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Wednesday, 1 October 2025

Growing Knowledge: Why Schools Should Teach Children to Grow Food. And How They Can Do It

Schools have an incredible role to play in shaping not just children’s academic development, but their life skills, values, and habits. 

One of the simplest yet most powerful tools for doing this is a school garden. 

Teaching children to grow food isn’t just about planting seeds – it’s about cultivating curiosity, resilience, and a connection to the wider world.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

A school garden transforms education into something hands-on and memorable. Science lessons on plant biology become experiments pupils can see and touch. Maths comes to life when they measure growth rates or count out seeds. Even literacy benefits, with pupils writing garden journals or sharing recipes. It’s active learning at its best – immersive, engaging, and lasting.

Encouraging Healthy Choices

When children grow fruit and vegetables themselves, they’re far more willing to try them. A child who proudly pulls a carrot from the ground is much more likely to taste it – and enjoy it. Schools that integrate food growing into the curriculum often see improved attitudes towards healthy eating, which in turn can support better concentration and wellbeing in the classroom.

Building Responsibility and Teamwork

Caring for a garden requires commitment. Pupils quickly learn that if a bed isn’t weeded, or plants aren’t watered, the results suffer. These lessons in responsibility and resilience are invaluable. Working in teams to share tasks and celebrate harvests also strengthens collaboration skills – qualities that help in every area of school life.

A Connection to Nature

In a world where screens dominate so much of children’s attention, school gardens reconnect them with the outdoors. They come to understand the rhythm of the seasons, the importance of pollinators, and the effort behind every meal. This awareness often extends beyond school grounds, nurturing respect for the environment and sustainability.

Enhancing School Community

Gardens create opportunities to involve parents, carers, and the wider community. A harvest day or school feast using garden produce can bring everyone together. Some schools even partner with local food banks, teaching children about community support and social responsibility in the process.

Preparing for the Future

Food security, climate change, and sustainability are pressing global challenges. By teaching children to grow food, schools equip them with practical skills and knowledge to face these issues with confidence. A child who learns to grow their own food is a child empowered to make healthier, more sustainable choices in later life.

How Your School Can Get Started

Even if your school doesn’t have a large green space, there are plenty of ways to begin:

Start Small – Raised beds, pots, or even windowsill herb gardens can be enough to get pupils planting and learning.

Link with the Curriculum – Tie gardening projects to science, maths, geography, or PSHE lessons to make learning natural and integrated.

Involve the Whole School – From reception to Year 6 and beyond, every class can take part, whether through planting, journaling, cooking, or caring for the garden.

Seek Community Support – Local garden centres, allotment groups, or even parents may be willing to donate seeds, compost, or expertise.

Celebrate the Harvest – Organise a tasting day, cooking session, or school fair to share the results. It reinforces the value of the project and builds excitement for the next growing season.

UK Resources for Schools

Schools don’t have to start from scratch – there are plenty of organisations offering support, ideas, and even funding opportunities:

RHS Campaign for School Gardening – Free resources, curriculum-linked projects, and awards to help schools of all sizes create and grow gardens. https://www.rhs.org.uk/education-learning/school-gardening

Soil Association’s Food for Life Schools Award – A whole-school approach to food education, including growing, cooking, and healthy eating. https://www.rhs.org.uk/education-learning/school-gardening

Eden Project Communities – Guidance and inspiration for school and community gardening projects. https://www.edenprojectcommunities.com/

Garden Organic Education Programme – Resources, training, and advice on organic gardening in schools. https://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/expert-advice/growing-in-your-space/schools

Grow to School (Yorkshire-based, national resources available) – Specialist support and project ideas to embed food growing into the curriculum. https://www.growtoschool.co.uk/

Local Allotment Societies & Community Gardens – Many welcome partnerships with schools and may offer practical help or shared space.

