To celebrate National Tea Day (21st April), an expert at Yorkshire Tea has revealed the four steps to making the perfect cup of tea.
Tea is still the nation’s favourite hot drink, with over 100,000,000 cups being drunk in the UK every single day of the year.
To help people celebrate this National Tea Day properly, Katie Kippax, tea buyer at Yorkshire Tea, the UK’s #1 brew, has shared the secrets to making the perfect brew, including the exact time you need to leave the teabag in your mug.
Katie says: “Everyone makes tea differently, but there are some general rules to getting it right. So, if you want to impress the tea lovers in your life, here are some expert tips from the team at Yorkshire Tea for making a proper brew.”
1) Only use fresh water – “The oxygen in water helps to bring out the flavour in your tea, so make sure to use fresh water and only boil it once to keep the O2 level up.”
2) Warm up your mug – “Tea likes hot water just off the boil, so don’t wait around when your kettle has finished. It’s important to keep the temperature up, and a chilly teapot or mug can cool things down. Consider warming them with a little hot water before making your tea to help the flavour to develop.”
3) Brew for at least four minutes – “Tea also needs time to unlock all its flavour, so leave the teabag brewing for around four to five minutes to do its thing. Trust us, it really makes a difference. It might seem like a long time, but it is worth the investment!”
4) Squeeze gently and only once – “Before removing the tea bag, gently squidge it against the side of the mug. Make sure you only do this once and gently or else your brew will taste bitter.”
Katie adds: “However you make your brew, we raise our mugs to you all this National Tea Day!”
Luxford Burgers hope to be crowned culinary champions for a second year
One Edinburgh eatery is hoping for a second helping of success at the Deliveroo Restaurant Awards. Foodie favourite, Luxford Burgers, has made the shortlist in the Best Burger and American category, with the award set to go to the food joint that griddles their patties to perfection.
Independent burger chain, Luxford Burgers, has gained a firm foodie following since opening in 2020. Taking inspiration from the silver screen, artwork from cult classic films adorn the interiors, the menu boasts a range of burgers named after must-watch movies, and complimentary popcorn is served while diners wait for the chefs to cook up a hit.
And these blockbuster burgers have already turned the heads of culinary critics. Last year, Luxford Burgers took home the awards for Independent Restaurant of the Year and Scotland Burger Restaurant of the Year at the 2024 Deliveroo Restaurant Awards. And now they’re back for another bite.
Will Shu, chief executive and founder at Deliveroo, said; “The Deliveroo Restaurant Awards is about championing the local restaurants who provide incredible selection and quality food in their communities.
These restaurants are the beating heart of our towns and cities, and they obsess over making sure every food delivery is a special moment for our customers – that’s something worth celebrating.”
Reacting to the news that Luxford Burgers had made the shortlist once again, executive director Alexander Galpin said: “Our team work incredibly hard to source quality, fresh ingredients and create original flavour combinations that really stand out, so we’re glad we’ve caught the attention of the judges.
“We had a taste of success last year and now we’re coming back for more!”
Whether they emerge as culinary champions this year is all down to the public. Burger buffs have got until Friday 9th May to cast their vote via the Deliveroo Restaurant Awards website, with the winners set to be announced on Wednesday 28th May.
St Thomas of Aquin’s High School is celebrating after being selected by a Tesco customer to receive a £5,000 donation.
On Saturday 15th March, Tesco customers at the Edinburgh Nicholson Street Express store were given the chance to take part in a lucky dip to find a golden version of Tesco’s famous blue voting token.
St Thomas of Aquin’s High School was one of three local groups that customers could vote for to receive the £5,000 Golden Grant as part of Tesco’s Stronger Starts scheme.
Philippa Hastings, a member of staff at St Thomas of Aquin’s High School, said: “This funding will be used to support the families of the St Thomas of Aquin’s school students in accessing extra-curricular and excursion opportunities at a time when many families are struggling with the cost of living.
“We are trying to develop educational and engaging opportunities for young people to learn outside of the classroom and are thrilled to be able to support families financially thanks to this grant.”
