That's Christmas 365: How to Celebrate Christmas Late – With Luxury Hamp...

That's Christmas 365: How to Celebrate Christmas Late – With Luxury Hamp...: There’s something rather wonderful about celebrating Christmas after everyone else has packed the decorations away.  The pressure has gone, ...

Ikoyi co-founders set to launch Magma Concepts

Ikoyi co-founders Executive Chef Jeremy Chan and Managing Director Iré Hassan-Odukale are set to launch Magma Concepts, an exciting new line of sauces and seasonings born from the acclaimed kitchen’s signature flavour combinations and developed for everyday use at home.

The first product, Magma Hot Sauce, will launch on Saturday, 28th March.

Developed over a two-year period, Magma Hot Sauce has been created to carry Ikoyi’s influence beyond the restaurant, delivering a condiment that reflects the signature bold heat found in many of its dishes, with undernotes of citrus and a deep umami-rich finish.

Adapted for everyday use and perfect for the home kitchen, Ikoyi’s Magma Hot Sauce is made from lacto-fermented chillies, citrus and a precise blend of two rare varieties of peppercorns: the ‘white-hot’ heat of White Penja from Cameroon and the ‘sweet-hot’ warmth of Red Kampot from Cambodia. 

Endlessly versatile, Magma Hot Sauce delivers a touch of affordable luxury and can be added directly to eggs, fried rice, or pizza, used to elevate mayonnaise or dipping sauces, marinades for meat or fish, and even added to cocktails or homemade infusions.

To celebrate the launch, Ikoyi will host a tasting for guests on Saturday, March 28th, in timed slots from 14.00 to 20.15. Guests will enjoy a fried chicken dish with rice or a vegetarian alternative, along with a cocktail, beer, or a non-alcoholic beverage, and of course, Magma Hot Sauce. Attendees will also take home a bottle of Magma Hot Sauce and an exclusive Magma tote bag. T-shirts will be available to purchase at an additional cost.

Tickets will be priced at £50 and released on 25th February.

Ikoyi’s Magma Hot Sauce (£10) will be available to purchase from Saturday 28th March on Magma’s website: www.magmaconcepts.co

Robin Gill turns up the heat with a bold twist on the Spice Bag

Plus, one-night-only Spice Bag Happy Hour with free-flowing fries ! 

 Strong Roots is bringing the party to your plate by teaming up with chef Robin Gill to turn up the heat on the iconic Irish

 Spice Bag, with a seriously spicy twist across three brand-new recipes. 

Packed with big, bold flavours, exciting vegetable combinations and crave-worthy crunch, the collab celebrates the very best of Irish comfort food with a cult dish now taking the UK food scene by storm.  

Robin has put his own spin on the late-night takeaway classic, layering craveable textures, with punchy spices and playful twists, all made with real, simple ingredients, the trio of recipes includes:  

The Sweet & Spicy 

The classic Spice Bag recipe is reimagined, turning up the flavour with cult favourite Strong Roots Sweet Potato Fries, bringing a natural sweetness and extra crunch. These fries are packed with goodness, a natural source of fibre and low in fat. 

Teamed with crispy fried tofu, garlic-infused red, green and yellow peppers, onions and crispy garlic, then generously coated in fragrant Chinese spices. And finally smothered in a rich, indulgent curry sauce made from slow-cooked white onions, garlic, curry powder, vegetable stock, butter, lime zest and a squeeze of fresh lime. This Spice Bag hits that irresistible sweet-meets-heat spot. One bite and you’ll be hooked. 

The Fiery Punch 

Not for the faint hearted, this packs the spiciest punch this St Patrick’s Day. Fiery heat, deep umami flavour and a subtle sweetness from the Strong Roots Sweet Potato Fries. Loaded with crispy tofu, garlic-infused peppers, green beans, onions and finished with Chinese spices, and a fiery fermented black bean rayu sauce and punchy pickled chillies. Served with lashings of curry sauce for even more sauciness and spice. 

