange) to make a simple homemade electrolyte drink.

2. Coconut Water

Naturally rich in potassium and moderate in sodium, coconut water is a great low-sugar alternative to commercial sports drinks.

3. Electrolyte Tablets or Powders

Look for sugar-free or low-sugar options that include a full spectrum of electrolytes, especially magnesium and calcium. These can be added to your water bottle for all-day sipping.

4. Herbal Teas (Chilled or Warm)

Peppermint, chamomile, or rooibos teas served cold are hydrating and caffeine-free. Rooibos also contains magnesium and calcium—ideal for cramp prevention.

Foods That Help Prevent Cramps

1. Bananas

A classic for good reason. Rich in potassium, bananas support proper muscle function and recovery.

2. Leafy Greens

Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are full of magnesium and calcium. Use them in salads, smoothies or light sautés.

3. Sweet Potatoes

These summer-friendly root veg are potassium powerhouses and also contain a good amount of magnesium.

4. Yoghurt

A cooling snack that offers calcium, potassium, and sodium—perfect after a workout or as a mid-afternoon bite.

5. Watermelon and Cucumber

Hydrating and refreshing, both contain natural sugars, water and a trace of magnesium and potassium. Ideal for snacking during hot days.

6. Avocado

One of the best food sources of magnesium and potassium—spread on toast or add to salads.

Supplements Worth Considering

1. Magnesium Citrate or Glycinate

If you’re prone to cramps, a magnesium supplement can help. Citrate is well absorbed, while glycinate is gentle on the stomach and good for sleep too.

2. Calcium and Vitamin D

Low calcium levels can contribute to muscle cramps. If your diet lacks dairy or fortified foods, consider a combined calcium and vitamin D supplement to support absorption.

3. Electrolyte Blends

Look for supplements specifically designed for athletes or high-heat environments. These usually combine sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium in optimal ratios.

Practical Tips to Keep Cramps at Bay

Drink consistently rather than gulping water only when you feel thirsty.

Snack smart: Choose fruit and salty snacks if you’ve been sweating a lot.

Don’t overdo caffeine or alcohol, as both can contribute to dehydration.

Stretch regularly, especially if you're physically active or standing for long periods.

Cool your environment where possible—fans, light clothing, and shade make a difference.

Final Thoughts

Summer should be about fun, not muscle cramps. With a few simple tweaks to your diet and hydration habits, you can stay cool, energised, and cramp-free—even in the hottest weather. Keep a water bottle handy, enjoy nature’s hydrating foods, and stock up on the right supplements if needed.

Got a go-to summer snack or homemade electrolyte drink you swear by? Let us know in the comments!

Welsh Griddle Bread — A Pan-Baked Heritage Loaf

Before modern ovens became a kitchen staple, Welsh homes relied on the griddle (or bakestone) — a flat, cast-iron plate set over the fire. 

It’s where classics like Welsh cakes and crempogau were born. But nestled among them is a lesser-known gem: Welsh Griddle Bread — a pan-baked loaf with a soft crumb, golden crust, and the unmistakable touch of tradition.

Bread Born of Simplicity

Griddle bread (sometimes called bara llestri in Welsh) is a rustic, round loaf made without yeast or elaborate proofing. It rises with baking powder or bicarbonate of soda and cooks low and slow on the stovetop or fire-heated griddle.

What makes it magical is the crackling crust from direct heat and the steam-trapped softness within — a texture somewhere between a scone and soda bread, with just the right density for buttering.

A Baker’s Legacy

Griddle bread has long been associated with:

Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, where it was commonly eaten with soup or stew

Slate mining families in Snowdonia, where quick breads were preferred over long-fermented loaves

Chapel teas, often served split, buttered, and layered with jam or cheese

Simple Ingredients, Honest Flavour

Most traditional recipes include:

Plain or strong white flour

A rising agent (baking powder or bicarb)

Salt

Buttermilk or sour milk

Lard, butter, or a mix of both

Optional enrichments include oats, wholemeal flour, or even mashed potato in some rural recipes.

How to Serve Welsh Griddle Bread

Warm with salted butter and a pot of tea

Toasted with Caerphilly cheese and chutney

With soup or stew, particularly cawl

Split and filled like a bap with bacon or laverbread

This is a bread made for comfort, not show — the kind of food that fills your kitchen with the scent of home.

