Go Bananas! Beat the Heatwave Ice Cream Shortage with Nature's Perfect Frozen Treat.

As Britain continues to swelter through one of the hottest spells of recent years, supermarket and convenience shop freezers have been emptied of ice creams, iced lollies and frozen desserts almost as quickly as they're being restocked. 

Families searching for a cool treat have often been left disappointed.

Fortunately, there's a delicious, healthy and surprisingly creamy alternative that's probably already sitting in your fruit bowl, the humble banana.

Freeze Today, Enjoy Later

Even if your bananas are beginning to develop brown spots, don't throw them away. Instead, peel them, place them in a freezer bag or airtight container, and pop them into the freezer.

After a few hours they'll be transformed into one of the simplest frozen treats imaginable.

Frozen bananas develop a wonderfully creamy texture that many people compare to ice cream, despite containing no added sugar, cream or artificial ingredients.

Even Better Blended

For an extra-special dessert, slice the frozen bananas into chunks before freezing.

Once frozen, blend them in a food processor or powerful blender until smooth. The result is what's often called "nice cream" a rich, silky dessert made entirely from fruit.

You can also customise it with your favourite flavours:

Cocoa powder for a chocolate version.

Peanut butter for a protein-packed treat.

Strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.

Vanilla extract and a drizzle of honey.

Cinnamon for something a little different.

The possibilities are almost endless.

A Budget-Friendly Choice

With the cost of living still putting pressure on household budgets, frozen bananas are also remarkably economical.

Instead of paying several pounds for premium ice cream, you're making use of fruit that might otherwise end up in the compost bin.

It's a great way to reduce food waste while creating something everyone can enjoy.

Naturally Refreshing

Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamin B6 and fibre, making them a more nutritious alternative to many frozen desserts that are packed with sugar and additives. So they'll help you to naturally rehydrate yourself.

While they still contain natural sugars, they're a wholesome option for cooling down during hot weather.

A Handy Freezer Staple

Even when the current heatwave eventually fades, keeping a supply of frozen bananas on hand is a brilliant idea.

They're perfect for smoothies, milkshakes, baking, homemade ice cream, or simply eaten straight from the freezer as a refreshing snack.

So, if the supermarket freezer shelves are looking a little bare, don't despair. Grab a bunch of bananas instead.

Sometimes the simplest ideas really are the best, and in this scorching weather, nature may already have provided the perfect ice cream.

Have you tried frozen bananas before? We'd love to hear your favourite flavour combinations and creative toppings in the comments below!

The inspiration for this post was when my wife answered my desire for ice cream with a frozen banana from our freezer!

Seven Bro7hers Throw Away IPA Review – The Beer Brewed with Kellogg's Corn Flakes

Discover Seven Bro7hers Throw Away IPA, the innovative craft beer brewed using surplus Kellogg's Corn Flakes to reduce food waste while delivering plenty of flavour.

When most people think of Kellogg's Corn Flakes, they probably picture breakfast rather than beer. 

But one of Britain's most innovative breweries has proved that surplus breakfast cereal can become the perfect ingredient for a very delicious pint.

Seven Bro7hers Brewery's Throw Away IPA is a fantastic example of how sustainability and great brewing can work hand in hand, transforming food that would otherwise go to waste into a refreshing, hop-forward craft beer.

Brewing Beer with Breakfast Cereal

The Salford-based brewery partnered with Kellogg's to create Throw Away IPA using surplus Corn Flakes from Kellogg's manufacturing process. These cereals are perfectly edible but may be slightly too large, too small or imperfect in appearance to make it into the familiar cereal boxes found on supermarket shelves.

Rather than allowing these perfectly good ingredients to become waste, they are incorporated into the brewing process, replacing part of the traditional grain bill during mashing. The result is an IPA with a subtle residual sweetness that complements the beer's generous hop character.

A Modern IPA

Throw Away IPA isn't simply a novelty beer.

The brewery has created a genuinely and highly enjoyable India Pale Ale that showcases modern hop varieties including Chinook, Amarillo, Loral and Talus Cryo. 

Together they produce bright citrus flavours, floral aromas and gentle pine notes that craft beer lovers expect from a contemporary IPA.

At around 5% ABV, it offers a balanced drinking experience, with the sweetness from the Corn Flakes sitting comfortably alongside the refreshing bitterness of the hops.

Fighting Food Waste

One of the most appealing aspects of Throw Away IPA is the story behind it.

