Cheers to Beer Day Britain! Raising a Glass to Our National Tipple

Every 15th of June, pubs, breweries, beer lovers, and ale aficionados across the country unite to say one thing: Cheers to Beer! 

It’s Beer Day Britain, the UK’s national beer day — a celebration of our long and proud brewing heritage, our vibrant pub culture, and the sheer joy of sharing a pint with friends.

Why We Celebrate Beer Day Britain

Beer Day Britain was launched in 2015 to coincide with the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta — a document that even mentioned beer! Since then, it’s become an annual tradition where Brits come together to toast the drink that’s been a part of our lives, our history, and our communities for centuries.

From hearty pints of traditional bitters in countryside pubs to crisp craft lagers brewed in hipster London taprooms, the British beer scene is more diverse and dynamic than ever.

The 7pm National Cheers

One of the highlights of Beer Day Britain is the 7pm "Cheers to Beer!" toast, where beer lovers up and down the land (and even abroad) stop to raise a glass and post photos on social media using #CheersToBeer. It’s a moment of national unity — with a hoppy twist.

British Beer: A Brief Love Story

Britain has long been a global leader in beer innovation and tradition. Some of the best-known beer styles in the world — like India Pale Ale (IPA), Porter, and Pale Ale — originated on these isles. Even now, with more than 2,000 breweries across the UK, we’re experiencing a renaissance in craft brewing that rivals any in the world.

From well-loved regional breweries like Timothy Taylor’s and Adnams to bold newcomers like BrewDog and Verdant, there’s a beer out there for every palate.

How to Celebrate Beer Day Britain

1. Visit your local pub or brewery: 

Support your local by popping in for a pint. Many venues hold special events, taster nights, or live music.

2. Try a new British beer: 

Whether it’s a ruby mild from Yorkshire or a juicy modern IPA from Bristol, take a chance on something new and homegrown.

3. Pair your beer with food: 

Beer and food pairings are trending — think classic fish and chips with a crisp lager, or a rich stout with dark chocolate cake.

4. Say “Cheers to Beer!” 

at 7pm: Join in the national toast and share your snaps online using #BeerDayBritain and #CheersToBeer.

5. Learn the history: 

Read about the role beer played in British history, from medieval ales to industrial brewing and CAMRA’s Real Ale revolution.

Celebrating Responsibly

Beer Day Britain is about joy, community, and pride in our national drink — but it's also a reminder to enjoy alcohol responsibly. Know your limits, drink water between pints, and never drink and drive.

Here's to Beer, Britain! 

Whether you’re sipping a classic bitter at your local, cracking open a can of craft beer at home, or just joining in the 7pm toast, Beer Day Britain is a time to celebrate one of our country’s finest traditions. So raise your glass and say it loud:

“Cheers to Beer!”

That's Food and Drink will be joining in the celebrations, too.

Recreate the Meals Eaten by the Stars of Your Favourite TV Shows

Ever watched your favourite TV show and found yourself drooling over the delicious dishes on screen? 

From a steaming shepherd’s pie on a rainy night in Happy Valley, to the luxe brunches of Bridgerton, or even the comfort foods of Friends, TV shows don’t just entertain us—they inspire us in the kitchen too.

Here’s how you can bring a little screen magic to your own table by recreating meals eaten by iconic characters from beloved series.

1. Friends – Monica’s Thanksgiving Feast

Monica Geller, a chef by trade, set the bar for holiday food. Recreate her Thanksgiving feast with:

Roast turkey – Brined and oven-roasted with herbed butter

Cranberry sauce – Homemade with orange zest

Sweet potato mash with marshmallows – Very American, very indulgent

Don’t forget Rachel’s infamous trifle – maybe without the beef and peas!

Fun Fact: Jennifer Aniston says she ate the same salad every day on set — a crunchy mix of bulgur, cucumber, parsley, mint, red onion, chickpeas, and feta.

2. Game of Thrones – Medieval Banquet Fare

Whether you’re Team Stark or Team Lannister, nothing screams Westeros like a medieval-style feast:

Honeyed chicken – Spiced and roasted, then glazed with honey and herbs

Baked apples and nuts

Crusty bread and rustic cheeses

Ale or mulled wine to wash it all down

There’s even an official Game of Thrones cookbook, A Feast of Ice and Fire, if you want to go full maester.

