Rizza’s scoops second helping in Scotmid competition bringing tablet ice-cream to Edinburgh

Rizza’s of Huntly is proud to announce its victory in the Scotmid Scottish Favourites competition for the second year in a row, earning them the opportunity to showcase their latest creation, Scottish Tablet Ice Cream, in Scotmid stores across Edinburgh.

Beginning this week, Rizza’s iconic ice cream will grace the shelves of local Scotmid stores for a limited three-week run, delighting customers with their award-winning innovation. Last year, the renowned ice creamery triumphed with its Double Dairy Gold Ice Cream, inspiring them to once again enter the highly sought-after competition.

As one of the five Scottish businesses chosen to win the Scotmid Scottish Favourites competition, Rizza’s exemplifies Scotmid’s commitment to supporting local producers and promoting Scottish sourcing. Rizza’s prides itself on using Scottish ingredients whenever possible, bolstering the Scottish supply chain. The tablet used in their ice cream is sourced from Aldomak, a Glasgow-based supplier and fellow Scotmid partner.

Aldomak, a family business with 80 years of expertise, crafts their ‘Totally Tempting Tablet’ in small batches using traditional family recipes dating back to the 1900s. The collaboration between Rizza’s and Aldomak share a dedication to quality and authenticity.

Donald Morrison, Director at Rizza’s, said: “Winning last year’s competition allowed us to sell our ice cream throughout Scotland reaching new customers who hadn’t heard of us before – we even had some get in touch afterwards asking when we would be in store again!

“We are obviously delighted that we have secured a second listing, this time for our Scottish Tablet Ice Cream. We look forward to hearing what Scotmid customers think of it!”

Jessica van Tromp, Local Sourcing Manager at Scotmid, praised the winners, saying: “Our competition celebrates local Scottish producers, and we are always impressed by the quality of products available in our country.

“Rizza’s Scottish Tablet Ice Cream is an exceptional product that we think will excite customers across the country. We can’t wait to see it in Scotmid stores!”

The other Scotmid Scottish Favourites competition winners from this year are:

The Edinburgh stores selling Rizza’s Scottish Tablet Ice Cream are:

  • Leven Street
  • Warrender Park
  • Marchmont Road
  • Pilrig
  • Leith Walk
  • Easter Road
  • Saughtonhall
  • Sighthill
  • Westburn
  • Kingsknowe Road
  • Duddingston
  • Colinton Mains
  • Hamilton Place
  • Elizabeth Drive
  • Moredun
  • Balerno
  • Currie
  • Drumbrae
  • Roseburn
  • Rannoch
  • Ratho Station
  • Kirkliston
  • South Queensferry
  • Scotstoun
  • Barnton
  • Mayfield
  • Uphall Station
  • Prestonpans
  • Gorgie Road
  • Portobello
  • Granton
  • Ferry Road
  • Crewe Road North

This week at the Royal Highland Show: the best of food, farming & rural life

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY TICKETS ARE NOW SOLD OUT

The Royal Highland Show is gearing up for the 2023 event taking place this week from Thursday 22nd – Sunday 25th June at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston. 

The country’s largest agricultural event returns for a four-day celebration of the very best in food, farming and rural life. Visitors can expect to get nose-to-nose with prize animals, taste an astounding array of artisan food & drink and experience Scotland’s rural life at its most vibrant. 

What’s new this year 

The Golden Shears World Sheep Shearing and Woolhandling Championships is an exciting addition to the show schedule for this year. Competitors from 30 countries from around the world including New Zealand, South Africa and Chile will battle it out on the stage to claim the championship – this thrilling display of skill is a must-watch on the Saturday and Sunday of the Show.

The Royal Highland Show will also see the culmination of the popular ‘Flock to the Show’ campaign, which saw 38  hand-painted fibreglass sheep travel around Scotland over the last couple of months.  

Come and find our flock at the Show, starting at the Macklin Motors stand in the Lifestyle Area, and travel around the Showground to see if you can find all the Flock and the clues attached to them. Enter the competition once you know the winning phrase and you could be in with a chance of winning a year’s supply of Taylor’s Crisps. 

The colourful Flock will be auctioned off in September this year to raise funds for the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland’s (RHASS) Bicentennial Fund. The bidding process will be launched at this year’s Royal Highland Show, so make sure if you want to purchase one of the Flock you keep a look out for more information.

Register your interest in an individual flock member here: 

royalhighlandshow.org/flock-to-the-show/ 

The new Agri Innovation Arena, located within the Agricultural Zone, will showcase some of the newest and most innovative products and machinery close up, with live demos and industry talks from leaders across all sectors of the agricultural industry.  

