Black Sheep Coffee,the Robusta rebel of the coffee world, is proud to announce the opening of its newest site in Haymarket Square. The latest Black Sheep Coffee is bringing its signature blend of passion and rebellion to Edinburgh.
The new site is set to become the go-to destination for locals and visitors seeking an unforgettable coffee experience from Edinburgh’s best baristas in a laid-back, welcoming space.
From carefully crafted coffees, to refreshing smoothies, to an indulgent selection of pastries and waffles, there is something for everyone to enjoy. With Edinburgh being a creative hub in the UK with a famously rich culture, the city is very special to the brand.
The new opening is a demonstration of the incredible recent growth for the Black Sheep Coffee family, as it spreads its wings further across the UK, with over 90 stores – and nearly 40 opened in the last year alone.
The pioneering coffee group is rapidly expanding, throughcombining a passion for coffee and a mission to take down the big corporate chains, along with harnessing support and funding from their loyal customers and those who believe in the values of the company.
Renowned for unapologetically bold flavours and an unrivalled commitment to quality, Black Sheep Coffee are innovators in the space – by sourcing the first specialty-grade 100% Robusta coffee, they went against the market trends and became the ‘Black Sheep’ of the coffee world.
With a commitment to sustainability and ethically sourced beans, every cup of Black Sheep Coffee is a statement of rebellion against the ordinary. The coffee shop group also achieved another world first with the launch of their Lion’s Mane Latte, which is made up of Lion’s Mane, ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea extract & B12.
Black Sheep Coffee is not just a space to grab your morning coffee, it’s a community hub where rebels, misfits, and free spirits come together to celebrate individuality and embrace the extraordinary.
Gabriel Shohet and Eirik Holth commented on the launch: “We’re so excited to be launching our newest Black Sheep Coffee site in Edinburgh and creating another coffee haven for those who dare to be different.
“With Edinburgh’s rich culture of creativity, we feel that this is a perfect new spot for us to open in.”
Leave the herd behind and brew some positive change at Black Sheep Coffee Haymarket Square.
Thrifty Car & Van Rental – powered by Scot Group Ltd, the UK’s largest privately owned car and van rental business – has renewed its commitment to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation charity for a sixth consecutive year.
The My Name’5 Doddie foundation raises funds to aid research into Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and to support fellow sufferers. The charity was set up in 2017 by rugby legend Doddie Weir shortly after he was diagnosed with the disease.
To date, Thrifty has raised over £300,000 for the cause through its fundraising activities. The business has provided regular donations, auction prizes, event fundraising and also supplied logistics support vehicles for MND events.
Last year, Thrifty UK Managing Director Martin Wilson joined Kenny Logan’s Edinburgh to Paris cycle ride to support the foundation.
Martin explains how the charity partnership came about: “I met Doddie more than 25 years ago when we were both playing for Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club.
“When Doddie was diagnosed with MND he faced it with such determination, setting up the incredible My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. It’s a cause close to our hearts at Thrifty and we’re very proud to continue our partnership supporting the mission to create a world free of MND.
“This year, we’re excited to be adding to our fundraising power by getting Scot Group’s new vehicle rental brand Switch involved too.’
Thrifty is highly focused on its corporate social responsibilities. The business aims to make a significant difference to thousands of lives through its charitable giving programme, which also supports Hospiscare, an adult hospice charity based in Devon.
Industry faces ongoing need to match growth with workforce
Recruitment and retention are key opportunities for sector resilience
The annual industry forecast from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) highlights the continuing persistent gap between what Scotland needs to keep up with demand and the workforce available to meet the challenge.
· Construction output is set to rise by 2.1% annually between now and 2028
· 26,100 extra workers (5,220 a year) will be needed in order to meet the continued construction growth expected over the next five years
· The major opportunities are in:
o Repair and maintenance
o Public non-housing
o Commercial.