3. Downton Abbey – Elegant Edwardian Dining

Channel the grandeur of the Crawleys’ dining room with:

Beef Wellington

Pea and mint soup served in fine china

Lemon syllabub or spotted dick with custard for dessert

Accompanied by a good bottle of claret or a post-dinner sherry

Remember: courses were numerous and portions small — elegance over indulgence.

4. Stranger Things – 1980s American Comfort Food

Head back to Hawkins, Indiana, with nostalgic bites like:

Eggo waffles (Eleven’s go-to snack)

Sloppy Joes

Tater tots or TV dinners

Wash down with Coca-Cola (New Coke edition, if you dare)

Bonus: Create a retro playlist to match the vibe.

5. The Bear – Modern Chef-Inspired Dishes

Want something more restaurant-realistic? The Bear on Disney+ showcases gritty kitchen culture and creative cooking. Try your hand at:

Italian beef sandwiches – Inspired by the show's Chicago roots

Carmy’s omelette with Boursin cheese and chives

Handmade pasta with rich ragu

Tip: This is a great opportunity to sharpen your knife skills or plate like a pro.

How to Start Your TV Food Journey

Watch with intent – Pause scenes to note what’s being eaten

Use official or fan-made cookbooks – Many exist for popular shows

Recreate the vibe – Set the table or decorate to match the setting

Host a watch party dinner – Pair episodes with matching meals

Final Thoughts

Food on screen does more than fuel the plot—it tells us who characters are and where they come from. Recreating these meals at home is not just a culinary adventure; it's a chance to connect more deeply with the stories we love.

So whether you’re nibbling a Hobbit’s second breakfast or sipping tea like a Bridgerton, TV-inspired cooking is a delicious way to binge-watch with purpose.

Have you recreated a dish from a show you love? Share it on social media and tag us with #TVDinnerChallenge!

How to Deal with Moth and Other Infestations in Your Commercial Kitchen

Running a commercial kitchen is a serious business, and maintaining the highest hygiene standards is non-negotiable. 

One of the more unpleasant challenges kitchen managers may face is the appearance of pests – particularly moths and other infestations such as flies, cockroaches, ants, and rodents. 

These intruders are not only a health hazard but also a reputational risk, especially if spotted by customers or environmental health inspectors.

Here’s how to effectively deal with and prevent moth and other infestations in your commercial kitchen:

1. Understand the Enemy: Common Commercial Kitchen Pests

Moths: Often drawn to stored dry goods like flour, grains, rice and nuts, pantry moths (also known as Indian meal moths) can quickly contaminate food supplies. They can even be introduced to your premises by produce from outside that was already infested, such as rice, flour, etc.

Cockroaches: Thrive in warm, damp conditions and feed on any organic matter – especially food waste.

Flies: Attracted to uncovered food and bins, flies can spread harmful bacteria with ease.

Rodents: Mice and rats are a major threat to food safety and can cause structural damage.

Ants: Though small, ants can infest sweet or greasy foods and are tough to eradicate without a strategic approach.

2. Spot the Signs of an Infestation Early

Droppings or smear marks along walls or near food storage.

Webbing or cocoons in dry goods containers (sign of moths).

Unpleasant odours, especially musty or oily smells.

Visible pests, particularly at night (cockroaches and rodents are nocturnal).

Gnawed packaging or tiny holes in bags of dry food.

Early detection is key to managing a problem before it escalates.

3. Prevention is Better than Cure

Good storage practices:

Store all dry goods in sealed, airtight containers.

Label and rotate stock using FIFO (First In, First Out) to avoid old food sitting too long.

Clean spills immediately and keep floors, shelving, and storage areas free from crumbs and residue.

Hygiene routines:

Implement a daily, weekly, and monthly deep-cleaning schedule.

Pay attention to hidden spots like behind fridges, under sinks, and inside vents.

Ensure grease traps are emptied and cleaned regularly.

Waste control:

Empty bins frequently and keep lids sealed.

Store waste outside in sealed bins to avoid attracting flies or rodents.

Staff training:

Make pest awareness part of your hygiene training.

Encourage staff to report sightings of any pest activity immediately.

4. What to Do if You Discover an Infestation

Stop service if necessary:

Depending on the severity, it may be best to temporarily halt food service to protect public health.

