Lumiere: The UK's Best-Kept Fine-Dining Secret

Lumiere, Cheltenham's intimate and imaginative Michelin-starred restaurant, has firmly established itself as one of the UK's best and most exciting culinary destinations, and not only for its exceptional food and the personal service it delivers, but for its outstanding commitment to sustainability, deep respect for seasonal ingredients, and dedication to championing the next generation of hospitality talent.

Founded in 2009 by husband-and-wife team Jon and Helen Howe, Lumiere is a true labour of love, built from the ground up. 

The couple are always present when the restaurant is open, ensuring every guest receives a warm welcome and an exceptional dining experience. Their shared vision, sixteen years in the making, has transformed a self-funded dream into one of the highest-rated one-Michelin-starred restaurants in the country.

Chef-owner Jon Howe has cooked in Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels, and acclaimed gastropubs, and competed in both national and international culinary competitions, culminating in being selected to represent the UK as a member of the prestigious British Culinary Team. He says he “always knew” he wanted to be a chef.

Helen Howe is Lumiere's Maitre D' and General Manager, bringing more than two decades of hospitality experience to the restaurant, having begun waitressing aged 15, as well as spending ten years as a biomedical scientist for the NHS. 

As well as leading front-of-house, Helen is passionate about championing women in the hospitality industry, and is also the force behind Lumiere's flourishing kitchen garden: a 3.5-acre site that began life as a lockdown project to amuse her niece and nephew and has since become a key part of Lumiere's identity.

From no-dig beds and a polytunnel to a small orchard, beehives, worm farms and wildflower banks, the garden provides an abundance of fresh and seasonal produce used in the restaurant within hours of harvest. Lumiere also utilises a cutting-edge EvoGrow unit, allowing the team to cultivate microgreens, edible flowers year-round, while germinating rare and heritage seed varieties.

Lumiere's modern British tasting menus are available as four or six courses at lunch, and six or eight courses in the evening. With a constantly evolving hyper-seasonal approach, guests can expect dishes that honour the land, the people who farm it, and the stories behind every ingredient.

Among the restaurant's most celebrated creations is its signature Meadowland Smoked Eel, served on spiralled and roasted Red Desire potatoes grown in the garden, topped with fresh apple from the orchard, homegrown sea vegetables and a generous spoon of Osetra caviar. 

The Tequila Slammer is a showstopper of a palate cleanser, consisting of a gold tequila sorbet orb, crisp salt shard, and a shot of lime, finished with a plume of lime-scented smoke. Meanwhile, the Damson Souffle, made with fruit from Helen's family garden, and served with yoghurt and almond milk sorbet, has become a firm favourite amongst customers.

In 2024, Lumiere retained its Michelin Star, received a fourth AA Rosette, and was awarded three stars from the Sustainable Restaurant Association – the highest rating, given only to restarants who can demonstrate authentic, evidence-based action across every area of their business. Lumiere was also honoured with two Circles by the 360° Eat Guide, an international benchmark that evaluates restaurants based on sourcing, environment, community and employee wellbeing.

Sustainability runs deep at Lumiere, from growing their own produce and reducing waste, to championing a four-day working week, prioritising staff welfare, and supporting the wider community through mentoring, charity work, and collaboration with local suppliers.

The restaurant is currently ranked 9th in Harden's Top 100 Restaurants in the UK, sitting rightfully alongside culinary giants like Le Manoir, Opheem, and The Ledbury – a recognition hard-won through years of passion, consistency and self-funded perseverance.

All of this makes Lumiere not only one of the highest-rated 1 Michelin Star restaurants in the country, but arguable the UK's best-kept fine-dining secret.

But for Jon and Helen, Lumiere is about more than accolades. They are both deeply passionate about supporting the future of the industry. Most recently, Jon mentored 15-year-old apprentice Lexie Colley into second place at the Springboard FutureChef Awards, where she beat more than 18,000 young chefs to land a spot in the prestigious finals at Westminster College.