Despite the industry managing to recruit around 200,000 people every year UK-wide, in 2023, an average of 38,000 vacancies were advertised per month. For almost a third (31%) of construction employers, finding suitably skilled staff remains their key challenge, particularly with more older workers retiring and not being replaced.
Although the UK construction industry welcomed 200,000 new workers, it saw the loss of more (210,000 workers). With the ongoing difference between the predicted need for construction work and the available workforce, CITB’s forecast shows how important it is for the industry to tackle the issues with effective recruitment and training to replace those leaving and better prepare for the future, as well as to take advantage of key opportunities such as productivity improvements and meeting net zero retrofit targets.
In response to the challenges, CITB has invested £267m to help the industry improve diversity, quality and productivity as well as making construction a more attractive career choice for future generations.
Among the areas this investment will directly support are three expanded initiatives:
· New Entrant Support Team (NEST) – helping employers to better navigate the recruitment process, access grants and suitable training, when and where needed
· Industry Impact Fund – making direct funding available for employers to design and test new solutions for talent recruitment and retention challenges
· Employer Network – rolling this out across Great Britain, to enable local employers to set their own funding priorities and meet area-specific skills needs.
CITB Scotland Engagement Director, Ian Hughes, said:“Construction is an essential sector for our regional and national economic prosperity. We anticipate continued industry growth in Scotland, but we need to meet demand with more people in the workforce with the right skills.
“CITB’s CSN report highlights how Scotland employers can address the challenge by recruiting and developing a skilled, competent and diverse workforce that is able to meet current and future needs.
“Scotland has a number of construction investments supported by City Region Deals, Regional Growth Deals and Green Freeports.
“These wide-ranging projects include the proposed debris flow shelter for the A83 at Rest & Be Thankful, the £25m hydrogen demonstration network in Fife, and £200m towards the mains replacement for Scottish Gas Networks.
“Works are underway for the £91m Clyde Waterfront & Renfrew Riverside development, with a new River Clyde Bridge as part of the Glasgow City Region Deal. Dunfermline’s £250m Learning Campus is due for completion on a purpose-built low carbon site in the eastern expansion area.
“Meanwhile, proposals for the £250m revamp of Charing Cross would bring student accommodation and healthcare facilities followed by mixed-tenure residential, office and leisure space as well as the creation of a new gateway into the city.
“We are committed to ensuring that the skills system is fit for purpose to deliver on the great opportunities across Scotland, now and in the future.
“The industry has shown particular resilience throughout what has been an undeniably tough few years. Here at CITB, we have a crucial role to play in supporting its growth through recruitment, training, development and upskilling.”
Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Lothian Miles Briggshas criticised the Scottish government on what he calls its ‘shameful’ record regarding the reduction of specialist music teachers in primary schools across Scotland.
It comes following a question asked by Mr. Briggs in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday afternoon about the impact on children and young people of the decline.
In Lothian local authorities, there are 4 teachers in Edinburgh City and 2 in West Lothian, while East Lothian and Midlothian have none between them.
In 2013, there were 5 in Edinburgh City, 5 in West Lothian and 0 in both East Lothian and Midlothian.
There are only 37 teachers for 32 local authorities in Scotland, down from 98 in 2008 – the first year in which the SNP was in power in Scotland – and down from 108 in 2011, when the SNP formed a majority government.
The reduction in specialist music teachers at primary schools threatens to extend the gap in opportunities between state and private education.
Mr. Briggs called on the Scottish government to put aside its pursuit of independence and focus on more pressing matters.
Lothian MSP Mr. Briggs said:“This is another example of the SNP government’s mismanagement of a sector, this time regarding specialist music teachers in primary schools.
“For a country with such a rich musical tradition as Scotland to have just 37 specialist music teachers for primary schools across the country is shameful and something the Scottish government should be embarrassed about.
“In my own region of Lothian, there are just 6 – down from 10 a decade ago – and with none in East Lothian or Midlothian at all.
“No doubt, however, the SNP’s spin doctors will be pinning the blame on Westminster and informing us of how an independent Scotland would be the sound of music.