Dispose of contaminated food:

If pests have breached packaging or come into contact with food, it must be discarded safely.

Call in professionals:

A licensed pest control company should be contacted to assess and treat the infestation. Look for firms that specialise in commercial food premises.

Follow up treatments:

Many infestations require multiple treatments. Stick to the recommended schedule and comply with all follow-up checks.

Review your procedures:

After treatment, review and strengthen your pest control measures to stop recurrence.

5. Moth-Specific Tips

Inspect all new deliveries of dry goods before placing them in storage.

Use pheromone traps to monitor and reduce pantry moth populations.

Clean storage containers thoroughly before refilling – larvae and eggs can hide in cracks.

Freeze bulk dry goods for 72 hours before storing to kill any hidden larvae.

6. Stay Compliant

Food safety regulations in the UK (under Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 and enforced by local authorities) require commercial kitchens to be free from contamination risks – including pests. Keep documentation of pest control visits and hygiene logs to show you are maintaining standards.

In Summary

A proactive approach, combined with strict hygiene protocols and professional support when needed, is the best way to manage and prevent moths and other infestations in your commercial kitchen. Staying vigilant not only protects your customers and staff but also preserves the reputation and success of your food business.

First Impressions Matter – Why You Must Keep the Outside of Your Food and Drink Premises Spotlessly Clean

When it comes to running a successful food and drink establishment, what’s on the plate is only part of the picture. 

The outside of your premises is just as important as the inside, especially when it comes to attracting and retaining customers. 

No matter how mouth-watering your menu or how friendly your team, a dirty or neglected exterior can send potential diners heading for the hills – or worse, straight to your competitors.

I recently overheard a comment that really hammered this point home:

“The outside of these premises is filthy. I dread to think what it’s like inside. Let’s go elsewhere.”

A harsh statement – but also brutally honest. And they weren’t alone. Many passers-by judge a café, restaurant, pub or takeaway on its kerb appeal alone.

Let’s dive into why keeping the outside of your food business spotlessly clean is not just good practice – it’s essential.

1. It’s Your Silent Salesperson

The front of your establishment is your first and most visible advert. Dirty windows, overflowing bins, cigarette butts or bird droppings don’t just make your place look unattractive – they actively repel potential customers. A clean, well-maintained frontage sends the message: “We take pride in everything we do.”

2. It Builds Trust in Your Hygiene Standards

Whether consciously or not, customers equate a clean exterior with a clean kitchen. If the outside is grimy or neglected, people will assume hygiene standards are just as lax behind the scenes – and that can be enough to put them off for good.

3. It Keeps You on the Right Side of Inspectors

Environmental health inspectors won’t stop judging your premises once they step outside. Litter, dirty pavements, grease marks, or poorly maintained signage can all influence the overall impression of your food safety standards. Don't give them a reason to question your cleanliness.

4. It Encourages Repeat Visits

People want to feel proud when they bring their friends or family to their favourite local. A sparkling entrance, clean windows, well-kept outdoor seating and fresh signage can help create a welcoming, professional atmosphere that brings people back again and again.

5. It Deters Pests

Overflowing bins, spilled food waste or untidy storage areas outside can attract rats, mice, flies and other pests – all of which are bad news for any food premises. Regular cleaning, along with proper waste management, reduces the risk of infestations.

6. It’s a Marketing Opportunity

A clean exterior provides the perfect canvas for promotional signage, specials boards, or flower displays. Make the most of your space to show off your personality and draw people in. But it only works if everything is clean, tidy and looked after.

How to Keep the Outside Spotless

Daily sweep-downs of pavements, entryways and smoking areas

Pressure washing paths or seating areas weekly or after spills

Regular window cleaning to keep your frontage gleaming

Bin checks – make sure waste areas are neat, with lids on and no spillages

Tidy signage – fix peeling stickers, broken signs or wonky chalkboards

Monitor for graffiti or vandalism – act quickly to clean or report issues

Staff training – include exterior checks in your daily cleaning rota

In Summary

The cleanliness of the outside of your business is not just cosmetic – it’s a direct reflection of your brand, your hygiene, and your professionalism. Don’t let something as simple as a dirty doorway or an overflowing bin drive customers away before they’ve even seen your menu.

As the passer-by said: “I dread to think what it’s like inside.”

Let’s make sure no one says that about your business.

