food and drink – Page 31 – The NEN

Morrisons kickstarts 2023 with price cuts on it’s Savers range

– Over 50 per cent of the range has been cut in price –

Morrisons is cutting 130 prices across its entry-level products to help customers’ money go further throughout the January squeeze.

The cuts include important fresh and frozen products for family meals and lunch boxes, together with cupboard essentials and household products to help customers across their shop.

Morrisons has invested over £16 million to make these cuts as customers look for help on their weekly shop after the expense of Christmas and as the cost of living crisis continues to impact household grocery budgets.

Fresh products such as bacon, cooked chicken and cheese which can be used to make hearty meals have had their prices reduced as well as fruit and vegetables including apples, pears and potatoes.

Frozen ready meals, fish fingers and prawns have been cut along with cupboard fillers like tins of beans, chopped tomatoes and tuna chunks. Household essentials such as laundry powder, washing up liquid and dishwasher tablets have also seen their prices slashed as have toothbrushes, toothpaste and sanitary products.

Morrisons entry level range has 263 products, 28 of which were new additions within the last six months. This month the range will grow further with the introduction of cherry tomatoes, easy peel oranges, green beans and mixed peppers.

David Potts, Chief Executive, Morrisons, said: “Our Savers range offers customers great value on the products they buy every day.

“We want to do all we can to help when it comes to the cost of grocery shopping and by investing in the range and cutting the prices further, our customers will see a noticeable impact on their budgets at a time when they really need it.”

Morrisons price cuts will be communicated to customers via TV, radio, press, digital display and social media as well as email and online activity.

On the website, the Savers range will be highlighted on the homepage under Morrisons ‘More Way to Save’ section and until January 22nd, the seasonal aisle in Morrisons stores will feature displays of the ambient Savers products in one place to help customers shop the breadth of the range, while the fresh and frozen items will have prominent displays in their aisles to help customers identify them.

SAVERS PRICE CUTS: BREAKFAST EXAMPLES	WAS	NOW
MORRISONS SAVERS WHITE LOAF MEDIUM SLICED 720g	£0.45	£0.39
MORRISONS SAVERS ORANGE MARMALADE 454G	£0.52	£0.33
MORRISONS SAVERS ORANGE JUICE FROM CONCENTRATE 1L	£0.89	£0.75
MORRISONS SAVERS MUESLI 1KG	£1.39	£1.25
SAVERS PRICE CUTS: MID-WEEK DINNER EXAMPLES	WAS	NOW
MORRISONS SAVERS ITALIAN STYLE HARD CHEESE 170G	£1.70	£1.59
MORRISONS SAVERS PASTA SAUCE 440G	£0.57	£0.39
MORRISONS SAVERS LONG GRAIN RICE 1KG	£0.71	£0.48
MORRISONS SAVERS TUNA CHUNKS IN BRINE 145G	£0.65	£0.55
MORRISONS SAVERS CHILLI CON CARNE 392G	£1.49	£0.97
MORRISONS SAVERS PLUM TOMATOES IN TOMATO JUICE 400G	£0.33	£0.28
MORRISONS SAVERS TOMATO KETCHUP 460G	£0.79	£0.36
MORRISONS SAVERS 10 FISH FINGERS 250G	£0.79	£0.69
MORRISONS SAVERS BEEF LASAGNE 400G (FROZEN)	£0.89	£0.75
MORRISONS SAVERS MILD WHITE CHEDDAR 625G	£3.19	£2.99
MORRISONS SAVERS CHEESE AND TOMATO PIZZA 270G	£0.99	£0.89
MORRISONS SAVERS SMOKED BACK BACON 250G	£1.25	£1.12
MORRISONS SAVERS COOKED CHICKEN PIECES 240G	£1.99	£1.79
SAVERS PRICE CUTS: HOUSEHOLD EXAMPLES	WAS	NOW
MORRISONS ESSENTIALS MEDIUM TOOTHBRUSHES 2 PACK	£0.30	£0.25
MORRISONS SAVERS BIOLOGICAL LAUNDRY POWDER 3.335KG	£3.30	£2.69
MORRISONS SAVERS WASHING UP LIQUID 500ML	£0.49	£0.37

Morrisons entry level range includes ‘Morrisons Savers’, ‘Morrisons Wonky’ in produce and ‘Morrisons Essentials’ in homeware and health & beauty.

The price cuts are in all of Morrisons 498 supermarkets and the majority of products can be found online.

Where to bring in the New Year

SKIDDLE HAS FOUND THE BEST NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS IN EDINBURGH – SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO!

The festive season can be stressful enough as it is, with Black Friday shopping, Christmas dinner planning and travelling the country to see your loved ones. And yet, to add to the stress, 38% of us leave looking for that perfect NYE party until the last minute – scrambling for tickets between 26th – 31st December.