“They have let down the country, they have let down the voters, and now they have let down the children.
“Young people and children are the ones that will suffer from this continued reduction in specialist teachers and it is high time the SNP focused on the proper demands of the country and stopped prioritising their independence dream.”
February has the lowest average flight delay time, with Liverpool John Lennon Airport offering the best punctuality for that month
July has the longest average delays, but Southend Airport has the shortest delays during this month
London City Airport offers the lowest average delay times overall
Based on new research, February is officially the best month to fly to avoid long delay times, when there was an average delay of only 10 minutes during 2023.[1] Meanwhile, July had average delays of 24 minutes in the study, making it the least punctual month for air travel.
Go.Compare analysed 2023 flight travel data for 25 UK airports to reveal the best time of year for reduced flight delays. It also analysed which airports offer the fewest delays for each month.
Winter emerged as the best season to travel, with February, November, and January topping the list for the lowest average delay times. Liverpool John Lennon, Southend, and East Midlands International Airport were the most reliable during these months, with average delays of less than 15 minutes.[2]
Best time of year for reduced flight delays:
Rank
Month
Average delay (mins)
% Cancelled flights
Airport with the fewest delays
Average delay (mins)
1
February
10
2%
Liverpool (John Lennon)
6
2
November
12
1%
Southend
8
3
January
13
2%
East Midlands International
9
4
April
15
1%
Southend
6
5
May
17
2%
London City
12
6
October
18
2%
East Midlands International
11
7
September
20
2%
Belfast City (George Best)
13
8
December
20
2%
London City
15
9
March
22
2%
Southampton
11
10
June
22
2%
Exeter
14
11
August
23
3%
Teesside International
14
12
July
24
2%
Southend
13
August and July proved to be the least reliable months for timely travel, with average delay times below 25 minutes. But if flyers do decide to travel during the summer months, Teesside International and Southend are the most reliable, offering average delays of only 14 and 13 minutes respectively.
Overall, out of all the airports explored, London City was crowned the most punctual over the whole of 2023, with the average flight delay time lasting only 13 minutes.
Rhys Jones, travel insurance expert for Go.Compare, said: “It’s clear that the off-peak months are better for flight punctuality. The summer months are incredibly popular among passengers. This, along with unpredictable summer weather, means that airports are more likely to suffer from delays.
“But our figures also show that some airports are more punctual than others. If you can, try to fly from an airport which sees fewer delays to minimise your chances of encountering setbacks.
“Making sure that you’re equipped to deal with unexpected delays is key. From organising travel insurance to knowing who to contact in the event of a delay, being proactive can ease the stress of unexpected disruptions so you can enjoy a smoother journey overall.”
A call for views on the Scottish Government’s proposals for National Outcomes has been launched.
The Scottish Parliament’s Finance and Public Administration Committee will lead Holyrood’s committees in scrutinising the proposed new and revised measures under the National Performance Framework.
Views are being sought from across the public sector, from businesses, the voluntary sector and from communities.
The deadline for submitting views is 28 June 2024.
Finance and Public Administration Committee Convener Kenneth Gibson said:“The Scottish Government must, by law, review the National Outcomes for Scotland at least every five years.
“Earlier this month the government published its proposals for new and revised National Outcomes.
“Our committee will lead the Parliament’s scrutiny of the new proposals and, working with other Committees, consider whether the proposed National Outcomes are the right ones for Scotland, and whether the Government should make any other changes.
“Our Committee, along with others, will also examine whether the 13 proposed Outcomes will lead to better lives for the people of Scotland, as intended by the Scottish Government.”
Call for Views
The committee’s call for views asks nine questions about the proposed National Outcomes.
The Scottish Government explains that the National Performance Framework is Scotland’s wellbeing framework.
The National Performance Framework aims to get everyone in Scotland to work together to deliver on the National Outcomes. This includes:
national and local government
public and private sectors
voluntary organisations
businesses and
communities.
What are National outcomes?
