Food and drink news for the discerning consumer
Tuesday, 28 October 2025
That's Christmas 365: The Ultimate Guide to Christmas Nibbles and Party ...
That's Christmas 365: The Ultimate Guide to Christmas Nibbles and Party ...: When it comes to Christmas entertaining, it’s often the nibbles and snacks that steal the show. Whether you’re hosting a family get-togethe...
Sunday, 26 October 2025
That's Christmas 365: Why Do Perfumers Want Us to Smell Like Biscuits or...
That's Christmas 365: Why Do Perfumers Want Us to Smell Like Biscuits or...: At That’s Christmas 365, we adore everything festive, from twinkling lights and mince pies to the year’s most intriguing Christmas trends. ...
That's Christmas 365: Vegan & Vegetarian Christmas Dinner Ideas That Eve...
That's Christmas 365: Vegan & Vegetarian Christmas Dinner Ideas That Eve...: Christmas is a time for sharing good food and great company, and that includes everyone around the table, whether they eat meat or not. Cr...
Friday, 24 October 2025
World Psoriasis Day: Foods and Supplements That May Help Soothe Your Skin
While there’s no known cure, many people find that lifestyle changes, including diet and targeted supplements, can help reduce flare-ups and improve overall skin health.
Understanding Psoriasis and Diet
Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition, so foods that reduce inflammation may help keep symptoms in check.
While everyone’s triggers can differ, eating a balanced diet that supports gut health and reduces systemic inflammation is often beneficial.
Here are some of the most widely researched foods and supplements for supporting skin health if you have psoriasis.
1. Anti-inflammatory Superfoods
Focus on foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which help the body combat inflammation:
Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and trout
Flaxseeds and chia seeds, plant-based sources of omega-3s
Berries, leafy greens, tomatoes, and broccoli, which are high in antioxidants
Olive oil, particularly extra virgin, as a heart- and skin-friendly fat
These foods can help reduce inflammatory markers in the body, potentially lessening the frequency or severity of psoriasis flare-ups.
2. Gluten and Trigger Foods
Some people with psoriasis report improvements after reducing or eliminating gluten — the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Studies suggest that people with psoriasis are more likely to have gluten sensitivity, even without coeliac disease.
Other potential triggers include:
Processed foods and refined sugars
Red and processed meats
Full-fat dairy
Alcohol, particularly beer
Keeping a food diary can help identify which foods worsen your symptoms.
3. Helpful Supplements
While diet should come first, certain supplements can complement a psoriasis-friendly eating plan:
Vitamin D – Plays a vital role in immune regulation and skin cell growth. Many people in the UK are deficient, especially in winter months.
Omega-3 Fish Oil – Supports anti-inflammatory processes in the skin and joints.
Probiotics – Help balance gut bacteria, which may influence inflammatory and autoimmune responses.
Turmeric (Curcumin) – Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; look for supplements with black pepper extract for better absorption.
Zinc – Supports skin healing and immune function.
Always speak to a GP or dermatologist before starting new supplements, especially if you’re on medication or have other health conditions.
4. Hydration and Lifestyle Support
Drinking plenty of water helps keep the skin hydrated from within. Meanwhile, stress reduction, good sleep, and regular gentle exercise (such as walking or yoga) all play a role in keeping inflammation low.
Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol is also key, as both are linked to worsening psoriasis symptoms.
Psoriasis-Friendly Recipes & Meal Ideas
Eating well doesn’t have to mean bland or boring. These simple dishes feature anti-inflammatory, nutrient-rich ingredients that can support skin health.
1. Turmeric Salmon with Garlic Greens
Ingredients:
2 salmon fillets
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, sliced
A handful of kale or spinach
Squeeze of lemon
Method:
Brush salmon with olive oil and sprinkle with turmeric, salt, and pepper. Bake or pan-fry until golden. In a separate pan, sauté garlic in olive oil, add greens, and cook until wilted. Serve together with a drizzle of lemon juice.
Why it helps: Omega-3s from salmon and curcumin from turmeric both reduce inflammation.
2. Blueberry and Chia Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 cup almond or oat milk
½ cup frozen blueberries
1 tbsp chia seeds
½ banana
1 tsp honey (optional)
Method:
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Enjoy chilled.
Why it helps: Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, while chia seeds add plant-based omega-3s.
3. Quinoa and Roasted Veg Bowl
Ingredients:
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 courgette, sliced
1 red pepper, chopped
½ red onion, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
Handful of spinach or rocket
Method:
Toss veg with olive oil and roast at 180°C for 20 minutes. Serve over quinoa with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs.
Why it helps: Gluten-free quinoa supports gut health, while colourful veg provides essential antioxidants.
