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Food & Hospitality

How Customers Can Support the Hospitality Industry

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During this difficult period, it’s more important than ever that we all come together to support hospitality businesses weather-the-storm.

Five star Grande dame hotel The Landmark London, and The Varsity Hotel & Spa in Cambridge are offering customers the chance to purchase gift vouchers via their websites, which can be used at a later date as a treat.

The Landmark London

Five-star Grande Dame hotel The Landmark London in Marylebone has launched a series of vouchers that allow customers to purchase a gift experience at the hotel. Priced from £50.00, the vouchers can make fantastic presents for a loved one, or simply as a gift for yourself to enjoy at a later date.

The vouchers can be used for spa treatments in The Landmark London’s world class spa, and across its F&B outlets for Champagne Sunday Brunch to Lunch and High Palms High Tea, available to purchase via the hotel’s website.

The Varsity Hotel & Spa

The Varsity Hotel & Spa in Cambridge has launched experience vouchers, that allow individuals to send a gift to a loved one they can’t see.

Priced from £20.00, the vouchers make the perfect present for any kind of celebration, including birthdays and anniversaries, and are available to purchase via the hotel’s website. They can be redeemed in the future as and when desired.

The experience vouchers can be used for spa treatments in the hotel’s Glassworks Health Club and across its F&B outlets for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. Individuals can choose between SIX Bar & Brasserie, which provides a stunning panorama of the city, and The River Bar Steakhouse & Grill, located on the Quayside, with riverside views.

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Food & Drink

CALLOOH CALLAY’S ‘LITTLE BAT’ RELAUNCHES Bringing good food and innovative drinks back to the heart of Islington

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Little Bat, the quirky neighbourhood bar bringing good food and innovative drinks back to the heart of Islington, has just relaunched.

As sister to one of London’s most revered cocktail bars Callooh Callay, the venue will reopen in late September, introducing a 24-cover restaurant. With the introduction of new Head Chef Ian McIntosh, Little Bat is set to become a key pillar within Highbury & Islington’s growing foodie community and the go-to hub for enjoying delicious dishes and creative drinks.

Richard Wynne, Owner of Little Bat says: “Callooh Callay and Little Bat are always blurring boundaries and staying ahead of the curve. Much of the appeal of the modern neighbourhood bar or pub is comfort and familiarity. With this in mind, Little Bat is immersing itself within the community and inviting guests in for a quick cocktail, to meet up for a night out or to linger over a hearty meal and a glass of wine. We’re particularly excited to have Ian onboard as the new Head Chef. His passion for seasonality and great local British produce makes him a natural fit for our team. The knowledge he’s gained from his international culinary adventures will also be reflected in the food menu. Not to mention the drinks menu, which’ll feature cocktails infused with his choice of seasonal purées”

The relaunch features:

Little Bat Kitchen

The Little Bat Bar & Kitchen, formerly known as the ‘Back Lounge’, will be transformed into a 24-cover restaurant where the new Head Chef, Ian McIntosh, will display his signature approach to modern British cooking. A true reflection of the Callooh Callay and Little Bat ethos – “Classic with a Twist – the new menu featuresdishes which are simple, and full of flavour, complemented by an unexpected garnish. Locally sourced seasonal ingredients are at the heart of each recipe, including fresh vegetables which are unavailable on our supermarket shelves, picked 24-48 hours before service. Hero dishes include pappardelle with beef shin, as well as fallow venison served with pink fur potatoes and swiss chard, whilst the chocolate delice and spice orange cake makes a perfect choice for the sweet-toothed customer. Saturday brunch is also set to feature vibrant drink choices including the Bloody Mary and Espresso Martini. 

Little Bat Bar

Continuing the excellent drinks philosophy of Callooh Callay, Owner Richard Wynne has revitalised the bar menu, which will include signature drinks infused with seasonal purées. Little Bat also offers locals and regulars the opportunity to subscribe to the family cabinet – a concept that offers guests the opportunity to enjoy their own 700ml bottled cocktail to share with friends, for just £50 a month. From 11pm on weekends, the dining room is completely cleared and invites bar guests to party the night away with music, drinks and nibbles from the all-night snacks bar menu.

Weddings

With Islington Town Hall just around the corner, Little Bat has evolved into the ideal venue for hosting wedding celebrations throughout the year, from your classic wedding reception to your non-traditional pre-wedding brunch within its cosy and quirky aesthetics.

