Tag: food and drink

Care home’s new cooking class is better than sliced bread!

Bread making masterclass inspires creativity amongst home’s residents

Residents at a local care home have enjoyed a series of cooking classes as part of the bustling events calendar, with the programme kick-starting with a bread making masterclass.

The sessions held at Cramond Residence, courtesy of the home’s Chef Paul Cowley, hope to inspire creativity and reignite a passion for cooking amongst the residents.

This month’s masterclass focused on bread making with future sessions set to feature foods from all over the globe – following residents’ wishes.

Cooking is just one of the activities the home provides as part of its events calendar which is tailored to the residents’ interests, with the aim of improving their wellbeing and independence. Other activities include exercise classes, arts and crafts and frequent day trips.

Paul, who alongside the head chef leads the catering department at the 74-bedroom home, said: “I love seeing the smiling faces of our residents as they take part in activities that remind them of home comforts such as cooking.

“Residents enjoyed a step-by-step session on how to make bread from scratch. We sampled the bread, tasting the different types of loaves and comparing it to shop bought bread.

“Many of our residents already have a passion for cooking so we wanted to introduce the classes to continue that enjoyment while allowing some of the group to learn new skills and try different cuisines.

“As well as the pleasure of cooking, the class also provides a fun setting where residents can enjoy socialising with others in the class. The buzz of happy chatter in the dining room is ample payback for the work we do.”

This month’s activities include garden archery and golf sessions, spa and relaxation mornings and physio classes, organised by Cramond Residence’s dedicated Lifestyle Coordinators who are committed to providing fun and engaging activities for the residents to enjoy.

Len Skelton, a resident at the home said: “I always enjoy the meals cooked up by chefs at Cramond, however it is really nice to be given the opportunity to get back in the kitchen again.  Who doesn’t love the taste of fresh bread out of the oven?”

In addition to freshly prepared nutritious meals and a robust excursions and activities calendar, residents are provided with deluxe accommodation, best-of-class facilities and a wide range of entertainment.

The medication and care provided is based on a detailed personal care plan, which is continually assessed and revised by health care professionals and other experts to ensure that the best possible care is being delivered.

Facilities provided include a cinema and function room, a dedicated games room and also a sensory experience which offers therapeutic activities for those with dementia.

Cramond Residence offer tours of its quality accommodation and facilities, allowing potential residents and loved ones to see the residence for themselves, meet the team and discuss requirements.

To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Aldi support during Easter holidays

Aldi donated 391 meals to local good causes to help people in need over the Easter school holidays. 

The supermarket’s stores across the UK have paired up with local charities, community groups and foodbanks through its partnership with community giving platform Neighbourly.

More than 550,000 meals were donated throughout the UK, with almost 2,000 UK causes benefitting from the initiative in total.

Liz Fox, Corporate Responsibility Director at Aldi UK, said: “We understand that the school holidays can be an especially challenging time for families, particularly amid the current cost-of-living crisis.

“Neighbourly carries out such vital work in the community, so we’re proud to be able to support them and the charities, foodbanks and community groups they work with in Midlothian in their efforts to support those who may be struggling.”

Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, added: “The impact of the cost-of-living crisis has intensified, meaning that the demand on foodbanks is continuing to increase, particularly during the school holidays.

“The donations from Aldi are a lifeline for many and provide the essential boost good causes need to continue supporting their local communities.”

What’s on at Divino in April 

Edinburgh Restaurant Named Venue in AA Restaurant Guide 2023

Award-winning Italian restaurant Divino has just been named a top destination in the prestigious AA Restaurant Guide 2023.

There are some great events happening at Divino this month, all offer a unique night out and a fun way to get together with friends or family and enjoy great food and wine without the need for a special occasion to celebrate!

Veneto Regional Menu Nights – April 20th and 27th – Chef Andrea has developed a three-course menu with canapés, mains and petit fours for £39 celebrating the northern region known for its fresh seafood and famous cicchetti. Guests can add paired wines for an additional £26.

Sardinia Wine Night – April 30th – Featuring 5 fabulous wines from the island of Sardinia paired with matching canapes, guests at Divino will experience the rich & complex flavours of the region for just £25 beginning at 5pm.