World Psoriasis Day: Raising Awareness and Taking Action
World Psoriasis Day is about more than awareness, it’s a reminder that psoriasis affects over 125 million people globally, and that diet and lifestyle can make a meaningful difference.
By understanding your triggers and supporting your body with nutrient-rich foods and targeted supplements, you can take positive steps toward better skin health and overall wellbeing.
If you’re living with psoriasis, speak with your GP or a registered dietitian about developing a diet plan that works for you. The right foods, combined with medical treatment and self-care, can help you manage symptoms and live more comfortably.
UK Support Resources
Psoriasis Association (UK): www.psoriasis-association.org.uk
NHS Psoriasis Overview: www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriasis
National Eczema and Psoriasis Society (Scotland): www.nepsos.org.uk
How to Stage Catered Parties to Celebrate International Artist Day
Whether you’re hosting a gallery event, a corporate celebration, or a private soirée, staging a catered party that reflects the spirit of art can turn an ordinary gathering into a masterpiece.
Here’s how to plan a catered event that truly celebrates the artistry of food, décor, and expression.
1. Choose a Theme That Reflects the Arts
Start by deciding what kind of art your event will celebrate. Is it fine art, live performance, fashion design, or something eclectic? Your theme will influence every detail — from table décor to menu style.
Ideas include:
Modern Masters: Clean lines, bold colours, and geometric plating.
Classic Renaissance: Candlelight, rich tones, and traditional European dishes.
Street Art Soirée: Graffiti-inspired backdrops, finger foods, and urban cocktails.
Local Talent Showcase: Invite local artists to display their work, with catering that highlights local ingredients and regional flavours.
2. Work with Caterers Who Think Creatively
International Artist Day is all about creativity, so your caterer should reflect that. Instead of a standard buffet, ask your catering team to present dishes as works of art.
Some creative catering ideas:
Palette Plates: Arrange appetisers like a painter’s palette, colourful dips, crudités, and edible flowers.
Sculptural Desserts: Think chocolate shapes, sugar art, or tiered platters that double as centrepieces.
Interactive Food Stations: Guests can “paint” their own desserts with sauces or toppings, or build their own “canapé canvas.”
3. Pair Art with Drinks
Complement your artistic menu with drinks that have visual flair. Signature cocktails can be inspired by famous artists or art movements, for example, a “Picasso Punch” full of bold colours, or a “Monet Mist” cocktail with layered pastel hues.
If you prefer a more elegant affair, offer wine and cheese pairings that reflect different regions known for both art and fine dining, France, Italy, or Spain are all perfect choices.
4. Make the Venue Part of the Art
Consider hosting your celebration in an art gallery, local studio, or creative space. The surroundings themselves will enhance the mood, and your catering setup can complement the venue’s artistic vibe.
If that’s not possible, transform your space with art-inspired décor:
Frame prints of local artists’ work.
Use easels for menu displays.
Add splashes of colour through lighting and table linens.
5. Add Live Artistic Performances
Food may feed the body, but performance art feeds the soul. Hire a live painter, musician, or sculptor to create during the event, guests love watching art come to life.
Alternatively, bring in a calligrapher or caricaturist to create personalised keepsakes for guests. This adds a beautiful experiential layer to your catered celebration.
6. Support the Arts Through Your Event
If you’re hosting the event commercially, such as for a restaurant, hotel, or gallery, consider donating a portion of ticket sales or bar proceeds to a local art charity or community arts project. It’s a wonderful way to make your celebration meaningful while supporting emerging talent.
Final Touch: The Art of Presentation
Remember, presentation is everything. On International Artist Day, your catered party isn’t just about good food, it’s about turning every bite, sound, and sight into a sensory experience. Encourage creativity, collaboration, and appreciation for those who make the world more beautiful through art.
Inspiration in every flavour, creativity on every plate. That’s how you celebrate International Artist Day.
Cow & Sow Sets New National Standard: "The Butcher's Club" Surpasses £100k in Sales, Validating Mark Warburton's Vision for Hyper-Tailored Guest Loyalty
The programme's success, attracting over 5,000 signed-up members, cements Founder Mark Warburton's reputation as an industry leader pioneering a new standard for data-driven, hyper-personalised hospitality across the UK.
"The Butcher's Club" is not merely a rewards scheme; it's a strategic tool for deepening customer relationships. By eliminating the friction of a separate app and integrating directly into guests' digital wallets, Cow & Sow captures rich, real-time data on diner preferences and behaviour. This data-led approach enables Cow & Sow to deliver highly individualised, hyper-tailored experiences that transcend traditional transactional loyalty.