Events and Live Music

Union Chapel and Islington Assembly Hall – two of Islington’s most iconic live entertainment venues – are also just a stone throw’s away, making Little Bat the perfect spot before or after a gig. With Arsenal football club just up the road, pre and post-match specials are on offer for football fans in search of unique ways to unite their love for the sport. On Wednesday evenings and Sunday brunchtime, customers are treated to the sounds of a live jazz trio or quartet, whilst Fridays and Saturdays welcome DJs with some of the most eclectic playlists. 

Little Bat, 54 Islington Park Street, N1 1PX, is now open

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Food & Drink

BROTHERS DRINKS CO. PLANS INTERNATIONAL GROWTH

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Following a successful 12 months, which has seen international growth of 202%, Brothers Drinks Co. plans to extend its global reach in 2020. Already operating in 20 countries, with a strong presence in Asia, the company is planning to enter new markets in Asia and Europe and extend further into China.

The Chinese expansion follows the successful launch of the Brothers flavoured cider range in early 2019 which has resulted in excellent distribution gains. This will be enhanced at the FHC exhibition in Shanghai in November.

This development comes at an exciting time for Brothers Drinks Co, as the Brothers brand has recently been reported as the UK’s fastest growing premium fruit cider brand in both the on and off-trade channels1,2, following the hugely successful launch of its Parma Violet and Strawberries & Cream flavours. Additionally, Mallets cider continues to build strongly with widespread distribution across all channels and a successful first year of a four-year sponsorship deal with Glastonbury festival.

David Webb, Head of International, Brothers Drinks Co. commented: “The demand for fruit and quality apple ciders has soared in recent years across the UK and these trends are being replicated internationally. Consumers are looking for new and exciting brands and flavours and Brothers and Mallets are at the forefront in the UK and globally. We’re on an incredibly exciting journey!”

Marc Charles, Commercial Director, Brothers Drinks Co. commented: “2020 is set to be a big year for our business and brands. We are obviously delighted with the growth of Brothers and Mallets in the UK and we are now experiencing the same with our international markets. There is demand all around the world for quality cider brands and we have the production, sales and marketing capabilities to meet it and the ambition to keep pushing forward.

An English premium cider, Brothers flavoured cider variants are available in 330ml and 500ml bottles and 330ml and 440ml cans. Flavours include: Toffee Apple, Rhubarb and Custard, Parma Violet, Strawberries and Cream, Strawberry and Lime, Wild Fruit.

An English mainstream/premium cider in Original Apple and Dark Fruit variants, Mallets is available in 440ml cans and 50 litre kegs.

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Food & Drink

Finsbury Food Group Extends Successful BAILEYS Range

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Finsbury Food Group Extends Successful BAILEYS Range
Following success of the launch last year, Finsbury adds new seasonal SKU

Finsbury Food Group, the market leader in licensed cakes, has added to its successful range of BAILEYS Original Irish Cream Liqueur cakes with the introduction of a BAILEYS ‘Hot Chocolate Freakshake’ cake.

Available from September, the BAILEYS ‘Hot Chocolate Freakshake’ cake is a rich chocolate cake, filled with the iconic BAILEYS Original Irish Cream, topped with layers of delicious chocolate sauce, frosting and sweet mini marshmallows. The cake is scrumptious enjoyed on its own or paired with an actual hot chocolate for the full ‘freakshake’ experience.

Another new addition are the BAILEYS Salted Caramel Mini Cupcakes, a bitesize chocolate cupcake with BAILEYS salted caramel frosting and a caramel drizzle. YUM! The cupcakes are designed to play into the growing trend for consumers who are looking for smaller cake options that can be easily shared.

Finsbury and Diageo, owner of the BAILEYS brand, launched their cake partnership last year which resulted in the first ‘adult only’ alcohol infused cakes introduced to supermarket shelves.  The first products, launched to huge success, were the BAILEYS Freakshake cake, closely followed by the BAILEYS Yule Log. The entire BAILEYS cake range focuses on bringing together Finsbury’s expertise as the creators of luxurious, indulgent cakes with the iconic taste of BAILEYS Original Irish Cream.

Created by market leading cake manufacturer, Finsbury Food group, every cake in the range has been designed to act as a ‘grown-up treat’ with products that suit different treating occasions, whether that’s an indulgent Friday night in, a luxurious showstopper at a dinner party or simply unwinding after a long day.

Declan Hassett, Senior Licencing Manager for Diageo commented: “We worked closely with Finsbury to create the perfect range of Baileys indulgent treats to show that there is more than one way to enjoy the utterly pleasurable experience of Baileys in the comfort of your own home. BAILEYS is all about taking the time to treat yourself and your friends, this range definitely lets you do that.”

