Food

The melodious sounds of clinking wine glasses and superheroes music will be filling the Atrium at Millennium Point in Birmingham on Saturday 25 September 2021. 

The ‘Superheroes Symphonies’ music and wine tasting event brings together live music performed by The People’s Orchestra and Tony Elvin, a qualified Sommelier from The Wine Events Company. 

The latest edition to Bantock, House Museum and Park’s Courtyard Café menu is proving popular with visitors.

Since June 2021 the café has been offering visitors a special dining experience which has received top reviews. Afternoon Tea has been added to the menu and is available for any occasion such as, meet-ups, birthdays, young children’s parties and wedding receptions.

For anyone who fancies themself as a social media influencer but don’t have the extravagant lifestyle to help break the internet, well, Cadbury Snack! is on the hunt for fans who are just as ‘wonderfully ordinary’ as its tasty chocolate biscuits, to bring them on board as its latest social ambassadors.

As the weather heats up, Cadbury World’s talented chocolatiers have teamed up to create an incredible beach-scene, all made from chocolate.

Produced by Dawn Jenks and Donna Oluban over two days, the impressive display weighs 10kg – the equivalent of 222 standard bars of Cadbury Dairy Milk. Displaying an array of chocolate creations, the beach features a traditional ice-cream van, beach hut, sandcastle and an assortment of the attraction’s iconic Chuckle Beans who are enjoying a day out at the beach.

The creative scene includes sand crafted from a mix of white and milk chocolate, plus a 3D wave sculpted using chocolate mixed with blue cocoa butter, with white detailing. The ice-cream van includes yellow and white chocolate stripes piped by hand, plus a handmade cone sitting atop it. The beach hut features a wood-effect finish and the Chuckle Beans have hand-piped detailing which includes sunglasses, swimwear and even a sun hat.

Six Chuckle Beans can be spotted within the scene, catching waves, sunbathing under a parasol and enjoying a treat from the ice-cream van. The creation will be on display for guests to see throughout the summer holidays in Cadbury World’s Chocolate Making zone.

Cadbury World is home to 14 chocolatey zones that showcase the history, making and magic of Cadbury. From catching the talented chocolatiers in action in the Chocolate Making zone and practising your piping skills in the Have A Go zone, to learning about the history of the cocoa bean through the Aztec Jungle and riding on the Crunchie Rollercoaster in the 4D Chocolate Adventure, there’s plenty for visitors of all ages to enjoy at Cadbury World this summer.

Gerrard Baldwin, General Manager at Cadbury World, commented: “With so many families unable to make it to the beach this summer, we decided to bring the beach to Birmingham for everyone to enjoy. Taking our incredible chocolatiers two days to create, the beach scene will be available for visitors to see in our Chocolate Making Zone for the next six weeks.

“Cadbury World offers everything you need for a fantastic day out this summer, from an assortment of chocolatey zones, a brand new circus-themed stage show starring Freddo, plus our outdoor African Adventure Play Area. We look forward to welcoming visitors, whatever the weather.”

The summer heatwave might be over for now but McDonald’s is still bringing those BBQ vibes with the launch of the brand-new BBQ Quarter Pounder with Cheese.

Made with 100% British & Irish beef, two slices of melted cheese, fresh onions, pickles and the delicious combination of ketchup, mustard and BBQ sauce, it’s a must-try for all QPC fans. What’s more, the delicious new creation will also be available as a Double BBQ Quarter Pounder - so meat lovers can really get their fix.

Cheese lovers can wave goodbye to Mozzarella Dippers and say hello to the delicious Garlic Cheese Bites, which will be available in both a single portion of five – or a Sharebox (£5.09) for those feel-good summer sharing moments. It’s also time for two new McFlurry flavours with Aero Chocolate and Aero Mint McFlurry departing to make way for the delicious Twix and Mars McFlurry to return.

People can take their pick this summer with smooth dairy ice cream, swirled together with your choice of Mars or Twix chocolate pieces and a caramel sauce. Both will be available in Regular and Mini sizes.  For those who don’t know, the iconic McFlurry turned 21 this month – having first joined the UK menu back in 2001.