Over one hundred Tesco stores across the country took part in the Golden Grants event, with £500,000 in total being donated to good causes that help children and young people.
Stronger Starts helps schools and children’s groups provide nutritious food and healthy activities that support young people’s physical health and mental wellbeing, such as breakfast clubs or snacks, as well as purchasing equipment for healthy activities.
Claire De Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco said: “We are incredibly proud to award Golden Grants to over one hundred schools and local projects, supporting the vital work they do for our children and communities.
“Since we launched our grants programme in 2016, more than £120 million has been given to more than 67,000 local schools and community groups.”
Golden Grants are part of Tesco’s £8 million Stronger Starts grant programme, which is delivered in partnership with the charity Groundwork UK.
Former Capital Radio presenter and Love Island star, Laura Anderson, swapped the beaches of Dubai for sunkissed Troon beach on Friday (11 April) as she launched Equi’s limited edition Dubai Chocolate ice cream.
The indulgent creamy ice cream is made with a chocolate base and is layered with delicious pistachio ripple and crunchy kataifi pastry pieces throughout. Over 41 parlours across Scotland are stocking the latest edition to Equi’s flavour wheel. From Aberdeen to Edinburgh and Glasgow to Largs more than 4000 scoops have been delivered in time for the weekend.
Laura Anderson said: “Everyone knows Dubai is one of my favourite places in the whole world.
“Dubai Chocolate has always been a staple every time I visit and to have it available as an ice cream is like complete heaven.”
Equis’s ice cream new product
Laura Anderson – love island.
David Equi, owner of South Lanarkshire based Equi’s said: “Having lived in Dubai for ten years and making frequent visits back, we knew Laura was perfect to launch our new ice cream flavour.
“With Dubai Chocolate already being rationed by supermarkets we’re confident our Dubai Chocolate ice cream is going to be a huge hit with customers. But don’t wait too long – we’ve limited stock available and once you’ve tried it once we can guarantee you’ll be back for more.”
Fort Kinnaird has confirmed its opening hours for the upcoming Easter bank holiday weekend and is inviting families to enjoy a packed programme of fun, food and entertainment throughout the school holidays.
Whether you’re looking to stock up on Easter crafting supplies, treating the kids to a special meal out, or sampling some limited-edition Easter sweet treats, there is something for everyone looking to make the most of the long weekend and beyond.
The centre’s opening hours over the Easter weekend will be:
Good Friday (Friday 18th April): 9am – 9pm
Easter Saturday (Saturday 19th April): 9am – 6pm
Easter Sunday (Sunday 20th April): 9am – 6pm
Easter Monday (Monday 21st April): 9am – 9pm
Opening times at individual retailers may vary, so visitors are encouraged to check with specific venues ahead of their trip.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We know the Easter break is a cherished time for families to relax, reconnect and make lasting memories.
“That’s why we’re delighted to be hosting a wide range of exciting Easter activities and deals all in one destination, from offers on Easter crafts to discounts at some of our most popular restaurants.”
Easter fun to make the most of at Fort Kinnaird includes:
Easter crafting essentials from Hobbycraft: Up your Easter craft game this year by making the most of a 50% discount on some supplies. From paint your own ceramics sets to paint by numbers, there’s something to keep all the little ones entertained on a rainy day.
Indulge in some Easter goodies at Frankie & Benny’s: Nothing says Easter like Cadbury Crème Eggs and Frankie & Benny’s have combined these with their cookie dough dessert for the ultimate sweet treat this Easter.
Free workshops at Pets at Home: The popular My Pet Pals workshops will be returning to Pets at Home this Easter, where children can get involved in some free crafts while learning about pet welfare and how to look after animals – educational and fun!
Kids eat free at Pizza Express: When you’re not snacking on chocolate eggs this Easter, treat your family to a meal at Pizza Express, where kids get a free Piccolo meal with every adult main. This includes Dough Balls, pizza, pasta, or salad, a dessert, and a Bambinoccino.
Luxford Burgers encourages kids to get creative with new menu
Easter is a time to gather all the family round the table. But if the thought of traditional roast lamb doesn’t appeal to your little ones, why not shake things up a bit this holiday and opt for a fun, customisable culinary experience that encourages the kids to get creative?
