National Pie Day: Celebrating the Savoury and the Sweet

There are food days, and then there are proper food days – and National Pie Day firmly falls into the latter category. Few dishes are as comforting, versatile, and deeply loved in the UK as the humble pie. 

Whether it’s steaming hot from the oven on a cold evening or served chilled with cream as a dessert centrepiece, pies have earned their place at the heart of our food culture.

National Pie Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate both sides of the pie world: the rich, hearty savoury classics and the indulgent, nostalgic sweet favourites.

The Savoury Pie: A British Icon

Savoury pies are woven into British life. From pub menus to family dinners, they represent comfort, generosity, and tradition.

Classic favourites include:

Steak and ale pie – slow-cooked beef in a rich gravy beneath golden pastry

Chicken and mushroom pie – creamy, warming, and endlessly popular

Shepherd’s or cottage pie – technically topped rather than encased, but a pie in spirit

Fish pie – creamy seafood filling with mashed potato comfort

Vegetable and vegan pies – proof that pies don’t need meat to be magnificent

Savoury pies are wonderfully adaptable. Shortcrust, puff, hot water crust, mashed potato topping – every version has its loyal fans. They’re also one of the best “make once, eat twice” meals, often tasting even better the next day.

The Sweet Pie: Dessert Royalty

If savoury pies warm the body, sweet pies warm the soul. Often tied to memories of family gatherings, Sunday lunches, and special occasions, dessert pies are pure comfort.

Much-loved sweet pies include:

Apple pie – simple, timeless, and unbeatable with custard

Cherry pie – vibrant, fruity, and slightly nostalgic

Lemon meringue pie – sharp, sweet, and beautifully theatrical

Treacle tart – a very British classic with deep, sticky sweetness

Pecan pie – rich, indulgent, and unapologetically decadent

Sweet pies invite creativity too – lattice tops, decorative pastry leaves, and flavoured crusts turn baking into an art form as much as a pleasure.

Why Pies Endure

Part of the magic of pies is their universality. They can be humble or luxurious, budget-friendly or celebratory. They suit every season, every diet, and every skill level – from shop-bought shortcuts to all-day kitchen projects.

Pies are also wonderfully social. They’re made to be shared, sliced at the table, argued over (who gets the corner piece?), and remembered.

How to Celebrate National Pie Day

Cook a proper pie from scratch, savoury or sweet

Support a local butcher or bakery

Try a filling you’ve never had befor

Turn leftovers into a pie and reduce food waste

Or simply enjoy a slice with mash, gravy, or custard and no guilt whatsoever

Savoury or Sweet – Which Side Are You On?

National Pie Day isn’t about choosing one over the other. It’s about celebrating the fact that pies can do it all – hearty meals, show-stopping desserts, and everything in between.

So whether you’re team steak and ale or firmly in the apple-and-custard camp, today is your day to raise a fork and enjoy every flaky, crumbly, glorious bite.

Brew Monday: Turning the Bluest Day into a Moment of Warmth and Connection

Every January, the third Monday of the month is often labelled Blue Monday, supposedly the most miserable day of the year. 

Short daylight hours, cold weather, post-Christmas finances, and the long stretch until spring can all combine to make things feel a little heavier than usual.

But in recent years, there’s been a welcome shift in tone — Brew Monday.

Rather than focusing on gloom, Brew Monday encourages us to pause, put the kettle on, and check in with one another.

It’s a simple idea, but a powerful one: a hot drink, a conversation, and the reminder that none of us has to struggle alone.

What Is Brew Monday?

Brew Monday is about connection, not cures. It’s not about pretending everything is fine or forcing positivity. Instead, it invites people to create space for honest conversations — whether that’s over a mug of tea, a coffee, or any warm drink that brings comfort.

The message is clear:

listen more, judge less, and make time for others.

For many, January can be emotionally draining. Brew Monday acknowledges that reality and gently counters it with warmth and human contact.

