Jazz Up Your Summer Salads: Fresh Ideas for Bold, Beautiful Bowls

Summer is the absolutely perfect time to enjoy light, refreshing, and vibrant meals. 

And nothing fits the bill better than a crisp, colourful salad. 

But let’s face it: not all salads are created equal. If your lettuce leaves are starting to look a little limp with boredom, it’s time to jazz things up. Here’s how to turn your summer salads from side dish to showstopper.

Start with Stunning Greens

Ditch the iceberg and experiment with a mix of textures and flavours. Try:

Rocket and watercress for peppery zest

Lollo rosso or oak leaf lettuce for colour and crunch

Baby spinach or kale for a nutritional boost

Top tip: Mix at least two types of greens for visual appeal and a better bite.

Add Sweet and Savoury Surprises

Fruit in salad? Absolutely. The sweet-savoury combo can be magical:

Strawberries + balsamic vinegar + goat’s cheese

Mango + avocado + lime juice

Watermelon + feta + mint

Bonus: Try roasted peaches or grilled pineapple for a caramelised touch.

Say Yes to Cheese

Cheese brings richness and complexity:

Crumbled feta for saltiness

Shaved parmesan for a nutty note

Burrata or mozzarella for creamy indulgence

Try tossing your cheese in after dressing the salad to keep it fresh and firm.

Crunch It Up

Great salads have texture. Add crunch with:

Toasted nuts (almonds, pecans, hazelnuts)

Seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame)

Homemade croutons or crispy chickpeas

Pro tip: Toast seeds or nuts in a dry pan for extra flavour.

Go Beyond the Basics

Go wild with toppings and mix-ins:

Pickled red onions

Roasted vegetables (courgettes, aubergines, sweet potatoes)

Grains like quinoa, bulgur or pearl barley

Hard-boiled eggs or grilled chicken for protein

Salads are a great way to use up leftovers or get creative with your pantry.

Dress to Impress

The dressing makes or breaks the salad. Skip the shop-bought stuff and make your own:

Classic vinaigrette: 3 parts olive oil to 1 part vinegar, plus mustard and seasoning. Also, consider using organic cider vinegar .

Creamy tahini dressing: tahini, lemon juice, garlic, water, and a touch of honey

Zesty yoghurt dressing: Greek yoghurt, cucumber, mint, lemon juice

Tip: Dress just before serving to keep things crisp.

Serve It in Style

Presentation matters! Try:

Layering ingredients in a glass bowl

Serving on a wooden platter for rustic charm

Garnishing with edible flowers or fresh herbs (think basil, chives, coriander)

Also, consider using organic cider vinegar 

A salad doesn’t have to be a soggy afterthought. With a few smart swaps and bold additions, it can become the star of your summer table. So next time you’re prepping for a picnic, barbecue or light supper, jazz up your salad and let the flavours sing.

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The Chartered Institute of Brewers and Distillers launches its latest short course: Packaging for Distillers

This course gives distillers the knowledge essential for working effectively with a packaging operation

The Chartered Institute of Brewers and Distillers (CIBD), the most widely recognised provider of technical education in the distilling industry, has launched a brand new self-assessed and on demand technical course, Packaging for Distillers.

The Packaging for Distillers course is the latest in a hugely popular series of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) short courses. 

It is aimed at distillers working in distilleries of all sizes, providing a practical understanding of packaging materials and packaging operations. 

Distillers completing the course should be well equipped to ensure they have a cost effective and sustainable packaging operation and that their packaging protects the quality of their product. It covers packaging spirits and ready to drink (RTD) beverages.

This course has been developed in collaboration with experienced and accomplished distillers, packaging professionals and suppliers of packaging materials and equipment.

The Packaging for Distillers course provides the same technical excellence found in all CIBD qualifications, with the benefit of not needing to sit a formal exam.

The course includes a downloadable PDF with technical information such as:

A detailed summary of the course content

A technical reference for troubleshooting problems with packaging operations

Details of the quality checks performed on packages

The course features engaging text, countless videos, animations, quizzes, and games to help enhance learning. At the end of the course, learners receive a Certificate of Completion.