"The future of dining loyalty is about knowing your customer so intimately you can anticipate their needs before they walk through the door. Not only are we capturing rich, granular data, we are elevating the customer journey, converting customers from 'fans' to 'loyal followers,'" Mark Warburton, Founder of Cow & Sow, told That's Food and Drink.
"Achieving over £100,000 in sales directly through The Butcher's Club in just 100 days demonstrates the commercial power of moving beyond generic points.
"Our approach, as the data is gathered, will enable us to understand that a specific diner prefers a Malbec with their Ribeye on a Tuesday, or that another always opts for the Onion Blossom reward. This is how we craft a truly bespoke, memorable experience every single time."
Key Metrics and Personalised Engagement
The program's performance metrics underscore its effectiveness in driving both frequency and spend, cementing Cow & Sow's role as a leader in innovative customer engagement:
Sales Generation: Over £100,000 in direct sales generated by members in 100 days.
Membership Growth: Over 5,000 signed-up members across three locations.
Increased Value: Members are visiting more frequently and spending more per head, reflecting the high value they place on the customised perks.
Seamless Digital Integration: The digital wallet-based pass provides a friction-free experience, allowing Cow & Sow to focus entirely on the quality of the dining experience and personalised interactions.
Evolving Membership Tiers and Exclusive Loyalty Ecosystem
"The Butcher's Club" provides an escalating structure of rewards, each tier designed for a distinct level of engagement, ensuring every guest feels valued:
The Apprentice Butcher, Free to join. Early access to events, Free Birthday Caramel Tart, Half Price Bottle Still Wine on Mondays
The Master Butcher, £65/month. Welcome gift: Branded Hoodie and 2 wine glasses, monthly complimentary Pichanha sharing steak, Monthly bottle of Cow & Sow Malbec, Exclusive Tastings and event invitations and more. Value worth over £100 per month, plus a £80 sign-up gift.
The Connoisseur Butcher, £105/month. Coming soon. Their newest tier for unparalleled luxury and hyper-tailored benefits.
All tiers include a “Free Spin the Wheel”, where prizes can be won, ranging from a Free side dish to a Tomahawk steak, worth £150.00!
Building Strategic Relationships: The Ambassador Schemes
To further cement its position as a hospitality innovator, Cow & Sow has developed a sophisticated suite of invite-only Ambassador schemes designed to reward local stakeholders and valued partners:
Business Ambassador Scheme: This highly successful corporate loyalty program boasts over 200 member companies across two cities, offering exclusive rewards designed for local office teams. Due to high demand, the scheme currently operates a waiting list, with businesses invited to request collaboration and partnership.
VIP Ambassador Scheme: The restaurant's exclusive "Nando's Black Card" equivalent, this tier is reserved for key friends, family, and influential personal contacts, offering the highest level of complimentary perks and priority concierge.
Team Employee Scheme: A newly launched internal initiative providing a monthly bundle of perks, complimentary food, and drink products for our team to gift or enjoy, ensuring our people are our first and most valued ambassadors.
Cow & Sow is committed to leading the hospitality sector by transforming great meals into unforgettable, hyper-tailored dining experiences, solidifying its position at the forefront of innovative restaurant loyalty programs and premium steakhouse dining.
B Corp Certification: Cow & Sow is proud to be a B Corp certified business, demonstrating its
Website: https://thecowandsow.co.uk
The Butcher's Club: https://thecowandsow.co.uk/butchersclub
Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/thecowandsow
https://www.tiktok.com/@thecowandsow
https://www.facebook.com/cowandsowbirmingham
That's Christmas 365: Why Practical Christmas Presents Like Dishwashers ...
That's Christmas 365: Why Practical Christmas Presents Like Dishwashers ...: When it comes to Christmas gifts, we often think of indulgent treats, novelty gadgets, or cosy knits, the things that make us smile on the d...
Thursday, 23 October 2025
That's Christmas 365: Lessons in Chemistry. Aureus Vita, Fibonacci Dry G...
That's Christmas 365: Lessons in Chemistry. Aureus Vita, Fibonacci Dry G...: The composer Béla Bartók incorporated Fibonacci proportions into music. The Danish poet Inger Christensen used a Fibonacci structure for the...
The Chartered Institute of Brewers and Distillers Launches its Latest Short Course: Whisk(e)y Production
TheWhisk(e)y Production course is the latest in a hugely popular series of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) short courses. It's aimed at distillers producing whisk(e)y in distilleries of all sizes, providing a practical understanding of all stages of the whisk(e)y production processes.
The course provides essential knowledge and best practice for whisk(e)y production at a commercial scale.
The course covers raw materials, how to understand their specifications, how they’re used to produce wort, fermentation, batch and continuous still distillation, maturation and blending. It also explains how to assess and analyse whiskies using laboratory and sensory methods.