Why January Can Feel So Tough

There’s no single reason January can be difficult, but common factors include:

The comedown after Christmas and New Year

Financial pressures following the festive season

Dark mornings and early nights

Cold, grey weather limiting social activity

Expectations to “start fresh” or make big life changes

Brew Monday doesn’t try to fix these overnight. Instead, it recognises that sometimes the most meaningful support comes from being present.

How to Mark Brew Monday

You don’t need a big event or grand gesture. Brew Monday works best in small, genuine ways:

Invite a friend or neighbour round for a cuppa

Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while

Check in with colleagues beyond polite small talk

Sit with a family member and really listen

Take a moment for yourself with a calming drink

Even a short conversation can make a difference.

Brew Monday at Home and at Work

At home, Brew Monday can be as simple as slowing down. Put the kettle on, turn off distractions, and give someone your full attention — including yourself.

At work, it’s an opportunity to foster kindness and understanding. A shared tea break, a quiet check-in, or an open invitation to talk can help create a more supportive environment, especially during a month when motivation can dip.

When a Brew Isn’t Enough

While Brew Monday encourages connection, it’s also important to acknowledge that some people may need more support. If someone is struggling, listening is vital — but so is knowing when to point them towards professional help.

In the UK, organisations like Samaritans are available 24/7 for anyone who needs someone to talk to, whether they’re in crisis or just feeling overwhelmed.

A Small Act with a Big Impact

Brew Monday reminds us that kindness doesn’t have to be complicated. A warm drink, a shared moment, and a willingness to listen can help cut through the isolation that January sometimes brings.

So today — and any day that feels heavy — put the kettle on.

You never know how much that simple act might mean to someone. 

https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Cheese Lovers Day: A Proper Celebration of One of Life’s Great Joys

There are food celebrations… and then there is Cheese Lovers Day – a glorious excuse to unapologetically indulge in one of the most beloved foods on the planet. 

Whether you’re a die-hard Cheddar fan, a devotee of oozy Brie, or someone who believes blue cheese improves everything, today is about celebrating cheese in all its magnificent forms.

Why Cheese Deserves Its Own Day

Cheese is more than just food – it’s culture, history, comfort, and craftsmanship rolled into one. From ancient methods passed down through generations to modern artisan experiments, cheese tells the story of place, people, and patience.

Across the UK alone, we’re blessed with an extraordinary range:

Sharp, crumbly territorials

Creamy soft cheeses perfect for baking

Washed-rind wonders with serious personality

Blues that divide opinion but reward the brave

World Cheese Lovers Day is a moment to appreciate not just the taste, but the skill and care that goes into every wheel, wedge, and crumb.

How to Celebrate World Cheese Lovers Day

There’s no wrong way to mark the occasion, but here are a few suitably indulgent ideas:

Create a proper cheese board

Mix textures and strengths: hard, soft, blue, mild, and bold. Add crackers, crusty bread, chutneys, fruit, and perhaps a drizzle of honey for contrast.

Try something new

Pick up a cheese you’ve never tried before – perhaps from a local deli or farm shop. World Cheese Lovers Day is the perfect excuse to step outside your usual favourites.

Cook with cheese at the centre

Think bubbling baked Camembert, a rich macaroni cheese, cheesy mash, or a simple grilled cheese sandwich elevated with quality ingredients.

Pair it thoughtfully

Cheese loves good company. Beer, cider, wine, and even tea can all make excellent partners when matched carefully.

Cheese as Comfort Food

There’s a reason cheese features so heavily in comfort cooking. It’s warming, satisfying, and deeply nostalgic. A cheesy dish can turn a cold evening into something cosy, or make an ordinary meal feel like a treat.

In uncertain or stressful times, small pleasures matter – and few are as reliable as cheese.

Supporting Cheesemakers

World Cheese Lovers Day is also a great moment to support local and independent producers. Artisan cheesemakers work year-round to preserve traditional methods while innovating with flavour and style. Buying their cheese helps keep these skills alive.

A Day Worth Savouring

So whether you’re nibbling quietly, hosting a cheese-laden feast, or simply adding extra cheese to dinner and calling it celebration enough, Cheese Lovers Day is a reminder to slow down and savour the good things.

After all, life is better with cheese.