Skiddle, the events discovery platform, has taken one thing off your to-do list for 2022 – and found the best NYE events in Edinburgh. Get ready to send this list to the group chat and start booking, you don’t want to miss out on ringing in the New Year in style!

Hogmanay Party ft. Special guest DJ Irvine Welsh
Noir (Little White Pig)

Celebrate 2022 and welcome in the new year in style, in one of new town’s best kept secret venues. Soundtrack to your new year, provided by Special guest DJ Irvine Welsh, and local legends Mikey R, Bush, Mungo & David Lee.

Exclusive 4-course Pre-party dinner also available.

Tickets available here from £20.00.

Hogmanay Ceilidh Dance + Mad Ferret Hogmanay Hoolie
Stramash

Head to Stramash this NYE for a Hogmanay Hoolie like no other. You will be greeted with a glass of Prosecco on arrival and then taught how to Ceilidh Dance like a true Scot. ‘The Jig Show’ – Rockin ceilidh band with a modern twist, will talk you through all the dance moves and even take a short break in the middle for light refreshments.

Includes access to Mad Ferret Hogmanay Hoolie 11pm until 5am.

The Mad Ferret Band are known on the Scottish music scene for their hard hitting blend of traditional and contemporary folk music. Their lively, energetic performances are packed with “blisteringly fast mandolin solos”, tight vocal harmonies, driving Cajon beats and earth-moving guitar sounds.

Tickets available here from £35.00 + BF.

Edinburgh Hogmanay Snow Ball Ceilidh
Assembly Rooms

The Scottish capital’s biggest and best-loved indoor Hogmanay event is back for a 9th year on December 31st 2022. A cherished Edinburgh night, it’s the big one for glamour and kilts… the Real McCoy! If you’re looking for a truly top Scottish NYE event, you’ve just found it.

Treat yourself to a breathtaking night to end the old year and bring in the new – in the capital’s finest civic venue. There is, quite literally, nowhere else in town to compare. Twin ballrooms await you, sparkling in winter décor.

There’s a top, professional live ceilidh band in each magnificent ballroom: one is traditional, one contemporary. The superb Front Ballroom becomes a glitzy disco later in the night, while the dazzling Music Room Ballroom stays fully trad. Meanwhile, a spectacular drawing room becomes a silent disco – and all guests are welcome in anytime as it’s a new, fun addition.

Pop out to see the midnight fireworks, then rejoin things!

Tickets available here from £54.99 + BF.

Monsters Ball NYE 2022
Frankensteins Edinburgh

Join the monster for his annual Monster Ball this Hogmanay and join the biggest party in the city. Featuring live performers, drag queens, DJs on rotation, themed drinks and decor and much more this is an event not to be missed.

Dress to impress! Fancy dress is encouraged. (But not required).

The monster looks forward to welcoming you…

Tickets available here from £7.00 + BF.

Casino Royale – NYE 2022
LE MONDE

Le Monde is hosting an event you will not want to miss, Casino Royale – featuring casino, entertainment, themed drinks and more.

The bond themed event will include drinks reception, casino tables, entertainment, live DJs and much more.

Dress to impress, and join for the most glamourous Hogmanay party in the City.

Tickets available here from £7.50 + BF.

To find the biggest range of events in Edinburgh, including music, comedy, food + drink, festivals, attractions, theatre and more, head to the Skiddle website.

SKIDDLE HAS FOUND THE BEST NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS IN EDINBURGH – SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO!

The festive season can be stressful enough as it is, with Black Friday shopping, Christmas dinner planning and travelling the country to see your loved ones. And yet, to add to the stress, 38% of us leave looking for that perfect NYE party until the last minute – scrambling for tickets between 26th – 31st December.

Skiddle, the events discovery platform, has taken one thing off your to-do list for 2022 – and found the best NYE events in Edinburgh. Get ready to send this list to the group chat and start booking, you don’t want to miss out on ringing in the New Year in style!

Hogmanay Party ft. Special guest DJ Irvine Welsh

Noir (Little White Pig)

Celebrate 2022 and welcome in the new year in style, in one of new town’s best kept secret venues. Soundtrack to your new year, provided by Special guest DJ Irvine Welsh, and local legends Mikey R, Bush, Mungo & David Lee.

Exclusive 4-course Pre-party dinner also available.

Tickets available here from £20.00.

Hogmanay Ceilidh Dance + Mad Ferret Hogmanay Hoolie

Stramash

Head to Stramash this NYE for a Hogmanay Hoolie like no other. You will be greeted with a glass of Prosecco on arrival and then taught how to Ceilidh Dance like a true Scot. ‘The Jig Show’ – Rockin ceilidh band with a modern twist, will talk you through all the dance moves and even take a short break in the middle for light refreshments.

Includes access to Mad Ferret Hogmanay Hoolie 11pm until 5am.

The Mad Ferret Band are known on the Scottish music scene for their hard hitting blend of traditional and contemporary folk music. Their lively, energetic performances are packed with “blisteringly fast mandolin solos”, tight vocal harmonies, driving Cajon beats and earth-moving guitar sounds.