How Your Food Business Can Partner with Local Charities to Help Feed Disadvantaged People

In an era of rising living costs and growing food insecurity, many individuals and families in our communities are struggling to put meals on the table. 

As a food business—whether you run a restaurant, café, catering company or bakery—you’re in a unique position to make a meaningful difference. 

Partnering with local charities to help feed disadvantaged people is not only socially responsible; it’s also good for community relations and your brand reputation.

Here’s how your business can start making an impact today.

1. Build Relationships with Local Charities

Start by identifying charities and community organisations in your area that focus on food provision. This could include food banks, soup kitchens, shelters, community fridges, and churches or mosques that run meal programmes. Reach out and have a conversation about their needs—some may need regular surplus food donations, while others might benefit from one-off events or cooked meals.

Examples in the UK include:

FareShare

The Trussell Trust

FoodCycle

The Felix Project (London)

Community fridges via Hubbub

2. Donate Surplus Food Responsibly

If your business regularly ends up with unused stock or prepared food that’s still safe to eat, consider setting up a structured donation programme. Work with charities that can collect your surplus or coordinate with a volunteer network. Be sure to follow all food safety guidelines and check if your business is covered by the UK’s Good Samaritan food donation protections.

Some platforms like Too Good To Go or OLIO also help businesses redistribute food that would otherwise go to waste.

3. Offer Skills or Services

Your team’s skills can be just as valuable as food donations. Consider volunteering your chefs for cookery workshops at community centres, or helping charities create nutritious, low-cost meal plans. You could host fundraising dinners or pop-up events, donating the profits to food charities.

4. Sponsor or Support Community Meals

Many charities host regular community meals for those in need. Partnering with them to sponsor a meal—or providing the venue, ingredients, or staff—can make a big difference. These events don’t just feed people; they create spaces for connection and dignity.

5. Run a “Pay It Forward” Scheme

Consider starting a “Pay It Forward” initiative where customers can purchase a meal or hot drink in advance for someone in need. Display this clearly in your premises or online, and coordinate with a local charity to redeem them.

6. Raise Awareness and Encourage Donations

Use your business's visibility to raise awareness about local hunger issues. Display collection bins for food or essentials, share charity appeals on social media, or add an optional donation to your checkout process (especially for online orders).

7. Build Long-Term Partnerships

Consistency is key. While one-off efforts are helpful, long-term partnerships with charities allow you to create sustainable impact. Establish regular donation schedules, co-branded campaigns, or annual charity events. This also gives your staff and customers a sense of purpose and involvement.

Food is one of the most powerful ways to care for others. As a food business, you’re in a position of influence and opportunity. Working with local charities not only helps address food poverty in your community—it shows your customers and your staff that you’re committed to doing good.

By sharing what you have—whether it’s ingredients, time, space, or skills—you can help bring dignity, warmth, and nourishment to those who need it most.

Why Clean, Smart Uniforms Matter in Your Catering Establishment

In the fast-paced world of catering, where first impressions are everything and hygiene is paramount, the importance of staff uniforms can’t be overstated. 

Whether you’re running a fine dining restaurant, a mobile food van, or a busy events company, clean and smart uniforms are more than just a dress code—they’re a critical part of your brand, operations, and customer trust.

1. Professionalism and Brand Image

Uniforms are often the first thing your customers notice. Crisp, well-maintained attire projects professionalism and shows that your business takes pride in its standards. 

It also reinforces your brand identity. Matching, smart uniforms in your brand colours or featuring your logo help cement your business in the minds of your clients and give your establishment a cohesive, polished look.

Imagine being greeted by front-of-house staff in stained or wrinkled clothing—would you feel confident in the cleanliness of the kitchen or the quality of the food? A smart appearance sets the tone for the entire customer experience.

2. Hygiene and Food Safety Compliance

In the UK, food safety regulations require that anyone handling food maintains high levels of personal hygiene—and uniforms are a vital part of this. Clean clothing reduces the risk of contamination and helps ensure compliance with food hygiene regulations, such as those enforced by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Chefs and kitchen staff should wear protective and laundered garments that are changed regularly. Front-of-house staff, while not handling food directly, also represent your hygiene standards to the public.

