Tag: food and drink

Aldi Scotland’s Famous Supermarket Sweep is coming to Leith

Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep challenge is back again for another year, giving customers in Edinburgh the chance to raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).    

The supermarket challenge, inspired by the legendary game show, is sure to add excitement to the weekly shopping trip. As well as fundraising, Edinburgh locals have the chance to take home their favourite items from Aldi’s store in Leith.   

Launched in 2016, the supermarket challenge offers shoppers the chance to take part in a five-minute trolley dash, allowing them to gather as many Aldi favourites as they can within the timeframe. 

Once the time is up, the lucky shopper gets to take home the trolley full of goodies, while Aldi matches the cash value of the goods as a donation.    

Each year across Scotland CHAS supports over 500 babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions and their families. In 2025 every penny raised through Aldi’s Supermarket Sweep will go directly to CHAS, with £10,000 pledged in support.  

Edinburgh residents can apply for the Supermarket Sweep from Monday 2 June to Sunday 8 June.     

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Our annual Supermarket Sweeps hold a special place in the Aldi calendar, donating over £50,000 to local charities since 2016.

“We’re very much looking forward to its return for another year and giving one lucky Edinburgh resident the chance to enjoy a truly unique supermarket experience.  

“CHAS is a charity very close to our hearts, which provides a truly invaluable lifeline for families across Scotland, offering specialist care and unwavering support during the most difficult moments imaginable.

“This year, Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep will be travelling all over Scotland, giving Aldi customers nationally a brilliant opportunity to raise funds for CHAS while shining a light on the incredible work the charity does.”   

Entry is free and customers can apply in-store or by emailing supermarketsweep@aldi.co.uk

Entrants must be available to take part in the sweep after stores close at 10pm on their chosen date.  

Entrants must be over 18 years old to take part, and alcohol products are not included in the sweep.   

For more information about CHAS and how to support its work, visit https://www.chas.org.uk/     

Whopper offers as Burger King reopens on Princes Street on Tuesday

BURGER KING® UK’s EDINBURGH PRINCES ST  RESTAURANT LOOKS BETTER THAN EVER AFTER RECENT GLOW UP 

It’s a great day for burger fans in Edinburgh Princes St! After much anticipation, Burger King® UK will officially re-open the doors to its newly designed restaurant in Princes St, allowing hungry locals to indulge in BK classics such as the flame-grilled Whopper®, classic Chicken Royale® and juicy Bacon Double XL once again. 

Burger King® UK is celebrating the reopening by giving away 1,000 FREE Whopper® or Chicken Royale burgers* to lucky customers for one day only, on Tuesday 3rd of June.

The newly remodelled Edinburgh Princes St restaurant brings customer experience to a new level, with all-new in-restaurant innovations such as table service and a sensational menu that caters to all customers, whether they’re looking to start their day with a delicious breakfast butty and coffee for just £2.99, enjoy a family feast on delivery, or indulge in a late night snack. 

Burger King® UK has also confirmed its extended hours at the Edinburgh Princes St restaurant, which is now open from 08:00 to 00:00. This means customers can make the most of Burger King® UK’s delicious menu from morning to late.

Paul Beach, Restaurant Manager at Burger King® UK, said:“The team and I are thrilled to return and serve our customers in Edinburgh Princes St.

“We look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new guests to experience the renovated restaurant, and we’re confident they’ll have a fantastic time while enjoying our delicious meals.” 

The re-opening of Edinburgh Princes St is the perfect opportunity for Burger King® UK fans to make the most of the tasty deals and discounts available on the Burger King® app. Whether it’s the classic Whopper® or Chicken Royale, customers can make savings all year round!

Friday: Hard Rock DJ Night

As Robbie Williams prepares to take to the Murrayfield stage at the end of May, Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh is kicking things off early to celebrate his arrival in the capital. 

On Friday 30th May, Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh turns back the clock for one night only to host the exclusive Hard ‘Rock DJ’ Night, celebrating the best of 90s music and nightlife.

From 7pm until late, the iconic George Street venue will come alive with a high-energy DJ set packed with 90s floor-fillers, sing-along classics and Robbie’s top hits, perfect for those who can’t make the concert the next day. 