Recipe: Welsh Griddle Bread

Ingredients:

400g plain flour

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

1 tsp salt

50g lard or unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

250ml buttermilk or sour milk (more if needed)

Method:

Sift the flour, bicarb, and salt into a large bowl.

Rub in the lard or butter until the mix resembles breadcrumbs.

Stir in the buttermilk gradually to form a soft, but not sticky, dough.

Roll into a thick round about 2–3cm thick.

Heat a griddle or heavy pan over medium-low heat and dust lightly with flour.

Place the dough round on the griddle. Cook gently for 10–12 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through (use a cake tester if unsure).

Cool on a rack and slice while still warm.

The Hearth in a Loaf

Welsh Griddle Bread is a reminder of how our ancestors baked with what they had, not what they lacked. No oven? No problem. Just a hot griddle, some flour, and a little love.

It's ideal for reconnecting with Welsh heritage in your own kitchen, one pan-baked slice at a time.

Next up: Bacon and Cockles — A Coastal Welsh Classic.

Crunch Time: Planet Farms Is the First Vertically-Farmed Product Stocked by Waitrose, Available Now

Thanks to a unique, cutting edge, fully automated growing system, the leaves move from harvest to bag in under a minute. 

Also,  the carefully designed clean-room growing conditions and root-only irrigation system leads to a dry and crispy leaf with no need to wash. Eat straight from the bag, and if you listen carefully, there is a crunch you can actually hear! 

By virtue of the fact the leaves have never been touched or washed, they stay fresh and crispy in the fridge for at least 8 days. There is no chemical residue, less waste and maximum freshness. The process also offers a new benchmark in sustainable food production with 95% less water used, a 93% reduction in soil occupancy and 96% less fertiliser than in traditional agriculture. 

Currently based in Italy, this is the first time Planet Farms products are available in the UK, and a major expansion is on the way. In April 2025 Planet Farms announced an investment  in excess of £25m into a UK-based facility that will supply Waitrose directly. At 20,000 sqm of growing capacity, it will be one of the largest vertical farms in the entire world. 

Finally, flavour remains paramount and is underpinned by a partnership with the oldest three Michelin-starred restaurant in Italy; Da Vittorio. Known for their uncompromising culinary standards, the Cerea family (chefs and owners of Da Vittorio) bring challenge, innovation and a relentless pursuit of flavour via the mini-farm and R&D facility built on site to supply the restaurant in Brusaporto and to test new recipes. 

Planet Farms is a certified B Corp and has earned accolades across Europe for its commitment to quality, transparency, and planet-first thinking.

RRP £1.80 70g

Planet Farms Fresh Everleaf Delicate Mix

A delightfully sweet and irresistible blend of red and green lettuce, offering a light, airy crunch RRP £1.80 70g

Fresh Everleaf Iceberg Lettuce

Cool, crisp, and endlessly refreshing—these vibrant iceberg leaves deliver a bold crunch with every bite RRP £1.80 70g

Planet Farms Fresh Everleaf Vitality Mix

An energising mix of bold, peppery greens and red leaves—packed with character and a satisfyingly snappy texture RRP £1.80 70g

Planet Farms Fresh Everleaf Mixed Leaves

A rich, velvety medley of red and green salad leaves, layered with subtle sweetness and a complex, satisfying texture RRP £1.80 70

Daniele Benatoff, CEO and Co-Founder of Planet Farms, told That's Food and Drink:  “We hope people in the UK will love our pioneering Italian-grown salads, and experience crunchiness and freshness like never before. 

"This partnership represents our shared values of quality, sustainability, and innovation. We want to make sure that foods stay fresher on shelf, for longer, and contribute to reducing food waste. 

We believe that by combining technology with nature's wisdom, we can grow better food for everyone - delicious, fresh, and respectful of the planet.”

Planet Farms Fresh Everleaf is  available exclusively at Waitrose from now, on shelf and online. RRP £1.80

https://www.waitrose.com/ecom/shop/search?&searchTerm=Fresh%20Everleaf 

Planet Farms Fresh Everleaf is available exclusively at Waitrose.

https://www.planetfarms.ag/en