The Government explains that National Outcomes are part of the NPF and are the broad policy aims which, with the NPF, describe the kind of Scotland “in which we all want to live”.
The Scottish Parliament must be consulted on proposed National Outcomes and also considers the consultation the Government has carried out.
The Scottish Government’s Report on proposed National Outcomes and its consultation was published on 1 May 2024.
Committee Scrutiny
The Finance and Public Administration Committee is leading consideration of the proposed National Outcomes, although some other Committees will wish to consider evidence in their areas of interest. There is one consultation for all Committees which seeks views on the Government’s proposed National Outcomes.
What happens next?
Once the consultation has closed, the responses will be analysed, and that analysis will be sent to the relevant Committee to consider.
It will be for each Committee to consider what action they may wish to take, including whether to publish their views in a letter or a report to Parliament.
Remembering Together is a national project that seeks to give each of Scotland’s 32 local authorities the chance to reflect their unique experience of the Covid-19 pandemic with the help of commissioned artists and creative organisations.
Greenspace Scotland in collaboration with Falkirk Council and Studio Caspar, have been working extensively with the wider community over the past year to create a memorial that authentically reflects the experiences of residents during Covid.
To celebrate the forthcoming memorial and the project moving to its final stages, a live screenprinting event is set to be held in Callendar Park, with lead artist Caspar J Wilson printing illustrated posters that tell the story of the project so far. Attendees can even take part directly, pulling the squeegee and printing their own edition to be taken home and shared by everyone who comes along.
Wilson, who has extensive experience in socially engaged community art, set out to engage in an authentic process of co-creation with Falkirk communities.
This took the form of workshops held at community venues such as Larbert High School, where pupils made collages expressing how they had been pushed apart in isolation before coming back together; and at the Forth Valley Sensory Centre, where beautiful bouquets of flowers shared thoughts on the kind of calm, green spaces that could be the right venue for a memorial.
The purpose of these interactive workshops was to allow for participants to communicate through creativity, forming a collective vision of a memorial that would authentically reflect the breadth of experience that people had during these difficult years.
Every individual has a unique experience of Covid, but they are all somewhat united in various ways and Wilson sought to reflect that by taking each person’s story and displaying them as a piece of design, in an evolving, growing collection in a public space.
All the drawings, writings, collages and stories from the workshops have been used as inspiration for the memorial, as part of a library of stories, which will take the form of a permanent sculptural installation in Callendar Park.
For this event, a sample of the community artwork made from these workshops will be displayed in Callendar House alongside the screenprinting.
Artist Caspar J Wilson said, “This event is an open invitation to everyone who is curious about our work to create a memorial to Covid.
“I want to share the story of the project so far and all the fantastic community artwork made in our workshops. We are screenprinting an illustrated print that tells this story. Come to Callendar Park, see the community exhibition, watch artist prints being made by hand and take one home with you.”
Lesley O’Hare, Cultural Services Manager for Falkirk Council said “Caspar has taken a range of people from across the Falkirk Council area on a creative journey, enabling them to articulate their experiences of the pandemic in imaginative ways.
“This gathering will be an opportunity to celebrate the journey so far and soon we will see how he has translated these experiences into a design for the memorial”.
Remembering Together Falkirk is commissioned by greenspace scotland with funding from the Scottish Government.
A World War 1 soldier from Dundee who was identified in part through possible tartan fragments and a thistle brooch, has finally been laid to rest with full military honours.
More than a century after his death, Private (Pte) David Valentine Gemmell, who served with The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders), was buried at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC), Woburn Abbey today 15 May 2024.
The service was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘MOD War Detectives’.
In 2019 two casualties were recovered by the CWGC following a call from a farmer in the village of Cuinchy who had been ploughing his field and discovered what he thought could be WW1 casualties. The remains were close to the recovery site of a casualty JCCC has earlier identified as a Lance Corporal from 1st Battalion Black Watch killed on 25 January 1915.