More than just a night of music, the restaurant will be serving up its full menu, available until 10:30 pm, featuring favourites such as the Legendary® Burgers, spicy wings, and signature cocktails, making it the perfect fuel for a night on the dancefloor. 

Whilst the event is free to attend, reservations are highly recommended and can be made through OpenTable or Event Brite. 

Scotland’s National Chef Gary Maclean shares top 5 BBQ hacks – and his own Scottish barbecue twists

MasterChef champion Gary Maclean has teamed up with Mary’s Meals this National BBQ Week to encourage Scots to back the charity throughout barbecue season

Firing up the barbecue this week? Gary Maclean, Scotland’s National Chef, has you covered! 

It’s National BBQ Week and MasterChef champion and long-time Mary’s Meals supporter Gary has compiled his top five tips to make a stress-free family cookout. 

Gary is backing the international school meals charity once more and encouraging people to donate to Mary’s Meals during National BBQ Week (26 May – 1 June). 

Mary Meals feeds more than 2.6 million children every school day in 16 countries across the world. By offering a daily meal in school, Mary’s Meals attracts children from the world’s poorest communities into the classroom where they can gain an education which can be their ladder out of poverty. 

Gary says: “It costs only £19.15 to feed a child with Mary’s Meals for a school year, just 10p a meal, which is such incredible value!

“This National BBQ Week, you could ask family and friends for a small donation to come along to your barbecue, and if you use my five top tips, you’ll make your guests happy all while giving hope to hungry children.” 

  1. Marinate ahead
    Marinate meat overnight to build flavour and tenderise. A mix of whisky, honey, cracked pepper and thyme works well with pork, chicken or game.
  2. Bring to room temperature
    Take meat or fish out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. It’ll cook more evenly and won’t stick to the grill as much.
  3. Use two heat zones
    Set your barbecue with a hot side for searing and a cooler side for finishing. It gives you more control and helps avoid flare-ups.
  4. Add a bit of smoke
    A handful of soaked oak chips or sprigs of rosemary on the coals adds great flavour. Dried heather works too, if you have it.
  5. Rest before carving
    Let meat rest under foil before serving. It keeps it juicy and gives you better texture.

Bonus Tips 

  • Grilled Veg – Courgettes, mushrooms, and leeks grill beautifully. Season well and finish with a bit of crumbled crowdie. 
  • Quick Grill Cleaner – Rub a hot grill with half an onion on a fork. It’s simple and does the job. 
  • Sauce Late – If you’re using a sweet glaze or BBQ sauce, brush it on near the end to avoid burning. 
  • Dessert on the Grill – Try halved peaches or apples in foil with brown sugar and a splash of whisky. 

That’s not all though: Scotland’s national chef has also served up four delicious Scottish barbecue recipe ideas that are sure to impress: 

Scottish twists on barbecue classics 

Haggis-Stuffed Peppers 

Fill peppers with traditional or veggie haggis and grill until charred and smoky. 

Whisky-Glazed Venison Burgers

Swap beef for venison and brush with a whisky and honey glaze. Serve with pickled onions on a soft roll. 

Aberdeen Angus Brisket with Irn-Bru Glaze

Slow-cook brisket with a smoky rub, then glaze with reduced Irn-Bru for a sweet finish. 

Seaweed Butter Corn 

Grill corn and brush with butter mixed with dried seaweed or samphire. Salty, savoury, and very moreish. 

Dan McNally, Head of Grassroots at Mary’s Meals, says: “It costs just 10p to provide one school meal to a hungry child with Mary’s Meals.

“With a £5 donation at your next barbecue, we can reach 50 children with a nutritious meal. 

“If you purchase a cooking apron from our online shop ahead of hosting your own summer barbecue, your £15 donation will feed 150 children in school. With the sun out and with Gary’s top tips, there’s never been a better time to get grilling, all while supporting Mary’s Meals!” 

By making a donation to Mary’s Meals, supporters can help children like 11-year-old Melanie from Madagascar enjoy a nutritious meal at school today and work towards a brighter tomorrow. 