We have brand-new poles for this year’s Pole Climbing Championships. These have been donated in kind by Kirkennan Estate, Palnackie which is managed by Scottish Woodlands. In May this year, these 90ft poles were transported from Dumfries & Galloway to our Forestry Arena by Cadzow Heavy Haulage Ltd. Make sure you check out our new poles in action at this year’s Show. 

Fantastic food & drink 

The Royal Highland Show is a haven for food lovers – from the tasty delights of Scotland’s Larder food area to the huge range of takeaway options throughout the showground, visitors are spoiled for choice. 

Scotland’s Larder will be brimming with delicious food and drinks. Some are brand new to the market in Scotland, while others, like Glenkinchie, are global brands. Take the chance to meet the producers and hear first-hand from them why they love their products as much as we do. Don’t forget to check out The Bothy situated in the centre of Scotland’s Larder, with all produce supplied by Mimi’s Bakehouse. 

The Show’s Food Charter ensures that only locally produced and ethically sourced food is served at the Show – from delicious venison burgers and tasty fish and chips to a bowl of Scottish strawberries bursting with flavour. 

The Food for Thought theatre also offers an interesting schedule of events to attend, including chef demonstrations from names including ‘The Kilted Chef’ Craig Wilson, MasterChef finalist Sarah Rankin, award-winning development chef Paul Terris, and head chef of The Crown Hotel in Peebles, Kirsty Elliot. Celebrating how Scottish food & drink has been enjoyed over the last 200 years is a key theme this year, alongside how science has helped develop and progress this industry. 

If learning speciality techniques is more your thing, then don’t miss out on Innis & Gunn’s Masterclass with Master Brewer & Founder, Dougal Sharp, and masterclasses in all things meat and butchery from the experts at Quality Meat Scotland. 

Innis & Gunn remains the Show’s official brewery partner and principal beer supplier and official sponsor of the Royal Highland Hoolie. This year you can hear from some of the Innis & Gunn team themselves in their beer and brewing masterclass in the Food for Thought Theatre. 

This year the Royal Highland Show has launched its own special ‘Golden Shears’ lager with Caledonian Brewing. This will be available in bars across the Showground. 

Lovely livestock and competitions 

Of course, the stars of the Show are the animals, and there will be over 5,000 of the finest animals competing over the four days. Sheep, cattle, goats, horses – there’s so much to see! 

From the adorable Shetland Pony to the majestic Clydesdale, there is so much to delight equine lovers. The showjumping Grand Prix is always a spectacle, as are the exciting Pony Club Games, as well as the incredible sight of the harness, grooming & decoration classes. 

The Show offers a unique chance to see top-quality livestock up close, including the iconic Highland Cattle and ‘the world’s cutest sheep’, the Valais Blacknose. Over 5,000 animals will be competing – including 1,044 cattle, 2,089 sheep, 2,087 horses & ponies, and 140 goats. 

This year at the Royal Highland Show, 57 Horse of the Year Qualifiers will take place, offering a variety of opportunities to qualify for the prestigious event held in Birmingham.  

Alongside the livestock and equine classes, there are numerous other competitions to witness. New for this year, the Scottish Dairy Championships display will be situated in the Food for Thought Theatre.

Step inside the Handcraft Marquee and witness some of Scotland’s finest handcrafts with this year’s competition theme being ‘Rainbow’. The Honey Marquee, located in the Countryside Area is not to be missed, as well as hosting a range of honey and bee related competitions. 

Entertainment for the whole family  

There is truly something for everyone at the Royal Highland Show. Away from the animal stalls and food tent, there’s plenty to catch your attention – from the thrilling heights of the Pole Climbing Championships, Chainsaw Carving Demonstrations, Axe Throwing and fingernail-biting mountain bike skills in the Forestry Arena.

To the more relaxed Countryside Area, where kids can try out circus skills, take Annie the Alpaca for a walk, get their face painted, learn some traditional woodcraft and wildlife tracking skills and let off steam on the play equipment. 

The Agri Innovation Arena is a new addition for 2023 and is designed as a platform for showcasing the innovative machinery and technology that is shaping the future of agriculture. Visitors will see the very latest tech on display and in action – a must for machinery enthusiasts! 

Meanwhile, qualifiers for Britain’s Fittest Farmer competition will be taking place on the Sunday of the Show in the Agri Innovation Arena. Launched by Farmers Weekly in 2018, it is a fun way of sparking a vital discussion about the physical and mental health of the nation’s farmers. 

Prepare for off-road fun with the Land Rover Experience Scotland, with an adventurous driving experience at the Show. Strap in and be ready for a bumpy ride as expert drivers demonstrate to you just what these fantastic vehicles are capable of.  

One of the many hubs for kids at the Show is the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) Discovery Centre, where kids can learn all about the production of food, explore the life of the soil, plant some seeds, bake some scones and even milk Mable, the fibreglass cow all in an interactive and fun environment.  