Tickets available here from £35.00 + BF.

Edinburgh Hogmanay Snow Ball Ceilidh

Assembly Rooms

The Scottish capital’s biggest and best-loved indoor Hogmanay event is back for a 9th year on December 31st 2022. A cherished Edinburgh night, it’s the big one for glamour and kilts… the Real McCoy! If you’re looking for a truly top Scottish NYE event, you’ve just found it.

Treat yourself to a breathtaking night to end the old year and bring in the new – in the capital’s finest civic venue. There is, quite literally, nowhere else in town to compare. Twin ballrooms await you, sparkling in winter décor.

There’s a top, professional live ceilidh band in each magnificent ballroom: one is traditional, one contemporary. The superb Front Ballroom becomes a glitzy disco later in the night, while the dazzling Music Room Ballroom stays fully trad. Meanwhile, a spectacular drawing room becomes a silent disco – and all guests are welcome in anytime as it’s a new, fun addition.

Pop out to see the midnight fireworks, then rejoin things!

Tickets available here from £54.99 + BF.

Monsters Ball NYE 2022

Frankensteins Edinburgh

Join the monster for his annual Monster Ball this Hogmanay and join the biggest party in the city. Featuring live performers, drag queens, DJs on rotation, themed drinks and decor and much more this is an event not to be missed.

Dress to impress! Fancy dress is encouraged. (But not required).

The monster looks forward to welcoming you…

Tickets available here from £7.00 + BF.

Casino Royale – NYE 2022

LE MONDE

Le Monde is hosting an event you will not want to miss, Casino Royale – featuring casino, entertainment, themed drinks and more.

The bond themed event will include drinks reception, casino tables, entertainment, live DJs and much more.

Dress to impress, and join for the most glamourous Hogmanay party in the City.

Tickets available here from £7.50 + BF.

To find the biggest range of events in Edinburgh, including music, comedy, food + drink, festivals, attractions, theatre and more, head to the Skiddle website.

Morrisons unveils food & drink offers for Hogmanay

Morrisons has unveiled a range of products and offers across food favourites, liqueurs, beers and soft drinks to bring in the new year in style.

Highlights include:

Up to 44% off 50cl-70cl liqueurs including Warnink’s Advocaat, Tia Maria Liqueur, Malibu Coconut Liqueur, Glayva Whisky Liqueur and Disaronno Amaretto (£9.99)
2 for £2.50 on Simon Howie’s range, including Black Pudding, Sliced Haggis, Beef Links, Pork Sausages and Lorne Sausage
The Famous Grouse Ruby Cask for £14 (Morrisons supermarket exclusive)

The range and offers are available until 1^st January 2023, and more information can be found online at https://groceries.morrisons.com/browse/hogmanay-187632.

Ten Christmas foods that are toxic for your pets – and warning signs to look out for

As Christmas Day draws closer, many of us will already be sneaking a taste of our favourite festive snacks. And with a lot of food thrown away over the Christmas period, you may be tempted to treat your pets to some of the leftovers.

However, some common Christmas foods can actually make our pets seriously ill, so it is important to know which ones should be avoided.

Animal health specialists at OurFitPets have put together a list of common Christmas foods that can cause serious health problems for cats and dogs, as well as advice on what you should do if your furry friend accidentally eats any of these foods.

Christmas foods you should not give to cats and dogs

Christmas pudding
Mince pies
Sage and onion stuffing
Onion gravy
Chocolate
Macadamia nuts
Blue cheese
Alcohol
Turkey bones and fat
Mouldy foods

Christmas pudding and mince pies

These common Christmas treats contain dried fruits such as raisins, sultanas and currents, all of which are particularly toxic for cats and dogs and can cause kidney failure if consumed.

Signs that your pet has poisoning from these foods include vomiting, increased thirst and urinating less frequently than normal.

Safe and onion stuffing and onion gravy

Any foods that contain vegetables of the allium variety should be off the menu for cats or dogs. This includes fresh and powered forms of aromatics such as onions, garlic, shallots, leeks and chives, which are frequently found in Christmas stuffing and gravy.

These vegetables all contain a compound called N-propyl disulfide which is damaging to your pet’s red blood cells and can cause them to develop anaemia.

Signs of allium poisoning in pets includes diarrhoea, stomach pain, as well as presenting as fatigued, weak or off their regular food.

Chocolate

Chocolate can be particularly toxic for cats and dogs as it contains a compound called theobromine, which animals can’t metabolise easily, and causes overstimulation of their muscles, including their heart.

Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the worst offenders as they contain the highest levels of theobromine, while white chocolate is the least harmful as it contains only a small amount of the compound. Although it’s still not recommended giving your pets white chocolate, as the high levels of fat and sugar are still likely to upset their stomach.

Signs of chocolate poisoning in pets includes; vomiting, a more excitable mood or muscle twitching, elevated heart rate or breathing, tremors or twitching.