Jack Cook-Broussine, Brand Manager for Finsbury Food Group, said: “We’ve led the market for many years with our ability to blend together our passion and expertise in cake with some of the best-known brand names in the grocery sector.  BAILEYS is a fantastic new partner for us and gives an opportunity to show our capabilities for creating high quality, innovative cakes to supermarkets across the country.”

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Food & Drink

Go Sober this October with Lowlander’s 0.00% Wit Beer

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Netherland’s Botanical Brewery, Lowlander Beer invite you to go Sober this October with their 0.00% Wit Beer – their first zero alcohol beer, brewed with reclaimed orange and lemon peels from bars and restaurants in The Netherlands, who use the fruit to squeeze fresh juices. 

Whether you’re pregnant, teetotal or just wanting to change your drinking habits, Lowlander’s 0.00% Wit beer is the perfect tipple to take you through the month. 

Unlike alternative adult soft drinks, Lowlander’s 0.00% is low in sugar (just 76kcal a bottle!) and full of fruity, citrus flavour.

0.00% alcohol..100% flavour!

 Why not try it in a refreshing cocktail: 

Recipe: 

150ml Lowlander 0.00% Wit Beer 

30ml Seedlip Grove

10ml Ginger syrup

10ml Lime juice

Garnish with a juiced orange peel

Method:

Fill a highball glass with ice. 

Stir all ingredients and strain into the glass over ice. 

Garnish with a swirl of juiced orange peel. 

Proost!

Lowlander 0.00% Wit Beer is available online:

As a single bottle from DryDrinker for £1.98

As a single bottle from 31Dover.com for £2.02

 As a single bottle from LightDrinks.co.uk for £1.99

 As a case of 12 from Amazon for £36.95

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Lifestyle

ALMOST HALF OF BRITS ARE BORED OF THEIR COMMUTE

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ALTERNATIVE RIVER ROUTE AIMS TO HELP WORKERS STOP AND ENJOY THE JOURNEY HOME

Almost half of Brits (47%) admit to being bored of their commute. Whether it’s driving, using public transport or walking – they’re tired of doing the same route every day.

When asked what they disliked about their commute, respondents reported a mix of reasons, including: the delays on public transport (23%), the hot and stuffy atmosphere (18%) and the anti-social aspect (22% of people don’t speak at all on their journey home). With this in mind, one in ten (10%) commuters are eager to opt for a different route, even if it takes them longer.

In a bid to help Londoners take a moment to stop and enjoy their journey home, the team responsible for Gordon’s, the world’s best-selling gin brand(1), are debuting the Gordon’s Line Thames boat on Thursday 3 October and Friday 4 October 2019. Offering a commute down the river like no other, the route will run for two days only. Collecting passengers at piers down the river, the Gordon’s Line hopes to help workers enjoy their commute home.

To ensure guests can take a moment and enjoy this journey, the Gordon’s Line will be bringing the most-loved commuting activities that are usually enjoyed alone, to life. Guests can put their headphones away and enjoy listening to music or getting immersed in a podcast (voted the favourite travelling past-time by 28% of commuters) ‘in real life’ and in the company of colleagues and friends.

In between pier stops, passengers will be privy to a 40-minute live recording of the Nobody Panic podcast, as well as live music from saxophone player, The Sax Man. Guests will also be offered comfortable seating, light refreshments and a complimentary Gordon’s & Tonic onboard.

Knowing that almost a fifth of Brits (18%) treasure the scenery on their commute, the Gordon’s Line will also allow passengers to take in London’s most scenic backdrops, travelling from Canary Wharf to Vauxhall, passing The Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the Shard, the London Eye and Westminster along the way.

Jessica Lace, Head of Gordon’s, commented: “Brits are battling against the Autumn showers and darkening evenings whilst trying their best to get the last seat on the tube but, it’s not all doom and gloom. The Gordon’s Line is taking the best bits of commuting and bringing them to life to create an experience that will help Londoners enjoy their journey home. After a busy day, what could be better than swapping the normal commute for an enjoyable boat ride, a live podcast and some live music, all in the company of friends or colleagues.”

The Gordon’s Line will set off from Canary Wharf and travel along the Thames, making stops at key London stations, before docking at St George’s Wharf Pier at Vauxhall. The service will then travel back East to St Katherine’s Pier, ready to dock for the night. You can book a £5 ticket for the Gordon’s Line journey online athttps://thegordonsline.seetickets.com (terms and conditions apply and can be found on the website). There will also be limited spaces available on the day at Canary Wharf and St Katherine’s Pier. 