On this announcement, Stuart Howe, Technical Development Manager, explained to That's Food and Drink: “Our success as distillers is usually determined as much by the quality of our packaging, as it is by our skill as a distiller. 

"Effective packaging enhances our reputation. Bad packaging destroys it. This course provides you with the knowledge required to ensure that your packaging is always effective!”

https://www.cibd.org.uk

Raising a Glass to UK Cider this Summer

From orchard to glass, there’s never been a better time to enjoy great British cider.

As the sun shines, there’s one drink that truly captures the spirit of a British summer, cider.

From picnics in the park to barbecues with friends, UK cider is taking centre stage this summer, offering refreshment, flavour, and a proud sense of local tradition. With apples pressed, fermented and blended right here in the UK, cider is more than just a drink, it’s a celebration of our countryside, our heritage, and our taste for innovation.

Whether it's sparkling and light, dry and tannic, or bursting with fruity character, there’s a cider for every summer moment. And with more people seeking out locally made, authentic drinks, now is the perfect time to raise a glass to the makers, growers and cider lovers who are keeping this great British tradition alive.

David Sheppy, Chair of the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM), told That's Food and Drink: “Summer is cider’s time to shine. It’s refreshing, rooted in our farming heritage, and it brings people together. From traditional ciders made on family farms to new styles appealing to curious drinkers, there’s never been a better time to explore what the UK cider scene has to offer.”

With cider orchards being warmed by early summer sun across Herefordshire, Somerset, Devon, Kent and beyond, the drink also connects us directly to the land. Each pint tells the story of British orchards in bloom, the rhythm of the harvest, and the skill of the cider maker.

This summer, whether you’re at a music festival, a countryside pub, or simply enjoying the sun in your garden, make it a moment to savour, with great cider, made here.

https://cideruk.com/

Southend Foodbank Meets Local MPs to Urge Action on Universal Credit Ahead of Crucial Vote

Ahead of a critical parliamentary vote on proposed cuts to health and disability benefits, Southend Foodbank representatives Cass Francis and Jemma Walsh travelled to Westminster to meet Southend’s MPs, David Burton-Sampson and Bayo Alaba, during Trussell’s national Lobby Day.

While in Parliament, Cass and Jemma discussed the growing hardships faced by people on the lowest incomes and urged both MPs to support the Guarantee Our Essentials campaign, led by Trussell and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF).

At the heart of the campaign is a call for an independent review to determine the true cost of covering life’s essentials in the UK today. 

Currently, the basic rate of Universal Credit has no link to actual living costs (excluding rent and council tax) and falls far short of what people need to survive. 

The cross-party Work and Pensions Committee found that, even with recent increases, we are spending the same amount on benefits for working-aged people as we were in 2007.

Cass and Jemma urged MPs to advocate for increasing the basic rate of Universal Credit to £120 per week for a single adult and £205 per week for a couple. While upcoming changes in the Benefits Reform Bill promise incremental increases to Universal Credit, these won’t be fully implemented until 2029/30 and will still lack any tie to the actual cost of living.

They also raised concerns about deductions from Universal Credit payments, highlighting the importance of a Minimum Income Floor - a limit on how much the government can deduct from payments. While the maximum deduction rate has recently been reduced from 25% to 15%, Southend Foodbank supports going further, again in line with evidence from an independent review.

In response to the upcoming second reading in parliament for the UC & PIP Bill, Cass Francis, Comms & Campaigns Coordinator at Southend Foodbank, told That's Food and Drink: “It was a real privilege to speak face to face with both of Southend’s MPs and to hear their thoughts on the Essentials Guarantee. No one should be forced to go without the basics they need to survive. Universal Credit must reflect the true cost of living.

“As you can imagine, we at the Foodbank, Trussell, JRF and many other organisations are extremely concerned about the proposed £5 billion in welfare cuts aimed at the benefits received by people with disabilities. We are urging everyone to write or email their MP and ask them to vote against these reforms.