She says: “Thank you, Mary’s Meals. We are always full at school and that motivates us to work hard. I study because I want to achieve my goals and help my parents when I succeed.” 

To find out more about Mary’s Meals, and to donate, please visit marysmeals.org.uk 

During Mega Match May, your generosity will go three times as far – meaning you can feed even more hungry children with Mary’s Meals. Until 31 May, if you set up a regular gift to Mary’s Meals, your first three donations will be tripled by a generous donor. Visit marysmeals.org.uk/mega-match-may and start your monthly donation today. 

Cheers to 30 Years!

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now OPEN!

Scotland’s longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 – and they want Edinburgh to have their say! The Scottish Bar and Pub Awards are back, celebrating three decades of raising a glass to the nation’s best boozers, hospitality heroes, top-notch gastropubs, and brilliant beer gardens.

Last year set the bar sky-high, with stand-out Edinburgh winners such as Montpeliers David and Ruth Wither who won the Lifetime Achievement Award, Teuchters Landing (Inverarity Morton Best Drinks Offering), Black Ivy (Best Outdoor Area) and Lochrin Rooftop Bar (Hotel Bar of the Year). Now, the search is on again and organisers are excited to hear who your favourites are for 2025!

It’s not just about the pubs – it’s also about the people behind the pints! From whisky wizards and rising stars to standout bar managers shaking up the scene, the awards shine a spotlight on the personalities powering Scotland’s licensed trade.

And with Schweppes on the hunt for a ‘Mixologist of the Year,’ it’s time to nominate those who stir, shake, and serve with serious flair.

If you’re interested in supporting your much-loved local venue, whether it’s for the lively atmosphere, exceptional food, or outstanding service, your vote can help highlight the pubs that make Scotland’s hospitality scene special. They have to be in it to win it, and your vote could make all the difference!

Voting is quick and easy at www.scottishbarandpubawards.com/awards, where you can back your favourites across multiple categories.

But don’t wait – voting closes on the 14th of June. Finalists will be revealed soon after with the judges then hitting the road for mystery visits across the country.

The winners will be crowned at a glittering Oscar themed ceremony in Glasgow on August 26th!

Event organiser, Susan Young, reflected on the milestone, saying: “Over the past 30 years, we’ve seen some incredible talent recognised at the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards and this year will be no different!

“Despite the challenges, hospitality remains one of Scotland’s most vibrant and rewarding industries. It’s a real privilege to shine a spotlight on the passionate people working hard behind the scenes in some of the country’s best-loved venues – that’s what these awards are all about! 

“I hope their customers make the effort to vote for pubs, bars, restaurants and staff that make hospitality special.”

The full list of categories includes Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year, Brugal 1888 Cocktail Bar of the Year, Caledonia Inns & Montpeliers Emerging Entrepreneur, DRAM Dog Friendly Pub of the Year, Campari Bar Apprentice 2025, De Kuyper Award for Cocktail Excellence in Neighbourhood Venues, Deanston Whisky Guru Rising Star Award, Favela Independent Multiple Operator of the Year, Fireball Best Late Night Venue, Hospitality Health Employer of the Year, HOSPO Manager of the Year, Inverarity Morton Best Drinks Offering, Jameson Best Irish Bar, Schweppes Mixologist of the Year, Sims Automatics Sports Bar of the Year, Staropramen Award for Outstanding Quality, DRAM Best Beer Garden, Jump Ship Brewing Gastropub of the Year, New Bar of the Year and Sunday Mail Pub of the Year.

Deadline for Nominations  – 14th June 2024

For a full list of this years categories and to vote please go to:

 www.scottishbarandpubawards.com/awards/

Or vote by emailing:

entryspba@mediaworldltd.com and tell us your nominations and why they should win.

Follow us online:

https://www.facebook.com/scottish.bar.pub.awards/ https://www.instagram.com/scottishbarpubawards/

GIVEAWAY: Free Pret Sandwiches For Pic-NICs This Bank Holiday!

This May Bank Holiday weekend, Pret A Manger is making pic‘Nic’ prep easier than ever for customers whose name starts with ‘Nic’. 