Final Thought for Educators

A school garden isn’t just a patch of soil – it’s an outdoor classroom, a health project, a community builder, and a sustainability lesson all rolled into one. For schools and teachers, investing time and energy into food growing can yield a harvest far richer than the crops themselves: resilient, curious, and capable young people.

Celebrate 100 Years of World Animal Day by Donating a Dinner to Animals in Need

That's Food and Drink recently carried a feature on World Animal Day and we are pleased to be able to bring another feature on this very important day and how you can help celebrate it.

This October 4 marks the 100th anniversary of World Animal Day, and animal lovers are being urged to celebrate by taking part in Naturewatch Foundation’s ‘Donate a Dinner’ campaign, helping to feed animals in rescue centres as they wait for their forever homes.

Cheltenham-based charity Naturewatch Foundation, who coordinates World Animal Day worldwide, has already marked this milestone by donating 100 dinners to Vale Wildlife Hospital, supporting the incredible work they do to care for injured and orphaned wildlife.

With rescue and rehoming centres under growing pressure from rising numbers of abandoned animals, community support has never been more important.

Sarah Carr, CEO of Naturewatch Foundation and coordinator of World Animal Day, told That's Food and Drink: “World Animal Day on October 4 is the biggest day of the year for animals, and this year is extra special as we celebrate its centenary. 

"Donating a dinner is such a simple but powerful way to show kindness. Every meal donated helps an animal in need and supports the incredible people who care for them.

“This year, to celebrate 100 years of World Animal Day, we proudly donated 100 dinners to Vale Wildlife Hospital, and we’d love for others to get involved too.”

There are several simple ways to ‘Donate a Dinner’:

● Drop a packet or tin in your rescue centre’s collection box, or food bank collection point, or any participating pet shops or supermarkets

● Take your food donation directly to your local rescue centre

● Purchase items from a centre’s Amazon Wishlist

● Donate the cost of a meal through their website

Natalie Gould at Vale Wildlife Hospital said: “We are thrilled to have been chosen for support during the ‘Donate a Dinner’ Campaign. 

"With over 8,000 British wildlife casualties coming through our doors annually, food costs for the charity are exceptionally high. 

"The ‘Donate a Dinner’ Campaign is a fantastic way to support animal charities, and your support means we can feed more sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. Thank you, from all at Vale Wildlife Hospital.”

Sarah Carr added: “Don’t forget – if you’re struggling to feed the animals in your family, there is help available. Larger charities, including the RSPCA, Blue Cross and Dogs Trust, all run pet food banks to help animals stay with their families during these unpredictable times.”

If you’d like to get involved further on World Animal Day, you can host an event, take part in the 100K Challenge, or pledge an act of kindness for animals. Full details and resources can be found at worldanimalday.org.uk.

Tuesday, 30 September 2025

Hosting Catered Poetry Readings for National Poetry Day

National Poetry Day, held every October in the UK, Thursday 2nd this year, is all about celebrating the written and spoken word. 

But while poetry feeds the mind, great food and drink feed the body. Why not combine the two and host a catered poetry reading this year? 

With carefully chosen menus and thoughtful hospitality, you can create an event that lingers in the memory as much as the verses themselves.

Why Food and Poetry Belong Together

There’s always been a natural connection between food and the arts. Just as poetry delights in rhythm, imagery, and emotion, food appeals to the senses, memory, and imagination. 

Offering catering at a poetry reading makes the experience more immersive — guests don’t just listen, they taste, sip, and share. That blend of creativity and comfort encourages conversations and makes people linger longer.

Menu Ideas for a Poetry Reading

The right menu can set the tone for your event:

Tea and Poetry Pairings: A classic choice. Offer a selection of teas — smoky lapsang, delicate jasmine, robust English breakfast — paired with scones, finger sandwiches, and dainty cakes.

Poems and Pints: Poems read and listened to whilst supping real ales, ciders IPAs, stouts or continental lagers.

Wine and Words: For an evening affair, a curated wine list works beautifully. Think rich reds alongside cheeseboards and charcuterie, or sparkling wine with light canapés.