The Gordon’s Line: Thursday 3 and Friday 4 October

TIME LOCATION
Boarding between: 16:15 – 16:30 Canary Wharf Pier
Boarding between: 17:15 – 17:45 St Katherine’s Pier
Boarding between: 18:00 – 18:10 London Bridge Pier
Boarding between: 19:00 – 19:15 Festival Pier
Boarding between: 20:00 – 20:15 St George’s Wharf Pier, Vauxhall
Drop off: 20:50 St Katherine’s Pier

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Uncategorised

Essex Club Sugar Hut Announce Massive Ibiza Style Relaunch Under New Ownership

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One of the UK’s most famous nightclub’s, Sugar Hut in Essex is set for a long-awaited relaunch after being bought by the team behind studio 338 , who also run Studio 338 in South East London.

The almost 3,000 capacity Studio 338 is renowned for its Ibiza style vibes and bringing some of the biggest names in electronic dance music to London, and Perrin plans to bring a healthy dose of this Balearic magic to Essex with nights from the likes of Red Bull, Sankeys, Zoo Project, Café Mambo, and Hot Bed.

The launch party – titled ‘Sugar Hut – The Next Generation’ on November 30th is already completely sold out, testament to the clubs loyal fanbase excited to have a taste of the white Isle on their doorstep. 

The Brentwood institution will be keeping its ‘glam’ status but as Dan says: ‘bringing the best of Ibiza to Essex.’ This will include ‘giving the venue a serious facelift and installing a world class sound system and lighting to provide the ultimate clubbing experience. It is a beautiful, maze like, listed building with hundreds of years of history, an incredible courtyard and an aura inside which feels like you have arrived home. In short, it has all the potential and heritage to make it one of the best places to party in this country’ Dan explains.

‘There will be an Instagramable dedicated gender-neutral powder room and dressing area complete with vanity areas, full length mirrors and lounge seating for a quick touch up during the festivities. We see the new Sugar Hut as the place where Essex meets Ibiza’.

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Food & Drink

National Seafood Week, championing the quality and variety of seafood available in the UK.

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National Seafood Week (4-11 October) is just around the corner, an annual campaign championing the quality and variety of seafood available in the UK, and encouraging consumers to make fish the dish more often. 

As well as being convenient, with sustainable options readily available, fish is an incredibly versatile ingredient. It’s easy to cook, tastes delicious and is packed with nutritional benefits. 

Roast sweet potato with mackerel, chilli and ginger

Prep time: 20 minutes + marinating

Cooking time: 40 minutes

Serves: 4

Skill level: Easy

Recipe by: Seafish

This dish is bursting with omega-3, thanks to the mackerel which is packed with these essential fats.

Ingredients

  • 4 sweet potatoes, peeled and thickly sliced
  • 4 x 100g mackerel fillets, pin-boned

For the marinade:

  • 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp ketjap manis (sweet soy sauce)
  • 1 tsp freshly grated root ginger
  • Grated zest and juice of one lime
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the salad:

  • 1 cucumber, deseeded and evenly diced
  • Splash white wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp soft brown sugar
  • Handful bitter salad leaves such as rocket, raddichio or chicory
  • Few mint and coriander leaves
  • 2 tbsp sushi ginger

The method

  1. Score the flat surface of the sweet potato slices and arrange them in a roasting tin in a single layer.
  2. Slash the mackerel fillets 2–3 times on each side then arrange on a large sheet of aluminium foil in a separate roasting tin.
  3. Mix together the marinade ingredients and brush over the sweet potato and mackerel. Leave the sweet potato slices to marinate for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Preheat the oven to 190°C/fan 170°C/gas mark 5. Roast the sweet potatoes for 40 minutes in the marinade. Add the tray of mackerel for the last 8 minutes of the cooking time.

Make the salad: toss the cucumber together with the vinegar, sugar, salad leaves and herbs. Divide between 4 plates, top with the sweet potato slices and mackerel fillets, sprinkle over the sushi ginger and serve straight away.

Watch the film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecz-hy86ras

Visit www.seafish.org or Twitter @seafishUK

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Travel

WELCOME THE NEW YEAR WITH AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE AT DUBAI’S MOST ICONIC HOTELS

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Book early for big savings with Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts

Ahead of the biggest night of the year, celebrate in unrivalled style with Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts for a stunning start to 2020. With first-class dining and accommodation, flowing drinks, live music performances and a perfect view of Dubai’s breath-taking firework display, this New Year’s Eve will certainly be one to remember. Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts has launched a range of exclusive experiences across the iconic hotels to ensure every guest will round off the year perfectly and there’s special rates available for those who book early!