300 lucky customers from across the country will be able to enjoy a freshly made sandwich on Pret for the pret-fect al fresco picnic.

So, if your name is Nick (or begins with ‘Nic’…), you can claim a free, delicious sandwich at select Pret shops across the UK over the bank holiday weekend. No need for the last-minute panic, Pret’s got Nic’s covered to fuel the feel-good vibes for your pic‘Nic’ this long weekend – all you need is your ID.

Here’s how it works:

  • Who can claim? Anyone with a ‘Nic’-name (Nick, Nicholas, Nicole, Nicola, Nicolette, Nico), can pop into one of the participating Pret shops (but hurry as limited to 50 on the day) and show their ID to claim their free sandwich at the tills.
  • What’s on offer? One free freshly made sandwich from the Pret menu for your park lunch.
  • How many? The first 50 ‘Nic’s’ at each location have the chance to enjoy a free sandwich
  • How do I redeem? Just pop into one of the participating shops on the specified day. Select a sandwich from one of the langars then head over to a team member at the tills and show them your ID to prove your ‘nick’ name before getting a free sandwich. The activity is limited to the first 50 ‘Nick’s on the selected day at participating Pret shops and is only redeemable for a sandwich (excludes baguettes, wraps or rye rolls)
  • When & where?
  • Manchester: 1 Portland Street, M1 1RG, (near Picadilly Gardens) Saturday 24th 
  • Glasgow: 268 Byres Rd, Glasgow G12 8SH (near Glasgow Botanic Gardens) Sunday 25th
  • Edinburgh: 135 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 4BL, (near Princes Street Gardens) Monday 26th
  • London: 244 Great Portland Street, W1W 5QX, (near Regents Park) Monday 26th
  • London: 81 Piccadilly Street, W1J 8HY, (near Hyde Park & Green Park) Monday 26th
  • Liverpool: Unit 100, Kinsey Rd, Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, Chester CH65 9JJ, (Near Stanney Woods Country Park) Monday 26th

So, if your name’s Nic (or Nicole, or Nico…), this one’s going straight in your picnic basket!

Burger King reopens restaurant with 1000 burger giveaway

It’s a great day for burger fans in Fort Kinnaird!

After much anticipation, Burger King® UK will officially re-open the doors to its newly designed restaurant in Fort Kinnaird, allowing hungry locals to indulge in BK classics such as the flame-grilled Whopper®, classic Chicken Royale® and juicy Bacon Double XL once again. 

 Burger King® UK is celebrating the reopening by giving away 1,000 FREE Whopper® or Chicken Royale burgers* to lucky customers for one day only – TODAY! (Tuesday 21 May).

The newly remodelled Kinnaird restaurant brings customer experience to a new level, with all-new in-restaurant innovations such as table service and a sensational menu that caters to all customers, whether they’re looking to start their day with a delicious breakfast butty and coffee for just £2.99 enjoy a family feast on delivery, or indulge in a late night snack. 

Burger King® UK has also confirmed its extended hours at the Kinnaird restaurant, which is now open from 8AM to 11PM.This means customers can make the most of Burger King® UK’s delicious menu from morning to late.

Austin, Restaurant Manager at Burger King® UK, said:“The team and I are thrilled to return and serve our customers in Kinnaird. We look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new guests to experience the renovated restaurant, and we’re confident they’ll have a fantastic time while enjoying our delicious meals.” 

The re-opening of Kinnaird is the perfect opportunity for Burger King® UK fans to make the most of the tasty deals and discounts available on the Burger King® app. Whether it’s the classic Whopper® or Chicken Royale, customers can make savings all year round!

Tiny Plates: Tuesdays at PCHP

How messy can you get? Pretty messy, in our experience! No problem, though. We fully believe in telling our little ones to “play with your food.” How else would they get the chance to explore flavours and textures and then decide what they want to eat?

Everything we prepare for you and your tiny people is colourful, delicious, and ultra-nutritious. We want you to explore food with your child, share ideas of what works for you, or learn new ways to offer new foods to your little ones. Most of all, we want you to have fun in a relaxed atmosphere with other mums and littles.