Coffeehouse Revival: Channel the Beat poets with strong espresso, frothy cappuccinos, and trays of brownies, biscotti, and handmade truffles.

Seasonal Autumnal Feast: Celebrate October with pumpkin soup, spiced apple cake, roasted nuts, and warming mulled cider or alcohol-free spiced punch.

Making Food Part of the Poetry

A fun twist is to theme your menu around the poets or poems you’re featuring:

A “Romantic Poets” spread with rustic breads, hearty cheeses, and country-style fruit tarts.

A “Modern Voices” platter with inventive fusion bites and contemporary cocktails.

Dishes named after famous lines or titles, like Ode to a Cheeseboard or Sonnet of Spiced Wine.

Venues and Catering Set-Up

Whether you host in a bookshop café, a cosy pub, a library with catering facilities, or even at home, make sure food and drink are easily accessible. A buffet works well for mingling, while table service creates a more formal feel. For small-scale events, partnering with a local caterer or bakery is a great way to add flair without taking on too much yourself.

Adding the Finishing Touches

Think about atmosphere: soft lighting, background music, and stylish table settings can make your catering as memorable as the readings. Simple touches like poetry-themed menus on each table or edible favours (biscuits with poetic quotes, for example) make the evening feel special.

A catered poetry reading blends the pleasures of food and words into one rich experience. For National Poetry Day, it’s a chance to bring communities together around flavours and verses, and to create an event that feels indulgent, thoughtful, and inspiring.

Celebrate World Smile Day with Food and Drink Parties

The first Friday in October marks World Smile Day, a global celebration inspired by Harvey Ball, the creator of the iconic yellow smiley face. 

The day is all about spreading kindness, positivity, and, of course, smiles. What better way to celebrate than by bringing people together with delicious food and drink? 

After all, sharing a meal has always been one of the most joyful ways to connect.

Why Celebrate with a Food and Drink Party?

Smiles and laughter go hand in hand with good company and good food. 

Whether you’re hosting family, friends, neighbours, or colleagues, a food and drink party is a wonderful way to foster community spirit. Plus, it’s a chance to show thoughtfulness and creativity – two things guaranteed to brighten someone’s day.

Ideas for a World Smile Day Party

1. Smile-Themed Treats

Smiley biscuits: Bake or decorate biscuits with cheerful faces using icing and sweets.

Fruit platters: Arrange fruits like bananas, oranges, and berries into smiling faces.

Cupcakes: Top them with yellow buttercream and edible smiley toppers.

These simple touches make your table spread more festive and encourage everyone to join in the fun.

2. Drinks to Spark Joy

Mocktails or cocktails with bright colours and fruity garnishes that look as cheerful as they taste.

Smiley straws or stirrers to give an extra playful feel.

A “Sunshine Punch” – a citrus-based drink that’s refreshing, uplifting, and naturally smile-inducing.

3. Community Potluck

Encourage everyone to bring a dish that makes them smile. It could be a nostalgic childhood recipe, comfort food, or even something quirky and new. Sharing the stories behind these dishes makes the event even more memorable.

4. Acts of Kindness at the Party

Since World Smile Day is also about doing good, why not add a charitable element? Invite guests to bring non-perishable foods for a local food bank, or donate a small portion of the party budget to a community cause. Smiles grow even bigger when shared with those in need.

5. Games and Icebreakers

Keep the mood light with smile-focused activities:

A “make me smile” charades round.

A photo booth with smiley props.

A “compliment exchange” where everyone writes down something nice about another guest.

Making the Celebration Last

The beauty of World Smile Day is that it’s not just about one day—it’s about encouraging a habit of kindness and joy. A smile shared at your food and drink party could be the spark that carries positivity into the days ahead.

So this World Smile Day, gather your friends, whip up some cheerful treats, raise a glass of something bright and bubbly, and celebrate the simplest yet most powerful act of all: smiling.