3. Staff Confidence and Team Morale

Providing staff with high-quality, smart uniforms can have a surprising impact on morale. When employees look the part, they feel the part. Clean, well-fitting uniforms can boost confidence, instil pride in their role, and promote a sense of unity across the team. It removes ambiguity around what is or isn't appropriate to wear, and helps ensure everyone is on the same page—especially in busy or high-pressure environments.

4. Customer Trust and Satisfaction

Customers are more likely to trust a catering business where staff look clean, tidy, and professional. In an age where social media reviews can make or break a business, maintaining visible hygiene standards through uniforms helps reassure guests that your establishment is trustworthy and well-run.

Positive visual cues—such as neat uniforms, name badges, or aprons—signal attention to detail and respect for the customer, both of which can influence whether they return or recommend your service to others.

5. Health and Safety

In kitchens, uniforms often serve a functional role. Chef jackets, aprons, non-slip shoes, and hair coverings aren’t just aesthetic—they’re designed to protect both the wearer and the food. Smart uniform policies should include guidance on footwear, sleeve lengths, and protective items to reduce the risk of accidents and burns.

Clean, smart uniforms are a small detail with a big impact. They contribute to hygiene, brand identity, team unity, and customer satisfaction. 

By investing in good-quality uniforms and ensuring they’re worn with care, you’re sending a clear message: your business values professionalism, quality, and the experience of every guest who walks through the door.

That’s Food and Drink and That’s Christmas Are Looking for Sponsors That Fit Into the Ethos of Our Blogs

At That’s Food and Drink and That’s Christmas, we’re passionate about sharing the stories, flavours, and experiences that bring people together – whether around the table for a delicious meal or beside a twinkling tree with mulled wine in hand. 

Our blogs celebrate seasonal living, British food and drink culture, and festive joy all year round.

As we continue to grow our readership and expand our content, we’re now inviting brand sponsors and collaborators who share our values and our audience’s interests.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking partnerships with brands, producers, and organisations that:

Champion quality – whether it’s gourmet treats, lovingly crafted beverages, artisanal gifts, or thoughtful food innovations.

Support British producers and small businesses – from farm shops to festive markets, regional delicacies to family-owned distilleries.

Embrace the festive spirit – sustainable Christmas products, unique decorations, heartwarming traditions, or anything that brings extra sparkle to the season.

Align with our ethos – community-minded, joyful, inclusive, and always flavourful.

Why Partner With Us?

Our blogs are growing communities where readers come for inspiration, honest recommendations, and seasonal cheer. Here’s what we offer to sponsors:

Engaging, SEO-optimised sponsored content that reflects your brand voice.

Authentic reviews and features that resonate with our loyal readers.

Creative campaigns – from recipe collaborations and giveaways to festive roundups and social media spotlights.

Year-round visibility for Christmas-focused brands on That’s Christmas, and continuous seasonal lifestyle coverage on That’s Food and Drink.

Let’s Make Magic Together

We’re especially keen to hear from:

Food and drink producers

Kitchenware and cookware brands

Event organisers and venues

Christmas crafters, designers and makers

Ethical and sustainable brands

Regional tourism boards and heritage venues

Publishers of cookbooks and festive titles

Whether you’re planning ahead for the festive rush or want to get your summer launch in front of enthusiastic home cooks, party planners and food lovers – we’d love to chat.

Get in Touch

To learn more please email us at: afj_uk@yahoo.com

Together, let’s create something truly special for our readers.

Why You Should Regularly Service Your Cooker Hoods and Kitchen Extractor Systems

Whether you’re managing a bustling commercial kitchen or cooking for your family at home, keeping your cooker hood and extractor system in top condition is not just a matter of hygiene—it’s a matter of safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

What Does a Cooker Hood or Extractor Fan Do?

Cooker hoods and extractor fans are designed to remove airborne grease, smoke, odours, and steam produced during cooking. 

They help maintain air quality and reduce the build-up of moisture and contaminants in your kitchen. But these hardworking appliances only function properly if they are regularly cleaned and maintained.

Why Regular Servicing Is Essential

1. Fire Safety

Grease and oil build up quickly inside extractor systems, especially in commercial kitchens where cooking is constant. This build-up can become a serious fire hazard. Regular servicing ensures that these residues are removed before they reach dangerous levels.