Macadamia nuts

While it’s not fully understood why Macadamia nuts are unsafe for domestic animals, consuming them can cause your cat or dog to appear weak or sleepy and can cause painful or stiff joints that may make it difficult for them to walk.

This variety of nut can also induce vomiting, tremors and raised body temperature for up to two days.

Blue cheese and mouldy foods

Blue cheese such as Roquefort contain a compound called roquefortine C, which is known to cause muscle tremors and seizures in cats and dogs for up to two days.

Like blue cheese, gone off dairy or bread products contain fungi and mould which produce mycotoxins that can produce similar negative effects for cats and dogs when ingested.

Alcohol

Animals are more sensitive to the ethanol present in alcohol than humans are. Consumption of alcohol will cause your pet to become drowsy and unstable on their feet and at worst can cause a drop in body temperature and blood sugar, which can lead to seizures or a coma.

Turkey bones and fat

While not necessarily toxic to cats and dogs, turkey bones can be brittle which means there is a high chance of them splintering and lodging in your pet’s throat or stomach.

Turkey fat and fatty foods in general, shouldn’t be given to pets in large quantities either, as they can cause stomach discomfort and diarrhoea.

Tips to prevent your pets from eating unsafe foods

Keep chocolate out of reach

It may sound obvious, but tubs of chocolate and advent calendars should be kept out of your dog’s reach or in the fridge where possible.

Remove chocolate decorations from your Christmas tree as your pets can still knock these off, even if these are hung high up.

Avoid putting chocolate selection boxes as presents under the tree, as dogs can smell them through the wrapping paper.

Keep pets in another room while eating

Try to keep your pets in a separate room of the house during Christmas dinner, to avoid them eating unsafe foods that might have dropped on the floor.

Always check the ingredients

Always check the list of ingredients in any food before feeding to your pet. Many products will contain onion or garlic powder as flavouring, which is just as harmful for your pet as the real thing.

What to do if your pet has eaten something it shouldn’t have

Even if your cat or dog has only eaten a small amount of these foods, it’s important to do the following:

Call the vet straight away – Don’t wait for your pet to start showing symptoms. A vet will be able to offer advice, and the quicker you act, the better chance your pet will have of recovery.
Note the time and quantity of food ingested – Provide the vet with as much information as you can. This includes the time your pet ate the unsafe food, brand names, the ingredient list and how much you think they consumed
Don’t try to make your pet sick – Attempting this can cause further health complications. Leave this to your vet, as they are trained to do this in a safe manner.

Aldi Scotland helps budding chefs to revitalise the humble brussels sprout

Aldi Scotland has shared three recipes to showcase the versatility of the Christmas dinner staple that is often left behind on our plates

Aldi Scotland has created three tantalising recipes that will leave the boiled, mushy brussels sprouts of our youth with a lot to answer for.

With three recipes that reinvent the scorned vegetable, Aldi is showcasing how we should all be eating our brussels this festive season. And at just 19p for a 500g as part Aldi’s super 6, each recipe offers fantastic quality for incredible value.

Working with East Lothian Produce, who have supplied the retailer with their brussels sprouts since 2012, Aldi Scotland has created three perfect dishes, including sprouts with a parmesan and garlic crumble, sprouts with a creamy mustard sauce, and a butternut and brussels pie, that showcase just how adaptable the humble vegetable can be.

East Lothian Produce and Aldi Scotland are encouraging customers to ditch the boring, boiled version we’ve all grown up with and try out the fool-proof recipes at home, which are sure to make the perfect side for your Christmas dinner.

Tracy McCullagh, East Lothian Produce, said: “Brussels sprouts are so much more versatile than you would imagine, and I think these recipes highlight how they can actually be the star of the show.

“I’d encourage Aldi customers across Scotland to give them a go – you may just surprise yourself.”

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Brussels sprouts have endured a bad reputation over the years, and we want to change that.

“East Lothian Produce’s delicious sprouts can make the basis of so many sumptuous side dishes, which is obvious in these recipes. I’m sure our customers will love this different take on the traditional vegetable.”

Recipes:

Sprouts with a parmesan, garlic, and fresh thyme crumble

Serves: 4 people

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 18 minutes

Ingredients:

600g sprouts
30g butter
30g Specially Selected parmigiano cheese
50g plain flour
3g fresh sage – chopped
1 x tsp paprika
2 x peeled garlic cloves

Method:

Pre-heat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6.
Trim and wash the sprouts.
Cook in salted boiling water for 3 minutes and drain well.
Grate the Parmigiano cheese.
Mix the butter, grated cheese, sage, garlic, and flour together, then season with pepper and the paprika.
Rub the mixture together to make breadcrumbs.
Put the sprouts into an ovenproof dish – sprinkle over the crumble and bake in the oven for 15 minutes.