“Trussell’s analysis shows that 440,000 disabled people and their families will be forced into severe hardship by the proposed cuts, which will be devastating for them, and push many more people to the doors of food banks like ours.”

La Dolce Vita at Eataly's Terra by Carlo Cracco

Italian eatery Terra by Carlo Cracco, continues to celebrate summer and a balmier London with their summer pop-up, 'La Dolce Vita,' every Wednesday. 

The pop-up captures the lively spirit of Italian culture and brings a taste of la dolce vita to the heart of London, with ambient Italian summery beats of modern Italian pop and indie music. 

This summer, guests can indulge in a selection of refreshing cocktails inspired by the warmth and charm of Italy's sun-soaked shores. The carefully curated cocktail menu includes:

La Dolce Vita - Gin, Aperol, Passito sweet wine, apple juice, Prosecco foam. Served straight up & garnished with rose petals.

Enjoy the sweet life and float on air with one sip of this delicate and fruity cocktail.

Lemon & Basil Smash - Luxardo Limoncello liqueur, gin, lemon juice & basil leaves. Served with a rim of dried citrus fruit peel powder & sea salt, and a basil leaf.

A refreshing, slightly savoury, and irresistibly summer experience.

Portofino Mule - Portofino Dry Gin, bergamot liqueur, elderflower syrup, lime juice, ginger beer. Garnished with cucumber and mint leaves.

A crisp, herbaceous, and well-balanced drinking experience, perfect for this season.

Almond Sunset - Amaretto Adriatico Bianco, Campari, lime juice, pink grapefruit tonic, served with a wedge of grapefruit.

A refreshing, light, and elegantly crisp cocktail.

Virgin Peach Bellini - Alcohol-free Prosecco, peach purée.

Enjoy this alcohol-free version of a beloved classic.

Alongside vibrant cocktails, guests can enjoy complimentary olives and taralli extending to Italian-inspired canapé bites, designed by our Terra by Carlo Cracco team to complement the cocktails.

If you're looking for a heartier meal, highlights from the menu include the Polpo All'Arrabbiata which features bold Italian flavours with charcoal-grilled octopus, nduja sauce, roasted cherry tomatoes and smashed potatoes. 

Their wide variety of flavoursome pasta dishes include Spaghetti Al Pomodoro with roasted cherry tomatoes, lemon peel, and fresh basil. For a taste of the sea, Cracco's Fregola Al Gamberi features grilled prawns straight off of the wood-fired grill, roasted cherry tomatoes, and prawns bisque, inspired by the sublime Sardinian coastline.

https://eataly.co.uk/news/introducing-terra-by-carlo-cracco

Shop Cookbooks, Cookery Items and More via That’s Food and Drink – Powered by Amazon for Bargain Prices and Trusted Delivery

If you’re looking for cookbooks, kitchen gadgets, gourmet groceries, or fine wines—all without the hassle of shopping around, That’s Food and Drink has you covered. 

And best of all, our shop is powered by Amazon’s trusted platform, meaning you get all the ease, speed, and security of Amazon shopping, with a curated twist from us!

From the quirky retro baking of B. Dylan Hollis to essential kitchen gear and even full-size cookers, our online storefront features handpicked favourites for home cooks, foodies, and entertainers alike—often at bargain prices.

What You’ll Find in the That’s Food and Drink Amazon Storefront:

Cookbooks to Keep You Inspired

From bestselling authors to internet sensations like B. Dylan Hollis, our storefront includes a carefully chosen selection of cookbooks that range from nostalgic bakes to modern, healthy meals.

Kitchen Tools and Cookware

Whether you're after a sturdy skillet, time-saving gadgets, or a full baking set, we’ve selected some of Amazon’s best-reviewed kitchen essentials—all in one place.

Browse kitchen gadgets and cookware

Quality Groceries with a Twist

From organic ingredients to Italian-imported pantry staples, our Amazon shop offers hard-to-find gourmet foods, all available for quick delivery and excellent prices.

View gourmet groceries

Wines, Beers and More

Enjoy a curated mix of fine wines, craft beers, and celebratory tipples, with handy bundles and gift sets available—perfect for food pairings and festive occasions.