If you can’t visit the Show this year, then luckily the Show can still come to you through the RHS TV, available to watch on the Royal Highland Show website all four days of the Show – with a special Golden Shears channel on Saturday and Sunday. With cameras streaming videos live from the showground, you can tune in wherever you are in the world to join in the action and experience a taste of the Show. 

Visitors are also encouraged to make use of the Royal Highland Show App to make the most of their day out – through it, you can view the Show programme, competition schedules and access a handy interactive map of the showground. New for this year, you can search for your favourite trade stand using the search bar in the app, explore the entire Showground at the click of a button, and don’t forget to check out RHS merchandise in the online store as well.  

Music & fashion 

The Royal Highland Hoolie, hosted in partnership with Farmer’s Bash, is an exciting addition to evening entertainment this year.

Taking place on the Friday and Saturday evenings of the Show, it will showcase some of Scotland and Ireland’s best homegrown music talent. 

Skippinish, Derek Ryan, Skerryvore and Lisa McHugh feature in the line-up for what is shaping up to be a fantastic couple of nights. Tickets to the Royal Highland Hoolie are still available and can be purchased on the day or in addition to your Show ticket.

Tickets for the Royal Highland Hoolie can only be purchased by those already attending the Royal Highland Show and have purchased a ticket for Friday 23 or Saturday 24th June. The Hoolie is only for those aged 12 and over, under 18s must be accompanied by an adult over 21. 

Fashion lovers are in for a treat with a fashion show by British Wool taking place this year. It will showcase the best of British wool across a wide range of brands including Harris Tweed and Lochcarron of Scotland. There will also be exclusive discounts at the Show across a range of British wool brands. 

Across the four days of the Show, we will have a fantastic line-up of traditional ceilidh bands, pipe bands and choirs, including Ian Muir Ceilidh Band who is a frequent visitor to RHS and guest on BBC Radio Scotland’s Take the Floor as well as Pipe Bands from West Lothian, Perth & Kinross and South Queensferry and the wonderful Farmers Choir. Head over to the West Stage where you can hear all of this and more from some of Scotland’s best jazz, folk-rock and bagpipes. 

Getting there 

A comprehensive travel plan is in place to ensure visitors can get to and from the Royal Highland Show as efficiently as possible.  

Hopping on public transport remains the easiest and most sustainable option for getting to the Showground.  You can travel by Edinburgh Trams all the way from Leith, through the City Centre to Ingliston Park and Ride where a shuttle bus will take you straight to the Showground.

Travelling by bus, Lothian Buses will have the 97 and 98 services running from Central Edinburgh direct to the Showground. It is best to book your ticket in advance, services for the bus and tram start at 6am. 

If visitors do want to take the car, booking your parking tickets in advance is required – there will be no parking tickets available on the day. 

Be sure to visit the Royal Highland Show website to plan your travel. 

The Royal Highland Show is the flagship fundraising event for organisers the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS). 

RHASS Head of Show, David Tennant, commented: “More than just a fantastic day out, the Royal Highland Show offers an invaluable insight into the story of Scotland’s food, farming and rural life.  

“There is truly something for everyone, whether you are interested in animals, machinery, food, or music – and you’re always sure to discover something that you’ve never seen before. 

“With Friday and Saturday tickets selling out last year and the very last few remaining for this year’s event, we’d recommend purchasing soon if you haven’t already to avoid last-minute disappointment! 

Sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland, the Royal Highland Show will take place at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, on 22-25 June 2023. 

Tickets, including for car parking, must be pre-purchased online, with no tickets available to buy on the gate. Tickets are limited in number and it is advised to purchase early – especially with the new addition of the Royal Highland Hoolie music event on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th this year.  

Friday and Saturday tickets for the Royal Highland Show have now sold out following huge demand for the event taking place later this week at Ingliston (22-25 June).

This follows organisers the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) increasing capacity by 5,000 tickets per day, bringing the total daily capacity to 55,000.

This year over 200,000 visitors are expected to be welcomed to the Show.

For further information and to purchase tickets please visit royalhighlandshow.org

Taste Italian Summer nights at Divino in June

Some lovely events happening at Edinburgh’s award-winning restaurant Divino this month, designed to soak in the summer sun, all in a space that will make guests feel as if they’ve left Scotland behind for an evening on the Italian coast.


Divino Summer Garden Party

25th June, 5pm, £25

Our new terraza is the perfect spot to come enjoy the sunshine over some wine and food, and we’re showcasing this new space with a summer garden party! 

Manager James and sommelier Davide will explore the best Italian wines to enjoy whilst soaking up the sunshine, guiding you through the grapes, regions and styles.

A Divino Spritz to welcome you and start the party, followed by some crisp whites, juicy rosés, and elegant sparkling wines. 5 wines to taste, with some matching summer nibbles. 