The new additions join the McSpicy which launched on July 14 and is currently selling FAST. Made from a thick, succulent chicken fillet with a spicy coating, on a bed of crunchy, cool lettuce and mayo, between toasted sesame seed buns – The McSpicy has been heating up the summer after appearing ‘Live & Direct’ in the music video for AJ Tracey’s new 90s inspired track ‘Summertime Shootout’.

Fans that want a taste of the new limited-edition McDonald’s Summer line-up, will have to move fast as it’s only around for four more weeks - or until stocks last.

The McFlurry has been a fan favourite on the McDonald’s menu in the UK since the year 2000 - and like all the Millennium babies it is getting ready to hit the big 2-1 this summer.

After a year of missed celebrations and birthdays, we are finally able to get back together to celebrate in style…. and McDonald’s wants to celebrate with you!

To give its loyal fans a little extra joy, McDonald’s will be giving you the chance to win the iconic McFlurry Van at your birthday party. Whether you are turning 21 or…21 again!

The iconic ice-cream truck will be turning up to two lucky winner’s parties, offering guests a free McFlurry, plus McDonald’s will supply fun decorations to set the scene and a DJ to really get the party started! 

The McDonald’s Airstream has been converted into a bespoke McFlurry Van, with a fresh summer feel, just in time for McFlurry’s 21^st birthday this Summer.

Starting from just 79p, the McFlurry is known for its creamy, vanilla soft dairy ice cream and yummy confectionary toppings such as Galaxy Chocolate, Oreo and Maltesers.

In line with Government guidance, social distancing and safety measures at restaurants remain in place. This includes hand sanitiser at every entrance for delivery couriers and dine-in and takeaway customers, table-service and contact tracing for customers who dine-in, and carefully managing the number of customers and crew inside each restaurant.

Qatar Duty Free (QDF) is marking its 21st anniversary by unveiling a significant investment and an enhanced retail portfolio of 21 new shopping and dining outlets. With a focus on embracing a range of tastes and budgets, the "21 in 21" project will elevate the existing award-winning duty-free experience at Hamad International Airport (HIA), transforming it into a premier global destination for international air travellers.

The new outlets, which will be located in both the departure and arrival areas, will gradually open over the coming months featuring global brands, several convenience and travel-essential stores - including a Big Value – and an enhanced dining offer that will make QDF the perfect place for all passengers to wind down with some shopping therapy and culinary delights between flights.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We aim to offer an unrivalled retail and dining experience in a unique environment for all our passengers travelling through HIA - the best airport in the Middle East and the third-best in the world – and introduce our customers to an enhanced Qatar Duty Free shopping experience.”

Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer at HIA, said: "The latest expansion of QDF’s retail portfolio is part of its joint effort with HIA to provide passengers with a diverse range of retail and culinary experiences. HIA’s expansive commercial space offers brands the opportunity to reach out to a truly global audience. We are always looking to diversify our offering to curate memorable retail experiences for all.”

Mr Thabet Musleh, Vice President, Operations, Qatar Duty Free, said: “In celebration of 21 years of award-winning accomplishments and delivering a five-star service to customers, this major investment marks the start of a new chapter in QDF's history and demonstrates our continuous commitment to providing a world-class duty-free experience." 

Adding to an existing outstanding portfolio of brands, Vialle di Lusso - a new shopping avenue at HIA - will incorporate luxury outlets such as Armani and Chloe with an unrivalled selection of ready-to-wear fashion items and accessories. In addition, QDF will launch the first airport boutique in the Middle East for the fashion designer Valentino and will debut stand-alone stores - the first in an airport in the Middle East - for prestigious brands such as Emilio Pucci, Fendi and Jimmy Choo.

An Emporio Armani Ristorante and Caffè will add more glamour to the Vialle di Lusso and offer an exquisite culinary experience in a relaxed setting, making QDF the first travel retailer in the world to house the Emporio Armani Ristorante and Caffè.

A stunning new Perfumes and Cosmetics store will also include the first Christian Louboutin boutique, making QDF the first travel retailer in the world to provide Christian Louboutin products. QDF will also be home to the first Adidas airport store, Q-Denim - a multi-brand men’s denim store - and the Qatari fashion brand Kashkha.