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Cheesy Mash Bake (The Ultimate Comfort Food Traybake)

There are days when only proper, rib-sticking comfort food will do, and this cheesy mash bake absolutely delivers.

It’s hearty, flexible, and perfect for using up whatever you’ve got lurking in the fridge or freezer. Best of all, it’s simple enough for a midweek tea but indulgent enough to feel like a treat.

This is the kind of no-nonsense cooking we love at That’s Food and Drink: filling, adaptable, and gloriously cheesy.

Cheesy Mash Bake Recipe

Serves: 4–6

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 40–50 minutes

Ingredients

For the base

500g minced beef or diced beef (or a mix)

1–2 cups mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, sweetcorn, onions – whatever you fancy)

500–750ml beef stock (enough to keep things lovely and saucy)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the mash topping

1kg potatoes, peeled and chopped

Butter and a splash of milk

100–150g grated cheese (cheddar works beautifully)

For the cheesy finish

Thick slices of cheese (cheddar, Red Leicester, or a mix)

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).

Cook the potatoes in salted water until soft. Drain, mash with butter and milk, then stir through the grated cheese. Season well.

Prepare the filling

Grease a large casserole dish. Add the minced meat or cubed beef, scatter over the mixed vegetables, and pour in enough stock to generously cover the base. Season with salt and pepper.

Top with mash

Spoon the cheesy mash over the filling and spread it thickly right to the edges.

Add the final cheese layer

Lay thick slices of cheese over the mash for that golden, bubbling top.

Bake

Place in the oven and cook for 40–50 minutes, until piping hot, bubbling at the edges, and beautifully golden on top.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with buttered greens or cabbage for balance, or baked beans

Add a splash of gravy if you like things extra comforting

Leftovers reheat brilliantly the next day (if there are any!)

Easy Variations

Extra richness: Stir a spoon of mustard into the mash, or mayonnaise 

Vegetarian version: Swap the meat for lentils or mushrooms, or vegan mince

Different meats: Use pork or lamb rather than beef or use corned beef for a different take

Luxury twist: Add a little grated parmesan to the mash topping

Spicy kick: A pinch of chilli flakes in the filling works wonders

This cheesy mash bake is proof that simple food, done well, is often the most satisfying of all. It’s warm, filling, adaptable, and guaranteed to disappear fast from the table.

Perfect comfort food – the That’s Food and Drink way.

Squeaky Bean introduces exclusive offers and innovative new products for Veganuary

These are the latest additions to their best-selling range.

And you can save money with Squeaky Bean, too!

Squeaky Bean is launching a special limited-time offer on many of its products for Veganuary, making it easier for shoppers to enjoy their favourite items and shop smarter without stretching their budget during a typically costly time of year.  

Sainsbury’s:  Squeaky Bean SKUs on 3 for 2: 1.1.2026 to 24.1.2026 

Tesco: 20% off all Squeaky SKUs: 29.12.25-19.01.26. 

Waitrose: Save 20% across Squeaky Bean SKUs from 21.01.26 to 11.02.26.

Ocado: 3 for £8 across Squeaky Bean SKUs from 31.12.25 to 27.01.26.

Asda: Rollback prices across Squeaky Bean SKUs from 31.12.25 to 27.01.26.

In addition, more of the plant-based brand’s core lines are launching into further retailers, including Morrisons, Tesco, Ocado and Waitrose. 

Squeaky Bean’s Latest Launches

Joining Squeaky Bean’s product range are the new Salmon Style Flakes that replicate the taste and texture of traditional smoked salmon, but with a twist. Infused with a zesty sweet chilli marinade, they deliver a perfect balance of sweet and spicy and are 100% vegan. Made with wheat protein, Squeaky Bean Salmon Style Flakes are also a source of protein.

NEW Squeaky Bean Salmon Style Flakes (120g) are available in Sainsbury’s and Ocado (RRP £3.25).

Pies are the perfect winter comfort food – and Squeaky Bean’s new range of irresistibly delicious, naturally fermented vegetable pies are rich in flavours and packed with plant-based ingredients that don’t compromise on taste. 