A celebration of Campania: Regional Menu Night

29th June – all evening; 3 courses for £39, matched wines additional £26

With its 3000+ years history, over 10 UNESCO Sites, an outstanding Coast line figuring towns like Amalfi and Sorrento and one of the World’s most amazing volcano, il Vesuvio, Campania has a lot to show off.

Our Head Chef Andrea will guide you through the “500 Domes” that makes Naples one of the most exciting cities to visit, bringing authentic and original flavours that will make you feel like you’re basking on the beaches of Capri.

All of the above events can be booked here. 

Daddy of all Burgers: Morrisons launches giant burger in cafes for Father’s Week

– The Big Daddy Burger costs just £5 for More Card holders –

– Available for a limited time only from Monday 12th to Sunday 18th 

Meat your heart out! Morrisons has announced the launch of its latest meaty feast for Father’s Week – The Big Daddy Burger. 

The Big Daddy Burger will be available in Morrisons Cafés in the week leading up to Dads’ special day and costs £7.99 or just £5 for More Card customers – from Monday 12th to Sunday 18th June.   

As well as 100% British beef, the two Big Daddy Burger patties are layered with a double serving of cheese and bacon, a hash brown, burger sauce, lettuce, tomatoes and onion rings. The burger is served with a side of chips and portion of coleslaw making it the perfect way to treat the father figures in your life . 

The tasty treat is sure to make Dads across the UK feel full of love (and food) on their big day and those looking for a vegetarian option fear not as Morrisons has created The Big Daddy Veggie Burger too.

Served with chips and coleslaw, The Big Daddy Veggie Burger consists of three meat free patties, double cheese, a hashbrown, burger sauce, tomatoes, lettuce and onion rings for £7.99 or £5 for More Card Customers.

To make the celebration even better value, families can enjoy the Kids Eat Free offer including all-time favourites like Bangers and Mash and Fish and Chips, when purchasing The Big Daddy Burger or any meal costing £4.49 and over. 

Chris Strong, Morrisons Café Buying Manager, says: “We’re working hard to serve our customers great-value, tasty meals whether it’s a midweek lunch or a special occasion such as Father’s Day. 

“We’re confident that The Big Daddy Burger and The Big Daddy Veggie Burger will be a firm favourite with customers so we’re adding them to the menu for the whole week and More Card customers can grab it for just £5 while kids can eat for free when an adult meal is purchased.”

Both burgers are available to order for home delivery, through JustEat and Deliveroo* and are subject to availability.

For a limited time only, The Big Daddy Burger and The Big Daddy Veggie Burger is available in all Morrisons cafés nationwide.

To find your local café, visit: https://my.morrisons.com/storefinder/.

Johnnie Walker Princes Street launch collab with two Michelin-starred team

Johnnie Walker Princes Street is set to serve up a new culinary sensation for Scotland with STIR – a ground-breaking cocktail and cuisine concept in partnership with two Michelin-starred team Chef James Close and his wife, Head of Pastry, Maria Close, owners of the renowned global experience restaurant, Raby Hunt.

James and Maria’s unique menu of stunningly innovative small-bite plates are served alongside meticulously curated cocktails from Johnnie Walker Princes Street Head Bartender, Miran Chauhan, in a collaboration that aims to completely redefine the concept of whisky and food pairing.

A group of people sitting at a table

Description automatically generated

Each cocktail offers a unique story with a focus on flavour, that will be shared with the guests during their experience.

From a Hedgerow Aquavit, created from foraging for berries nearby the Glenkinchie distillery, to a Cliff Edge Vermouth, using botanicals from the Four Corners of Scotland distilleries, Miran has embraced new techniques to capture each guest’s attention by bringing the whiskies into a new light.

Known for their new age approach to fine dining and storytelling through micro dishes, Chefs James and Maria Close have created six small bites, to match the cocktails, with layers of luminous flavour and textures to delight.

Guests can expect a culinary showcase of unexplored food combinations, from rich, umami intensity within the Aguachile Oyster bite, to soft, sweet indulgence within the Green Apple.

STIR features three flights:

  • The Four Corners Cocktail Flight takes guests on a beautiful journey exploring the Four Corners of Scotland distilleries, Glenkinchie (Lowlands), Cardhu (Speyside), Clynelish (Highlands) and Caol Ila (Islands), with each one integral to blending Johnnie Walker whisky. The combination is a complete experience carefully curated to highlight the landscape of the distillery, with locally grown and foraged ingredients from the naturally occurring flora and fauna.
  • The Seasonal Cocktail Flight allows guests to take a short trip, experiencing a rotation of exclusive whiskies and seasonal ingredients, selected by the Johnnie Walker Princes Street team. The Spring Season highlights the unique Johnnie Walker Princes Street Spring blend.
  • The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Cocktail Flight is an opportunity to savour this iconic whisky in an unexpected way. The cocktail is paired with the most exquisite small bite, a luxurious moment of indulgence for Johnnie Walker Blue Label connoisseurs.