For diners, there will be something for all, including grab-and-go eateries for those on the move, a range of dine-in outlets, and fine-dining concepts to satisfy customers' appetite with more time to spare. In April, Qatar Airways signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a Joint Venture with HMSHost International, part of Autogrill Group, the largest food and beverage operator at high traffic locations globally.

The arrival duty free will reveal a new look and feel and a larger footprint with a wider selection of products and an impressive selection of global brands for travellers arriving in Qatar.

In October 2020, HIA and QDF were voted as "Best Airport Voted for by Millennials" and "Best Airport Retail Environment", respectively, by the Travel Retail Awards 2020.

Innovative island resort Amilla Maldives has revealed what is believed to be ‘The Most Ethical Burger in the Maldives’: a mouth-watering marriage of the finest ethically sourced meat, homemade gluten free bun and fermented pickle, homegrown salad and egg… and even ketchup homemade from organic, island-grown bananas and coconut sugar. The guilt-free burger has been created as a celebration of Amilla’s pioneering pivot to a more resourceful, sustainable future and embodies the resort’s self-production concepts, Homemade@Amilla and Homegrown@Amilla, and its commitment to only using ethically sourced, hormone- and antibiotic-free meat suppliers wherever possible.

Redefining the impact of the much-loved beef burger, all ingredients have either been produced on-island at Amilla or sourced from companies that share the resort’s commitment to sustainable, environmentally positive food production. All beef served at Amilla is sourced from Australia’s finest 100 per cent grass-fed Cape Grim beef, raised on the pristine northern-western wilderness of Tasmania - renowned for the purest air in the world.

The collective of farmers nurture the finest quality of cattle resulting in superior tender, fat-marbled, premium grade beef from cattle that are hormone, antibiotic and GMO free, and Certified Humane.  The patty is topped with artisanal bacon from the UK’s Dingley Dell, cured on-site at their Suffolk-based outdoor farm, surrounded by 33.2 hectares of wildflowers planted to attract and protect the bumblebees.

The burger bun is homemade at Amilla from organic ground almond, psyllium husk, flaxseed and apple cider vinegar, making for an alkaline- and grain-free base – ideal for those following a low carb and gluten-free lifestyle. The burger is complemented by Homemade@Amilla ketchup made from organic bananas and coconut sugar grown onsite and homemade fermented cucumber pickle; garnished with ‘kulha fila fai’ or Maldivian rocket grown in Amilla’s organic gardens - a rich source of vitamins and inulin; and crowned with a majestic fried egg from ‘Cluckingham Palace’, Amilla’s very own free-range chicken run.

Amilla Maldives’ Executive Chef, Kaviraj Doolum, said: “It is truly a joy to work with food that comes from like-minded people who are passionate about their land and caring for their animals, you can taste the difference in the end product. I am also blessed to have access to vegetables and eggs with zero air miles, direct from the resort’s organic gardens.”

The resort’s Homegrown@Amilla project also continues to grow with the expansion of 16 new hydroponic houses, bringing the total to 22. This latest addition enables the Amilla Islanders to produce all salad leaves for the resort kitchens on-island, resulting in not only more nutritious meals, but also dramatically reducing waste packaging, plastic wrapping and the resort’s carbon footprint.

For decades Irn-Bru has been described as “indescribable” - but now it’s challenging the nation to put their taste buds to the test and pinpoint the Bru-nique flavour of the iconic Scottish soft drink. The UK-wide challenge is in celebration of Irn-Bru’s latest TV ad, which airs from Tuesday 13th July. 

It’s set in a wild west saloon, where a bar brawl of heated Bru fans erupts – with each patron declaring their flavour is the definitive Irn-Bru taste through fisticuffs. Thankfully, order is restored by a lone cowboy, who strikes peace by proposing everyone agrees “it tastes magic”.

Irn-Bru is loved by millions world-wide, but the taste is often a hot topic of debate. Bubblegum, tutti-fruity, orange, or cream soda; no one has ever quite managed to put their finger (or tongue) on the exact flavour. Which is why the popular soft drink has launched The Great Taste Debate – challenging the public to grab a can, take a sip, and tell them what flavours they detect via social media.