The Classic Kick 

A nostalgic and familiar nod to the original chipper takeaway. Golden Strong Roots Crispy Skinny Fries, are tossed with garlic infused red, green and yellow peppers, onions and warming spices, lots of sliced crispy garlic and crispy soy-soaked fried tofu. And, finally drenched in Robin’s indulgent curry sauce, it’s familiar, nostalgic and totally addictive. 

A One-Night-Only Spice Bag Happy Hour 

Strong Roots and Robin are bringing the flavour, the fun and the perfect excuse to celebrate the run up to St Patrick’s Day at an exclusive Strong Roots Spice

 Bag Happy Hour on 12th March at Robin's restaurant, Bar Brasso and you are invited! Guests will enjoy free-flowing Spice Bags, each perfectly paired with an Irish-themed cocktail or stout, plus Irish music and more! 

FREE tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis via Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/strong-roots-spice-bag-happy-hour-tickets-1982189165152?aff=oddtdtcreator

 Can’t make it? The recipes will be available online at www.strongroots.com so you can recreate the ultimate ‘fakeaway’ night in at home.  

Robin Gill, Chef and Restaurateur told That's Food and Drink: “I grew up eating Spice Bags in Ireland, so this was a really special nostalgic one for me. We’ve taken the classic recipe and seriously turned up the flavour and textures.  

"These dishes are big, bold and spicy! Strong Roots Sweet Potato Fries bring a whole new energy, they are sweet, crispy and perfect with spice. Get stuck in and make them at home or come celebrate with us at our Spice Bag Happy Hour!” 

Charlotte Turton the Managing Director, Strong Roots, said: “Spice Bags are one of Ireland’s most iconic dishes and rapidly growing in popularity across the UK.  Partnering with Robin is the perfect way to celebrate this St Patrick’s Day.  

"He shares our Irish roots, our love of flavour, and our belief that food should be real and exciting. As a B Corp, we care about making food that’s good for you and good for the planet, so it’s a great time to celebrate our Strong Roots Sweet Potato Fries, made from real vegetables, packed with goodness, a source of fibre and low in fat. 

Crowned the UK’s No.1 selling sweet potato fries1, it’s no wonder Strong Roots Sweet Potato Fries are a firm favourite in households across the UK and Ireland.  Made with real ingredients, a crispy texture, and a natural source of fibre (4.1g per 100g), low in saturated fat, gluten-free, only 154 calories per portion and ready in just 10 minutes in the your air fryer.  

Robin Gill x Strong Roots Spice Bag Happy Hour 

12th March 2026 

Bar Brasso, 3 Viaduct Gardens, Vauxhall, SW11 7AY 

6.30pm - 9.30pm 

Limited tickets are available at Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/strong-roots-spice-bag-happy-hour-tickets-1982189165152?aff=oddtdtcreator

Celebrating St Patrick’s Day with Suitable Food and Drink

St Patrick’s Day, held each year on 17 March, is a celebration of Irish heritage, culture and community. 

Whether you have Irish roots or simply enjoy the atmosphere, it’s the perfect excuse to gather friends, put on something green and enjoy hearty food with a good drink in hand.

Here’s how to mark the occasion properly,  with flavour, warmth and a touch of Irish charm.

Traditional Irish Dishes to Serve

1. Irish Stew

A proper Irish stew is simple, comforting and deeply satisfying. Traditionally made with lamb, potatoes, onions and carrots, it’s slow-cooked until tender and rich.

For a modern twist, you could:

Add pearl barley for extra texture

Use beef if lamb isn’t your preference

Finish with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper

Serve with warm soda bread to mop up every last drop.

2. Soda Bread

Quick to make and wonderfully rustic, soda bread doesn’t require yeast. The distinctive cross cut into the top is said to “let the fairies out” — or more practically, help it bake evenly.

