Dozens of much loved pubs across Scotland in serious danger of pulling their last pint, warns GMB Union
Almost 50 Stonegate pubs across Scotland could close after the company issued a profit warning.
As GMB predicted earlier this year – and despite private equity owner TDR’s assurances to a parliamentary select committee in January – Stonegate says there is no guarantee it can continue as a going concern, as it struggles to refinance a £2.2bn debt mountain.
Stonegate is one of the largest pub companies in the UK, with more than 4,500 pubs and more than 19,000 workers, including brands like Slug and Lettuce, Yates and Walkabout.
The chain has 45 pubs across Scotland
GMB has written to Lian Byrne MP, chair of the Business and Trade Select Committee, asking him to recall TDR bosses in light of the profit warning.
Nadine Houghton, GMB National Officer, said: “TDR bosses are private equity gamblers- playing fast and loose with people’s jobs and lives.
“When their risky ventures go wrong, they swan off to their next project, leaving workers and communities to pick up the pieces.
“Now, dozens of much loved pubs across Scotland are in serious danger of pulling their last pint.
80 stalls from local organisations, charities and groups hosting interactive activities such as glitter tattoos, hair braiding, craft workshops, facepainting, games, help, advice, storytime.
Edinburgh festivals – Edinburgh Science festival with their cargo tricycles and science demonstrations.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society – street performers.
Edinburgh Book Festival – free books and talks.
Colla Castellera – building human towers.
Edinburgh Equi Centre returns with their horses.
Obstacle course from North Edinburgh Childcare, and activities from Royal Air Force, Army and Scottish Fire Services.
Art and craft workshops with North Edinburgh Arts, National Galleries of Scotland, video games and scavenger hunt with Tinderbox Collective.
We have Granton Giants Dodgeball, Super strikers and Blast Boxing.
And things to buy include, tie dye clothing, pocket money toys, wax melts, cupcakes, dog accessories etc.
As for food we have RRT handing out free burgers again but we also have cupcakes and cookies, Indian food, hotdogs plus several other stalls to purchase food from.
We have 2 Music Stages this year – the park stage filled with community music and performances and the North by North West stage inside the WPNC for up and coming young musicians.
The parade will kick start the festival, starting at North Edinburgh Childcare and heading along Ferry Road Drive, round the park and into the park. Everyone welcome to join in the parade – theme is Superheroes!
There is so much going on at the festival, with something for everyone. I hope that you will all come along and enjoy the day.
The festival is free to attend. Many of the activities/food/items will be free but there will also be some that require payment.
Please feel free to share this and spread the word.
Mairi Hawkes, founder of Lismore business Slainte Sauces, beat hundreds of hopefuls to appear on the show with her ‘adult dessert sauces’
Six-part series sees food and drink suppliers compete to be listed in over 1,000 Aldi stores nationwide
Aldi’s Next Big Thing, ‘Party’ episode, will air on Channel 4, Tuesday 16 April at 8pm
Self-proclaimed islander, Mairi MacFadyen, from Isle of Lismore, will appear on the Channel 4 series Aldi’s Next Big Thing on Tuesday, 16th April, 8pm.
Mairi is the founder of Slainte, a boozy dessert and savoury sauce company for grown-ups. Sauces include Rum & Salted Caramel, Whisky with Raspberry & Vanilla and White Chocolate & Raspberry Martini – all containing 25% alcohol.
Hosted by Anita Rani, of Countryfile and BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and Chris Bavin, of BBC’s The One Show and Eat Well for Less, the six-part series will see suppliers compete in a range of categories including dinners and baked goods, as well as exciting new category additions: party, world, and confectionery.
Products are presented to Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, who deliberates on factors such as price, packaging, shopper demand, and the ability to scale up, before shortlisting contestants down to just two.
The finalists are then given four weeks to address any feedback, with a follow-up home visit from Anita or Chris who will report back their findings to Julie. The three then taste test the improved products, before Julie decides the winner which will appear as a Specialbuy in over 1,000 stores.
Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, says:“Gone are the days of simple cheese and pineapple sticks, as people are opting for more exciting, extravagant party foods. It’s certainly a category that invites experimentation!”
Translating to ‘cheers’ in Scottish Gaelic, Slainte, pronounced ‘Slan-cha’, is Mairi’s pride and joy, and she is now looking to claim a spot on Aldi’s shelves.