“We're immensely proud of Lexie and her journey,” said Jon. “Supporting young people into hospitality is a responsibility that we take seriously, and its vital that experienced chefs step up to nurture and celebrate the next generation of talent.”

Helen added: “People come to Lumiere for delicious food and thoughtful service, but also for a sense of care. We want every guest to feel like they've arrived at a dinner party hosted by close friends. Whether we're sharing produce that we've grown ourselves or opening doors for future chefs, everything we do is grounded in the same values which are respect, hospitality and heart.”

With a small but passionate team, many of whom are still in school or college, Lumiere's culture of excellence, inclusivity, and mentorship extends from garden to plate and beyond. Looking ahead, Jon and Helen are focused on further expanding their sustainability credentials, and driving forward conversations around equality and female representation in hospitality.

As Cheltenham emerges as one of the UK's most exciting food scenes, Lumiere stands out as a destination worth travelling for, where every plate tells a story, and every visit leaves a mark.

To book your table and experience Lumiere's Michelin-Starred flavours for yourself, visit https://lumiererestaurant.co.uk

Why We Should Support Our Local Food Markets – Especially the Ones Steeped in Centuries of History

In an age of online convenience and sprawling supermarkets, it's easy to overlook the humble local market. 

But behind the bustle of market stalls and the scent of fresh produce lies something far more meaningful: history, community, and a sustainable way of life. 

Many of our local markets, especially those that have stood for hundreds of years, are not just places to shop – they are living pieces of our cultural heritage.

A Legacy Worth Preserving

Markets like Borough Market in London, which dates back to at least the 12th century, or Norwich Market, which has traded in some form since the Norman Conquest, are more than mere retail spaces. 

These institutions have witnessed generations of change, survived wars, plagues, and political upheaval – all while serving as community hubs. Supporting them helps preserve this legacy for future generations. Every purchase contributes to keeping that heritage alive, ensuring the market doesn't become another relic of the past.

Supporting Independent Traders and Local Economies

When you buy from a local market, you're not lining the pockets of large corporations – you're supporting independent traders, family-run businesses, and skilled artisans. These are the people who bring character and soul to our high streets. Local spending has a ripple effect; money spent in your community is more likely to stay there, boosting the local economy and creating jobs.

Sustainability in Action

Markets promote sustainability. Many traders source their products locally, cutting down on transport emissions and packaging waste. Shopping seasonally – something markets naturally encourage – also reduces environmental impact and helps us reconnect with the rhythms of the year. Plus, you're far less likely to be saddled with unnecessary plastic or over-processed foods.

A Richer Shopping Experience

There’s a world of difference between browsing a supermarket aisle and exploring a local market. Markets offer a sensory experience – the vibrant colours of fresh produce, the enticing aromas from food stalls, the chatter of traders who know their products inside and out. You can ask for advice, learn where your food comes from, and discover unique items you won’t find anywhere else.

Strengthening Community Bonds

Local markets are social spaces. They foster human connection in a way that online shopping simply cannot. Whether it’s chatting with a regular stallholder, bumping into neighbours, or attending seasonal events and festivals, markets help cultivate a sense of belonging. In many towns and cities, the market square is still the beating heart of the community.

What We Lose If We Don’t Support Them

When a local market closes, we don’t just lose stalls – we lose stories, livelihoods, and pieces of our identity. It's a loss that can't be replaced by another supermarket chain or retail park. Once these historical markets are gone, they rarely return. That’s why our support today is crucial.

In Conclusion

Supporting your local market is a small act with big consequences. It helps preserve history, sustain local economies, reduce environmental impact, and bring communities together. The next time you’re tempted by the convenience of a big brand, consider making a detour to your local market instead. 

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

---

✅ 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

---

✅ 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

---

✅ 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

---

✅ 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

---

✅ 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

---

✅ 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!