Serve it:

With salted butter

Alongside soups and stews

Toasted the next morning with marmalade

3. Colcannon

Creamy mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage or kale and spring onions, finished with a generous knob of butter. It’s simple comfort food at its best.

Colcannon works beautifully as a side dish with:

Sausages

Roast chicken

Corned beef

4. Irish Boxty

Boxty are Irish potato pancakes, crisp outside, soft inside. They can be served as:

A breakfast item

A side dish

A base for smoked salmon or creamy mushrooms

Drinks to Match the Celebration

Guinness

No St Patrick’s Day feels complete without a pint of Guinness. The dark stout with its creamy head is iconic and pairs beautifully with rich dishes like stew or pie.

If stout isn’t your thing, try:

An Irish red ale

A smooth Irish lager

A half-and-half (with care!)

Irish Whiskey

A measure of Irish whiskey, neat or over ice, is another classic choice. You might try a dram from Jameson or explore small-batch distilleries if you prefer something more distinctive.

For a sweeter option, serve Irish coffee, hot coffee, sugar, whiskey and lightly whipped cream.

Non-Alcoholic Options

Not everyone wants alcohol, and that’s perfectly fine.

Consider:

Alcohol-free stout alternatives

Sparkling elderflower

Fresh apple juice (Ireland has a strong cider tradition)

Shamrock-themed mocktails made with lime and soda

Don’t Forget Something Sweet

To round off your celebration:

Irish cream cheesecake

Chocolate stout cake

Baileys-flavoured truffles

Shortbread dyed green for fun

A simple traybake with a splash of Irish cream liqueur can be an easy crowd-pleaser.

Creating the Atmosphere

Food and drink are only part of the experience. Add:

Irish folk music

Green table settings

Shamrock decorations

A themed quiz on Irish history

If you’re heading to your local pub, check whether they’re hosting live music or themed menus, many embrace the day wholeheartedly.

A Final Toast

St Patrick’s Day is ultimately about togetherness. Whether you’re cooking a full Irish feast at home or simply raising a glass with friends, it’s a day to enjoy good company, hearty food and a touch of Irish spirit. Sláinte!

Nottingham Burger Lovers, Rejoice! The Beefy Boys are Coming to Town!

Nottingham's food scene is about to get a fantastic and major new addition.

The Beefy Boys, the UK's Best Burger winners (National Burger Awards 2023) and two-times World Food Championships finalists, have announced they will open their sixth restaurant on the city's iconic Queen's Street this April.

The announcement comes just weeks after the team celebrated the 10 year anniversary of opening their very first restaurant in Hereford, marking a decade of steady growth from backyard BBQs to internationally recognised burger champions.

Founded in 2011 by four childhood friends, Anthony 'Murf' Murphy, Daniel Mayo-Evans, Christian Williams and Lee Symonds, The Beefy Boys first made headlines when they placed second at the World Food Championships in Las Vegas in 2014.

They returned in 2024, securing fourth place in Indianapolis, cementing their reputation as one of the UK's leading burger brands.

Now, Nottingham will become their most northern restaurant to date, joining their growing portfolio in Hereford, Shrewsbury, Cheltenham, Bath and Oxford.

Speaking about the new launch, co-founder Murf told That's Food and Drink: “Nottingham has been on our radar for a while, now.

It's a brilliant city with a buzzing food scene, so we can't wait to bring our burgers here. Ten years on from opening our first restaurant, launching our sixth site feels like a huge milestone, and Nottingham feels like the perfect next chapter.”

The new city centre site will serve up The Beefy Boys' cult favourites, including the classic Beefy Boy Burger and the award-winning Oklahoma Onion Boy Cali Style burger, alongside indulgent loaded fries, buffalo wings, delicious sides, vegetarian and vegan options, and their famous hard shakes.

The brand is known for using 100% grass-fed Herefordshire beef from their hometown, and championing local suppliers wherever possible, building a loyal following thanks to its bold flavours, playful personality, and commitment to quality.