Food waste remains a significant challenge throughout the food industry, and innovative partnerships like this demonstrate that perfectly usable ingredients can often enjoy a second life rather than ending up as waste or lower-value products.

The collaboration proved so successful that Seven Bro7hers and Kellogg's later expanded the concept to create additional beers using surplus Coco Pops and Rice Krispies, highlighting just how creative sustainable brewing can become.

Not Quite Vegan

One interesting point worth noting is that Throw Away IPA isn't suitable for vegans. Although the brewery produces many vegan-friendly beers, this particular brew uses Kellogg's Corn Flakes, which contain Vitamin D derived from lanolin.

Our Verdict

Here at That's Food and Drink, we're always pleased to see breweries experimenting with new ingredients, particularly when those innovations help reduce food waste.

Throw Away IPA proves that sustainability doesn't have to come at the expense of flavour. It's a well-crafted modern IPA with an engaging backstory that makes every pint even more satisfying.

Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast, interested in sustainable food production, or simply curious about unusual brewing ingredients, this is one beer that's well worth seeking out. 

And it's a very moreish IPA, in our opinion, light and very delicious. 

Sometimes, breakfast really can be the most important ingredient of the day.

https://www.sevenbro7hers.com

Cardiff Community Summer Supper Returns for an Evening of Food, Friendship and Fun at Railway Gardens

A much-loved community celebration is returning to Cardiff this summer, bringing neighbours together to enjoy delicious food, live entertainment and plenty of family-friendly fun.

Railway Gardens in Splott will host its annual Community Summer Supper (Swper yr Haf i'r Gymuned) on Friday 10 July, welcoming local residents and visitors alike for a free evening celebrating community spirit from 5.30pm until 8pm.

Organised by Cardiff social enterprise Green Squirrel, the event has become one of the highlights of the local summer calendar. Following the success of last year's gathering, which attracted more than double the expected number of attendees, organisers are preparing for another vibrant evening filled with conversation, laughter and shared meals.

At the heart of the event is a community picnic where guests are invited, if they are able, to bring along a cold vegetarian or vegan dish to share. The plant-based feast offers a wonderful opportunity to sample a variety of homemade dishes while meeting new people and catching up with neighbours in the relaxed surroundings of Railway Gardens.

This year's Summer Supper will also introduce a brand-new Community Talent Show, giving local residents the chance to showcase everything from music and dance to comedy, poetry and other hidden talents. The aim is simple: to create an inclusive space where people can celebrate one another's creativity and enjoy an evening of shared entertainment.

Alongside the food and performances, visitors can enjoy games and activities suitable for all ages, explore the gardens, visit the community photobooth and soak up the welcoming atmosphere that has become synonymous with the annual event.

Hannah Garcia, Director of Green Squirrel, told That's Food and Drink that everyone deserves opportunities to eat together, get to know their neighbours and build stronger communities. 

She praised the organisation's dedicated volunteers, whose efforts help create a welcoming environment where lasting friendships can flourish.

Railway Gardens itself has become a remarkable example of community transformation. Opened in 2022 after almost eight years of campaigning, fundraising and planning, the site has grown into a thriving hub featuring food-growing spaces, a community kitchen, creative workshops, business units, volunteer opportunities and the popular Seal and Bear café.

Whether you're a Cardiff local or simply looking for an enjoyable summer evening with great food and friendly company, the Community Summer Supper promises a warm Welsh welcome.

Events like this demonstrate that food has an incredible ability to bring people together, creating stronger communities one shared meal at a time.

Event Details:

Date: 10/07/2026

Time: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: Railway Gardens, End of Adelines Street, Splott, Cardiff, CF24 2BH

Admission: Free and open to all

https://greensquirrel.co.uk

https://greensquirrel.co.uk/railwaygardens

Don't Form a Conga Line in the Pub – Stand at the Bar Like a Brit!

Wondering how to queue properly in a British pub? Discover why standing along the bar, not forming a single-file line, is the traditional and most efficient way to order a drink.

If you've ever walked into a busy British pub and found yourself wondering why there's a queue, you're not alone. Increasingly, people seem to be forming long, supermarket-style lines stretching away from the bar.

But here's the thing – that's not how pubs are meant to work.

For generations, ordering a drink or a bar meal in a British pub has followed a simple, unwritten rule: stand along the bar and wait your turn.

Unlike a coffee shop or supermarket, pubs traditionally don't have a single-file queue. Instead, customers spread themselves along the bar, allowing bar staff to see everyone waiting. Experienced bartenders have an uncanny ability to remember who arrived first and serve people in the correct order.