Wednesday Jazz Nights – Every single Wednesday, enjoy live jazz from 7:30pm onwards, the perfect accompaniment to a glass of wine and good company.

Events can be booked here. 

Stagg’s is Lothians Pub of the Year

Stagg’s in Musselburgh has won many CAMRA awards over the years and it’s ‘same again’ with the Award of Lothians Pub of the Year 2023.

The framed certificate will handed over to licensee Nigel Finlay on Wednesday 19th April at 1945 hrs at the pub. 

Runner-up was the Dean Tavern, Newtongrange and in third place was the Grey Horse, Balerno.

Further announcements about awards ceremonies in Edinburgh and in the Borders will be made later.

Chopstix Noodle Bar unveils additions to Saver Menu in Edinburgh stores

  • BRITAIN’S FAVOURITE NOODLE CHAIN, CHOPSTIX, LAUNCHES SUPER NOODLE BOWL –  GET YOURS FOR ONLY £4.95 
  • THE PAN-ASIAN NOODLE BAR HAS LAUNCHED A NATIONWIDE ‘SPRING SAVER’ MENU WITH THREE NEW MOUTH-WATERING OFFERS TO CHOOSE FROM 

The noodle chain, which has over 90 stores nationwide, is expanding its menu for spring, and has announced its rolling out three new offers in its Edinburgh store and nationwide. 

The exciting new additions are now available, Monday to Friday, including the Super Noodle Bowl offering diners a portion of noodles, three spring rolls drizzled with katsu curry sauce for £4.95. 

Customers can also opt for a new 4-Topper Bundle which features four toppings of choice, five spring rolls and a medium soft drink. For those just wanting a box, customers can order an extra topping for just £1 more.

In addition, customers can still enjoy fan favourites such as Caramel Drizzle Chicken, Salt ‘N’ Pepper Chicken, Teriyaki Beef and Chicken Katsu Curry which are included in the 4-Topper bundle deal.

Rob Burns, Marketing Director for Chopstix, said: “We’re delighted to be launching these new dishes which give customers even more choice, without breaking the bank. 

“We’re always constantly looking out for and exploring recipes, flavour combinations, bundles and new items to add to our menus to ensure our customers have access to a fresh, fast and tasty alternative to the high street.

“Our 4-Topper bundle ensures customers can choose even more of their favourite items from the menu and tailor their own meal according to their needs whilst our new Noodle Super Bowl celebrates the UK’s love for noodles and spring rolls – plus, at only £4.95, what’s not to love?!”

Chopstix is focused on delivering a faster, fresher, tastier alternative to the high street. Wok Master chefs deliver nourishing noodles, wholesome chicken, beautiful beef and perfect prawns with fresh vegetables and superb sauces to make Chopstix the ‘go to guys’ for boxed fresh flavour. 

For more information please visit: www.chopstixnoodles.co.uk

Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger & Bread Street Kitchen fundraiser raises over £30,000 for SBH Scotland

Gordon Ramsay OBE has matched a £15,000 fundraising drive by diners at his Edinburgh restaurants to donate a total of £31,392 to Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus (SBH) Scotland.

In November and December 2022, Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen and Street Burger Edinburgh venues launched the GReat Donate to raise money for the specialist charity, by adding a £1 voluntary donation to diner’s bills and donating the proceeds from the launch day of Street Burger.

It has now been revealed the diner donations, combined with the proceeds from Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger’s launch day, amounted to an incredible £15,642. SBH Scotland Honorary Patron and long-standing supporter of the charity, Gordon Ramsay OBE, then matched the funds raised to give the charity an extra special funds boost. 

The funds raised will help SBH Scotland provide vital support to over 4,000 children, young people and adults across Scotland who are affected by the lifelong, complex conditions of spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus. 

A spokesperson for Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants said: “We are very proud of the special relationship we have built with SBH Scotland, and it has been amazing to see such enthusiasm from kind-hearted diners in Edinburgh and beyond to support the GReat Donate.

“We’d like to thoroughly thank everyone who visited Street Burger and Bread Street Kitchen during the festive season and added that voluntary donation onto their bill. This small gesture will have a big impact as every £1 raised will ensure the charity can continue to provide their life-changing services.”