Recruitment for the Nottingham restaurant is now live, creating new jobs in the city. The team is seeking energetic, food-loving staff to join the Nottingham crew. Job listings can be viewed at https://jobs.thebeefyboys.com/nottingham.

Further details on the official opening, and the way in which local diners can be among the first to try out the new restaurant, will be announced soon.

For more information on The Beefy Boys, please visit their website: https://thebeefyboys.com

How to Feast for Saint David’s Day (1 March)

Saint David’s Day is a wonderful excuse to celebrate Wales with proper food, generous hospitality and a table full of comforting, traditional flavours. 

Whether you have Welsh roots or simply enjoy marking the seasons with regional dishes, 1 March offers the perfect opportunity to bring a little bit of Cymru into your kitchen.

Here’s how to plan a feast worthy of the patron saint of Wales.

Welsh Icons on the Table

Before the food even begins, set the mood.

Saint David (Dewi Sant) is traditionally associated with leeks and daffodils, both national symbols of Wales. 

A simple vase of daffodils or a few fresh leeks arranged decoratively on the table adds an instant Welsh flourish. If you have a Welsh flag, even better. A red dragon backdrop turns a meal into a celebration.

Starter: Cawl – The Heart of Wales

No Saint David’s Day feast feels complete without cawl.

Traditionally made with lamb and seasonal root vegetables, cawl is less of a soup and more of a hearty broth-stew hybrid. Leeks are essential. Potatoes, carrots and swede give body, while slow-cooked lamb adds depth.

For a vegetarian version, increase the root veg, add pearl barley and use a rich vegetable stock. Serve with crusty bread and salted Welsh butter.

This is comfort food designed for brisk March evenings.

Main Course: Glamorgan Sausages or Roast Lamb

For the main event, you have two classic options:

Glamorgan Sausages

Vegetarian and deeply satisfying, these are made from cheese (traditionally Caerphilly), leeks and breadcrumbs. Crisp on the outside, soft and savoury within, they’re ideal served with buttery mash and seasonal greens.

Roast Welsh Lamb

Wales is famed for its lamb. A simple roast with garlic and rosemary, served with roast potatoes and rich gravy, makes a centrepiece worthy of a celebration. Keep it traditional and let the ingredients shine.

Sweet Treat: Welsh Cakes

No feast is complete without Welsh cakes.

Cooked on a griddle rather than baked, these lightly spiced, sultana-studded treats are best eaten warm with a dusting of caster sugar. Serve alongside a strong cup of tea for a proper afternoon finish.

If you want to expand the dessert table, consider bara brith,  a fruit loaf soaked in tea, sliced thick and buttered generously.

Raise a Glass

Pair your meal with:

Welsh ale

A crisp cider

Or a small dram of whisky from a Welsh distillery

For a non-alcoholic option, elderflower presse or traditional tea works beautifully.

Make It an Occasion

Play some Welsh music in the background. If you’re feeling ambitious, try learning a few lines of the Welsh national anthem, “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.” Saint David himself was known for simple living and powerful words, “Gwnewch y pethau bychain” (“Do the little things”) remains a guiding motto.

And perhaps that’s the heart of the feast: simple, good ingredients, shared warmly.

A Simple Saint David’s Day Menu at a Glance

Starter: Traditional cawl

Main: Glamorgan sausages or roast lamb

Sides: Buttered leeks, roast potatoes, seasonal greens

Dessert: Welsh cakes and bara brith

Drinks: Welsh ale, cider or tea

Celebrating Saint David’s Day doesn’t require elaborate planning. It’s about honouring Welsh heritage, seasonal produce and the joy of gathering around the table.

However you choose to mark 1 March, make it hearty, make it welcoming. And don’t forget the daffodils and the leeks!