Sprouts with mustard cream sauce

Serves: 6 people

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

400g sprouts, trimmed
200ml Scottish double cream
2 x tsp dijon mustard
20g pine nuts
1 x tsp paprika
8g fresh parsley
25ml olive oil infused with garlic

Method:

Pre-heat the oven to 200°C/Gas Mark 6. Cut the sprouts in half and put onto a baking sheet – drizzle over the garlic oil and bake for 10 minutes.
Chop the parsley and put in a bowl along with the cream and mustard, then season with some salt and black pepper.
Once the sprouts are cooked, transfer to a baking dish. Mix in the mustard cream. Sprinkle over the paprika and the pine nuts, then bake for a further 10 minutes.
Serve piping hot.
Butternut and brussels pie

Serves: 6 people

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 butternut squash
300g brussels sprouts
2 medium red onions
200g lighter garlic & herb soft cheese
750g puff pastry
35g pecan nuts
3g fresh rosemary
100ml olive oil
Sea salt
Black pepper
1 medium Scottish egg
10ml Scottish milk
Paprika

Method:

Pre-heat the oven to 200°C/Gas Mark 6.
Peel the squash. Cut into small chunks, discarding any seeds.
Trim the sprouts. Cut in halves.
Peel and finely chop the onions.
Put the squash, sprouts and onions on a large baking sheet.
Drizzle the oil, and season with salt and pepper.
Roast in the oven for 25 minutes.
Allow to cool and put into a bowl.
Add the soft cheese.
Finely chop the rosemary and the pecan nuts, and add to the mix.
Mix all ingredients together.
Lightly grease a large baking sheet and put a pastry sheet on top.
Add the mixture on top.
Whisk the egg with the milk and paprika, then brush it on the exposed pastry.
Put the other sheet of pastry on top of the mixture.
Cut 5 slashes and brush all over with the egg and milk wash.
Bake in the oven for 40 minutes.

Aldi offers alternative air fryer Christmas dinner for budget-conscious customers this year

Aldi Scotland has developed a Christmas dinner recipe that can be made entirely in the air fryer for customers hoping to keep energy costs to a minimum this year.

The discount retailer has developed an alternative Christmas dinner recipe with BBC’s Great British Menu finalist and head chef of Edinburgh’s Angel’s with Bagpipes, Fraser Smith.

The centre piece for the Christmas dinner is Aldi’s Galloway Beef Sirloin Joint, that is paired with beef fat carrots, pancetta roast brussels sprouts, hasselback potatoes and red wine gravy.

Fraser has been trying and testing the air fryer to perfect an alternative cooking method for Christmas dinner this year.

Fraser said: “Airfryers offer a great alternative to oven cooking, they’re fast, compact and energy efficient.

“The results of cooking in them is the same as any oven, delicious and tender cooked meats and crispy delicious sides. I loved developing this recipe with Aldi and I hope others give it a try this festive season.”

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland said: “We know that airfryers have soared in popularity this year and with energy costs still concerning families across Scotland we wanted to provide an alternative method to oven cooking Christmas dinner this year.

“Our take on a Christmas Dinner puts our limited edition Galloway Beef Sirloin Joint as the centre piece and provides a selection of delicious, family favourite sides.”

Roasted Galloway Beef Sirloin Joint with beef fat carrots, pancetta roast brussels sprouts, hasselback potatoes and red wine gravy

Ingredients:

4x large carrots
1x Galloway Beef Sirloin Joint
100g diced pancetta
600g brussels sprouts
750g baby potatoes
5g fresh thyme
1x bulb garlic
200ml red wine
10ml vegetable oil
Salt
Pepper

Method
For the roast:

Wash four large carrots and place on the bottom of the air frying basket.
Score the fat on the Galloway Beef Sirloin Joint, rub in salt and cracked black pepper and place on top of the carrots in the air fryer basket.
Cut the garlic in half and place that, and half the thyme, in the basket.
Put the Galloway Beef and carrots in the air fryer at 200°c for 10 mins then reduce the temp to 180°c. Cook for an additional 20 mins per 500g for rare, 25 mins per 500g for medium, and 30 mins per 500g for well done.
While cooking, take time to baste the carrot and beef every half hour.
Once the beef is cooked to your liking, remove from the air fryer, cover in foil and allow to rest at room temperature for at least 20 mins.
Place the carrots back in the fryer, at 200°c, until they are cooked – this usually take 10 to 20 minutes depending on the size.

For the brussels sprouts:

Prepare the sprouts by removing the outer leaves and cutting them in half.
Place cut side up in the basket and cover with the chopped pancetta.
Place in the airfryer at 180°c for 20 minutes.

For the potatoes:

To prepare the hassleback potatoes, place the potato on a wooden spoon and make thin vertical slices through the potato being mindful not to cut all the way through – the wooden spoon should stop you cutting all the way through and splitting the potato.
Brush the slices potatoes with oil and sprinkle over some of the remaining thyme sprigs.
Place in air fryer at 200°c for 35 mins or until crispy.
This can be done in advance and the potatoes reheated just before serving.