The new Braised Veggie Pie features shortcrust pastry filled with a flavourful medley of fermented vegetables, in a rich ale gravy, topped with golden puff pastry.  Squeaky Bean’s new Spanish Chorizo Style Pie features a shortcrust pastry base packed with butter beans, courgettes, and a fermented vegetable filling, topped with golden puff pastry.

NEW Squeaky Bean Braised Veggie Pie (209g) and Spanish Chorizo Style Pie (209g) are also available in Tesco (RRP £3.75).

Squeaky Bean Signature Products

Finally, not forgetting Squeaky Bean’s core range of staples which are perfect for sandwiches, enjoyed by vegans, flexitarians, and meat eaters alike.

The Tuna Style Flakes are vegan, high in protein, low in saturated fat, and a source of Omega-3. They have a meaty texture and flavour, making it easy to swap in a plant-based option. These are launching into Waitrose stores this January, 

The Pastrami Style ‘Beef’ Slices have the classic ruby-red colour and herby flavour, ideal for a simple rye bread sandwich.

Squeaky Bean’s ready-to-eat Tofu Slices with Spinach & Basil (80g), and Tofu Slices with Red Pepper & Tomato (80g), RRP: £2.50 each, are made from just a few natural and sustainable ingredients. Squeaky Bean Tofu Slices are vegan-friendly and delicious, high in protein (25g of protein per 100g) and a source of fibre (5.6g of fibre per 100g). They launch into Tesco stores this January, alongside being available from Sainsbury’s.  

Finally, the Plant-Based Chargrilled Chicken Style Mini Fillets, made from wheat and pea protein, are available plain or with Cajun seasoning, providing a quick and versatile option for sandwiches or salads. These have launched into Waitrose and Morrisons this month, increasing distribution of the popular plant-based chicken alternative. 

Squeaky Bean also has an impressive line-up of products including ready-to-eat Cooking Chorizo Style Sausage, Crispy Bacon Style Strips, Chargrilled Steak Style Strips, Chargrilled Mini Fillets and Sandwich Slices; NYC Deli Pastrami, Applewood Smoked Ham Style Slices, and Spanish Chorizo Style Slices. 

@Squeakybeanveg on Twitter, Facebook Tik Tok or Instagram.  

About Squeaky Bean®:

Squeaky Bean® exists to show that plant-based food can be tasty, easy to prepare and something to shout about! The entirely vegan range includes ready-to-eat, protein packed and full-on flavour Chicken Style Pieces, mind blowing Chargrilled Mini Fillets, Tuna Style Flakes, Crispy Bacon Style Strips and tasty Sandwich Slices – featuring the famous NYC Deli Pastrami, Red Pepper & Tomato and Spinach & Basil Tofu Slices.

Squeaky Bean products are available from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Ocado and Asda, plus other outlets, soon.

You can send a squeak to @Squeakybeanveg on Twitter, Facebook Tik Tok or Instagram.

Recent awards:

Squeaky Bean Tofu Slices have been awarded Gold in the Best Tofu/Tempeh category, while Squeaky Bean Bacon Strips have been awarded Silver in the Best New Product category of Vegan Food & Living Product Awards 2025.

https://www.squeakybean.co.uk

555 Amanda Appoints New UK General Manager

Seafood supplier, 555 Amanda has named Gavin McLean (PICTURED) as its new UK General Manager, leading a newly established UK entity for the Denmark-based seafood specialist. 

The appointment signals a strengthened commitment to the UK market and follows increased demand from chefs, manufacturers, and the fish and chip sector for the company's award-winning sustainable seafood.

Gavin has supported 555 Amanda as a sales consultant over the past two years; this move will see him taking on a much bigger role in driving the success of the company in the UK. He brings extensive experience helping scaling businesses to overcome market barriers, secure major retail listings, and build distinctive, enduring brands. A specialist in commercial strategy and growth planning, he will accelerate 555 Amanda's expansion across fish and chip shops, food manufacturers, wholesalers and food service channels.