Miran Chauhan, Head Bartender at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, said: ‘We see STIR as the portal to a new world of whisky and food combinations, in the heart of Edinburgh at Johnnie Walker Princes Street.

“James and I have a shared obsession for flavours and techniques and together we’ve created an enticing and highly original taste experience for everyone to enjoy.”

James Close, two Michelin-starred-Chef of Raby Hunt Restaurant, said: “We approached this challenge with the same energy and enthusiasm as we always do, creating a set of signature dishes that derive from a single ingredient, inspired by a global adventure.

“And then just like Miran does with his cocktails, we bring layers and textures together to tell a unique story through taste.”

Back in Edinburgh for the collaboration, James is returning to the capital after living in Scotland as a young man, when he worked in the menswear department of House of Fraser, in the very building that is now Johnnie Walker Princes Street Edinburgh.

Reservations for STIR are available now and can be made online at johnniewalkerprincesstreet.com from 17:30PM, Wednesday – Saturday.

Multi-award winning, Johnnie Walker Princes Street, is the centrepiece of Diageo’s £185million pound investment in Scotch whisky tourism in Scotland – the largest single investment programme of its kind ever seen in Scotch whisky tourism.

Offering more than 800 flavour combinations, unique immersive tours and breath-taking views of the Edinburgh skyline, one person could visit Johnnie Walker Princes Street every day for more than two years still and not have the same experience twice.

Committed to delivering new experiences for guests, every season STIR will evolve the menu to suit the season, with a twist on the Seasonal Cocktail Flight, as the cocktail and small bite influenced by the limited-edition Johnnie Walker Princes Street blend of whisky, changes with the time of year.

Jurica Gojevic, Food and Beverage Manager at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, says: “What makes James’ success so remarkable is that he is completely self-taught and has a curiosity for international ingredients.

“I knew his innovative approach would perfectly match Miran’s unorthodox methods to mixology and give us an opportunity to truly push the boundaries of flavour and fun with a one-of-a-kind menu.

“Through STIR we’re creating something totally unexpected and delivering an unforgettable experience for our guests at Johnnie Walker Princes Street.”

Healthy Heart Tip: Check your Cheese!

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Healthy Heart Tip: Check your Cheese

Here in the UK, the 4th of June is National Cheese Day, a day dedicated to celebrating cheese. Cheese can form part of a healthy, balance diet as it is rich in protein and calcium which are both important nutrients to get from our diet. However, cheese is also a source of saturated fat and can be high in salt.

If we consume too much it can contribute to weight gain and poor cholesterol levels which can contribute to heart diseases. In this week’s healthy tip we look at the saturated fat content of cheeses, and suggest heart healthier alternatives for you to try.

How much cheese?

Including some cheese in your diet has health benefits, but it’s worth being mindful about the amount we consume. A 30g portion of cheese provides around 7% of your daily calories.

The trouble is we can very easily eat much more than this in one sitting. It’s a good idea to weigh your portions to make sure you don’t consume too much, particularly if you are consuming full fat varieties or are trying to lose weight. Try not to consume more than three 30g portions each day.

Low fat & fat free cheeses

Choosing low fat and fat free cheese options is a great way to reduce our saturated fat consumption whilst still enjoying the flavour and benefiting from the protein and calcium cheese has to offer.

Opt for fat free cottage cheese and reduced fat soft cheeses and hard cheeses like cheddar. Quark is a great option as its high in protein and much lower in fat than other soft cheeses.

Watch out for the salt

Some cheeses such as halloumi and feta can be very high in salt. It’s fine to consume these in moderation but try to find lower salt versions if possible, some supermarkets sell them.

Try to limit your consumption of these saltier cheeses to maybe one or two times a week.

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for weekly healthy tips at:

www.heartresearch.org.uk/health-tips.

Edinburgh brewery on track for £5m global turnover following support from Business Gateway

An Edinburgh-based independent craft brewery, which began as a home-brewing project in its co-founder’s spare bedroom, is now shipping internationally after receiving support and signposting to funding from Business Gateway.  

Vault City was launched to modernise traditional brewing styles with its own take on fruited sours beers. 

The beers, which are more aligned to cocktails and fruit ciders than IPAs or pale ales, are loaded with real fruit ingredients to develop flavours ranging from Raspberry Rocky Road and Strawberry Sundae to Cloudy Lemonade and Blackcurrant Choc Chip Waffle. 

On a mission to convert non-beer and traditional beer drinkers, the brewery introduces new flavours every two weeks.  