For the gravy:

Make up some Aldi Specially Selected Beef Gravy as per instruction.
Add a splash of red wine to a warm pan, and reduce by half. Add this to the pre-made gravy.

Enjoy!

Last minute Christmas gifts from Fort Kinnaird

Christmas is just round the corner and to help visitors pick up any last-minute gifts they need for the big day, Fort Kinnaird has rounded up a selection of ideas to help make the search easier.

From fashion gifts to jewellery, there is something for everyone in this collection, with some retailers even offering gift wrapping services so any purchases can go straight under the tree.

And late-night shopping continues at Fort Kinnaird for the festive season, with visitors able to take advantage of shopping until 9pm at selected stores on Thursday 22^nd and Friday 23^rd.

Here’s a roundup of the best gifts you can pick up at Fort Kinnaird:

Fashion

Fort Kinnaird is home to an abundance of clothing stores, from M&S to Next and H&M to Primark.

Timeless cashmere jumpers, scarves, hats and gloves from Marks & Spencer and Next are always a welcome surprise on Christmas morning, and Clarks remains the place to visit for men’s footwear. While Ugg’s Classic Ultra Mini Boots are topping the most-wanted lists at schuh along with Veja’s sustainable trainers.

Visitors can discover new looks at Fat Face, or head to Mountain Warehouse and Trespass for weatherproof jackets, walking boots and backpacks ideal taking with you on a long winter walk.  

Jewellery

If you’re thinking of a more luxurious gift, Beaverbrooks and Swarovski are the places to look for gorgeous keepsakes and timeless classics, with their team being on hand to make sure you pick up the most perfect present.

For a tailored gift, visitors can head to the newly opened Pandora for a bracelet filled with carefully chosen charms plus rings, pendants and lab-created diamonds. 

Beauty

With most wish lists this year including fragrances by Chanel and Dior and make-up sets from No 17, Maybelline and Benefit, Boots, Superdrug and The Perfume Shop are the places to go. While the Philips Series 9000 Prestige Beard Trimmer, leather wash bags, and skincare gift sets can also be found in Boots and Superdrug and are this year’s grooming essentials.

Holland & Barrett also have a range of special gift sets from CBD to self-care and sustainable heroes featuring calming tea bags, vegan snacks and naturally soothing beauty.

Gifts for children

With Smyths Toys, Hobbycraft and TK Maxx filled with great ideas for children’s presents, Christmas shopping for little ones is made easy at Fort Kinnaird.

This year’s most wanted gifts include V-Tech designs, Gabby’s Purrfect Dollhouse, Jurassic World Real FX Baby Blue, Little Live Pets Mama Surprise, Sylvanian Families, Squishmallows, Funko dolls and a big soft Bluey. 

Or if you’re looking for gift ideas for new parent and babies, Mamas & Papas has everything you need from Jellycat toys to soft, comforting clothes, blankets and accessories.

Foodie gifts

This season’s must-buy recipe and food writing books, including Jamie Oliver’s One, Stanley Tucci’s Taste and Nadiya’s Everyday Baking are all available at Waterstones.

Fort Kinnaird is also a great place to find other special gifts for foodie lovers including chocolate boxes and panettone from Marks & Spencer, barista-grade hot chocolate and Velvetiser from Hotel Chocolat and the latest kitchen gadgets from ProCook.

Locally made gifts

Fort Kinnaird is home to independent stores including Born in Scotland which specialises in Scottish cards, gifts and crafts – perfect for Christmas. For sustainable and thoughtful gifts, The Leith Collective has beautiful clothes, homewares and gifts recycled, remade and repurposed by local crafts people.

Fort Kinnaird is open 9am – 9pm on weekdays and 9am – 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information about planning a trip to Fort Kinnaird, please visit www.fortkinnaird.com.

Alcohol duty freeze extended

Alcohol duty freeze extended six months from 1 February to 1 August 2023
Part of government’s responsible management of UK economy, plan aims to reassure and provide certainty to pubs, breweries and distilleries facing tough challenges ahead
End date aligns with new simpler alcohol tax system taking effect, with Chancellor reserving decision on future duty rates for Spring Budget 2023

The freeze to UK alcohol duty rates has been extended six months to 1 August 2023, the government announced yesterday (19 December 2022).

In a statement to the House of Commons, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Cartlidge laid out a plan designed to provide certainty and reassure pubs, distilleries, and breweries as they face a challenging period ahead.

While new duty rates usually come in on the 1 February each year, Mr Cartlidge set out that this year the duty rates decision will be held until the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivers his Spring Budget on the 15 March 2023.

Further, the Minister made clear that if any changes to duty are announced then, they will not take effect until 1 August 2023. This is to align with the date historic reforms for the alcohol duty system come in, and amounts to an effective six month extension to the current duty freeze.