If you live in Granton, Pilton, Muirhouse, Drylaw, Royston or Wardieburn, and you’re a mum, grannie or auntie who is caring for your under 5, and you’d like to know more about healthy food, weaning or picky eating, then you can sign up here:

https://forms.office.com/e/X81msFBkPA

Tiny plates currently runs on Tuesdays from 1pm until 2.30pm

🍎🍐🌽🥕🥝🍅🫐🫑🥑🍠🍇🍉🍓

From pig crisis to pulled pork pioneers – Oink celebrates 25 years

A Scottish hog roast business famed for the freshly roasted pig visible from its three Edinburgh shop windows is celebrating a quarter century of roasting.

The prominent Oink shops celebrate just one product – the 14 hour slow-roasted pork, which available in three sizes of rolls, or in a box, with optional haggis stuffing, crackling, apple sauce or chilli sauce.

Founded by two Borders’ farming families off the back of the 1999 pig price crash, the brand, which has been copied around the world from China to Argentina, is targeting 2025 as being its record year, with an aim to surpass 250,000 rolls sold.

Adam Marshall, who co-founded Oink with Sandy Pate and farms land near Reston in Berwickshire, said: “When we started out, we weren’t trying to build an empire — we were just two farmers trying to stay afloat during a tough time for the pig industry.

“We built our own ovens, turned up at farmers markets, and hoped people would give it a try. To still be here 25 years later, serving hundreds of thousands of rolls a year, is something we’re really proud of.

“We’ve stuck to what we know, kept it simple, and done it our way. The fact people still queue up for it means a lot to us.”

The collaboration started when Adam Marshall and Sandy Pate founded Reiver Country Farm Foods and began selling produce from their farms and neighbours locally.

Then, inspired by what was believed to be the only hog roaster at the time, a business in York, the entrepreneurial pair brought a homemade roasting oven and started venturing up to Castle Terrace to take part in the first established Edinburgh Farmers Market.

Their piping hot pulled pork rolls proved an instant crowd-pleaser, attracting a growing band of hungry regulars, which paired with the demand from tourists, especially those from Asia and mainland Europe, then inspired the move to bricks and mortar in the Scottish capital.  

Oink owners Adam Marshall (Pink shirt) and Sandy Pate

Sandy Pate, who farms around 12 miles away from Adam in Longformacus, said: “We were just two mates with a passion for great meat and a desire to show city folk what Borders farming could deliver.

“We never imagined that a weekend stall would become something that would draw such loyal customers from near and around the world.

“At the end of the day, it’s about making people happy with something that tastes brilliant – and diversifying our farming businesses to ensure a viable and prosperous future for our families.”

The pair opened the doors to their first dedicated shop, Oink, in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town in 2008. Nestled on the cobbled Victoria Street, the shop quickly became a firm favourite among tourists, students, and workers alike.

A second opened on the Royal Mile in 2014, followed by a Hanover Street shop in 2018.

Oink has grown into a treasured part of the city’s food scene, dishing out thousands of hand-pulled rolls each week and building a fiercely loyal following. Its famous fans include Radio 1 DJ Greg James, comedian and foodie Ed Gamble, the Australian Rugby Team and Phil Rosenthal – who featured the Victoria Street shop on hit Netflix show “Somebody Feed Phil”. 

Though the original Reiver farm shop in Reston has closed its doors, it laid the foundations for everything that came after. Their commitment to quality and flavour has also powered a thriving outside catering business. The Oink mobile service caters weddings, corporate events, and private parties across Scotland, with pork roast options all prepped in their specialist unit.

Looking back, the founders, who both turn 65 this year and have no plans to slow down or retire, are proud that the business continues to be family-run and fiercely independent, with Adam and Sandy supported by their partners and families and a team of 30 employees.  

Oink owners Adam Marshall (Pink shirt) and Sandy Pate

Adam added: “Edinburgh’s food scene has changed a lot over the years — there’s more chains, more trends, and a lot of investment.

“We’ve just stuck to what we know: good pork, cooked slow, served simply.”

For more information about Oink, visit: https://www.oinkhogroast.co.uk/