Celebrating National Chilli Day: Heat, Flavour and a Little Bit of Fire

There are food days… and then there are great food days. 

National Chilli Day falls on the last Thursday in February here in the UK, and it’s the perfect excuse to turn up the heat in the kitchen.

Whether you’re a gentle-simmer sort of cook or someone who treats a Scotch bonnet as a casual ingredient, Chilli Day is about celebrating bold flavour, comfort food and that unmistakable warming glow.

A Brief History of Chilli

Chillies originated in Central and South America and have been part of human diets for thousands of years. After Christopher Columbus encountered them in the late 15th century, they spread rapidly across Europe, Africa and Asia.

Today, they’re essential to cuisines from Mexico and India to Thailand and Korea, and, of course, firmly embedded in British comfort food culture thanks to the ever-popular chilli con carne.

Why We Love Chilli in the UK

In Britain, chilli has become something of a cold-weather staple. A big pot bubbling away on the hob is economical, filling and easy to batch cook, ideal for busy households or those of us planning meals for the week ahead.

It’s also brilliantly adaptable:

Beef chilli with kidney beans

Turkey or chicken chilli for a lighter option

Three-bean vegetarian chilli

Lentil and sweet potato chilli

Slow-cooker or one-pan versions

For bloggers (especially food bloggers), Chilli Day is a gift. It’s seasonal, searchable and endlessly versatile, perfect for recipe round-ups, freezer meal guides or budget cooking features.

The Health Side of Heat

Chillies contain capsaicin, the compound that gives them their heat. Some research suggests capsaicin may help boost metabolism and support heart health, while many people swear by chilli as a natural decongestant during winter sniffles.

Of course, moderation matters. Too much heat can upset sensitive stomachs, so it’s always wise to build spice gradually rather than dumping in a whole chopped chilli and hoping for the best.

How to Celebrate Chilli Day

You don’t need to enter a competitive hot-wing contest (unless that’s your thing). Here are a few easy ways to mark the occasion:

1. Host a Chilli Night

Invite friends round and offer a toppings bar, grated cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, coriander, lime wedges and tortilla chips.

2. Try a New Variety

Move beyond standard red chillies. Experiment with chipotle (smoky), ancho (mild and fruity) or even fresh green chillies for brightness.

3. Support Local Producers

The UK now has a thriving hot sauce scene. Independent producers often create small-batch sauces with inventive flavour combinations, ideal for gifts or pantry upgrades.

4. Make It a One-Pan Supper

For busy households, a simple one-pan chilli with rice stirred through at the end keeps washing up minimal, always a win.

A Simple Classic Chilli (Serves 4)

500g minced beef (or plant-based alternative)

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 red chilli, finely chopped (adjust to taste)

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tbsp tomato purée

1 tin chopped tomatoes

1 tin kidney beans, drained

Salt and pepper

Brown the mince, soften the onion and garlic, stir in spices and tomato purée, then add tomatoes and beans. Simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. Taste, adjust seasoning and serve with rice or jacket potatoes.

The Real Joy of Chilli Day

Chilli Day isn’t really about how hot you can go. It’s about warmth, literal and social. A steaming bowl of chilli shared around a table is comfort food at its best.

So whether you prefer a gentle warmth or full-on fire, today’s the day to embrace the heat.

How hot do you dare to go?

Tradition Meets Technology as Tasty African Food Opens Digital-First Takeaway in Maidstone

Following the celebration of its 25th anniversary last year, Tasty African Food is entering a new phase of growth with the opening of its first fully digital takeaway in Maidstone, Kent.

The new Maidstone location marks a first for the brand, introducing a fully digital ordering system where customers can order via in-store kiosks or through the Tasty African Food app, with order numbers displayed on screens for seamless collection. 

The new format allows staff to focus entirely on food preparation and service, ensuring faster turnaround times, while maintaining the quality and authenticity that the brand has built its reputation on over the past two decades.