As part of the government’s commitment to responsible management of the UK economy, these changes will provide pubs, breweries, distilleries and other alcohol-related businesses with increased certainty to plan and make investment decisions more effectively.

Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Cartlidge said: “Today’s announcement reflects this government’s commitment to responsible management of the UK economy and supporting hospitality through a challenging winter.

“The alcohol sector is vital to our country’s social fabric and supports thousands of jobs – we have listened to pubs, breweries and industry reps concerned about their future as they get ready for the new, simpler, alcohol tax system taking effect from August.

“That’s why we have acted now to give maximum certainty to industry and confirmed there will be just one set of industry-wide changes next summer.”

The current alcohol duty freeze was announced at Autumn Budget 2021, saving consumers over £3 billion over five years. It was expected to come to an end on 1 February 2023, following the Chancellor’s reversal of most of September’s Growth Plan to restore trust in the economy and strengthen public finances.

At Autumn Budget 2021 the government announced the biggest reforms to alcohol duty in 140 years. The changes overhaul the UK’s outdates rules following exiting the EU by radically simplifying the entire system and slashing red-tape. To give industry more time to prepare, September’s Growth Plan set out that the reforms would take effect from 1 August 2023.

The new alcohol tax system will adopt a common-sense approach, where the higher a drink’s strength the higher the duty, whilst new reliefs will be made available to help pubs and small producers thrive.

New Draught Relief will be worth £100 million a year and will ensure smaller craft producers can benefit, the threshold for qualifying containers will be 20 litres.

Small Brewers Relief will be renamed Small Producer Relief, reformed and expanded. Until the revamp, a cliff-edge existed when relief is withdrawn for brewers who make more than 5,000 hectolitres a year.

This will be addressed, there will instead be a gradual taper to the removal of relief, which will empower small breweries to grow, after they had made clear through consultation that the current design was acting as a barrier. Further, the expansion of the relief means that all producers that make drinks below 8.5% – mostly craft brewers and cidermakers – will be able to get relief on their products.

The alcohol duty reforms will help create a simpler, fairer and healthier duty system. Higher rate for sparkling wines will come to an end, meaning they will pay the same rate as still wine. Liqueurs will be put on the same footing as fortified wine, meaning a sherry and Irish Cream will now pay the same duty, and super-strength ‘white cider’ will rise to address public health concerns. 

The wine industry will also be supported as they adapt to the new system. All wine between 11.5-14.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) to calculate duty as if it were 12.5% ABV for 18 months from the implementation of the new system.

A UK Spirits Alliance spokesperson said: “Today’s decision by HM Treasury comes as extremely welcome news to distillers across the country. We know that previous duty freezes have enabled distillers across the UK to invest in supply chains, tourism centres and local communities.

“The announcement today is a major boost to the industry at such a crucial time. We look forward to working with the Chancellor over the coming months as he makes a decision on the future of alcohol duty at the Spring Budget.”

Miles Beale, Chief Executive, the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, said: “We are extremely pleased to hear that the Chancellor has listened to our calls not to deliver a double whammy tax hike next year.

“History has shown that freezing alcohol duty delivers increased revenue to the Exchequer. If duty rates went up by RPI on February 1st, this would have been a crippling blow to the UK alcohol industry and consumers who would have to pay the price for tax rises.

“Delaying any increase until 1 August means businesses will not have to manage two duty rises in the space of 6 months. We hope that any duty increases applied in August take into account the damage suffered by wine and spirit businesses and the hospitality sector during the pandemic as businesses continue to fightback.

“We are calling on Jeremy Hunt to cancel double digit tax rises to help cash-strapped consumers and to support the UK’s world-class drinks industry.”

Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive, the British Beer and Pub Association said: “The decision to extend the freeze on beer duty will be welcomed by pubs and brewers alike.

“In 2022 our industry has faced pressures and challenges like never before. This freeze will allow £180million to be reinvested into our sector at a critical moment and inject a much-needed flurry of festive cheer for pubs and breweries. It shows the Government understands just how much our pubs and brewers mean to communities across the UK.

“Investment in our sector now will pay dividends in villages, towns and cities across the country for generations to come. Pubs and brewers are a crucial thread in the social fabric of our society and contribute not only economically but socially, connecting people in communities up and down the country.

“We look forward to working with the Government to implement the promised duty reforms in 2023 ensuring a fair and modernised rates system in the UK that support lower-strength products and our country’s pubs.”

Richard Naisby, National Chairman, Society of Independent Brewers said: “Independent breweries play a vital role in the British hospitality industry and are embedded in their local communities, providing jobs and adding greatly to local economies across the UK.

“The extension of the beer duty freeze comes as welcome news to these vital independent businesses, providing some certainty until the summer.

“We look forward to working with Treasury on delivering further positive changes for the hospitality and independent brewing industry.”

Foods to freeze to help spread the cost of Christmas

Cash strapped Brits are being advised to freeze certain foods ahead of Christmas to help spread the cost of the festive holiday.