Celebrating International Day of Older Persons with Food and Drinks

Every year on 1st October, we celebrate the International Day of Older Persons – a moment to recognise the contributions, wisdom, and presence of older members of our families and communities. 

It’s also an opportunity to pause and think about how we can make their lives brighter, healthier, and more enjoyable. 

And what better way to do that than by gathering around a table with carefully chosen food and drinks?

Whether you’re hosting a small family tea, organising a community lunch, or simply treating an older friend to their favourite snack, thoughtful choices in what you serve can make all the difference.

Thoughtful Drinks for Older Guests

Hydration is especially important as we age, so drinks should be plentiful, enjoyable, and easy to digest. Consider:

Herbal and fruit teas – Chamomile, peppermint, or berry blends are gentle on the stomach and caffeine-free.

Classic black tea – Many older people cherish their daily cuppa; offer decaffeinated options for those sensitive to caffeine.

Fruit-infused water – Adding slices of orange, cucumber, or berries makes plain water more appealing and refreshing.

Milk-based drinks – Warm milk with a dash of nutmeg or cocoa provides calcium and a comforting touch.

Low-sugar smoothies – Blend banana, yoghurt, and a handful of berries for a nutrient-rich option that’s easy to sip.

Food That Brings Comfort and Nutrition

Meals and snacks for older people should balance familiar flavours with nutritional value and ease of eating. Some ideas include:

Soft sandwiches – Wholemeal bread filled with egg mayo, salmon paste, or cream cheese and cucumber.

Hearty soups – Vegetable, chicken, or lentil soup served with soft rolls are warming and nourishing.

Traditional puddings – Rice pudding, bread-and-butter pudding, or stewed fruit with custard often spark fond memories.

Finger foods – Mini quiches, cheese cubes, sliced fruit, or oatcakes are easy for social gatherings.

Healthy bakes – Muffins made with oats, banana, or apple give a sweet treat without being too heavy.

Community Celebrations

If you’re marking the day in a community centre, church hall, or social club, why not create a themed afternoon tea? A spread of sandwiches, scones with jam, and a pot of tea can make the occasion feel special while being accessible for everyone.

You might also consider:

Recipe sharing – Invite older guests to bring or suggest recipes they’ve loved for decades, and prepare them together.

Cooking demonstrations – Show easy, nutritious meals designed with older appetites in mind.

Storytelling over supper – Encourage conversation about favourite family meals or food traditions.

More Than a Meal

Food is more than just fuel – it’s about connection. Celebrating the International Day of Older Persons with shared meals helps combat loneliness, honours tradition, and reminds older people that they are valued members of our families and communities.

So, whether you’re pouring a comforting cup of tea, cooking up a pot of soup, or sitting down to enjoy a slice of homemade cake, remember that the time and thought you put into these moments matters as much as the food itself.

Sober October: A Month to Reset, Reflect, and Rebalance

October isn’t just about pumpkins, falling leaves, and the run-up to Halloween. 

For many people, it’s also a time to take part in Sober October—a month-long challenge that involves cutting out alcohol entirely.

What started as a fundraising initiative has grown into a wider wellbeing movement. 

It’s a chance to give your body and mind a break, save money, and maybe even reset your relationship with drinking.

What is Sober October?

Sober October was popularised by Macmillan Cancer Support in the UK as a fundraising campaign. Participants pledge to go alcohol-free for the whole month, raising money through sponsorship. Over time, the concept has spread beyond charity fundraising—many people now take part for personal health reasons too.

The idea is simple: put down the wine glass, beer can, or cocktail shaker, and spend the month alcohol-free. Whether you’re doing it to support a good cause or simply to take stock of your lifestyle, it’s a powerful reset.

Benefits of Going Sober for a Month

Even four weeks without alcohol can bring noticeable changes. Some of the most common benefits include:

Better sleep – Alcohol can disrupt deep sleep, so cutting it out often improves rest and energy levels.

Clearer skin – Hydration improves, and many notice a healthy glow.