It's a system built on trust, common sense and good manners.

Of course, that means customers have a role to play too. If someone who arrived after you is served first, it's usually because the bartender made an honest mistake. Likewise, if you're offered service before someone who has clearly been waiting longer, the polite thing to do is simply say, "I think they were here before me."

Most people appreciate the gesture, and it's all part of traditional British pub etiquette.

The rise of the single-file "conga line" can actually make life more difficult. 

Long queues block walkways, make it harder for people to reach different parts of the bar and slow down service, especially in busy pubs where several members of staff are serving different sections simultaneously and negotiating a long line of customers whilst carrying trays of hot food. 

Standing along the bar allows bartenders to serve multiple customers quickly and efficiently, keeping drinks flowing and food orders taken, and reducing waiting times for everyone.

So next time you visit your favourite local, remember these simple tips:

Stand at the bar rather than forming a single-file queue.

Make yourself visible without blocking other customers.

Know what you'd like before you're served.

Have your payment ready.

Step away from the bar once you've collected your drinks.

If someone was waiting before you, let them be served first.

British pubs are about more than just enjoying a pint. They're part of our heritage, with traditions that have evolved over hundreds of years. The informal bar queue is one of those traditions that works remarkably well when everyone understands the unwritten rules.

So let's keep the conga lines for weddings and Christmas parties, and leave pub ordering exactly where it belongs: spread along the bar.

That's Food and Drink Expands Online Retail Presence with New Amazon Storefront

That's Food and Drink is expanding its online retail presence with a new Amazon storefront, alongside sister blogs That's Christmas 365, That's Health and That's Business.

Exciting changes are underway at That's Food and Drink as we continue to expand our online retail presence and make it even easier for readers to discover products, ingredients, kitchen essentials and food and drink inspiration all in one place.

Over the years, That's Food and Drink has grown from a simple food blog into a trusted source of recipes, product news, restaurant features, drink recommendations, cooking tips and industry updates. As our audience continues to grow, we are taking positive steps to improve the way readers can find and purchase products that feature across our articles.

One of the biggest developments is the expansion of our Amazon storefront, which will showcase a carefully selected range of food, drink, cookware, kitchen gadgets, recipe books, entertaining essentials and seasonal favourites. The aim is to create a convenient shopping experience that complements the content our readers already enjoy.

Whether you're looking for specialist ingredients, coffee-making equipment, baking tools, cocktail accessories, barbecue essentials or gift ideas for food lovers, our enhanced retail offering will bring together products that we believe represent excellent value and quality.

The development also reflects the growth of our wider family of blogs.

Our sister publication, That's Christmas 365, continues to provide festive inspiration throughout the year, covering Christmas food, gift guides, decorations, traditions and seasonal events. The expanded retail platform will allow readers to discover Christmas products and gift ideas whenever they start planning for the festive season.

Meanwhile, That's Health offers practical information on wellbeing, nutrition, healthy living and healthcare developments. Carefully selected health and wellness products will help support readers who are looking to make positive lifestyle choices.

For business owners and professionals, That's Business delivers news, insights and advice covering entrepreneurship, technology, leadership and workplace trends. The retail expansion will also highlight useful books, office products and business resources relevant to our professional audience.

By bringing these brands together under a stronger retail presence, we hope to create a seamless experience that allows readers to move easily between trusted content and carefully chosen products.

This is just the beginning. We will continue to develop new features, expand product ranges and explore additional ways to support our readers across all our platforms.

Thank you for being part of the journey. We look forward to sharing the next chapter with you.

Amazon Prime Day Bargains for Food Lovers: Save on Groceries, Cookware and Kitchen Appliances

Discover how Amazon Prime Day can help you save on groceries, cookware, recipe books and kitchen appliances through the That's Food and Drink Amazon Shop. https://amzn.to/4xHxXtb

For food lovers, home cooks and baking enthusiasts, few shopping events offer as many opportunities to save money as Amazon Prime Day. 

Whether you are looking to restock your pantry, upgrade your cookware, discover new recipe books or finally invest in that air fryer or slow cooker you have been considering, Prime Day can deliver some genuinely impressive bargains.

Even better, many of these deals can be found through the That's Food and Drink Amazon Shop, making it easier than ever to discover products that can help transform your kitchen without stretching your budget.