Luxford Burgers is celebrating the build-up to Easter with a special Build-A-Burger offer. For a limited time only, children can grab an exclusive menu and design their dream burger. With a choice of beef, chicken or veggie patties, plus a combination of up to 12 toppings, this unmissable dining deal puts the kids firmly in control.
From scrumptious smoked streaky bacon and classic crispy onions to mouth-watering mango salsa and chunky cheddar cheese, kids can get creative with their toppings of choice. Plus, they can colour in their personalised burger design while they wait for the award-winning chefs to cook and plate it up for them.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Luxford Burgers’ Executive Director, Alexander Galpin, said; “Experimenting with different flavour combinations is a great way for kids to learn about food in a fun and creative way.
“And what better way for them to do that than by stacking up a range of delicious toppings to create their own unique signature burger? We’re excited to see what they come up with!”
Each made-to-order Build-A-Burger costs just £8 and can be enjoyed at Luxford Burgers’ two Edinburgh locations at St. Leonard’s Street and Brandon Terrace.
Available for a limited time only, this exclusive Easter offer runs Monday – Thursday, 12-4pm, until Monday 21st April. Advanced booking is advised because this palate-pleasing offer is sure to prove popular!
Celebrating 25 Years of Pie-Making Excellence, Scotland’s Top Bakers and Butchers Battle for the Ultimate Title
The heat is on in Scotland’s pie scene as the highly anticipated shortlist for the 2025 World Championship Scotch Pie Awards is officially unveiled. After a rigorous judging process, where 539 products were put to the ultimate taste test, 58 of Scotland’s best butchers, bakers, and pie makers have been shortlisted, standing out from 88 entrants vying for top honours.
Under the scrutiny of 50 expert judges, pies were assessed for taste, touch, appearance and smell across multiple categories, from the beloved Scotch Pie to Football Pies & Savouries, Macaroni Pie, Steak Pie, Sausage Roll, Hot Savoury, Vegetarian Savoury, Haggis Savoury, Bridie, and Apple Pies. This year also introduces two exciting new categories, Lighter Options and Retailer Pie Product of the Year, showcasing the industry’s continuous evolution and innovation.
The winner of the Scotch Pie category will be crowned WORLD CHAMPION, alongside all Best in Category winners, at a prestigious awards lunch on 10 May 2025 at the Hilton Glasgow.
Scottish Bakers, the trade association championing Scotland’s bakery sector, has proudly organised this annual competition for a quarter of a century, shining a spotlight on the skill and dedication of the nation’s best pie makers.
To mark its 25th anniversary, the organisation has launched the ‘Pieoneers’ campaign, celebrating the craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation that drives Scotland’s iconic pie industry forward.
Lesley Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Bakers, said: “This year marks a truly special milestone as we celebrate 25 years of the World Championship Scotch Pie Awards. Over the past quarter-century, this competition has become the ultimate showcase for the craft, passion, and innovation of Scotland’s butchers, bakers, and pie makers.
“Every pie tells a story: of heritage recipes passed down through generations, of new ideas pushing the boundaries, and of the sheer dedication to producing products that are loved by communities across the country.
“We look forward to crowning our winners in May and shining a well-deserved spotlight on the very best in our industry.”
Since its launch in 1999, the World Championship Scotch Pie Awards has set the gold standard for Scotland’s pie industry, providing a platform to honour the finest craftsmanship and commitment to tradition while embracing innovation.
The 2025 World Championship Scotch Pie Awards would not be possible without strategic partner BAKO Group, Diamond Sponsor, Carr’s Flour and our valued sponsors: Andrew Ingredients, Dalziel Group, DMD (2000) Ltd, Fleming Howden, National Food & Drink Training, Reformul8, Reiser, Rondo, Sure Recruitment, TRKR and Ulrick & Short.
The full list of companies who have been shortlisted is:
Scotmid Coop’s Leven Street store in Edinburgh has been recognised as the Crime Prevention Retailer of the Year at The Convenience Awards 2025, for its proactive and innovative approach to tackling retail crime.