Explore wines and drinks

Appliances, Cookers & More

Yes, you can even buy full-size cookers, microwaves, and other appliances via our store—reliably sourced through Amazon and delivered right to your door.

Shop appliances

✅ Why Shop With Us?

Amazon’s Trusted Fulfilment – Enjoy fast shipping, customer protection, and easy returns.

Curated By Food Lovers – We only feature products we’d use ourselves.

Easy Browsing – Everything is neatly categorised in one convenient Amazon storefront.

Regular Bargains – Many items are discounted or part of limited-time offers.

How to Shop

Visit our Amazon-powered That’s Food and Drink storefront (link below).

https://amzn.to/3Gpc9N4

Click through categories like Cookbooks, Kitchenware, or Beverages.

Add to basket and check out via Amazon – it’s that simple.

Final Thoughts

We’ve taken the guesswork out of shopping for all things delicious. With That’s Food and Drink via Amazon, you get great taste, reliable delivery, and handpicked quality, without spending hours searching. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen, picking a cookbook, or choosing a foodie gift, you’ll find it fast.

Shop smarter. Cook better. Drink beautifully.

Rescuing £20 Billion: How the UK Can Save Its Wasted Food

Every year, the UK throws away an estimated £20 billion worth of food: A figure that’s as staggering as it is avoidable. 

This isn’t just a matter of tossing a few expired tins or leftovers; it’s a systemic issue affecting households, retailers, restaurants, and the environment. But the good news? There’s enormous potential to rescue this waste, feed more people, reduce carbon emissions, and save money.

Here’s how we can tackle the problem and turn waste into worth.

1. Tackling Waste at Home: Small Changes, Big Results

Households are the biggest contributors to food waste in the UK, responsible for over 60% of the total. Reasons include poor meal planning, confusion over "best before" dates, and improper storage.

What we can do:

Meal planning & portion control – Creating weekly menus and shopping lists reduces overbuying.

Freezing and preserving – Freezing surplus food or using techniques like pickling and fermenting can extend shelf life.

Understanding food labels – "Use by" indicates safety, while "best before" relates to quality. Knowing the difference prevents safe food from being binned.

Composting – Not all scraps can be eaten, but turning them into compost keeps them out of landfill and helps gardens grow.

2. Retailers Must Rethink the Supply Chain

Supermarkets and suppliers waste tonnes of edible food due to aesthetic standards, overstocking, and logistical inefficiencies.

Solutions include:

Relaxing cosmetic standards – Perfectly good "wonky" fruit and veg should be welcomed, not rejected.

Dynamic pricing – Discounting products nearing expiry to encourage quick sales.

Donating surplus food – Connecting with food banks and charities like FareShare ensures surplus feeds people, not bins.

Smarter forecasting – Using AI and data tools to better predict demand and reduce over-ordering.

3. Restaurants and Hospitality: Cook Smart, Waste Less

Cafés, pubs, hotels and restaurants can lose thousands of pounds per year through over-preparation, over-sized portions and wasteful practices.

Practical approaches:

Smaller portion options – Offering half portions or the option to customise sides helps cut uneaten food.

Menu auditing – Analysing what gets left behind can inform smarter, less wasteful menus.

Staff training – Empowering kitchen and front-of-house teams with waste-reduction strategies.

Food redistribution – Apps like Too Good To Go, Olio and Karma let businesses sell or share surplus meals at discounted prices or for free.

4. Policy and Education: Systemic Support

Reducing food waste isn’t just about individual responsibility—it also requires national coordination and education.

Key actions:

School curriculum updates – Teach young people about food storage, cooking, and waste prevention.

Incentives and penalties – Reward businesses that minimise waste and penalise those who ignore their environmental footprint.

Standardised labelling – Clear, consistent labelling helps avoid consumer confusion.

Support circular economy models – Encourage closed-loop systems where food waste becomes compost, energy, or animal feed.

5. Environmental and Social Impact

Wasting food isn’t just about money. Food waste contributes 25 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually in the UK alone. Meanwhile, millions struggle with food insecurity.