2. Improved Air Quality

Blocked or dirty filters reduce the efficiency of extraction, leaving smoke, odours and even harmful airborne particles lingering in your kitchen. Clean filters and a well-maintained system help keep the air fresh and breathable.

3. Better Energy Efficiency

When filters are clogged or the system is struggling to perform, it must work harder—using more energy and increasing your utility bills. A clean, well-functioning extractor is more efficient and environmentally friendly.

4. Extended Appliance Life

Just like any mechanical system, regular maintenance helps prevent wear and tear. Neglecting to clean and service your extractor can lead to expensive repairs or the need for a full replacement much sooner than expected.

5. Hygiene Compliance in Commercial Kitchens

For food businesses, keeping extractor systems clean is a legal requirement under health and safety regulations. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines, forced closures, or failing hygiene inspections. Regular servicing and proper documentation are essential for compliance.

How Often Should You Service and Change Filters?

Domestic Kitchens: Replace or clean filters every 3–6 months, depending on usage. A full service is recommended annually.

Commercial Kitchens: Filters should be cleaned weekly or monthly, and professional servicing should be carried out at least every 6 months—more frequently if you operate a high-volume kitchen.

Signs Your System Needs Attention

Reduced suction power or poor odour control

Excessive noise or rattling

Visible grease build-up

Smell of burning or overheating

Lights or control panels not functioning correctly

Final Thoughts

Your cooker hood and extractor system are not ‘fit and forget’ appliances. They require regular attention to function effectively and safely. Whether you're at home or in a commercial environment, staying on top of maintenance will save you money, reduce risk, and ensure a healthier kitchen for everyone.

Bonus Tip: Keep a Maintenance Log

In commercial settings, maintaining a log of filter changes and servicing dates helps demonstrate due diligence to health inspectors and insurance providers.

Crowdie makes a comeback for delicious cheesy summer spreads

Highland Fine Cheeses in Tain, Scotland is set to deliver something fresh to the feasting table this summer, with its vibrant and zesty Skinny Crowdie.

 As Scotland’s most traditional cheese, and the product that started the Stone family’s journey into cheesemaking, this lactic curd cheese is steeped in a rich heritage and brings a light and creamy reduced fat dairy option for those long sunny days.

Made using milk from free-roaming cows in the Scottish Highlands, Skinny Crowdie gets its name from its origin as a biproduct in the butter-making process, when the fat is removed from milk. The remaining curds are hung in a muslin, having previously been hung in stockings or pillowcases, and the result is a soft and crumbly spreadable cheese.

Light and creamy with a hint of lemon, Skinny Crowdie can be simply spread on an oatcake, folded into a pate, topped with berries and drizzled with honey, or even dolloped onto a hot scone with jam. 

To top off the summer spread, it pairs really well with a chilled white wine, such as Viogner or Chenin Blanc.

Skinny Crowdie is priced at £5.25 for a 140g tub and can be purchased from hf-cheeses.com, along with Highland Fine Cheeses’ other award-winning cheeses and accompaniments, with delivery available across the UK. Highland Fine Cheeses’ range is also available in farm shops, delis, stores and supermarkets throughout the UK and Scotland. Cheese lovers can check their local stockist at hf-cheeses.com/pages/store-locator.

FACTFILE on Highland Fine Cheeses

Highland Fine Cheeses is based in Tain, which is in northeast Scotland, and produces a collection of artisan cheeses including Morangie Brie, Minger and Strathdon Blue. 

Taking inspiration from around the globe, second generation cheesemaker, Rory Stone remains true to the artisan processes  his parents implemented when Blarliath Farm was a smallholding of just 14 Shorthorn dairy cows, and a randy bull called Geordie.

The Highlands were traditionally referred to as cattle country, with every farm or croft having a house cow, to supplement their diet. 

After the cream had been ladled off the top of the milk to churn butter, the remaining milk’s cultures would slowly eat the lactose and multiply throughout, souring it by releasing lactic acid. 

Eventually the milk would set and form a curd, a bit like yogurt and the curd was scrambled like eggs and hung up in a pillowcase or a muslin to drain the whey. The final addition of salt resulted in Crowdie, a soft fresh cheese, traditional to Scotland.

Highland Fine Cheeses’ story began with the resurrection of Crowdie in the family bathtub, when Rory’s father, Reggie, complained that no-one was producing it anymore, and so his mother, Susannah, set about making it. 