Research focused on the period between 25 January and 6 February 1915 when the British front line was approximately at the recovery location. The artefacts confirmed the casualties were British and, although none identified a regiment, some suggested a Scottish connection, a link to The Black Watch – including pieces of possible tartan, a thistle brooch – and possible previous military service.
Tracey Bowers, MOD War Detectives’ case lead said: “The presence of a spoon with the service number 3800 was of great help and enabled us to narrow down the list of candidates.
“We always have to be mindful; a spoon found near a casualty doesn’t always mean they were the owner. In this case, following DNA we were able to confirm the identity of 3800 Pte Gemmell who was killed on 25 January.
“Due to the number of artefacts found alongside the two casualties it is possible they were either sleeping in a dugout or holding the line. The weather and conditions in January 1915 were known to be cold, wet and very difficult for the infantry soldiers who were trying to hold the advancing enemy.”
Despite DNA testing the second casualty has not yet been identified but research and genealogy is on-going.
The Gemmell family said: “It is both a privilege and honour to be here today to see our Grandfather and Great Grandfather buried.
“A beautifully emotional occasion we were here not just to remember Private Gemmell but the unknown soldier alongside him. We would like to thank all those involved in particular the Regiment, 3 Scots, JCCC and the local community.”
Major Patrick Marshall (3 Scots) presents the flag to Pte Gemmell’s grandchildren (Crown Copyright)
Reverend Geoffrey Berry CF, Chaplain to The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland said: “Reveille, the traditional bugle call for the bearer party to return to work is also the ringing call to their colleague Private David Gemmell who they have just lowered, to rise in glory into the presence of the Lord.“
The grave of Pte David Gemmell will now be cared for in perpetuity by CWGC.
The military party and other invited guests stand with the family of Pte Gemmell (Crown Copyright)
Xavier Puppinck, France Area Director CWGC, said: “We are profoundly privileged to stand here today, united in reverence as Private (Pte) David Valentine Gemmell is laid to rest.
“His selfless sacrifice and unwavering service are forever etched in the annals of history and in the sacred stones of the Commonwealth War Graves Woburn Abbey Cemetery. May his legacy endure under our unwavering care and commitment.”
PICTURED (TOP) Artefacts belonging to Pte Gemmell which were presented to his family after the service (Crown Copyright)
Protesters to take to the water at Portobello beach as sewage backlash intensifies
Thousands of protesters will take to coasts and rivers across the UK today to protest against the state of the nation’s waterways. The protests have been coordinated by Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), who are calling for an end to the sewage discharges plaguing the UK’s rivers and seas, as sewage overflows continue to have a devastating impact on ecological and human health.
Over 30 protests are set to take place at local beaches and rivers, spanning locations from Edinburgh to Cornwall. Flagship protests are taking place at West Pier in Brighton and at Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth, with Olympian and keen paddle-boarder Dame Kelly Holmes set to join protesters on the south coast.
Edinburgh protestors will gather on Portobello beach at 10.30am.
Charlie Allanson-Oddy, founding member of the Porty Water Collective and SAS regional representative, who is helping to organise the Portobello protest, said:“Walking the beaches in Portobello, the reality of sewage scandal is clear with thousands of baby wipes washed up weekly.
Testing has repeatedly found dangerous levels of E.coli and chloroforms in the Figgate Burn, a freshwater source that runs through Scotland’s capital. Unlike England and Wales, Scottish Water is publicly owned: however they continue to ignore us.
“We are united in protest in Edinburgh to raise awareness of the shocking pollution of our waterways and demand change. Sewage dumping in our waters must stop.”
Giles Bristow, CEO of Surfers Against Sewage, said:“Once again, the public face a grim choice this summer – risk swallowing shit or forgo a dip in the water.
“This year offers an opportunity to turn our collective anger into action and end the sewage scandal, with panicked politicians in listening mode, desperate to ride the waves of popular sentiment.