And, to sweeten the deal, Irn-Bru will give one lucky fan a year’s supply of their legendary fizz for the best tried-and-tasted video (T&Cs apply). TikTok stars including ex-Goggleboxer //www.tiktok.com/@tommalone_jr/video/6984304777140210949?lang=en&is_copy_url=0&;is_from_webapp=v1&sender_device=pc&sender_web_id=6980261485911049734">Tom Malone Jnr and //www.tiktok.com/@notsobigd?source=h5_m&_r=">Demi Yates are ready to have their say on the #IRNBRUChallenge by posting videos on the platform - which are set to have tongues wagging.

Tom Malone Jnr, said: “Irn-Bru’s great taste debate really does have the internet fizzing. I’ve seen viral videos of people tasting Irn-Bru for the first time and others going off in the comments with what they think it tastes like – so I’m really excited to be helping kick off this challenge! I’ve seen all sorts of weird and wonderful flavours shared; fresh oranges, sherbet, strawberries. I even saw someone describe the taste as fizzy unicorn tears. So, I can’t wait to see what the UK come up with when they take part.” 

Marketing Director at AG Barr, Adrian Troy, said: “Whether it’s bubble gum or tutti-fruity, Irn-Bru fans can never quite agree on the exact taste of our Bru-nique soft drink. Naturally, we decided to have a bit of fun with this.  Whatever the flavour, hopefully we can all agree on the fact Irn-Bru tastes magic.”

As well as airing on TV across the country, the ad can be viewed by scanning QR codes found on cans and bottles throughout the UK. 

As we tentatively emerge from challenging times, Cadbury Dairy Milk is on a mission to encourage chocolate fans to spread a little kindness with its new limited-edition chocolate gifting bars this summer.        

Revamping its iconic Cadbury Dairy Milk packaging on all 360g gifting tablets, with uplifting quotes, ‘Perfect just the way you are’ and ‘You’re all kinds of amazing,’ these new bars are the ultimate gifts to share with family, friends and loved ones this season to help boost self-esteem and celebrate that special someone.

Nancy Moore, Brand Manager for Cadbury Gifting said: “The last year and a half has a taken a huge toll on the nation’s self-confidence.

But we know a simple compliment can go a long way to lift someone’s mood. Be it a birthday, a graduation or a simple surprise gift for someone who needs it, these bars have been created to encourage thoughtful gestures to those you value most.

“We hope these new bars will inspire friends and families to share words of kindness with one another, and what better way to do this than with a bar of the nation’s favourite chocolate bar.” The limited-edition Dairy Milk bars are available in most major retailers nationwide until September 2021.

And, from 18th August 2021, Cadbury has partnered with Tesco to turn your kind gestures into important donations to The Prince’s Trust. With every bar you buy from a Tesco supermarket, a donation will be made to the charity to support The Trust’s important work supporting and building confidence in the nation’s young people.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to shops now while stocks last to get your hands on the new limited-edition Cadbury Dairy Milk gifting bars and make someone’s day this summer.

After months of lockdown, McDonald’s is here to spice up your summer (quite literally) with its HOTTEST burger yet… Introducing the limited-edition McSpicy Burger (£5.49) available from Wednesday 14^th July. A thick, succulent chicken fillet with a spicy coating, on a bed of crunchy, cool lettuce and mayo, between toasted sesame seed buns – this burger definitely has a certain zing to it!

Now, McDonald’s knows that spice is subjective. Some will be reaching for a glass of milk whilst shouting: “My mouth is on FIRE”, while others may think the McSpicy has just “a lil’ kick” to it. Whatever you think, McDonald’s is encouraging the nation to head online to join the #McSpicyDebate on social by answering ‘How McSpicy is it for you?’

To officially celebrate its arrival, McDonald’s lit up restaurants in the two locations of the UK with the HIGHEST and LOWEST tolerance to spice after polling over 5,000 UK adults on their attitudes to all things heat. The poll looked at which UK cities can best handle their heat by asking each respondent to score how much spice they can tolerate on a scale of 1 to 10. It found that Wolverhampton is certified spice central – their average score on the scale was 6.63.