Speaking about the opening, Abolaji Modile, Head of Tasty African Restaurant Business, told That's Food and Drink: “We are excited to announce the opening of Tasty African Food in Maidstone, marking a bold, new chapter for our brand. 

For over 25 years, we have proudly shared the rich and authentic flavours of West African cuisine across the UK, bringing a sense of home to every community we serve.

"This new location features our first fully digital takeaway experience, allowing customers to order easily through our app or in-store kiosks. 

"These innovations are designed for speed, convenience, and accessibility for everyone. Our goal is to take African cuisine beyond its traditional boundaries and invite a wider audience to experience its vibrant flavours, warmth, and culture.”

For Tasty African Food, Maidstone marks the start of the next 25 years, where tradition meets innovation, and more people can discover the true tastes of Africa.

The opening follows the successful launch of the brand’s mobile app last year, part of Tasty African Food’s wider investment in technology to improve customer experience and accessibility.

Simi Olaleye, Business Development Manager, added: “We’re always looking for new ways to serve our customers better, and with our new app, we’re putting control back in the hands of our customers, offering lower prices, quicker service and a more rewarding experience.”

The Maidstone opening represents the start of the brand’s next chapter, where tradition meets innovation and new audiences are introduced to the depth and diversity of West African cuisine.

To celebrate the launch, customers visiting on opening day can enjoy free small chops, prizes and giveaways, including a spin-the-wheel competition and in-store celebrations.

You will find Tasty African Food Maidstone at 24–26 Pudding Lane, Maidstone, ME14 1LT.

Opening Times: Monday – Sunday, 11am – 9pm

FACTFILE: 

Tasty African Food is a heritage brand, now celebrating its 25th year in business, started from humble beginnings and has grown to become the largest West African food chain in the entire UK. 

Tasty African Food prides itself on authentic culinary experiences, centred around bringing people together with good food. 

From inception the Olaleye family has grown Tasty African Food into a multifaceted business, delivering authentic African ready meals, eat-in, or catering services for a variety of events. As Tasty African Food has grown it hasn’t forgotten its roots, as a family owned business Tasty African Food is rooted in its community, affordability and authenticity. 

https://tastyafricanfood.com

Best-Selling Steenbergs Rose Water Now In Holland & Barrett

Steenbergs Organic Rose Water, the brand's best-selling product, has just launched nationwide in high street wellness champion, Holland & Barrett, bringing this ancient ingredient to new and old fans around the UK. 

Made using freshly picked organic Persian Damask roses from Bulgaria, Steenbergs Organic Rose Water is distilled using a simple, traditional water extraction process. 

The result? A softly perfumed rose water often compared to the scent of Rose de Rescht, which is floral, fresh and never overpowering. 

With just two ingredients of water and organic rose petal extractives, it speaks directly to the growing customer demand for clean labels, transparency and multi-use wellness essentials. There are no added sugars, preservatives, colours or artificial flavours, making it as clean and considered as today's consumers expect. 

Pure, aromatic and incredibly versatile, Steenbergs Organic Rose Water is a favourite among home bakers and adventurous cooks alike. A few drops can transform everything from cakes and biscuits to ice cream, fruit salads and chocolate puddings, with imagination being the only real limit. 

It stars in several much-loved Steenbergs recipes, including: 

Peppermint, vanilla, rosewater, and lemon Turkish delight  

Gluten and sugar free Persian halva  

Now with increased nationwide availability in Holland & Barrett, this long-cherished ingredient of Middle Eastern and Persian cooking and beauty rituals, rose water is being rediscovered for its versatility. Customers are giving it five-star reviews.  

Vegan, Kosher certified, and made with care by a B Corp, Steenbergs Organic Rose Water is part of a wider range of flower waters and organic extracts built on craftsmanship and integrity. 

Steenbergs Organic Rose Water (100ml) is now available in store and online at Holland & Barrett, priced at £4.99, with an introductory 'Buy One, Get One Half Price' offer.   