This course has been developed in collaboration with leading distillers and spirits experts. These include:
Billy Mitchell – Consultant, Will and Spirit Limited
Ian Thorn – Master Distiller and Operations Manager, Starward Whisky Distillery
Chris Thomson – Master Distiller, Pernod Ricard
Kim Møller-Elshøj - Consultant, Whiskymaker & Co
The Whisk(e)y Production course provides the same technical excellence found in all CIBD qualifications, without needing to take a formal exam.
The course includes a downloadable PDF with technical information including :
A summary of the key points of the course
Details of the significance of the analyses carried out during productionKey calculations for whisk(e)y production
An overview of whisk(e)y production from raw materials through to blending
The course features text, videos, animations, quizzes, and online games to enhance learning. At the end of the course, learners receive a Certificate of Completion.
On this announcement, Ed Wray, Technical Development Manager for distilling, told That's Food and Drink: “This short course provides in-depth scientific and technical information specifically about whisk(e)y production.
"It's written in collaboration with experts in the field and with the technical rigour and accuracy you rightfully expect from the CIBD.
"If you want to gain an understanding of whisk(e)y production from grain to glass, or you want to optimise your whisk(e)y production processes, then this is the course for you!”
The Potential Side Effects of Artificial and Other Sugar Substitutes
From tabletop sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin to newer “natural” alternatives such as stevia, erythritol, and monk fruit extract, there’s no shortage of options on supermarket shelves.
However, while these sugar substitutes may offer benefits such as fewer calories or a lower glycaemic impact, they’re not entirely without risks or potential side effects. Understanding how they affect your body can help you make more informed choices.
1. Artificial Sweeteners and Digestive Distress
Some artificial sweeteners, particularly sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol, are sugar alcohols that can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhoea when consumed in large amounts. This is because they’re only partially absorbed in the gut, where they ferment and draw water into the intestines.
For those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or sensitive digestion, even small amounts can cause discomfort. Products labelled as “sugar-free” often contain these sweeteners, so it’s worth reading ingredient lists carefully.
2. Headaches and Sensitivities
A small percentage of people report headaches, dizziness, or mood changes after consuming aspartame, a commonly used sweetener found in diet drinks and low-calorie foods. While most studies suggest aspartame is safe within approved limits, sensitivity varies from person to person. If you notice consistent symptoms after consuming artificially sweetened products, it might be worth cutting back to see if things improve.
3. Blood Sugar and Insulin Responses
Although many substitutes have little to no effect on blood sugar, some, like maltitol and sorbitol, still have a glycaemic index that is higher than zero.
This means they can raise blood sugar slightly, which could be significant for some people managing diabetes.
Additionally, emerging research has suggested that frequent consumption of some artificial sweeteners may alter the body’s insulin response or gut microbiome, though the evidence remains mixed and under investigation.
4. Changes in Gut Health
One area of growing concern is how sweeteners affect the gut microbiota, that's the community of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system.
Some studies suggest certain sweeteners (including sucralose and saccharin) may alter gut bacteria in ways that could impact metabolism or inflammation.
While research is still ongoing, moderation remains a sensible approach. Your gut health thrives on variety and balance, so a diet relying heavily on artificial sweeteners may not be ideal in the long term.
5. Cravings and Appetite
Although sugar substitutes are designed to help reduce calorie intake, some evidence suggests they may confuse the body’s natural hunger cues. When the brain tastes sweetness but receives no calories, it might trigger stronger cravings for sugary or high-carb foods later on.
If your goal is to cut down on sugar entirely, it may be worth using sweeteners as a stepping stone rather than a permanent replacement.
6. Potential Allergic Reactions
Though rare, some individuals experience allergic-type reactions such as rashes, itching, or swelling after consuming specific artificial sweeteners. These cases are uncommon but worth noting, especially if symptoms appear after introducing a new product into your diet. My wife, for example, cannot tolerate stevia.
7. The Bottom Line
For most people, occasional use of sugar substitutes is perfectly safe, and can even be helpful in managing conditions like diabetes or obesity. However, overreliance on them may bring unintended consequences, from digestive issues to shifts in gut health or cravings.
When choosing a sweetener, it’s best to:
Rotate between natural and artificial options rather than sticking to one type.
Read labels carefully, especially for sugar alcohols.
Listen to your body, if something causes discomfort, stop using it.
Focus on reducing overall sweetness in your diet over time.
As with most things in nutrition, moderation is key.
In summary: Sugar substitutes can be useful tools for cutting calories and controlling blood sugar, but they’re not a perfect solution.
Staying mindful of how they affect your digestion, energy levels, and cravings can help you find the balance that works best for your health and wellbeing.
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