Gavin will report to Lars Fey, Export Director for Insula the parent company to 555 Amanda, bringing the responsibility for UK sales closer to home.

Stephen Minall will help to drive UK sales as Non-Executive Director capability for the new UK division. An investor and director of Moving Food Ltd, Minall has helped launch dozens of food concepts into the UK retail and catering sectors.

Gavin McLean, UK General Manager, told That's Food and Drink: “We're delighted to start 2026 with a dedicated UK operation for 555 Amanda. This structure will enable faster growth and give customers stronger local support. It will give us the capability to accelerate 555 Amanda's expansion across fish and chip shops, food manufacturers, wholesalers and food service channels.

“In 2025, 555 Amanda's ASC certified Salmon Roulade won 'Best New Ingredient' at the 2025 Sammies (the British Sandwich & Food to Go Industry Awards) along with 'Food Service Product of the Year' at the 2024 QFAs (Quality Food Awards). Additionally, we launched the UK Fish & Chip Shop Content Creator Awards, driving UGC content across our platforms. We plan to build on this momentum throughout 2026 and beyond.”

For trade samples, pricing and wholesale enquiries, please contact:

Gavin McLean – gavin.mclean@555amanda.co.uk

Find them at: www.555amanda.co.uk

This January, Ditch the Cleanse For Real Food

Every January it's the same message. We are told it's time to detox. 

Juice cleanses, restrictive plans, and elimination diets promise a fresh start, as if our bodies are something to be fixed after a few festive meals.

But the idea we need to detox through restriction is not only misleading, but it is also often counterproductive.

Our bodies already detox themselves. The liver, kidneys and digestive system work around the clock to remove waste and keep us healthy. 

What they really need to function well is not fewer nutrients, but better ones.

At Hampshire Market Garden, they believe the healthiest way to start January is not by cutting food out, but by putting the right food back in. 

Seasonal, locally grown organic vegetables provide fibre, vitamins and minerals that support digestion, immunity and stable energy levels through the winter. They nourish the body rather than stressing it.

Detox-style diets often do the opposite. By removing fibre-rich foods and relying on liquids or ultra-restrictive rules, they deprive the gut of what it needs to function properly. Many people experience fatigue, irritability and rebound eating, all signs that the body is being pushed rather than supported.

Good health is not built in a week. It is built meal by meal.

Hampshire Market Garden's Director and Head Grower, Chris Huskins, a Certified Soil Scientist, believes the process starts beneath our feet.

Christ told That's Food and Drink:  "Healthy soil grows healthier food. When soil is cared for through organic and regenerative methods, it produces crops with greater resilience, depth of flavour and nutritional value. 

"It also supports wildlife, stores carbon, and strengthens local food systems. Looking after soil is not a niche environmental concern; it is a public health issue."

Choosing local, seasonal produce in January is one of the simplest ways to support both personal and planetary health. It reduces food miles, supports Hampshire growers and reconnects us with food that is grown with care rather than designed for shelf life.

This is not about perfection or moralising food choices. It is about rejecting the idea that health comes from punishment. Real health comes from nourishment, consistency and connection to where our food comes from.

This January, perhaps the healthiest thing we can do is stop detoxing and start eating properly again.

So... Say no detox. Just say yes to real food.

Hampshire Market Garden is a not-for-profit social enterprise working to show the world that healthy soil can protect our future. From food security to climate resilience, it demonstrates that caring for what lies beneath our feet is key to a sustainable future.

It does this by growing organic vegetables with a focus on soil health, educating communities about its importance, and collaborating with farmers, organisations, and policymakers to drive change and promote sustainable land stewardship.

As well as selling wholesale, they sell their produce to consumers via a fast-growing veg box scheme that delivers directly to homes and to collection points across Hampshire. They also donate healthy organic food to local pantries, food projects, night shelters and more.

Hampshire Market Garden's Director and Head Grower, Chris Huskins, is a Certified Soil Scientist and a great presenter and interviewee. Watch his TEDx talk proving that healthy soil is the solution for both productive farming and a sustainable future here:-

https://hampshiremarketgarden.co.uk

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