Co-founder Steven Smith-Hay, who describes himself as an “obsessed homebrewer”, had experimented with different sour and fruit beers while working in IT, and, with encouragement from his friends and family, took the plunge to set up Vault City in 2018.  

Having never run a business before, he approached Business Gateway in search of expert guidance to develop the skills necessary for turning his vision for modern craft beer into a reality.  

Steven’s local business adviser helped him to establish a business plan and identify routes for growth, as well as providing practical advice on how to manage cashflow.  

Through Business Gateway, Steven learned about the requirements needed to set up an alcohol business online and received specialist support to develop a website, which established Vault City’s digital presence, increasing brand awareness and generating sales as a result.  

Business Gateway was also instrumental in signposting Vault City to £100,000 of grant funding from Scottish Enterprise, which went towards the purchase of a decanter centrifuge.

This new piece of equipment helped the business increase its yield and decrease its waste by 30%, in turn reducing its environmental impact. Within five years of launching, Vault City has landed deals with the country’s biggest retailers, including Tesco, Morrison’s, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose.  

More recently, following advice from Business Gateway the business, which has grown to a team of almost 30, now exports to over 20 countries globally, including Singapore, Sweden and Thailand. Vault City is continuing to focus on exporting in 2023, with plans to break into the Chinese market.  

Steven Smith-Hay, Co-founder, Vault City Brewing, said: “I spotted an opportunity to carve a niche in the craft beer industry, but I needed guidance to make it happen.

“Having one-to-one support from Business Gateway has been excellent. My adviser was a safe pair of hands throughout the process and really helped me to unpack all the obstacles that come with starting your own business. 

“I’m really proud to say that four in every five sour beers sold in the UK comes from Vault City and can’t speak highly enough about the ongoing support I’ve received from Business Gateway since launching.” 

Lindsey Sibbald, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Over the years, we have been able to support Vault City with a range of Business Gateway’s services.

“It has been fantastic to watch the business’ stratospheric growth since launching, which is testament to Steven and the team’s dedication. I look forward to watching them continue to grow and to find out what flavour is next on the cards.” 

To find out how Business Gateway can help your business, visit:

 https://bgateway.com

Lidl is cheapest supermarket in UK

  • ​​​​​​Lidl has officially been named the cheapest supermarket in the UK, beating all major retailers, and undercutting Aldi, in latest price comparison survey
  • The analysis, conducted by The Grocer, found a basket of everyday items at Lidl cost just £50.27, making it cheaper than competitors even with their discount schemes applied
  • Lidl’s everyday grocery items clocked in more than 10% cheaper than Tesco, and a whopping £19.91 cheaper than the most expensive retailer, Waitrose

Lidl has once again been named cheapest supermarket in The Grocer’s ‘Super Grocer 33’, beating all major supermarkets, including Aldi.

The price index, which compares the price of 33 everyday grocery items across the UK’s seven major supermarkets, found Lidl to be £19.91 cheaper than Waitrose, the most expensive retailer. This win comes as Lidl’s fourth accolade, out of five surveys since the Grocer 33’s inception.

The survey also found Lidl came out cheapest even after other supermarkets’ discount schemes were applied. Overall, the discounter was found to be ten per cent (£6.17) cheaper than Tesco – and still £5.13 after Clubcard discounts were applied. Similarly, the same products at Sainsburys cost £6.80 more, with no benefit from the supermarket’s Nectar Prices.

The accolade also comes despite traditional supermarkets recently announcing an array of price drops, demonstrating that the discounter still offers better value.

The Grocer compares prices of items on shopping lists across the nation as part of the monthly analysis – from fresh produce, such as milk and grapes, to deodorant, and branded items including Hovis Bread and Kellogg’s Corn Flakes. 

Lidl offered the cheapest price on 26 products – and exclusively the lowest price for five products across a range of categories, including:

  • Baby corn at £2.79 (76p cheaper than the most expensive and 4p cheaper than the next cheapest)
  • Kellogg’s Corn Flakes at £2.05 (25p cheaper than the most expensive and 20p cheaper than the next cheapest)
  • Domestos bleach at £1.39 (21p cheaper than the most expensive and 10p cheaper than the next cheapest retailer)
  • Prawns at £1.99 (£1.76 cheaper than the most expensive and 20p cheaper than the next cheapest)
  • Custard creams at 54p (26p cheaper than the most expensive and 1p cheaper than the next cheapest)

It’s not just the Super Grocer 33 basket proving this – for the past fourteen weeks Lidl has also been cheapest in a weekly price comparison conducted by the Manchester Evening News on essential groceries.

Ryan McDonnell, Chief Executive Officer at Lidl GB, said: “Every week, independent analysis shows we are consistently the UK’s cheapest supermarket. As a result, we are seeing more customers coming through our doors and switching their weekly shop to Lidl from the traditional supermarkets.