Whereas it’s a no for Norwich, the city has the lowest spice tolerance who just can’t hack the heat it seems, with an average score of 5.47.  And for those of you who can’t tolerate the heat, don’t worry - McDonald’s has you covered! McDonald’s is giving away free Happy Meal Milk with all McSpicy purchases via the My McDonald’s App.

The new McSpicy from McDonald’s. 100% chicken breast fillet in a spicy marinade and crispy coating. How spicy is it for you? This will only be around for a limited time of six weeks, meaning you have until August 24 to get your hands on it - so be quick and remember it’s only available whilst stocks last!

The new McSpicy burger will join the current limited-edition line-up alongside:

·         BBQ Bacon Stack,

·         Mozzerella Dippers

·         Aero Chocolate & Aero Mint McFlurries.

According to Dr Michael Mosley in a world full of food manufacturers, with clever marketing and a lack of science behind their claims, it can often become confusing to know exactly which foods are healthy when you’re navigating the supermarket. With huge signs at the end of each aisle, telling you exactly why the latest products will turn your health around, it’s easy to fall into their well-set traps and spend a fortune on “healthy” foods that are not so healthy. 

In this piece he provides a run through of those ‘healthy’ foods that may actually cause more harm than good, so you know what to avoid next time you’re navigating the supermarket. 

Vegetable crisps/chips:  Yes, there may be real vegetables on their ingredients list however, those thin slices of veggies – that are far too small to provide any real nutritional value – are fried in sunflower oil to get the crunch you’re so familiar with. Not to mention, their sodium content, mixed with their carbohydrates and fat content, makes them so addictive that you’ll struggle to stop yourself going back for more. 

Vegetable crisps, in reality, are no healthier than a standard packet of potato crisps. If you are looking to satisfy your craving for crunch, there are ways to do so without jeopardising a healthy lifestyle. Here are a few ideas: 

·         Raw vegetables such as carrots, celery, peppers/capsicum dipped into homemade guacamole or hummus. 

·         Nuts and seeds sprinkled over Greek yogurt with berries for a healthy breakfast.

·         Sauerkraut and kimchi – fermented foods bring huge benefits to your gut health and these specific ones are deliciously crunchy and crisp. Add to a salad or alongside your eggs in the morning.

·         Parmesan crisps – take a teaspoon of grated parmesan cheese and drop onto parchment paper in circles. Pop them into a preheated oven for 3-5 minutes, at 200℃, until golden, take them out and let them cool. They go perfectly alongside Bolognese or atop a Caesar Salad – just be sure to count the calories on fasting days (you can read about intermittent fasting on www.thefast800.com).

·         Prosciutto crisps – preheat the oven to 180℃, line prosciutto on a baking tray and bake for 10-15 minutes until crunchy. Make sure to let them cool and then enjoy alongside salad. 

Low fat products:  Over the past few years, there has been an abundance of new evidence that recognises the health benefits of full fat products and from our understanding, the marketing strategy of low fat products is becoming exposed. A few reasons we should be avoiding ‘low fat’:

·         Low fat products are stripped of their nutrients and often laden with additives and sugar. This is to compensate for the flavour that gets removed in the process of making them fat free.

·         Products high in sugar and low in fat will spike your glucose levels and leave you craving more as there is nothing to prolong the energy release. 

·         Eating healthy fats, rich in mono and poly-unsaturates will not only satisfy your taste buds but curb your appetite too as they slow the rate in which the stomach empties, delaying its cue to signal for more food.

A study, carried out by researchers at Stockholm’s Karolinska Institute, tracked the diets of 20,000 women over a period of 20 years. The study found links between the consumption of full fat dairy products (milk and cheese) and weight loss. Over a ten-year period, the women who regularly consumed full fat milk saw a lower BMI.

This was backed by another study that followed 1,600 healthy middle-aged men over an 11-year period. The ones that ate butter and drank full-fat milk were half as likely to become obese to those eating low-fat spreads and skimmed milk. It is likely that the reason behind this is that full fat products keep you energised and full throughout the day, meaning the desire for sugary top ups is curbed. 