Save on Everyday Groceries

Prime Day is not just about electronics and gadgets. Amazon frequently offers substantial discounts on groceries, cupboard essentials and household staples.

From coffee, tea and breakfast cereals to pasta, rice, herbs, spices and cooking ingredients, savvy shoppers can often save money by stocking up during the event. Many products are also available through Amazon's Subscribe & Save programme, helping households reduce ongoing food costs throughout the year.

Upgrade Your Cookware

If your pots and pans have seen better days, Prime Day can be the perfect opportunity to invest in quality cookware.

Discounts are often available on:

Non-stick frying pans

Saucepan sets

Cast iron cookware

Baking trays

Kitchen knives

Chopping boards

Mixing bowls

Buying quality cookware can save money in the long run by lasting longer and helping you achieve better cooking results.

Discover New Recipe Books

Prime Day is also a fantastic time for food enthusiasts to expand their cookbook collection.

Whether you enjoy British classics, international cuisine, air fryer recipes, baking guides or healthy eating inspiration, many popular recipe books receive significant discounts during the event.

A great cookbook can provide years of inspiration and help you make the most of ingredients already in your kitchen.

Find Deals on Kitchen Appliances

Some of the biggest Prime Day savings are often found on kitchen appliances.

Popular items regularly featured include:

Air fryers

Slow cookers

Multi-cookers

Food processors

Coffee machines

Blenders

Stand mixers

Bread makers

These appliances can help save both time and money by making home cooking easier and reducing reliance on takeaways and convenience foods.

Shop Through That's Food and Drink

The That's Food and Drink Amazon Shop brings together a carefully selected range of food, drink and kitchen products in one convenient place.

Instead of spending hours searching through thousands of listings, readers can browse products chosen specifically for food lovers, home cooks and keen bakers.

With Prime Day offering some of the year's best discounts, now is an excellent opportunity to pick up kitchen essentials, discover new culinary inspiration and perhaps finally treat yourself to that appliance you've had your eye on.

Prime Day only comes around for a limited time, so it's worth keeping an eye on the latest offers and making the most of the savings while they last.

Check out our store here https://amzn.to/4xUaoO7

Hot and Bothered? Enjoy This Cool, Refreshing and Made for Sunny Days, Peach and Mango Ice Cream From The Tom Parker Creamery

This Peach & Mango Summer Ice Cream Recipe is perfect for the heatwave! 

This Peach & Mango Ice Cream from The Tom Parker Creamery keeps things straightforward, blending ripe fruit through a base of cream and unhomogenised whole milk for a smoother texture. 

The mango does most of the work on sweetness, with peach softening it and a little lime zest lifting the flavour.

Here is the recipe:-

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

300ml Tom Parker Creamery's double cream

200ml Tom Parker Creamery's unhomogenised whole milk (well stirred)

100g caster sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 medium ripe mango, peeled and chopped (approx. 150g)

1 ripe peach, peeled and chopped (approx. 150g)

Zest of ½ lime 

Method

Blend the mango and peach together into a smooth puree. Stir in lime zest. 

To make the ice cream base, gently heat the milk, cream, and sugar in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Don't let it boil. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Let the cream mixture cool slightly before mixing in the fruit puree until fully incorporated.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until very cold.

With an ice cream maker: Churn according to manufacturer instructions.

Without a machine: Pour into a shallow freezer-safe container. Freeze for 1 hour, then stir vigorously with a fork to break ice crystals. Repeat every 30–45 minutes until creamy and frozen (~3–4 hours).

To serve, scoop into bowls or cones and top with chopped fresh mango, peach slices, or a sprig of mint.

And then enjoy it!

That's Food and Drink would like to thank The Tom Parker Creamery for their help in putting together this heatwave busting ice cream recipe!

BiBi & Friends Brings Together Two of Britain's Most Influential Indian Chefs

Food lovers are in for a remarkable culinary experience this summer as Chef Chet Sharma welcomes fellow chef Aktar Islam for the latest edition of the popular BiBi & Friends dining series in London.

Taking place on 21 July 2026 at BiBi in Mayfair, the exclusive collaboration will unite two of the most respected names in contemporary Indian cuisine for an evening celebrating innovation, heritage and friendship.

The event brings together Chet Sharma, founder of acclaimed London restaurant BiBi, and Aktar Islam, chef patron of the two Michelin-starred Opheem and the recently launched London restaurant Oudh 1722.