Crowdie is still made by Highland Fine Cheeses, albeit not in the bathtub anymore, alongside its collection of award-winning mould ripened, blue and washed rind style cheeses.

It's good to note that Highland Fine Cheeses does not add Bovaer additive or supplements to the feeding requirements of its dairy farmers.

Website: hf-cheeses.com

The Buzz About Fake Honey: How to Spot the Real Deal

Honey has long been revered as a golden, natural gift—drizzled on toast, stirred into tea, or used in skincare and home remedies. 

But beneath the golden glow lies a growing problem that many consumers are unaware of: fake honey.

Supermarket shelves are increasingly stocked with adulterated honey products—some watered down with sugar syrups, others containing little to no real honey at all. So how can you tell what’s real and what’s not? Let’s take a look.

What Is Fake Honey?

Fake honey (or adulterated honey) is typically diluted with substances like:

Glucose syrup

High fructose corn syrup

Rice or beet syrup

In some cases, flavourings and colourants

It’s often done to cut costs and boost profits while making the product look and taste like genuine honey.

Why It’s a Problem

Deceptive labelling – Some products labelled as "pure honey" may contain undeclared additives.

Nutritional loss – Real honey is packed with antioxidants, enzymes, and trace minerals. Adulterated versions lack these benefits.

Damage to beekeepers – Honest beekeepers struggle to compete with cheap, fake imports.

Consumer trust – Food fraud erodes confidence in natural, healthy products.

How to Identify Fake Honey

While lab tests are the only definitive way to confirm purity, here are a few tricks consumers can use at home or when shopping:

Check the Label

Look for “100% raw honey” or “unfiltered honey.”

Avoid products listing glucose, fructose, or “honey blend” in the ingredients.

Country of origin: Some imported honey has been flagged for fraud—check where it comes from.

The Spoon Test

Dip a spoon into the honey and let it fall back into the jar. Real honey:

Falls in a thick stream

Doesn’t splatter or run like water

Settles into itself without separating

The Water Test

Drop a spoonful of honey into a glass of cold water:

Fake honey dissolves or disperses quickly

Real honey settles at the bottom in a blob

The Flame Test (use caution!)

Dip a cotton bud in the honey and try lighting it with a lighter:

Real honey may burn slightly

Adulterated honey often won’t ignite due to water content

Support Local Beekeepers

The best way to ensure you're buying authentic honey is to purchase from:

Local farmers’ markets

Beekeepers’ stalls

British honey producers with traceable, transparent supply chains

What’s Being Done?

Some UK supermarkets have pledged to improve their sourcing, and trading standards have begun cracking down on fraudulent imports. However, testing can be costly, and loopholes still exist.

As awareness grows, more consumers are demanding transparency—which is good news for ethical producers and honey-loving households alike.

Final Drizzle

If you’re serious about honey, don’t be fooled by a pretty label or a rock-bottom price. Knowing how to spot fake honey empowers you to make better, more sustainable choices.

Because when it comes to honey, you deserve the real thing.

Lynne Ingram, Chair of the Honey Authenticity Network UK, an international organisation fighting 'Fake honey' to help honey producers, consumers and bees told That's Food and Drink: “UK consumers have the right to make informed choices when purchasing honey. If a product is labelled as honey, it must be exactly that—genuine honey, naturally collected and ripened by bees.

" It should not be a factory-processed product, artificially dried or containing added syrups. Transparency is also essential when it comes to labelling. Vague statements like 'a blend of EU and non-EU honeys' are unhelpful and misleading. Consumers deserve clear information about the true country of origin. 

"We are calling on the authorities to take urgent action to stop the influx of cheap, adulterated honey into the UK. This includes robust testing and strong enforcement to protect both consumers and honest producers.”

Black Bee Honey's range of award-winning 100% British 'flower to jar' honeys are single source with the location and name of the beekeeper printed on every jar, so it's fully traceable.  Since 2020 they have been donating 2% of its turnover to the charity Plantlife for the creation of wildflower meadows, and so far have helped create over 25 acres of meadows. This work has enabled them to establish a circular business model where every jar bought creates wildflower meadows, which in turn helps bees to create honey. 

Black Bee Honey is currently listed with Ocado, Holland & Barrett, Abel & Cole and Harrods.  Their honeys are also available online at blackbeehoney.com.