Gordon Ramsay became SBH Scotland’s first ever Honorary Patron back in 2003 when he met the organisation’s Chairperson, Dr Margo Whiteford CBE, at the Great North Run. For nearly 20 years, he has continued to support SBH Scotland through charitable donations and appearances.

Dr Margo Whiteford CBE, Chairperson of SBH Scotland, said: “Gordon and Tana Ramsay have been great friends to SBH Scotland for nearly two decades and we couldn’t be more thankful to them and the restaurant teams for their continued support.

“Funds raised are crucial for the dedicated support we can provide now and for the next 12 months. We heavily rely on fundraising to reach our annual targets and with a goal of over £1million pounds to raise throughout 2023, we’re calling on the generosity of businesses and the general public to ensure we can continue to provide vital services including 1-2-1 support in homes and hospitals, health check clinics and support groups to those affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus in Scotland.

“Whether you’re a restaurant or café who would consider adding a £1 voluntary donation to diner’s bills, or if you’d like to get your staff teams or friends together to Kiltwalk or take on our infamous Zipslide the Clyde challenge in September 2023, every pound raised will go a long way in making a positive difference to the lives of thousands of families.” 

To support SBH Scotland or to find out more about other events happening throughout the year, call 03455 211 600, email fundraising@sbhscotland.org.uk  or visit

www.sbhscotland.org.uk for more details. 

Have you got the best home bar in Scotland?

You could be in with a chance to win a year’s supply of craft beer from Aldi Scotland 

Aldi Scotland Goes in Search of the Nation’s Best Home Bar or At Home Drinking Set-up to Celebrate the Launch of its New ‘Scottish Beers of the Month’ Campaign   

Aldi Scotland has launched a nationwide hunt for Scotland’s Best Home Bar or at-home drinking set-up with a year’s supply of free beer up for grabs.  

Celebrating the launch of its brand-new Scottish Beers of the Month campaign, which will see a number of hero Scottish brewers spotlighted each month, Aldi is on the lookout for the most innovative at-home bar creations that provide the perfect backdrop to enjoy a craft beer.   

Whether you’ve transformed your garden shed into a classic pub or your house has the best cosy corner, Aldi will gift a year’s supply of beer to the drinking set-up it finds most inspiring to enjoy an ice-cold beer at home.  

Every month, the winner will be invited to collect a range of 24 beers from the vast number of Scottish brewers featuring as part of Scottish Beers of the Month, giving them a chance to try locally produced, top-quality craft brews from all over Scotland.  

The Scottish Beers of the Month in-store campaign, which launches today (Thursday 6th April), will showcase everything from refreshing IPAs to crisp lagers, with prices starting from just £1.39.  

Aberdeen’s Fierce Beer is the first hero brewer to feature as part of the campaign. Focused on producing unique and flavourful beers that range from traditional pilsners to luscious barrel-aged stouts, Aldi was the brewery’s first ever customer.  

Fierce Beer will be showcasing fruity IPAs, such as Passion for Haze and Tropical Thunder, as well as sour Blackcurrant Tart and gluten-free vegan Fruit Ale Berry.  

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Our new Scottish Beers of the Month campaign gives our customers the chance to enjoy a vast selection of beers from artisan breweries across Scotland that you wouldn’t necessarily find in the pub.   

“We all enjoy a trip to our local, but sometimes you just can’t beat enjoying a cold beer in the comfort of your own home.  

“The judges are looking for innovative home bar set-ups, from extraordinary garden bars to the more understated kitchen table.” 

To be in with a chance of winning, shoppers simply need to email a picture of their at-home bar set-up to aldipr@bigpartnership.co.uk along with the following details: 

  • Full name 
  • Image of their home bar or favourite at-home drinking spot  

Entries are open until 3 May 2023. The chosen winner will be selected by 10 May 2023.  

Aldi encourages its customers to drink responsibly.  

Application Terms & Conditions :

All applicants must be 18 years old or over and must live in Scotland.  