Mairi, who makes all the sauces herself, says:“There are no words to describe how big this is for me. I keep pinching myself – is this real? I really want a big contract, I can actually see my sauces in Aldi. I can see myself going in there, taking photos of them. It would really change my life.“
The multi-category competition is part of Aldi’s ongoing commitment to support British suppliers. Last year, Aldi spent an additional £1.3 billion with British suppliers and growers, and they provide more than three quarters of all items sold in its stores.
The supermarket has also introduced a ‘Best of British’ section to its website, which includes a wide selection of groceries from meat to dairy products and everyday essentials, in a bid to help shoppers support British businesses.
To find out if Slainte’s Boozy Dessert Sauces made it on to Aldi’s shelves, watch Aldi’s Next Big Thing on Channel 4 on 16th April. The series will air every Tuesday at 8pm until 7th May.
After a cold, grey winter, the sun is finally making an appearance, nights are getting lighter and there’s blossom on the trees; the season of days with friends turning into nights dancing until the small hours is here, and The Botanist is helping everyone celebrate summer with free live music every weekend at The Botanist LIVE.
Supplying the soundtrack to your weekend every Friday and Saturday night, The Botanist’s talented artists are set to play live from 8pm until late. Guests can expect a vibrant party atmosphere and sounds of rock, pop, soul, R&B, funk, disco and blues.
The events are not ticketed and are free to attend, so all you need to do is turn up at the bar, order one of The Botanist’s refreshing botanical cocktails and wait for its house band get the party started.
Out for the night? Showcasing what it does best, the Botanist team will be serving up signature feel-good food and shaking cocktails as usual throughout the evening, for those looking to book a table in the restaurant before letting the good times roll until the early hours.
To find your nearest The Botanist and book your spot, visit:
Dobbies’ Edinburgh store unveils Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its Edinburgh store, giving each attendee a planter worth £30, that’s created during the event, to take home.
Taking place on Saturday 13 and Saturday 20 April, at 3pm, this 90 minute event will combine the joy of hands-on creativity with the indulgence of a delicious afternoon tea.
Guests in Edinburgh can enjoy three tiers of sweet and savoury delights, accompanied by unlimited tea and coffee refills, and the option to upgrade the drink to a latte, cappuccino, mocha, hot chocolate or speciality tea at a small additional cost.
The first tier will include a variety of freshly made finger sandwiches such as smoked salmon and cream cheese; egg mayonnaise and watercress; and ham, rocket and wholegrain mustard.
The second tier includes Dobbies’ famed scones, served with Cornish clotted cream and a pot of jam, and the third tier will feature a delightful array of sweet treats, including a rainbow meringue kiss and lemon mousse.
After enjoying the afternoon tea, guests in Edinburgh will take part in an interactive workshop led by a member of Dobbies’ gardening team.
They will offer top tips and answer questions on how to plant up a container from scratch, and each attendee will have the chance to plant up their own, with a terracotta pot, seasonal bedding plants, hederas and heathers.
Adam Veysey, Dobbies’ Head of Food Development, said: “We’ve only just launched our brand new afternoon tea options and it’s fantastic that we’re able to offer this with an exclusive and new planting event for our customers in Edinburgh.
“We love creating a vibrant community at Dobbies where people of all ages and experiences can come together to give gardening a go, and having afternoon tea with a planting experience is the ideal combination.
“Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, everyone is welcome.”
Tickets for this new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience are priced at £40 per person (with the planter valued at £30).
This Easter, bring together loved ones at Le Petit Beefbar for the ultimate family celebration. Enjoy a delicious jazz Sunday roast followed by an egg-citing Easter egg hunt that will put a spring in the whole family’s step.
Split a selection of delicious sharing plates to start – from the 45-day cured croque sando, to the signature bao buns and tempura insane rock corn with sriracha mayo – before feasting on the classic slow roasted black Angus beef striploin served alongside a Yorkshire pudding, Wagyu beef dripping roast potatoes, carrots, broccolini and roasted shallots covered in a rich, bone marrow gravy.
The roasted free-range chicken is served with Beefbar sauce and all the trimmings while vegetarians can enjoy the game-changing New Meat Redefined Meat bavette for their main course.