By diverting even a fraction of that £20 billion:

Thousands more could be fed through redistribution schemes.

The UK could drastically reduce its environmental impact.

Families and businesses could save millions collectively.

Last points

Saving £20 billion worth of wasted food isn’t a pipe dream, it’s a realistic and urgent goal. With collaboration from households, businesses, and government, we can shift from a wasteful system to one that values every crumb.

Let’s not just count the cost of food waste! Let’s cut it.

Call to Action:

Join the fight against food waste by downloading a food-sharing app, starting a compost bin, or simply planning your next food shop with intention. Every step counts.

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Making Homes More Accessible: Devices and Strategies to Support Disabled People

Creating a safe and accessible home environment is vital for supporting the independence and dignity of disabled people. 

Whether through small adjustments or major renovations, there are countless ways to make a home more navigable, comfortable, and inclusive. 

Here’s a look at some of the most effective devices and strategies for improving accessibility in domestic spaces across the UK.

Stair Lifts: Regaining Vertical Freedom

For those with limited mobility or balance issues, stairs can pose a significant barrier. Stair lifts provide a practical solution, allowing individuals to travel between floors safely and comfortably. 

Modern stair lifts can be customised for straight or curved staircases and often include safety belts, swivel seats, and remote controls.

Tip: If a stair lift isn’t suitable, consider a through-floor lift or even reconfiguring living spaces to ground floor only.

Wet Rooms: Safe and Stylish Accessibility

Traditional bathrooms can be hazardous for people with limited mobility. Wet rooms remove these risks by eliminating steps and thresholds, offering level-access showering. Non-slip flooring, grab rails, and fold-down shower seats are commonly integrated.

Bonus: Wet rooms can be designed with aesthetics in mind, combining accessibility with a contemporary feel.

Kitchen Aids: Independence at Mealtimes

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, but it can present many obstacles. Luckily, a variety of adaptive tools can help:

Height-adjustable worktops and hobs allow wheelchair users to cook comfortably.

One-handed chopping boards, jar openers, and electric tin openers make food prep safer.

Slide-away oven doors and pull-out shelves reduce bending and reaching risks.

Smart home assistants can also be a game-changer, enabling users to set timers, control appliances, and find recipes via voice command.

Wheelchair Ramps and Door Widening: Removing Barriers

Access to and around the home is critical. Wheelchair ramps, whether portable or built-in, offer essential mobility for entering and exiting homes. Meanwhile, widening doorways (to at least 32 inches) accommodates most wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Don’t forget thresholds! Even a small lip can be a serious obstacle—threshold ramps are an affordable fix.

General Adaptations for Comfort and Safety

Grab Rails: Essential in bathrooms, near entrances, or along corridors.

Lever-style handles: Easier to use than knobs, particularly for those with limited hand dexterity.

Riser-recliner chairs and adjustable beds: Help with sitting, standing, and resting more comfortably.

Anti-slip flooring: Crucial in all rooms to prevent falls.

Technology and Smart Home Solutions

Voice-activated lighting and heating controls reduce the need for fiddly switches.

Video doorbells and smart locks enable safer interactions with visitors.

Telecare systems can monitor falls, send alerts, and provide peace of mind to carers and family.

Planning and Funding Adaptations in the UK

In the UK, disabled people may be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) to help fund adaptations. Local authorities assess individual needs and may help with modifications such as stair lifts, widened doors, wet rooms, and more.

Useful links:

GOV.UK Disabled Facilities Grant https://www.gov.uk/disabled-facilities-grants

Age UK – Home Adaptations https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/care/housing-options/adapting-your-home

Scope UK – Independent Living Resources https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/home-adaptations

Further thoughts

Every person’s needs are unique, and so are the best strategies for adapting a home. By combining practical solutions with thoughtful design, it's possible to create spaces where disabled people can live with greater autonomy, comfort, and pride.

If you're considering making your home more accessible, consult with occupational therapists, mobility specialists, and local councils to get personalised advice.

Because every home should be a place of safety, dignity, and independence.