Faced with rising levels of theft, particularly of spirits, Scotmid took decisive action to protect its staff, customers, and business. Spirits were relocated behind the kiosk to mitigate theft risks, but to maintain customer convenience, the store introduced pictorial sleeves on the original shelves, allowing shoppers to browse the full range.
This strategic move led to a 40% reduction in spirit theft over 12 months, without impacting sales. Due to its success, this initiative has since been rolled out to other stores facing similar challenges.
Beyond product security, Scotmid has invested in cutting-edge crime prevention measures, including:
Online incident reporting – enabling staff to log thefts, attempted thefts, and antisocial behaviour directly to the Scotmid Security Support Team for immediate action.
Intelligence-driven Security Support Team – a dedicated unit that analyses incident reports, liaises with law enforcement, and prioritises security efforts based on real-time data.
Body-worn cameras – introduced in higher-risk stores, resulting in a 10% reduction in violent incidents and acting as a deterrent against repeat offenders.
Advanced CCTV analytics – being developed to identify suspicious activity in real-time and integrate with Scotmid’s central monitoring system, enhancing staff response capabilities.
Debbie MacDonald, Lead Profit Protection Manager at Scotmid, said:“We are incredibly proud to receive this award, which reflects the dedication of our teams in making our stores safer.
“By implementing smart, intelligence-led security measures, we have not only reduced crime but also created a safer environment for colleagues and customers. We remain committed to enhancing our crime prevention strategies to stay ahead of emerging threats.”
Is there a secret formula for maintaining a truly balanced diet? With the constant influx of conflicting advice and trendy diets, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the information.
Amie Leckie, Health and Wellbeing Specialist and Lauren Hewitt, Registered Associate Nutritionist at Heart Research UK simplify the concept of a healthy, balanced diet and offer practical advice on how to achieve it:
What is a balanced diet?
We often hear the terms “balance” and “moderation” when discussing healthy eating, yet many of us struggle to find that sweet spot.
A healthy balanced diet is one that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods in the right proportions, providing the body with essential macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats and micronutrients like vitamins and minerals to support overall health, energy, and wellbeing. It emphasises moderation, variety and portion control to maintain long-term health and prevent disease.
What are macro and micronutrients?
When it comes to eating healthy, understanding the role of nutrients in our diet can help us make informed choices about what we put on our plates.
There are different categories of macronutrients. Macronutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats and are the building blocks of our diet. They provide us with the energy to fuel our daily activities, support growth, and keep our bodies functioning properly.
Lauren Hewitt, a Registered Associate Nutritionist at Heart Research UK, explains: “Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for your body and are most associated with foods like pasta, rice, potatoes, bread, and cereal.But they are also found in other foods such as fruits and vegetables and sugar-sweetened foods and drinks such as cookies and fizzy drinks.
“There are two types of carbohydrates – simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates generally include refined, ‘white’ food like white bread, pasta and rice; these break down quickly into energy.
“Complex carbohydrates should make up the bulk of your intake as they release energy more slowly and these include wholegrains like brown rice and wholewheat bread, beans, lentils and vegetables.
“Fats are the body’s second source of energy, and these are used up when we have depleted our carbohydrate stores or when we are consuming a very low-carbohydrate diet.
“Consuming fat is essential, without fats you wouldn’t be able to absorb vitamins A, D, E and K, which are fat soluble and can only be digested when there is fat present. Fats also provide essential fatty acids that the body can’t make itself; these help your body to regulate the immune and central nervous systems as well as help with skin health, brain function and heart health.
“Choose heart-healthy fat sources such as those coming from nuts, seeds, oily fish, avocados and olive oil.
Lauren continues: “Protein is the body’s last resort for energy, used when carbohydrate and fat stores are depleted. While it’s best known for helping repair and rebuild muscle after exercise, it also supports overall health.
Protein is essential for the growth and maintenance of tissues, keeping bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin strong and healthy. It supports the immune system by forming antibodies to fight infections and helps keep you feeling fuller for longer.
“Healthy, high-protein foods include lean meats, fish, eggs and reduced-fat dairy. We can also obtain protein from plant-based sources like chickpeas, lentils, beans, nuts, seeds and tofu. It’s a good idea to include both animal and plant-based options.”