Margarine:  While once placed on a pedestal for being a ‘healthy version’ of butter, with the potential to improve heart health, scientific evidence is now saying the opposite. In fact, there was never much scientific research behind these claims to begin with. Yes, margarine has less saturated fat than butter however, saturated fat is not necessarily a bad thing.  

In the past, it was believed to raise cholesterol and increase risk of heart disease. However, scientists from Oxford, Cambridge and Harvard have found that this view had been overstated and new studies have found no direct link between saturated fats and heart health. 

Margarine itself is processed and made from vegetable oil. As vegetable oil is liquid at room temperature, a process called hydrogenation takes place, which resultantly creates trans-fat. Trans fats should be avoided where possible as there is a plethora of scientific evidence linking increased intake of trans fat with inflammation, heart disease, stroke and poor cholesterol. 

Alternatively, butter is made from churning cream, a natural whole food. As a concentrated dairy product, we’re not advising you to lather butter onto every meal; however, a small amount every now and then will cause far less harm than processed margarine and spreads.

Flavoured Porridge:  Make it yourself from rolled oats and water, or whole milk, and you’ve got yourself a winning breakfast. However, if you’re finding yourself with the “just add water” sachets, you may as well be having three spoonfuls of sugar instead as some brands have an astonishing 16g of sugar per serving.

Breakfast cereals:  It can often be overwhelming with the amount of options when it comes to the cereal aisle in the supermarket. As a result, most opt for the boxes that look the healthiest however, even cereal boxes with a 4-star health rating in Australia, or mostly green boxes if you’re in the UK, can contain up to 23% sugar. Be cautious as even the ones with high fibre ingredients, like bran and oats, are still laden with sugar.

Granola falls into the same category; quite often considered to be a healthy option, shop bought granola is incredibly high in sugars, carbohydrates and calories. Not only this, the recommended serving size is considerably smaller than you may think with most brands recommending 40g, which is the equivalent of around 3 tablespoons. 

If you enjoy granola or cereal for breakfast, always check the ingredients and avoid any with dried fruits and chocolate chips. Or, better yet, make your own and top with Greek yogurt and fresh berries. 

There are recipes for heathy breakfasts including Muesli and Chocolate Protein Porridge, which have both been huge hits with members of The Fast 800 Online Programme www.thefast800.com

Vegan and gluten free processed foods: Just because the label says gluten free or vegan doesn’t mean they’re instantly healthy. On Dr Michael Mosley’s recent Channel 4 show, 21 Day Body Turnaround with Michael Mosley, he met a “junk food vegan” who was putting her life at risk by consuming unhealthy vegan foods, high in trans-fat, sugar and simple carbohydrates. 

By swapping out processed, ready to eat meals for fresh, healthy whole foods with protein through sources like tempeh and chickpeas, Michael’s vegan volunteer was able to improve her Vo2 max score – a measurement of a person’s individual aerobic capacity – by 10 per cent, in just 21 days. 

Commercial salad dressing: You may think that the salads you’re eating each day are helping you achieve better health; however, they may be the reason you’re struggling to make progress. Not only do commercial dressings have a significant amount of calories per serving (and not many of us actually stick to the recommended serving of one tablespoon), they’re also packed with additives, to extend their shelf life, thickeners, hidden sugars and other nasties that simply don’t belong in your cupboard!  Instead of highly processed dressings, try a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon or a glug of good quality balsamic vinegar (just definitely not the glaze!).

How to avoid “healthy” foods that are not so healthy

The best possible way to avoid these big brand claims and long standing rumours around ‘healthy’ foods is to cook fresh, whole foods each day that align to a Mediterranean-style diet. Or, if you are looking for convenience foods, find ones that are made up of only healthy and satiating ingredients, like The Fast 800 shakes https://thefast800.com/shakes-recipes.  If you do go for pre-packaged foods, always read the ingredients carefully and if you wouldn’t find the ingredients in your cupboard, or you’re not entirely sure what they are, it’s best to leave the item firmly on the shelf!

More tips and hints like these are available when you sign up to the Fast 800 online programme (www.thefast800.com). The Fast 800 is an innovative approach to healthy living and weight loss based on the latest scientific research. The programme has been developed in conjunction with Dr. Michael Mosley for those that need more support and guidance for achieving long lasting health, incorporating the 5:2 diet, intermittent fasting and a lower-carb med style diet.  It offers you 24/7 professional advice and support, and also features tailored recipes, menus, shopping lists, a library of mindfulness, HITT and Pilates exercise programmes.  This tailored programme lasts 12 weeks.