Toast to the bank holiday with the Cottontail Kick, a delicious chocolatey sensation made with the Easter festivities in mind. The special cocktail combines a classic espresso martini with an extra dash of chocolate, Bailey’s, and a tasty chocolate bunny on the side.
Children of all ages are invited to take part in a delightful egg hunt throughout the Intercontinental Edinburgh The George Hotel and Le Petit Beefbar in honour of Easter Sunday, with delicious chocolate to be claimed when the Le Petit Beefbar eggs are found around the hotel.
Ayrshire butcher We hae meat has created the ‘world’s largest’ square sausage slice to mark the inaugural National Square Sausage Day on 25 March.
The giant square sausage slice – believed to be the largest ever produced – spans an impressive 30cm x 40cm, 25 times bigger than an average slice, and weighs in at 2.275KG. We hae meat teamed up with the Edinburgh-based Breadwinner Bakery who produced a colossal morning roll to fit the enormous sausage.
Jamie (aged 8), Daisy (aged 8) and Leo (aged 9) from Dailly Primary School’s P4/5 class lent helping hands for the finishing touches, adding dollops of tomato and brown sauce.
Craig Chalmers, Commercial Manager, We hae meat said: “We produce more than 21 million slices of square sausage every year, but we wanted to challenge ourselves to do something really special to commemorate the first ever National Square Sausage Day.
“It’s been fantastic to see the enthusiasm for Scotland’s beloved square sausage since we announced the national day. Today, we’re inviting square sausage lovers in Scotland and beyond to join in the festivities by enjoying a square sausage breakfast, lunch or dinner.”
Pupil Jamie described the experience as “amazing,” saying, “The square sausage and the roll were huge – it was so much fun getting to be here to see it, and I know my friends at school are going to be really jealous!”
Established in 2007, We hae meat is a leading producer of premium meat products, operating from its Ayrshire farm and factory. The family business prides itself with a commitment to quality and traditional flavours, producing more than 21 million slices of square sausage a year.
The farm-to-fork business is inviting families across Scotland to join in the celebration of the square sausage which, because it is thinner than a link sausage, takes less time and energy to cook, making it a more convenient and less energy-intensive alternative.
To mark the national day, We hae meat is also donating square sausage meals to the Dailly Community Pantry and all pupils and staff at Dailly Primary School, as well as sharing tips on social media on the best ways to cook and serve a slice.
We hae meat offers a skinny range, containing up to 75 per cent less fat and 45 per cent fewer calories than its standard range, offering a healthier alternative. For chippy lovers it also offers a ‘chippy-style’ range.
The company recently claimed the Green Family Business of the Year and Scottish Family Business of the Year awards at The Herald Scottish Family Business Awards, with the judges praising its sustainable practices.
We hae meat’s full range is available in major grocery retailers across Scotland, including Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, Co-Op and Iceland.
Fact file
Ingredients included: beef, bread rusk, water and seasoning.
The average square sausage slice weighs 65g; We hae meat’s ‘world’s largest’ slice weighs 35 times that at 2.275kg.
We hae meat produces more than 21 million square sausage slices a year.
Following a refurbishment, The University of Edinburgh Hospitality & Events Collection has officially opened The Brasserie at The Scholar – offering a modern take on British cuisine, using the finest locally sourced ingredients.
Nestled on the edge of Edinburgh’s city centre, the restaurant forms part of The Scholar Hotel and provides a welcome retreat for both guests and locals alike at its tranquil location at the foot of Arthur’s Seat.
The Scholar’s Executive Chef, Ed Fortune, introduces seasonal menus that blend traditional favourites with innovative flavours, showcasing the restaurant’s partnerships with Scottish suppliers.
As spring arrives, guests can savour delicacies like Shetland mussels, Scottish asparagus, and new season raspberries.
Meanwhile, as winter bids farewell, comforting dishes like smoked duck with Stornoway black pudding, roast cauliflower with orange and cavolo nero, and lamb rump with maple bacon, green beans, miso neeps, and tarragon are available.
Classic offerings such as fish and chips, along with a selection of sandwiches and burgers, complete the menu.
For post dinner drinks guests can enjoy a selection of expertly crafted cocktails and mocktails at the hotel’s Lounge Bar, including the Bee’s Knees – a mix of honey, lemon and gin in partnership with Summerhall’s Pickering’s Gin – and classic cocktails with a twist, like Coconut Mojito or Tiramisu Martini.