  1. The applicant will be invited to collect a range of 24 bottles/cans of Aldi Scotland stocked Scottish craft beers each month.  
  2.  Aldi Scotland encourages the successful applicant to drink responsibly.  
  3. For information and advice on safe alcohol consumption, please contact Drinkaware. Visit https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/  
  4. Aldi Scotland reserves the right to terminate the delivery of products  
  5. All applications will be considered by the Aldi Scotland judging panel. The successful applicant will be selected based on the decision made by the Aldi Scotland judging panel. The judging panel has full discretion. The panel’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding the outcome.  
  6. The product is non-transferable, refundable and can be changed by Aldi at any time.  
  7. Applications are open from 3 April 2023. To enter, simply email a picture of your at home bar set up to aldipr@bigpartnership.co.uk  
  8. Late entries or any entries not received for any reason will not be considered. The successful applicant will be chosen from  entries provided before 6 May 2023. Winner will be selected by 10 May 2023.  
  9. Applicants can enter via email and via the Aldi Scotland social media channels.  Each will be counted as a single entry, with applicants able to enter once on each channel.  
  10. Aldi Employees are not permitted to enter and are not valid to win. By submitting your application, you agree if your application is successful to take part in press and publicity including but not limited to media interviews, photography and personal appearances.  
  11. Personal data will be used solely in accordance with UK data protection legislation.  
  12. For further information please contact aldipr@bigpartnership.co.uk. Promoter: The BIG Partnership Group Limited, 1 – 3 Woodside Crescent, Glasgow, G3 7UL  
  13. The winning entry will receive the prize on a monthly basis.  

NFU Mutual launches 2023 Scottish Inspirational Young Person Award

Leading insurer NFU Mutual has partnered with industry body Scotland Food & Drink to launch the 2023 ‘Inspirational Young Person Award’.

Talented young people working in the food and drink industry are being encouraged to enter the fifth annual ‘Inspirational Young Person Award’.

The award seeks to uncover inspiring examples of talented people aged 16 to 26 who own, work, or study in the food and drink sector and who are a driving success in their field.

The award will highlight the innovation young people bring to Scotland’s food and drink businesses, as well as the important contribution they make to the sector’s long-term future.

Entries and nominations are now open and the closing date is 3rd July. The first, second and third place winners will be announced during Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight (5-20th September) and awarded cash prizes of £500, £300 and £200 respectively.  

In recognition of the challenges the industry has faced economically in the last year and the part it can play environmentally such as cutting down on food waste, this year’s judges are looking for entrants who are adapting the way they work and contributing to the resilience of Scotland’s food and drink sector.

Last year’s winner was 23-year-old Craig Chambers, a Distiller at Dunnet Bay Distillers based in Thurso.

He impressed the judges with his natural flair for the distillery business and the way he identified improvements and helped create new recipes designed to reduce energy consumption during distilling by 90%, which helped the business maintain the original price point for customers as energy prices increased.  

Since winning the award, Craig has expanded his horizons and is presently on a placement at a distillery in South America.

Craig said: “Winning this award was an amazing high-point for me. I have since been on a placement at a distillery in Argentina to learn even more about the industry and other food and drink cultures.

“The prize money came in very handy for my travels too.”

Mark McBrearty, NFU Mutual’s Regional Manager in Scotland and one of the judges for the award, said: “The importance of young people to Scotland’s food and drink sector cannot be overstated. This special award illustrates just how wide a contribution they make and how valuable their drive and innovation are to business success.

He added: “Like all industries, the food and drink sector has been facing some very challenging times. This year’s judging will consider how young people have responded to this and also adapted to the way they work environmentally, such as saving energy or cutting down on food waste.”

Iain Baxter, Chief Executive at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “I am really looking forward to discovering the wealth of talent – both culinary and business-focused – among the younger generation in our industry. 

He added: “Scotland has a proud reputation nationally and internationally for its food, drink and hospitality. Supporting the future of our sector by recognising up and coming talent is crucial to its long-term success.” 

How to Enter 

The NFU Mutual and Scotland Food & Drink Inspirational Young Person Award 2022 is open for entries until 3rd July 2023. Submit your entry or make a nomination here.

Any individual between the ages of 16 and 26 who owns, works, or studies within a food and drink related business, organisation or institution can be nominated or enter on their own behalf.