Weight management – Skipping the empty calories in alcohol and late-night snacks that often follow can help with weight loss.

Improved focus and mood – With no “hangxiety” or foggy mornings, many feel sharper and more balanced.

Financial savings – Nights out, bottles of wine, or craft beers add up quickly. A sober month can leave your wallet healthier too.

How to Succeed at Sober October

For some, the challenge is easier said than done. Here are a few tips to stay on track:

Find alternatives – Stock up on alcohol-free beers, botanical spirits, kombucha, or even just fancy sparkling water with citrus.

Change your routine – If you usually wind down with a glass of wine, swap it for an evening walk, a new book, or herbal tea.

Get support – Encourage friends or family to join you, or connect with online groups taking part.

Remember your “why” – Whether it’s raising money for charity, improving health, or breaking a habit, keep your motivation clear.

Reward yourself – Treat yourself with the money saved—whether that’s a massage, a new gadget, or simply putting it aside for something special.

Beyond October

Some people go back to their usual drinking habits in November, but others find that Sober October inspires longer-term change. You might discover you enjoy alcohol-free socialising more than expected, or that moderation suits you better after the reset.

Even if you return to drinking, the experience often brings a new awareness of how alcohol affects your body and mind.

Final (sober) Thoughts

Sober October is more than a month off booze—it’s a chance to re-evaluate, recharge, and maybe start healthier habits. Whether you’re in it for charity, health, or curiosity, the benefits are hard to ignore.

This October, why not give it a go? You may just surprise yourself with how good sobriety feels.

Firebrand Brewing Co. Collaborates With Blue Balls Cornwall to Create New Non-Alcoholic Hazy IPA for Sober October

Launceston's Firebrand Brewing Co. is delighted to unveil Blue Balls, their new non-alcoholic hazy IPA created in collaboration with Blue Balls Cornwall, the men's cold water swimming group. 

Firebrand Brewing Co will be donating £1 to Man Down, the Cornwall-based men's mental health CIC, for every online order of Blue Balls throughout Sober October.

Joe Thomson, Co-owner and Head Brewer at Firebrand Brewing Co. told That's Food and Drink: “We were approached by Blue Balls Cornwall to create a non-alcoholic beer and we jumped at the chance. 

"Blue Balls has built a supportive community, here in Cornwall, that helps men develop a positive coping mechanism for dealing with mental health issues. 

"Alcohol misuse is often linked to mental health struggles, so offering a healthier, non-alcoholic option reinforces their mission. We will be serving up the new Blue Balls beer at their regular dips. 

"These are sea swimming meet-ups that bring men together in a relaxed, natural setting and we hope this will encourage them to hang out and chat with friends after the swim.”

Blue Balls was set up in Cornwall by two friends, Ross and Tom, who wanted to encourage men across the county to join them and discover the benefits that cold water swimming can have on health and wellbeing, while raising awareness and providing support for men's mental health. 

Tom Mason, co-founder of Blue Balls Cornwall explains: “We're really delighted to be working with Firebrand Brewing Co. and really looking forward to celebrating with a Blue Balls Hazy IPA. Just like a fresh dip in the wild Cornish ocean, our collaboration beer is best enjoyed cold, surrounded by your mates.”

Blue Balls (ABV 0.5%) is a non-alcoholic hazy IPA packed full of fruity flavour. It's the perfect beer to enjoy cold, by the sea, with friends and without the risk of any hangovers. It's also gluten free and vegan friendly and is available from www.firebrandbrewing.co.uk RRP £2.80 per 440ml can. 

Joe finishes: “The statistics around men's mental health and male suicides are incredibly sobering. We are pleased to contribute in some small way to raising awareness for men's mental health and we will be donating £1, for every online order of Blue Balls throughout Sober October, directly to Man Down, the Cornwall-based men's mental health CIC. 

"We hope that, within the Blue Balls community and beyond, sharing a few of our non-alcoholic beers with friends will create a positive environment for supporting each other.”