While both chefs have earned widespread recognition for their distinctive approaches to Indian cooking, the collaboration is built on a friendship that stretches back years. Both have consistently championed each other's work while helping redefine perceptions of modern Indian cuisine in the UK.

Guests attending the dinner can expect a menu showcasing signature dishes from both chefs. Aktar will present his celebrated Aloo Tuk, a Sindhi-inspired creation featuring pink fir potatoes and tamarind that has become one of Opheem's most recognisable dishes. Chet, meanwhile, will showcase BiBi's ingredient-led philosophy with Green Chilli Dover Sole, served alongside courgette, mussel and plantain purée.

Aktar's culinary journey began at just 13 years old in his father's Birmingham restaurant. His dedication and creativity have since earned him two Michelin stars, making Opheem the only Indian restaurant outside London to hold that distinction. 

Chet's route into the food world was rather different, combining studies at University College London and the University of Oxford with an extensive culinary apprenticeship that eventually led to the opening of BiBi in 2021.

Speaking ahead of the event, Chet praised Aktar's support and friendship, describing the collaboration as a celebration of mutual respect and a shared passion for showcasing the diversity of modern Indian food.

Aktar echoed those sentiments, saying he is looking forward to sharing the kitchen with a chef whose work he greatly admires and creating an unforgettable dining experience together.

Sponsored by Krug, the dinner is priced at £195 per person, including a paired glass of Krug Champagne. Additional wine and non-alcoholic pairing options will also be available.

With limited seating available, demand is expected to be high when bookings open through the BiBi newsletter.

Event Details

Date: 21 July 2026

Time: 5.30pm – 9.00pm

Venue: BiBi

For fans of modern Indian cuisine, this promises to be one of the standout dining events of the summer.

https://forms.airship.co.uk/forms/1134/bibi-website-sign-up

That's Health: Heatwave Health Warning: How to Avoid Heat Stroke ...

That's Health: Heatwave Health Warning: How to Avoid Heat Stroke ...: Learn how to stay safe during hot weather, recognise the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, protect vulnerable people and try refresh...

yfood Expands to 10,000 UK Stores as Smart Food Demand Soars

yfood has expanded to more than 10,000 UK retail locations, including Tesco, Boots, Co-op and Asda, as demand for nutritionally complete ready-to-drink meals continues to grow.

Ready-to-drink smart food brand yfood is celebrating a major milestone after expanding its UK retail presence to more than 10,000 points of sale nationwide.

The rapid growth reflects increasing consumer demand for convenient, nutritionally balanced meal solutions that fit into busy modern lifestyles. The brand is now available through many of the UK's leading retailers, including Boots, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Co-op, Holland & Barrett, Superdrug, Ocado, SPAR, Nisa and Asda.

One of the biggest developments has been yfood's expansion within Tesco. The brand is now stocked in more than 850 Tesco Superstores, where its range has doubled from three core flavours to six. It has also secured listings in more than 1,500 Tesco Express stores, making it easier than ever for shoppers to pick up a nutritionally complete meal while on the move.

Co-op has also expanded distribution to over 2,000 stores across the UK, while Boots has introduced eight yfood flavours nationwide. Asda shoppers can now find three of the brand's most popular products in stores across the country.

The strong retail performance behind the expansion highlights the growing popularity of the smart food category. According to the latest market data, yfood is growing at more than twice the rate of the category leader and has contributed £13.8 million in additional value to the UK's ready-to-drink smart food market over the past year.

Among its standout products is Happy Banana, which has helped drive significant growth within the banana-flavoured RTD category. The success suggests consumers are increasingly seeking products that combine convenience with balanced nutrition and enjoyable flavours.

To support its retail growth, yfood has invested heavily in in-store visibility and consumer education. Dedicated breakfast-on-the-run displays have been introduced in Tesco Express stores, while Boots locations feature educational materials designed to help shoppers better understand the smart food category.

The company has also launched its first UK PR campaign, focusing on breakfast habits during the daily commute. Research commissioned by the brand found that many commuters regularly eat on the go but are frustrated by traditional breakfast options that can be messy or inconvenient.

yfood's range of ready-to-drink meals provides 500 calories, 30g of protein, at least 8g of fibre and 26 vitamins and minerals per bottle. Designed for busy lifestyles, the products are positioned as a convenient option for breakfast, lunch, post-workout recovery or whenever time is short.

As consumer habits continue to evolve, yfood's rapid retail expansion suggests that nutritionally complete convenience foods are becoming an increasingly important part of the UK's food and drink landscape.