Sadler’s, owners of the award winning Peaky Blinder spirits range made in the Black Country, have officially registered July 2 as ‘National Peaky Blinder Day’. To celebrate, a whole host of prizes will be up for grabs via the Sadler’s website, including a year’s supply of Sadler’s Peaky Blinder lager and range of spirits.

The original Peaky Blinder gang had direct links to the Sadler’s family back in the 1800s, and were regular visitors to their well-known Birmingham pubs and establishments during that period. With the creation of the Peaky Blinder Spirits range in 2017, each spirit was named after founding members of the Sadler family business, as well as real Peaky Blinder gang members as a tribute.

Andy Wallace, International Marketing Manager, Whisky, comments: “Speaking to social historian Professor Carl Chinn MBE, we’ve delved into the stories of the original Peaky Blinder gang and those who adorn our bottles.

“Henry Lightfoot, the first recognised member of the gang, was well-known in the Birmingham area for his misdemeanours, yet in 1916 he signed up to the British Army to fight for his country at the Battle of the Somme. After two days in battle he was injured, and discharged from the army on July 2.

“We wanted to celebrate the hard graft and toil displayed by the founders of Sadler’s and the people of the Black Country area during this period and beyond, which is really what the brand is all about. Launching National Peaky Blinder Day on July 2 felt like a fitting tribute – we’ll be raising a glass on the day, and encouraging fans to get involved with the range of offers available on our website”. The Sadler’s Peaky Blinder Distillery and Bar in Lye are now also open for visitors, with a host of specials events coming up this summer.

A new business has opened its doors at the city’s award-winning i10 office and retail development.

Pronto Pasta offers hot pasta, paninis, pizza slices, wafflepops, and Italian coffees for takeaway, and there is also a small seating area in its ground floor unit. Five jobs have been created by the business, which is currently open 10am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday, and neighbours Greene King’s Sunbeam pub.

It also sits below three floors of top-grade office space fully occupied by Ovivo, Countryside and Tarmac’s Building Products division. The showpiece i10 building next to the railway and bus stations forms part of the city’s £150million Interchange.

Pronto Pasta owner, Baiant Nota, said: “When I see this part of the city it reminds me of places like Birmingham and Manchester - and I think Pronto Pasta will enhance the offer.

“Pasta is a huge cuisine but I don’t see many places where you can get hot pasta takeaway. When Covid restrictions are lifted further we will also be offering a breakfast bar and extensive salad bar. I’ve enjoyed good support from the council in Wolverhampton and I’m aiming to grow the business and branch out.”

City of Wolverhampton Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Economy, Councillor Stephen Simkins, said: “These have been tough times for small businesses and I am delighted to see a new one springing up in our city centre as we look to relight after the impact of the pandemic. Pronto Pasta brings new jobs to the area and the owner has identified i10 as a location where he believes his business can grow.

“The business is in the heart of the Interchange, right next to our new, award winning railway station and - with the MHCLG set to occupy the new i9 office development directly opposite our established commercial businesses in i10 – I’m sure it will prove a popular eating destination. This is all part of around £1billion of investment in the city centre that is either on site or planned.”

As well as encouraging more investment and boosting jobs in the city, i10 forms part of the gateway to Wolverhampton for people arriving off the national rail network or by bus, cycle or tram. Wider development has seen the completion of a new state-of-the-art railway station, works on a Metro line extension which will include a new stop at the station, and the new i9 office building, which will this year become home to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s joint headquarters.

Open to vegans, vegetarians, and meat reducers aged 65 and over, the club offers attendees the chance to learn new dishes, get tips from an experienced vegan chef, and meet like-minded people from across the UK.

The club takes places through Zoom video-conferencing on the fourth Tuesday of every month. Recipes are provided in advance, so you have plenty of time to get the ingredients. Cook that morning and then join Vegetarian for Life Chef Justina, along with attendees from across the UK, at 1pm.