The winner will receive £500, with the second and third place finalists receiving £300 and £200 respectively. Winners will be announced in September 2022. 

For more information on the range of NFU Mutual insurance services, visit: 

https://www.nfumutual.co.uk

Easter opening times at Fort Kinnaird

Fort Kinnaird has confirmed its opening times for the Easter weekend (Friday 7th – Monday 10th April) for those looking to enjoy a day out with family and friends or pick up some last-minute Easter gifts, decorations for the celebrations.  

From Friday 7th – Monday 10th April the centre’s shopping hours will be:

  • Good Friday – 7th April: 10am – 9pm
  • Easter Saturday – 8th April: 9am – 7pm
  • Easter Sunday – 9th April: 10am ­– 6pm
  • Easter Monday – 10th April: 10am – 9pm

Fort Kinnaird always recommends checking with individual retailers for their specific opening times before setting off to avoid disappointment. For the most up to date Easter opening hours, check here: https://www.fortkinnaird.com/opening-times

Along with its wide variety of shops and restaurants, the centre has also compiled a range of options for family fun for the Easter school holidays, including the chance to meet and learn about small animals at Pets at Home, and crafting workshops at Hobbycraft where kids of all ages can enjoy clay-making and painting.

Fort Kinnaird is home to over 70 shops and restaurants including M&S, H&M, Primark, Bread Meats Bread and newly opened Chaiiwala, as well as a seven-screen Odeon cinema. There are also more than 2,600 free parking spaces.

For more information to help plan your Easter trip to Fort Kinnaird, including what’s on during the Easter holidays head here.   

Competition: A chance to win Lottie’s giant chocolate meatball Easter Egg at Frankie & Benny’s

Pure Chocolate, white chocolate and jelly pasta, strawberry and raspberry coulis with sweet decorations

The Great British Bake Off star Lottie Bedlow has created the world’s first giant chocolate meatball shaped Easter Egg!

Lottie, known for her chocolate desserts, even created pasta made from white chocolate to create the perfect chocoholic dish.

The 33-year-old baker, who appeared in the New Year’s Day special of the popular Channel 4 show teamed up with top Italian American restaurant Frankie & Benny’s to make the unique pure chocolate Easter Egg.

The restaurant is famous for its popular meatballs and wanted to showcase the much loved dish but with an Easter theme. 

So they asked Lottie to make a football sized meatball, ten times the size of a normal meatball, made out of pure indulgent chocolate. And the result looks amazing!

The giant chocolate Easter egg took 30 hours to practice and perfect, five hours to make and assemble and comes complete with white chocolate and jelly pasta, a strawberry and raspberry coulis sauce with sweet donations.

And if you pop into Frankie & Benny’s this Easter you are in with a chance to win this amazing chocolate treat.

Lottie said: “I was tasked by Frankie & Benny’s to make a giant meatball complete with spaghetti, they wanted it football size, made of pure chocolate and hollow inside. The first attempt with the mould failed and the balloon technique – absolutely not!

“If you want to be in with a chance of winning my giant meatball Easter Egg all you have to do is head down to your local Frankie & Benny’s, look for a picture of my face, there will be cards on the table, scan the QR code and fill in your details. It’s as simple as that!”

The competition runs until April 16 and the winner will be contacted on April 17.

Giant Chocolate Meatball Easter Egg Competition Terms & Conditions:

Be in with a chance to win a one-of-a-kind Frankie’s giant chocolate meatball Easter egg in celebration of the most delicious time of the year!

• All participants may enter this competition from the 20th of March – midnight 16th April 2023
• The prize is non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash.
• We reserve the right to switch the prize to a prize of equal value.
• We reserve the right to amend the terms and conditions of this competition.

To Enter
• To enter this prize draw, guest must complete the following steps:
• While dining in any of our restaurants, guests will be presented with a QR code on their table.
• Once scanned, guest must enter their required details to be placed in the pool of entrants.
• A verification email will be sent confirming your entry.

Winner Selection
• The winner will be drawn at random from a pool of all valid entries.
• Winners will be drawn and contacted on 17th April 2023
• If the winner does not respond with their contact details within 48 hours, Frankie & Benny’s reserves the right to draw a new winner.