Firebrand Brewing Co was created in 2012 in a converted milking parlour on the untamed edge of Bodmin Moor, North Cornwall. The idea was born from a passion for beer made from all-natural ingredients, Cornish spring water and American hops. For further information on Firebrand Brewing Co. please visit www.firebrandbrewing.co.uk or follow them on Facebook and Instagram. 

Blue Balls Cornwall is a  men's cold water swimming group that promotes the benefits that cold water swimming can have on health and wellbeing, while raising awareness and providing support for men's mental health. For further information on Blue Balls follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Man Down is a non-profit Community Interest Company founded in Cornwall, dedicated to supporting men with mental health challenges. Founded by Ross Jackson Hicks, they aim to foster open conversation and break the stigma which surrounds men's mental health, ultimately hoping to reduce the number of male suicides that take place every year. For further information visit https://mandown.org or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

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Sunday, 28 September 2025

Wagyu Beef: From Steakhouse Staple to Burger Bar Buzz

Over the past few years, wagyu beef has moved from a rare, luxury steakhouse item to a full-blown foodie trend — showing up at burger joints, supermarkets, even in cultivated meat experiments. 

What’s driving this shift? And what does it mean for chefs, consumers, and the meat industry in the UK?

What Is Wagyu — And Why the Hype?

Marbling & flavour: Wagyu is famed for its high levels of intramuscular fat — the marbling that gives wagyu its melt-in-the-mouth texture and intense, rich flavour.

Origins vs cross-breeds: Not all “wagyu” is the same. There are full-blood / purebred animals (especially Japanese wagyu), cross-bred cattle, and cattle sired by wagyu bulls (British wagyu etc.). The differences show up in price, flavour, texture.

Grading & provenance: The marbling score (Beef Marbling Scale, BMS) is increasingly used by retailers in the UK to denote quality (e.g. a supermarket wagyu may have a minimum marbling score of 6 out of 9). 

Wagyu’s Growing Footprint in the UK

Several data points show that wagyu is no longer niche:

The number of British wagyu animals born in 2023 more than doubled compared to 2022 — showing both farmer interest and growing demand. 

Retailers are responding: Waitrose has introduced multiple wagyu beef lines (steaks, burgers, meatballs) under its “No.1” range, all with higher marbling scores than many competitors. 

Consumers are searching for wagyu burgers online at much higher rates (Waitrose reported searches up more than 100 %) year-on-year. 

From Steakhouses to Burgers: Where Wagyu Shows Up Now

The wagyu trend is no longer just about premium steaks in upscale restaurants. Here are the spaces where it’s making waves:

Upscale & premium restaurants / steakhouses

Traditional homes for wagyu: premium cuts, special tasting menus. Wagyu brings prestige, and is used to draw in diners looking for an elevated dining experience.

Boutique burger bars and independent butchers

Burgers are the obvious avenue for wagyu crossover — mixing wagyu fat or using patties made wholly from wagyu. Burger lovers get a “better burger” experience, with more flavour, juiciness. Examples include That Fat Cow’s 100 % dry-aged wagyu patties. 

thatfatcow.co.uk

Supermarkets / retail

Wagyu is becoming more accessible at home. Waitrose, for example, now stock wagyu burgers, steaks, meatballs. Consumers can get British wagyu with decent provenance. 

Sustainability & innovation: cultivated meat

UK companies are exploring cultured / cultivated wagyu burgers. Finnebrogue and Ivy Farm Technologies are collaborating to produce cultivated wagyu products, aiming for reduced environmental impact while meeting consumer demand. 

Opportunities & Challenges

Opportunities

Premium at scale: As domestic production ramps up, there’s scope to bring wagyu into more mainstream outlets without the astronomical prices.

Provenance, welfare, traceability: These are strong selling points. Consumers increasingly care where their meat comes from, how animals are raised. British wagyu, or cross-bred cattle reared under higher welfare conditions, have an advantage.