“We know people switch to us make savings, but then stay with us when they realise that they’re not having to compromise on quality.”

SupermarketRatio Price SummaryPrice compared to Lidl
Lidl£50.27– 
Aldi£50.46+19p
Asda£54.42+£4.15
Tesco£56.44+£6.17
Sainsbury’s£57.07+£7.30
Morrisons£60.05+£9.78
Waitrose£70.18+£19.91

Rise and Dine!

VIRGIN HOTELS EDINBURGH SENDS TASTEBUDS TINGLING WITH A BRAND-NEW BRUNCH MENU

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s premium cocktail bar and restaurant, Eve, is adding an exciting new flavour to Cowgate, as it officially launches its exquisite new brunch offering.

A specially curated experience for guests, presenting mouth-watering dishes to awaken tastebuds, carefully crafted cocktails perfect for day drinking and weekly live entertainment. Taking place every weekend between 12pm and 4pm, this new offering introduces a fresh take on brunch.

Eve opened its doors in late 2022 and boasts a luxurious interior with unique floor-to-ceiling murals and a vibrant, lively atmosphere, making it the perfect brunch spot in Edinburgh’s Cowgate.

At Eve, brunch is just the beginning. Guests can experience the excitement of weekly live entertainment with DJs and saxophonists bringing the party atmosphere to Edinburgh’s Old Town.

And that’s not all, Eve will keep things fresh offering drag brunches and musical themed afternoons, making brunch at Eve the place to spend your weekends. To kick off each month in style, there will be special payday events to add an extra sprinkle of joy to this brunch offering.

Just in time for the iconic Beyoncé concert, Eve has launched their brunch service, providing the perfect opportunity to fuel up before the show. As guests indulge in the delicious brunch offering, the sound of Beyoncé’s hit songs will fill the air, setting the tone for an electrifying pre-concert celebration.

In addition, Eve will offer even more entertainment options throughout the weekend to elevate the brunch experience. On Saturday, guests can groove to the sound of ‘The Katet’, a funky brass band that will keep the energy high with their soulful tunes. On Sunday, Amber Lights will take the stage, bringing a unique twist to beloved classics from the 70s, 80s, and 90s by infusing them with a funky flair.

This new brunch menu offers a range of culinary creations, meaning that there is something to satisfy every craving. From creamy sweet potato hummus to wholesome granola bowls, each bite is a delightful journey. Guests can explore tropical flavours with mango and pineapple brûlé or try the vibrant shakshuka and fresh salmon poke bowls. To cure a sweet craving, there is also waffles, delectable French toast, and the irresistible Brunch Board to indulge in, delivering the ultimate selection of sweet delights.

No brunch is complete without an accompanying tipple. Eve’s brunch offers an exquisite selection of beverages, including refreshing classics like the Bloody Mary or spicy cousin, Bloody Maria. Guests can also savour the refreshing Red Snapper or French Martini and of course, the ultimate brunch pairing, everyone’s timeless favourite, Mimosa, adding a touch of celebration to every occasion.

Launching this weekend, the 20th and 21st of May, booking is encouraged to guarantee a table. All reservations can be made through Open Table by visiting: https://www.opentable.co.uk/r/eve-1-victoria-street

David Moth, Virgin Hotels Vice President of Operations, and Interim General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, said: “We are delighted to introduce brunch to Eve which offers an exciting new addition at the weekend for locals and visitors alike.

“Our team gas carefully curated a menu that we believe is going to get foodie’s taste buds tingling, of course, washed down with classic Eve cocktails and a couple special new additions.

“From amazing entertainment to stunning surroundings, we look forward to welcoming guests to enjoy all that brunch at Eve has to offer!”

For more information, please visit: https://virginhotels.com/edinburgh/dine-and-drink/eve/brunch-with-eve/ 

You can also follow along on social media here: Instagram @eveedinburgh, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube

World Baking Day: Five high protein healthy bakes from the fitness experts

World baking day is just around the corner (17th May), and no doubt many indulgent recipes will be taking over the internet. 

But bakes that are nice on the lips don’t always go straight down to the hips. 

If you are craving something sweet and chocolatey, but also want it to be macro friendly and high in protein, the fitness experts at bulk.com have got you covered. 

Below, the experts at bulk.com share five of their favourite bake recipes, that can be incorporated into an everyday healthy lifestyle, helping you get those all-important post gym gains.  

1. 5-Ingredient High Protein Brownie Recipe 

Created with just five ingredients, Nadia’s Protein Brownies are set to satisfy your chocolate cravings, serving as many as eight people! 

Pure Whey Protein™ is combined with Smooth Peanut Butter, Organic Cacao Powder, dark chocolate chips and ripe bananas, giving you a brownie that packs a protein punch while retaining a soft, velvety core.  