Justina is a Culinary Arts Management graduate who brings knowledge and passion for sustainable, plant-based eating. She has managed a variety of groups of chefs and created her own menus, working in both Italian and theatre restaurants. Justina is passionate about experimenting with different/unusual flavours and baking. She enjoys travelling and seeking inspiration in cuisines around the globe.

Justina says: "The virtual lunch club is not only a place for food lovers, but also for like-minded people to share their stories and laugh. It cannot be easier to meet friendly faces than in the comfort of your own home with a plate of warm food in front of you. It might sound strange at first, but I promise that it is really fun when we all get to enjoy the same food as if we are sitting at the same table".

Recipes take a different theme each month - from a Pies & Pastries Week, boasting Mushroom & Ale Pies and Puff Pastry Tartlets, through to One-Pot Wonders such as Carrot, Ginger & Orange Soup and Versatile Stew - you'll get to make and enjoy a wide variety of tasty dishes.

The next club on 22nd June was delicious garden picnic ideas

Followed by:

27th July - meat free BBQing

24th August - cooking with tofu ahead of national tofu day 1st September

28th September - brunch ideas such as pancakes and scrambled tofu,

26th October - bake off themed in line with the Great British Bake off. Encouraging viewers to cook their favourite vegan bake.

23rd November - meat free pot luck dinner - individuals will cook their favourite meal and tell the group about it.

December - a vegan Christmas meal - brought forward due to Christmas! 14th December

"As always, there is no need to cook all of the recipes. You can choose just one or two, or simply join the lunch club with a cup of tea or what you're having for your lunch that day".

Attendees have told the charity, which supports older vegans and vegetarians: "It was a lovely lunchtime meet up, with lots of pie!" and: "It was really nice to attend for the first time yesterday. Thank you."

After being inundated with orders from the USA, dynamic British vegan entrepreneur Lorri Delahunty decided to jump in at the deep end and launch her clothing brand VEGAN Happy in the USA. 

"We realised that due to massively increased postage costs because of the pandemic, we were not looking after our USA clients very well, so we set up in the USA a couple of months ago, with our base just outside of Boston, MA." 

"We are very excited about this huge expansion to VEGAN Happy - and rather nervous too! It has only been a couple of years since I was sat at my kitchen table in the British countryside with small selection of t shirts and joggers.  Now we are worn by celebrities in the UK and have a base in America. It is a dream come true." 

"I love the USA and whenever I visit it feels like a home from home - and as my son lives near Boston now, I have another excuse to visit more often too." 

"The vegan scene is vibrant, and our USA clients are wonderful. My dream is to be walking in a mall or vegan café and see someone wearing a VEGAN Happy sweatshirt!" 

Again VEGAN Happy is working with ethical supply partners, and their garment decoration is made with ethical and vegan threads and inks, as you would expect. 

"Our second aim when setting up VEGAN Happy, apart from the entirely selfish reason of us wanting to clothe ourselves in gorgeous vegan clothing that worked with our style, was to raise money for vegan activism and animal rescue projects." 

The VEGAN Happy promise is that they donate 10% of their profits away to animal rescue and shelters, however in reality it can be a lot more than this. 

"We have already teamed up with a fantastic USA based animal sanctuary who we are supporting: www.angelheartsrescue.org - a Kansas City-based non-profit organization that assists the homeless people in KC provide basic medical care, food and supplies for their pets. 

As well as donating to www.mockingbirdfarmny.com - a historic farm nestled in the small town of Byron, NY has become a place of refuge for all human and non-human beings who visit. 

VEGAN Happy has created a growing range of affordable and stylish vegan friendly clothes. Great quality, 100% animal cruelty free, and with a subtle vegan message or logo that suits all age ranges and genders. 

A range of wardrobe staples for vegan men, women and kids that could easily be paired with the rest of your clothes and would look good at home, at work, in the gym, or casual out-and-about with friends. 

The range is constantly evolving from input from clients and of course, we always aim to keep on-trend as well as keeping that balance with timeless classic style. 

"We are hugely proud of VEGAN Happy so far and every time an order comes in we have a jig around the office to celebrate as we know our clients can promote a positive vegan message with style."