Whether stirred, savoured or spritzed, this is rose water for a new generation: simple, soulful and effortlessly on trend. 

https://steenbergs.co.uk

Strawberry Rose takes the top spot at Fudge Kitchen's 2026 'New Year, New Flavour' Competition

Fudge Kitchen are delighted to unveil a brand-new fudge flavour for 2026 following their highly anticipated New Year, New Flavour competition. 

Now an annual highlight in the Fudge Kitchen calendar, the competition gives all six of the brand's high-street shops the chance to battle it out creatively, developing innovative new flavours that could become the next customer favourite. 

The winning flavour is then rolled out nationwide, both in-store and online at fudgekitchen.co.uk.

This year's New Year, New Flavour competition took place on Thursday 15 January at Fudge Kitchen's production kitchen in Aylesham, Kent. 

Teams were challenged to create flavour-led, seasonal, limited-edition fudges that could be released throughout the year.

In total, twelve flavours were entered, including Mulled Cider, Candy Cane, Pistachio Cream, Tiramisu, Cherry Lemonade and Peaches & Cream.

An esteemed judging panel was made up of Fudge Kitchen staff and experienced Fudge Makers, alongside four distinguished guest experts:

Annabelle Cox, Owner and Creator of Dunk Cookies

Robin Newall, Head of Sales at Kent's Simply Ice Cream

Bethan Grylls, Editor at Food Manufacture

Mia Chapman, Content & Features, Sideways Media

And the Winner Is…

🥇 Windsor – Strawberry Rose

After a full morning of tasting and debating Strawberry Rose, created by the team at Fudge Kitchen Windsor, was crowned the overall winner of the competition.

From the very start, Strawberry Rose consistently ranked highly with the judges, and by the final round it had clearly come out head and shoulders above the rest. The judges were won over by the flavour pairing itself, with fresh strawberries and fragrant rose combining to create a refined fudge perfectly timed for a Valentine's Day launch.

Richard Parson, Fudge Kitchen MD told That's Food and Drink: “Strawberry Rose feels elegant, balanced and exactly the sort of thing we're delighted to share. 

"While it wasn't the most outrageous entry visually, what it lacked in appearance it more than made up for in flavour and its perfect 'Fudge Kitchen' texture. Best in show, and a real all-round crowd pleaser.”

The Windsor team were thrilled with their win, commenting: “We're so excited to have won. Strawberry Rose was all about balance - something elegant, seasonal and celebratory - and to see it tick so many boxes for the judges is exactly what we were hoping for!”

Runners-Up

🥈 Joint 2nd Place: Candy Cane & Pistachio Cream

York's Pistachio Cream impressed the judges with its depth of flavour and indulgent profile whilst Windsor's Candy Cane really delivered on the brief by delivering a perfect candidate for a 'Limited Edition Drop' and packing a deliciously seasonal flavour punch.

🥉 3rd Place: Mulled Cider

Bath's Mulled Cider topped many individual scorecards thanks to its beautifully balanced flavour, attractive appearance and excellent texture. Even judges who weren't traditionally fans of the iconic drink found plenty to love in this warming, seasonal fudge.

Honourable Mentions

Special mentions also went to Edinburgh's Tiramisu, described as a near-perfect copy of the classic dessert, and Canterbury's striking triple-layer Strawberry Trifle. While perhaps not the most practical to produce at scale, the Strawberry Trifle was universally admired for its show-stopping visual appeal.

Fudge Kitchen pride themselves on remaining innovative, even after more than 40 years in the business. The New Year, New Flavour competition plays a key role in this commitment, with previous winners often going on to secure permanent spots on shop menus across the UK. Fudge Kitchen shops can be found in Canterbury, Bath, York, Edinburgh, Windsor and Cambridge.

Strawberry Rose Fudge is available online and in all Fudge Kitchen shops and online, too.