Micronutrients include vitamins and minerals and are needed in smaller amounts than macronutrients, but they are just as important for maintaining overall health, supporting immune function, bone health, energy production, cognitive health and much more. The key to ensuring we consume enough micronutrients is to eat a variety of foods.
How can you achieve a balanced diet?
Eating a varied diet full of different colours can ensure nutrient diversity. Try to include all the colours of the rainbow over the course of each week.
Amie Leckie, Health and Wellbeing Specialist at Heart Research UK, said: “It’s important to understand that we don’t need to cut entire food groups from our diet to eat well and be healthy. All foods can be enjoyed in appropriate amounts, and we should avoid extreme diets that vilify certain foods or whole food groups.
“Eating healthily doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on the foods you enjoy, it just means that you should aim to eat everything in moderation.
“By swapping some of your unhealthier choices for healthier ones, you can still enjoy tasty food and keep your heart healthy. You should start by making one or two swaps, and once these become part of your routine then add in a few more. By doing this gradually, you’re more likely to stick to it, form a new healthy eating habit, and stay on track with your healthy lifestyle goals.”
You can swap to lower sugar versions of your sauces to get started, or you can swap from white bread, pasta, cereal, and rice to wholegrain varieties. Take a look at our Healthy Food Swap Cards for some inspiration.
Even if the food we are eating is healthy, we can still eat too much. We’ve created a handy Portion Size Guide to help you understand what healthy portion sizes look like
Mindful eating follows on nicely from the one above. Slowing down and paying attention to our hunger cues can help us avoid overeating and make better food choices.
What does a healthy meal look like?
Building a healthy plate is a simple way to ensure you’re getting the right balance of nutrients. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Fill half your plate with vegetables such as leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, courgettes, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, asparagus, green beans, brussels sprouts and mushrooms.
Fill a quarter of your plate with healthy proteins like chicken, turkey, fish, tofu and legumes like lentils, chickpeas and beans.
Fill a quarter of your plate with wholegrain carbohydrates such as brown or wild rice, wholewheat pasta, quinoa and buckwheat and/or starchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes, potatoes, sweetcorn, peas, butternut squash, pumpkin, carrots, beets and parsnips.
Include a small portion of healthy fats like avocado, olive oil, or nuts.
Achieving a balanced diet is a gradual process and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Experiment with different foods to see what works best for your lifestyle, and remember that small, consistent changes lead to lasting results.
Encouraging small businesses to thrive and foster collaboration amongst producers and food groups to promote local produce.
The Scottish Government is providing £100,000 funding for the sixth round of the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s Regional Food Fund.
Grants of up to £5,000 are available to Scottish food business for projects aimed at elevating Scotland’s food and drink industry, enhancing food tourism and showcasing the best local produce the country has to offer.
Since 2021, the Scottish Government has provided over £500,000 to the fund, which has supported 104 collaborative projects, varying from creative artwork to increase customer numbers, new equipment and regional marketing campaigns.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “Scotland’s food and drink industry is worth £15 billion to the Scottish economy; it is one of the country’s largest employers and is already well-recognised and established across the world.
“However, we realise how vital engaging with regional markets is in achieving our industry strategy and growth ambitions for the next ten years. That’s why, through remarkable initiatives like the Regional Food Fund, we are providing small projects the opportunity to promote and showcase their regional goods.
“This funding enables businesses to raise awareness of locally available produce to communities and showcase some of Scotland’s most exciting food and drink ventures.”
Head of Regional Food at Scotland Food & Drink, Fiona Richmond said: “As the Regional Food Fund enters its sixth round, we look forward to reviewing a diverse range of applications.
“Over the years, the fund has supported everything from food and drink festivals and campaigns to collaborative initiatives showcasing the journey from field to fork. This highlights the strength of the desire for local produce and the growing food tourism scene in Scotland.
“The fund encourages regional collaboration and celebrates unique food and drink stories that continue to nurture and elevate Scotland’s thriving food culture, making it a renowned destination for food experiences.”