The penny-pinching pros at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk are advising Brits on eight of the lesser-known food items that can be safely stored in a freezer, to help households save money and prep ahead.

Storing food below zero degrees preserves the conditions of food by freezing potentially harmful molecules, so they die or enter a dormant state.

Most foods will last at least three to four months in the freezer, giving cooks a much wider timescale to add items to a meal.

Consumer expert Rebecca Bebbington from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “Christmas has always been an expensive time and this year a lot of families will be feeling the pinch more than usual due to the cost of living crisis.

“The Christmas dinner shop can be an expensive one which is why we’re encouraging people to spread the costs by buying certain foods now and freezing them until they’re needed.

“Meat and veggies are just some of the items you can freeze to help you save money and if you’re worried about storage space, take the items out of their original packaging and pop them into some freezable food bags.”

NetVoucherCodes.co.uk’s list of festive food items you can freeze:

Meat

Many stores are already speaking up over concerns over Christmas stock levels. To guarantee a prize turkey or a joint of roast beef, buying and freezing these staples ahead of time might be the way to go. Before making any big purchases, make sure that the food will still be in date and good to defrost by December the 25^th.

Brussel sprouts

Some people love them, others hate this festive member of the cabbage family. These can be easily grown at home to really save on money, or shop bought ahead of the Christmas price hike. To really capture them in full flavour, blanche or roast them before freezing.

Parsnips

This honey covered Christmas staple will stay good to eat for around nine months. You can freeze them in small cubes, or chunks. Blanching parsnips before freezing them will lock in their flavour and texture. They will be right at home in the same draw as frozen carrots, peas and all of the other festive vegetable staples.

Cheese

Wanting to get prepped for the perfect cheeseboard or stock up This can be frozen as a full block, or if you mainly use it grated, you can grate the block and freeze it, meaning you can grab handfuls of cheese as and when you need it. Anything from mozzarella to parmesan can cope with being put in the freezer, but be warned, cottage cheese may react badly.

Milk

With more people in the house or more time spent having a cuppa, milk is a must-have around the home over the festive period. Frozen milk must be fully thawed before use and give the carton a big shake before pouring, to ensure all the solids and liquids have been fully mixed. Milk expands when frozen, so don’t put it in a tight container.

Bread

This should be frozen when fresh otherwise it will be slightly stale once defrosted. You can freeze it as a full loaf, or in individual slices if this is easier. You can then leave your bread to thaw naturally or pop it straight into the toaster.

Eggs

The shell of eggs can’t be frozen, but everything else can. Crack the eggs into a muffin tray, then place these into the freezer. Once fully frozen they can be transferred into a plastic container, creating even more space.

Chocolate

Chocolate doesn’t contain much water, meaning it won’t change as much as other items when frozen or defrosted. Put the chocolate in the fridge for a few hours before placing it into the freezer, as this will help bring the temperature down slowly, reducing the risk of the flavour or appearance changing.

For more information on foods you can freeze visit NetVoucherCodes’ blog here:-

https://www.netvouchercodes.co.uk/blog/foods-you-can-freeze

A Pawsome Christmas Lunch at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, is inviting customers and their dogs in Edinburgh for a Pawsome Christmas Lunch on Wednesday 14 December, in the dedicated dog-friendly area of the restaurant, to allow the whole family to join in on some festive fun.

Customers in Edinburgh are in for a treat with Dobbies’ great-value two-course menu for £14.95 per adult. For the main course, there is a traditional Christmas turkey roast dinner with pigs in blankets, sage and onion stuffing, roast potatoes, creamy mash, seasonal vegetables and gravy.

The vegetarian option includes Quorn sausages, served with seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes, creamy mash, sage and onion stuffing and gravy.

Building on the festivities, Dobbies’ dessert options are guaranteed to get you feeling festive. Customers can enjoy Christmas pudding drizzled with a decadent and creamy brandy sauce or a mince pie cheesecake with pouring cream or the choice of vanilla ice cream. Diners hoping to make a celebration of it can enjoy a 200ml bottle of Prosecco for an additional charge of £6.35 per person.

Our canine best friends will be in for some Christmas cheer at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store. Each customer will receive a Barking Bakery Woofin doggy cupcake treat to take home as well as a money off voucher for Dobbies’ pet department. A maximum of two dogs per person attending are permitted and customers in Edinburgh are encouraged to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Dobbies’ Partnership and Events Manager, Sarah Murray, said: “We are very excited to welcome our customers and their dogs to our Edinburgh store for a very special Christmas lunch, the dedicated dog-friendly area in our restaurant.

“We pride ourselves on being dog-friendly and know how important pets are to the family. Everyone deserves to enjoy the festivities and we can’t wait to meet the dogs in Edinburgh. We hope they enjoy this event as much as our customers do and have a barking good time.”

For more information and booking, please visit: events.dobbies.com.