“A general election is imminent, and the public are out on the beachfronts and riverbanks making it clear that the issue of sewage pollution is at the top of the agenda. Ahead of the election, all parties need to show people genuine and quantifiable commitments to eliminate sewage pollution, or suffer the consequences.”
This year is a huge opportunity for action on sewage pollution. Water quality is predicted to be a core issue influencing voters in the next general election, which must happen before January 2025.
Meanwhile, in June, regulator Ofwat – whose role is to challenge and scrutinise water companies to ensure they deliver safe and reliable water to people and protect the environment – will deliver recommendations on water companies’ investment plans for the next five years (2025 – 2030).
Water companies have proposed plans for £11 billion in investment for reducing sewage discharges for this period, with customer bills increasing in tandem – a move that has sparked outrage among the public, particularly in the context of the profits paid out to water company bosses and shareholders year on year.
According to analysis by the Financial Times, water companies in England and Wales paid out £2.5bn in dividends in the two financial years since 2021 and a total of more than £78bn in dividends in the 33 years since privatisation.
Giles Bristow added: “Thousands are protesting on the water this weekend to let politicians, regulators and water companies know that the public aren’t going to let them wriggle out of demands for clean seas and rivers.
“We’re calling for plans that are ambitious enough to end sewage pollution in high-priority nature sites and the waters we surf, swim and paddle in by 2030, putting people and nature before profit. We won’t tolerate this broken system any longer.”
Sunrise at Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire national park, Wales
Double Gold medal-winning Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes, who will be paddling out with protesters in Brighton, said:“I love nothing more than getting out into the open water on my paddle-board – it does wonders for my mental health, and there’s such a sense of community amongst those who use our wild waterways for sport and recreation.
“But this incredibly special pastime has been tainted for all of us by the persistent risk of getting sick from pollution. The poor state of our rivers and seas is shocking and infuriating.
“Whole generations are being deprived of the right to safely enjoy the benefits that blue spaces offer. Our waterways are for us and should be here to enjoy as they are so important for our collective health and wellbeing. Events costing thousands are getting cancelled. To see our rivers and seas being treated so appallingly by those responsible for looking after them is nothing short of a national scandal.
“I’m paddling out with Surfers Against Sewage and thousands of water-lovers across the country because I’m passionate about our waterways, I’m angry about what’s being done to them, and I want the polluters and those in power to hear our demands to end sewage pollution now.”
In 2023, there were 584,001 recorded discharges across England, Scotland and Wales – a 51% increase on the previous year – with sewage released into waterways for a total of 12,966,322 hours.
Of the 11 water companies with monitoring in place, United Utilities was the worst offender, reporting 97,537 discharges in 2023. Yorkshire Water and Severn Trent Water were hot on its heels, reporting 77,761 and 60,253 discharges respectively. SAS analysis has found that Welsh Water had a total of 108,860 discharges, although this is not directly comparable to England due to differing methods of reporting.
Paddle-outs will be taking place in the majority of water company catchments this weekend – including Scottish Water, where there were 15,289 spills last year, and Northern Ireland Water, where discharge figures are unavailable due to a lack of monitoring.
The Environment Agency boasts that 100% of storm overflows in England are now fitted with monitoring devices. However, analysis of this year’s Event Duration Monitoring (EDM) data by SAS has revealed that EDM monitors at 1,930 storm overflows, 13.3% of the total monitored overflows, are operating at less than 90% capacity – which means the discharge figures for England in 2023 are an underestimate.
Sally McGee, Tynemouth protest organiser and SAS supporter, said:“Every surfer across the UK knows that they run the risk of getting sick if they surf. Many beaches on the beautiful coast around Tynemouth are subject to the discharge of raw sewage immediately after or during storms.
“You can smell and taste the difference in the water. It’s really upsetting and feels like we are going backwards in time.
“As a surfer, I believe we have a beautiful relationship with the ocean – we see it in all its glory, and we see it suffer. Up here, we share the ocean with bottlenose dolphins and common seals, whilst fulmar birds fly above us.