For a truly extraordinary festive celebration, Burj Al Arab will be hosting guests for an evening of opulence and merriment. At Al Mahara, Al Muntaha and Scape, each guest will receive a glass of signature bubbles and access to the stunning Burj Al Arab Terrace with live entertainment and front-row views of the iconic fireworks. A stay at the hotel also includes access to Jumeirah’s private beach, Summersalt Beach Club and Talise Spa, as well as daily breakfast and exclusive Hermèsamenities. Book a Deluxe One Bedroom Suite or a Sky One Bedroom Suite by 30 September to save 15% on your extraordinary festive holiday.

Book a stay at Jumeirah Beach Hotel for a festive soiree that the whole family will love and cherish. Enjoy a magical evening on New Year’s Eve with the Enchanted Forest Gala dinner, a Kitchen Connection festive buffet or a five-course tasting menu at La Parrilla. All guests can start the year relaxed with access to the pristine private beach, as well as the Talise Spa and The J Club, Dubai’s latest lifestyle and wellness club. Book by 30 September to save 15% on your stay.

Make New Year’s Eve a night to remember at Madinat Jumeirah with a stay at Jumeirah Al Naseem, Jumeirah Al Qasr, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf and Jumeirah Mina A’Salam. Guests can welcome the New Year in style at the lavish Midnight Gala Dinner with a decadent festive buffet, unlimited beverages, live entertainment and a DJ. Celebrations will continue long into the night with the Shimmers Beach Party, the perfect location to watch the sky light up at midnight. Little ones will be kept occupied throughout their stay with inclusion of the Sinbad’s Kids Club, plus, all guests can round off their stay by unwinding on Jumeirah’s private beach or in the Talise Spa and Talise Fitness. Book before 31 October to save 10% on room and suite rates. 

The full range of dining experiences across New Year’s Eve and prices are located below:

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Jumeirah Al Naseem

Jumeirah Mina A’Salam

Jumeirah Al Qasr

Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf

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Food & Drink

A Boiled Egg or Scrambled Eggs in a Minute

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After more than 10 years of research, the Dutch company Eggciting Products has successfully developed two devices that can cook a boiled egg or scrambled eggs in a minute. The benefits for food service: a high quality fresh offering, no staffing needed, time-saving and energy saving. In addition the devices make an important contribution to combating food waste.

The Dutchman Marcel Bivert travels the world for his work and is a fan of a tasty healthy fresh breakfast but doesn’t have much time in the morning. He would love a soft boiled egg just like at home or scrambled eggs made to his preferences. He couldn’t find it in hotels, self-service restaurants, fast food restaurants, convenience stores or even that famous coffee chain. “That has to change,” thought the business-developer. He brought together a team of engineers, people from the hotel industry and a food manufacturing company. The result: two patented devices that are as simple as they are ingenious; The Eggcheff.

Very fast and fresh, no waste

The Scrambled Eggcheff makes scrambled eggs in a minute. Fresh ingredients like, tomato, bell pepper, onion and cheese can be added and cooked to order. In the same time that you wait for your coffee! The device can also cook other breakfast foods such as oats, egg whites and other healthy options. Even a mug cake could be an option. The portions are made per consumer which means no more waste for hotels. This saves so much in avoided waste that the device pays itself back within in year.

The Eggcheff Cooker brings the cooking time of an egg from twelve minutes down to one which has never been done before. You can choose for a perfectly soft, medium or hard-boiled egg.

Both devices give the opportunity to serve a very fast, fresh personalised breakfast without waste rather than an industrial processed product. The slim devices can be placed anywhere as they are ventless. All this without requiring staff or a kitchen.

Worldwide interest

The devices developed by Eggciting Products use a new patented hybrid heating technique which is the most energy efficient way to cook eggs. There is no steam or other vapours produced so there is no vent needed. Ideal for the breakfast buffet in a hotel, but also for a coffee shop for example.

“Consumers can very easily and safely operate it themselves,” says Bivert. “With only a touch of a button the perfect egg can be chosen from the Eggcheff Cooker. The Scrambled Eggcheff cooks and mixes a scrambled egg and even adds the spork automatically in the cup or mug. This all happens in the same time as you are waiting for your coffee.”

There is now interest worldwide for the inventions of Eggciting Products. Bivert: “Hotels, self-service restaurants, fast food chains and on-the-go retailers have all shown concrete interest in our inventions.”

The devices will be revealed at the Host Milan in October 2019

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