The extensive wine selection, curated in partnership with Dalgety Bay based wine merchants l’Art du Vin, includes a range of bottles made with passion and integrity by ethical artisan producers.
Gavin MacLennan, Group General Manager – Operations, The University of Edinburgh Hospitality and Events Collection said:“At The Brasserie we are passionate about seasonal produce and providing our guests the fresh and rich flavours of Scotland throughout the year.
“Moving into spring, we wanted to offer a lighter, brighter menu that captures the very best of British cuisine, collaborating with the finest local suppliers to bring each dish together.
“We look forward to welcoming local residents and visitors to Edinburgh at The Brasserie. There are exciting developments in the works at all of our hotels within the collection and we cannot wait to share them with local community in the coming months.”
Aldi is celebrating a significant milestone in its partnership with surplus food and household products redistributor, Company Shop Group.
In the past year, Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket has now donated an impressive 77,980 meals from its Regional Distribution Centre in Bathgate to people around Scotland, through Company Shop Group, saving an estimated 33 tonnes of food from going to waste.
Community Shop is an award-winning social enterprise that supports 9,000 members and their families in some of the UK’s most deprived communities, by offering access to discounted products and reinvesting the revenue raised into its Community Kitchens and Hubs.
In just one year, the partnership has supported over 2,800 people through its Community Hub development programmes, which provide individuals and communities with the tools they need to live well and the skills to get them back into work.
It has also enabled more than 2,100 people to attend cooking lessons at the Community Kitchen’s Cook Clubs, where they can learn how to prepare nutritious family meals on a budget.
Aldi’s support for Community Shop’s Christmas lunches last year also saw 1,800 members come together for its biggest-ever Christmas celebration, with ingredients for the festive three-course meals provided by the supermarket.
Liz Fox, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said:“It’s incredible to look back at the results we’ve achieved from just one year with Company Shop Group – from saving tonnes of food from going to waste to supporting thousands of families in need.
“We are committed to making good quality food accessible to everyone. After all, it’s a right, not a privilege.
“We’re very excited to see what lies ahead for the partnership as we get closer to our new goal of reducing food waste in our own operations by 90% before 2030*.”
Gary Stott, Executive Chairman of Community Shop, added:“We are very proud of our partnership with Aldi and its commitment to helping prevent waste and support communities.
“The scheme has helped us deliver a significant social impact, whilst also allowing us to carry out vital work to save the planet from unnecessary waste.”
Britain’s largest noodle bar chain is adding two fantastic new flavours to its menu this March
CHOPSTIX, the nation’s favourite noodle bar, has added two hot new tastes to its menu for food fans across the UK.
The chain has added a sweet new special, Apple Spring Rolls, and a sizzling side dish of Salt ‘n’ Pepper Cauli Bites to its roster of tasty treats.
Those with a sweet tooth will want to get their hands on the apple-flavoured offering, a dessert-focused take on the classic Asian dish which pairs crispy spring rolls containing a sweet apple filling with a sweet caramel dipping sauce.
Vegetarians will also be pleased with the new additions, with the addition of crispy coated cauliflower bites dusted with Chopstix famous ‘Salt ‘n’ Pepper’ seasoning.
Both of the brand new options will be available to buy in any of Chopstix 110 stores across the country, including the chain’s latest openings in Lincoln and London Victoria.
Offering fresh flavours and a new spin on the classic takeaway, Chopstix has quickly become one of the UK’s most popular quick service chain restaurants.
As well as classic dishes like Sweet & Sour Chicken and Salt ‘N’ Pepper Chicken, Chopstix has a range of unique tastes including the spicy Firecracker Chicken with a fiery garlic and chili seasoning, and fan favourites like Chicken Katsu Curry and the restaurants signature Caramel Drizzle Chicken.
Rob Burns, MarketingDirector for Chopstix, said: “We’re always looking for new flavours to bring to the thousands of Chopstix lovers across the country.
“Both of the two new dishes add something totally different to our menu, giving more options that will really tingle the taste buds for anyone that loves Asian-style cooking.
“New dishes like the Apple Spring Rolls or the Salt ‘n’ Pepper Cauli Bites are why people keep coming back to Chopstix. It’s flavour done right in a way that you just can’t find at any other fast food restaurant.”
The noodle bar’s popular dishes are also available to order from Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Just Eat, or through the Chopstix app.