Who says upping your protein intake is difficult? 

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 8) 

METHOD 

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan. 
  1. Mash the bananas and mix in the peanut butter. 
  1. Mix in the protein powder and the cacao powder. 
  1. Transfer into a lined baking and scatter chocolate chips. 
  1. Bake for 20 minutes and leave to cool before slicing. 

2. Lucy Watson’s Vegan Banana Bread Recipe 

 We may not have Paul Hollywood, but we’ve got a nice bake that’s not too much of a technical challenge and leaves no risk of a soggy bottom! 

This banana bread is vegan friendly and super easy to make. 

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 6)

  • 3 Large Ripe Bananas 
  • 70ml Vegetable Oil 
  • 100g Brown Sugar 
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon 
  • 200ml Almond Milk 
  • 300g Plain Flour 
  • 3 tbsp Cocoa Powder 
  • 1/2 tsp Salt 
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract 

For topping: 

  • 1 Banana 

METHOD 

  1. Preheat oven to 200c (180c fan, gas 6), and grease a 900g loaf tin with a little oil. 
  1. Peel the bananas and put them in a large mixing bowl. Mash them well until they are creamy. Add the oil, sugar, cinnamon and milk. Combine well. 
  1. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt, then add the nuts and chocolate. Stir with the wooden spoon until all the ingredients have been incorporated. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin loaf. 
  1. Peel the banana and slice it lengthways. Lay both pieces on the loaf with the inside facing up. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake in the centre of the oven for 50-60 minutes until cooked through and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. If there is cake mix on the skewer, return the loaf to the oven for 5-10 minutes more. 
  1. Leave it to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool a little more. 
  1. Slice and serve warm. We love it with peanut butter smothered on top! 

3. Chocolate Almond Protein Doughnuts 

 These Chocolate Almond Protein Doughnuts will be your new favourite way to meet your protein goal. They’re baked instead of fried, keeping your cravings in check and your nutrition on track. 

You dough-not want to miss out on these! 

Courtesy of Bulk ambassador Nadia’s Healthy Kitchen

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 6)

  • 1 flax egg or 1 regular egg* 

You can create a vegan egg alternative by mixing 1 tbsp milled flaxseed with 3 tbsp warm water and leaving it to set for 10-15 minutes. 

TO MAKE THE FROSTING: 

METHOD: 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180C/160C fan. 
  1. Mix all the doughnut ingredients in a bowl, then divide between 6 lightly oiled silicon doughnut moulds. 
  1. Bake for 15 minutes, then leave to cool completely. 
  1. To make the frosting, add the almond butter and coconut oil in a heat-proof bowl, then microwave for a few seconds to soften, then pour in the zero-calorie maple syrup. Mix to create a smooth frosting. 
  1. Dip each doughnut in the frosting mixture, then decorate with some cacao nibs. Enjoy! 

4. Bulk Baked Oats 

 Oats are one of the most versatile breakfast ingredients. A healthy source of fibre and carbohydrates, they are a great addition to smoothies, soaked overnight with fruit toppings and now, our favourite – baked.  

Therefore, step up your breakfast with a baked oats recipe that gives the texture of a fresh baked cookie – crisp on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside.  

Perfect for those cool mornings, here is the Bulk Baked Oats recipe. Even better – it’s super simple, 100% vegan and 100% delicious. 

Courtesy of Bulk’s ambassador, Maëlys
 

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 2):⁣⁣ 

METHOD:⁣⁣ 

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees 
  1. Blend all ingredients together (minus the Vegan Protein Chocolate Buttons)⁣⁣ 
  1. Bake in the oven for 30-35 mins at 180 degrees⁣⁣ 
  1. Top with Vegan Protein Chocolate Buttons, Peanut Butter, fresh berries or any other toppings of your choice and dig in! 

5. High-protein Brownie Cupcakes 

 Who can resist a cupcake? Or, more accurately, who can resist a decadent, chocolatey, spongy cup-cake that’s both high in protein and low in carbs?  

This high-protein cupcake recipe is made to curb chocolate cravings and add a bit of joy to your diet. Replace those lifting gloves with some oven mitts – it’s baking time.  

WHAT ARE THE MACROS AND CALORIES? 

  • 269 Kcals 
  • 12g Protein 
  • 17g Fat 
  • 17g Carbs 

 INGREDIENTS (SERVES 6): 

  • 85g Fat Free Greek Yoghurt 
  • Duo Milk & White Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Spread  
  • 1 Medium egg 
     

METHOD: 

  • Chop up the Protein Chocolate 
  • Mix the egg, powders, flour, almonds, oil and greek yoghurt. 
  • Place the mixture into a baking tray. 
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes at 160C/180C fan 
  • Top them with Protein Spread and one square of Protein Chocolate