Innovation: Cultivated meat, fat-blends, new cuts—all open up creative paths.

Challenges

Cost: Wagyu is expensive to rear. Feeding, genetics, grading make it inherently costlier.

Consumer education: Not everyone understands the differences (pure vs crossbreed, marbling, cut). There’s potential for marketing to mislead.

Balancing fat and flavour: Because wagyu’s richness comes from fat, chefs and producers need to use it in ways that highlight flavour without overwhelming. Over-cooking can sabotage the texture.

Sustainability & environmental footprint: Meat in general has environmental costs; wagyu’s higher feed/fattening requirements raise concerns. Cultivated / cell-based options are one route, but regulatory, scale, cost hurdles remain.

What It Means for Burgers

Burgers are an interesting “middle ground” in this trend:

They make wagyu more approachable — less of a splurge than a full wagyu ribeye.

They allow for innovation: blends (wagyu + other beef), fat content tweaks, toppings and condiments that complement the wagyu richness.

Good burger authenticity depends heavily on quality of bun, seasoning, cooking method (don’t over-press; get a good sear; let fat render).

But some critics argue that grinding wagyu into patties dilutes the uniqueness — much of what makes wagyu special is the unbroken marbling in whole cuts. So there’s a tension: is a wagyu burger just “wagyu hype” or genuinely a superior taste experience?

Where Wagyu Is Heading Next

Looking forward, here are some likely directions:

More accessible price points for wagyu beef products — as more British production, better supply chains, economies of scale kick in.

Regulatory frameworks for cultivated meat that allow cultured wagyu to enter the market more broadly.

Clearer labelling and grading becoming standard: marbling score, breed, provenance, welfare.

Hybrid products (blends), premium burger joints offering wagyu classes / experiences.

Restaurants & shops capitalising on “wagyu nights” / specials as marketing draws.

Conclusion

Wagyu beef in the UK has shifted from exotic to aspirational to increasingly accessible. What started as luxury steaks are now burger patties, supermarket meatball lines, and the subject of experiments in sustainable meat innovation. 

For consumers, that means more choices; for producers and chefs, more creative possibilities — but also the need to maintain quality, transparency, and value.

If you're a burger lover, a wagyu-fan in the making, or someone curious about meat trends, this is one to watch (and taste).

Where to Try Wagyu Burgers in the UK

SMSH BNSoho, London Smash burgers using wagyu patties (double patties, good bun, full flavour). 

https://www.smsh-bn.com/

YoYo Burger Bristol They offer wagyu among a selection of meats — much of the menu is about hearty burgers with quality. 

yoyoburger.com

IceBurg Preston Use “100% HMC certified Angus & Wagyu” for their wagyu-burger offering. 

https://iceburg.co.uk/

Burger King UK Nationwide Recently launched “The Wagyu” burger: 100% British wagyu beef, flame-grilled, premium style. So wagyu is now entering fast food in a big way. 

TGI Fridays UK Multiple Locations Their “Wagyu Burger” offers a luxury take: 6oz wagyu patty, quality toppings etc. Great for something more casual but still premium. 

tgifridays.co.uk

Wildwood Kitchen have recently launched their waygu burger

wildwoodrestaurants.co.uk

Shops & Kits to Get Wagyu Burgers at Home

If you prefer cooking your own:

London Fine Foods — Wagyu beef burger packs. 

https://www.londonfinefoods.co.uk/

Finnebrogue — Grass-fed wagyu burgers in major supermarkets (Sainsbury’s, Ocado, Costco). 

https://www.finnebrogue.com/

Farmison & Co — Yorkshire Wagyu Steak Burger, made from wagyu sourced from Warrendale. 

https://www.farmison.com/

Farm Shop (Somerset) — Wagyu X burgers (British wagyu-cross), dry-aged, good flavour. 

https://farmshop.co.uk/

Larder London — Full blood steak wagyu burgers (bulk packs or smaller). 

https://larderlondon.com/