“When I surf and the water is brown from pollution as untreated sewage leaves the Tyne, I can only imagine how marine life endures it. We can choose if we surf, but it’s their everyday habitat.
“We are protesting in Tynemouth because we are outraged that water companies and our politicians have allowed this to happen. They have a vital role in society and are abusing their position. They must stop the greed, invest and do better. We demand an end to sewage discharges in our bathing waters by 2030.”
SAS is calling for an end to sewage discharges into all bathing waters and high-priority nature sites by 2030.
Packed with Sharing Plates and Mega Upgrade to Fan-Favourite Dish
Award-winning bar & restaurant, The Botanist, has announced its offering for the summer season with brand-new food and cocktail menus launching on Tuesday 21st May. Guests can expect fresh seasonal flavours, sharing plates, lighter and brighter dishes and super-fresh botanical cocktails as they tuck in around the table with friends.
Encouraging everyone to share the joy with loved ones this season, a new selection of small plates has been added to the menu, giving an instant al fresco summer dining feel. Diners can choose from eleven different dishes highlighting seasonal ingredients including roasted harissa cauliflower with houmous, pomegranate molasses, pickled red onion, crispy shallots and mint, Korean fried chicken with sriracha mayo and red chilli and patatas bravas made with baby hassleback potatoes on a bravas sauce with garlic aioli.
Alongside the small plates are three sharing boards. Choose from baked camembert, the mezze platter or crispy aromatic duck served with pancakes, cucumber, spring onion and hoi sin sauce.
Diners can also enjoy lighter seasonal salads including Asian noodle salad, with yakisoba noodles in a sweet chilli and sesame dressing with mangetout, coriander, mint and kimchi slaw topped with a choice of Korean chicken or plant-based schnitzel and goat’s cheese salad with melted goat’s cheese and red onion marmalade on a sourdough crouton with courgette ribbons and beetroot, chicory and rocket.
The botany-inspired venue has become somewhat famous for its head-turning hanging kebabs, reporting that it sells three quarters of a million (780,000) per year with three kebabs being served to diners every minute. Fans of the iconic dish can get excited about the new giant piri-piri chicken kebab, which comes served with additional coleslaw and warm pitta bread, alongside seasoned fries or coconut rice.
The Botanist grill is now also serving up bavette and sirloin steaks, along with house burgers including the new ‘Dirty Chicken Burger’, with crispy fried chicken, mac and cheese fritter, bacon, melted cheese, baby gem, pickles, garlic mayo and hot honey BBQ sauce.
Expertly crafted by in-house chefs and created lovingly from scratch, this is feel-good food designed to celebrate the season of sunshine and good times. There is also now a dedicated vegan and gluten-free menu available.
And those with a sweet tooth haven’t been forgotten. The restaurant’s signature cookie dough can now be topped with a choice of crunchie pieces and crushed honeycomb or S’mores toasted marshmallows, chocolate brownie chunks and a biscuit crumb.
The Botanist’s talented bar team have also been busy, launching a completely new cocktail menu served up in stylish glassware.
Showstopping photo-worthy serves include the Disco Fizz, with prosecco, lychee liqueur, Fever-Tree raspberry and orange blossom soda served with a raspberry ‘fizz bomb’, the Lilypad Martini, with Portobello Road Bergamot Citrus Vodka, peach liqueur, peach puree, apple and lemon juice, and the eponymous ‘The Botanist’ served in a botany boiling flask.
Long-time fans of the brand can try the freshly updated signature plant pot cocktail, a complex blend of Maker’s Mark bourbon, Lazzaroni Amaretto, kiwi puree, lemon juice and honey.
Development Chef at The Botanist, Guy Greaves said: “As a chef, it’s amazing to work with the vibrant ingredients that spring provides, and we’ve really brought those lighter, brighter elements through on this new menu to celebrate the season of socialising with friends, whilst working hard to make our classic signature dishes even more impressive.”
Dishes start from £6.75 for small plates, £14.50 for mains and £5.95 for desserts.
