Tag: food and drink

Regional Food Fund: £100,000 available to promote local produce

Scottish food businesses, producers and groups are encouraged to apply for grants of up to £5,000 to promote and champion produce from their local area.

Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s Regional Food Fund, launches its fifth round with £100,000 available from the Scottish Government to support regional food activity across Scotland.

Since 2018, the Scottish Government has provided over £770,000 to the fund, which has supported 167 collaborative projects, varying from food and drink tourism trails, festivals, new equipment and regional marketing campaigns.

Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said: “Food and drink is one of our largest industry sectors, and Scotland’s largest employer with an industry value of over £15 billion. The engagement of regional markets is vital in achieving our industry strategy and growth ambitions for the next ten years.

“Scotland has a highly successful and influential food and drink sector and this fund allows us to demonstrate that through the development of creative food and drink projects.

“These grants allow opportunities to increase the promotion of local produce, the chance for businesses to engage and educate local communities about what is available and showcase some of our most exciting food and drink ventures.”

Euan Armstrong, at Visit Moray Speyside, which was supported by the fund said: “The Regional Food Fund has contributed to Taste Of Moray Speyside’s overall brand presence by assisting in the development of various events and promotional activities.

“The feedback from businesses participating in Cocktail Week and Farm To Fork Week has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Lesley Wilkinson of Forth Valley Food and Drink, another recipient, said: “The Regional Food Fund has been instrumental in bringing our vision to life.

“It enabled us to produce a series of compelling short documentary films that celebrate the rich and diverse food and drink scene of the Forth Valley.”

Head of Regional Food at Scotland Food & Drink, Fiona Richmond said: “The Regional Food Fund is now entering its fifth round, a real testament to the importance of this programme.

“In the past, the fund has helped bring to life food and drink festivals, promotion campaigns for Scottish produce, market weekends, cook schools and many more collaborative opportunities showing the quality of produce and the journey from field to fork.

“The Fund encourages collaboration within regions and the supply chain, shining a spotlight on unique food and drink stories and experiences for us all to enjoy. The desire for local produce is strong, and Scotland Food & Drink are proud to continue our support to regional food and drink initiatives.”

Eligible businesses and groups are encouraged to apply for a grant and to work collaboratively with others to continue to engage communities and achieve regional food and drink success.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on 30 August 2024. 

Gilded Balloon announce foodie pop-ups at brand new bar

PLUS LOCAL BREWERY NEWBARNS LAUNCH GILDED BALLOON’S VERY OWN PINKTASTIC PINTS

A brand new bar is set to open in the heart of Edinburgh Festival Fringe this August, as some of the city’s best food vendors pop up for daytime dining at Gilded Balloon’s brand-new bar Lucky Penny including Alby’s, Spitaki, Wing Theory and more.

The hidden gem will serve up everything from frozen cocktails, Kegronis and Gilded Balloon’s very own beer. 

Located at 19-20 Teviot Place, in the former Saboteur venue, Lucky Penny will welcome Fringe fans, acts and industry to the bar, which will be run in partnership with local brewery Newbarns, serving up fresh pints and cocktails as well as the very best Edinburgh food and drink pop-ups.

Gilded Balloon is a family run business, operated by mother-daughter duo Katy and Karen Koren, with Lucky Penny named after the newest member of the family, Katy’s daughter Penny. 

Lucky Penny opens from 12pm on 31st July until 26th August meaning foodie fans have almost four weeks to pop in and try some of the incredible Edinburgh vendors taking over the bespoke bar from 1-6pm for daytime dining like no other.

Locals and tourists alike can take a break from Fringe fun to feast on the capital’s very best food offerings in Lucky Penny before heading off to experience over 3000 shows on offer at the Festival. 

Plus, renowned Leith brewers Newbarns have introduced a special Gilded Balloon themed IPA ‘Hiya Pals’ with pinktastic pints set to be poured in the Leith Newbarns taproom, at Lucky Penny and across all Gilded Balloon venue bars at Patter House and the National Museum of Scotland.

Gilded Balloon work with Scottish brands Tennent’s Lager, Newbarns and Leith Spirits to provide spirits, beer,cider and more across all of their Fringe bars. 

Open 7 days a week from 12pm – late, Lucky Penny will welcome a relishing roster of seven different foodie pop-ups throughout the month of August including: 

Alby’s take on a classic hot dog with Big Hot Bangers, deep fried specialists Big Dip, authentic Greek food from Spitaki, fried chicken connoisseurs Wing Theory, Lebanese street food from Lazeez, Vietnamese cuisine from Banh Mi Brothers, as well as frozen cocktails and mimosas from Pulp Friction. Plus, award winning pies from Jarvis Pickle will be available all day and night throughout the Festival for tasty bites in between shows! See below for full line-up and dates. 

As one of the Fringe’s original, and pinkest, venues, Gilded Balloon’s brand new Lucky Penny is in addition to bars at two venues Patter House and the National Museum of Scotland. The pop up bar will be operated in partnership with Edinburgh’s Newbarns Brewery, pouring their own easy-drinking pale ales and lagers, Aperol Spritzes and Gin Fizzes, as well as Kegronis from other local favourite Electric Spirit, meaning Negronis on tap all summer long! 

Katy and Karen Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon said: “It’s so exciting to reveal our incredible line-up of vendors who will be popping up at Lucky Penny and bringing some of Edinburgh’s very best food to Fringe.

“From fresh hot sandwiches from Alby’s to authentic Greek food from Spitaki, Pulp Friction’s frozen cocktails and even Negronis on tap, Lucky Penny will be the spot to chill out and grab a bite of some of the city’s most delicious food before taking in lots of Fringe shows!

“We’re looking forward to throwing open the doors to Lucky Penny and welcoming Fringe fans, performers and the Fringe community and industry to the brand new space for some ‘Hiya Pals’ pints in the sun, fresh out of the tap from our pals at Newbarns.”

Emma McIntosh, Director of Newbarns Brewery said: “As a local Leith brewery, working with a renowned local Edinburgh Fringe venue such as Gilded Balloon made perfect sense.

“We’ve created our bespoke ‘Hiya Pals’ IPA in collaboration with Gilded Balloon, available exclusively throughout the Festival in our brand new perfectly pink cans. We hope Newbarns fans will pop along to the Lucky Penny to sip on some freshly brewed pints this August!” 

LUCKY PENNY – AUGUST TAKEOVERS

Spitaki, 1-6pm 

Thursday 1st

Sunday 4th

Thursday 15th

Lazeez, 1-6pm

Friday 2nd – Saturday 3rd 

Pulp Friction, 7-10pm

Saturday 3rd 

Wednesday 14th

Thursday 22nd

Saturday 24th 

Wing Theory, 1-6pm

Thursday 8th – Sunday 11th August

Big Dip, 1-6pm

Saturday 17th August – Sunday 18th August

Banh Mi Brothers, 1-6pm 

Thursday 22nd – Saturday 24th August 

Alby’s, 1-6pm

Sunday 25th August

Jarvis Pickle Pies

Daily 

Walk-ins only, no bookings. Open to the general public from 12pm – 6pm,  artist and VIP bar only from 7pm. 

Gilded Balloon’s ‘Pals in Pink’ will welcome audiences from around the world as staff transform Patter House and the National Museum of Scotland into fabulously pink hubs of creativity with acts from every genre descending during the month of August.

Big name stars from Michelle Brasier and Jack Docherty will take to the stage alongside comedy’s very best newcomers from Joshua Bethania to Kathleen Hughes, as well as an expertly-curated programme of theatre such as Chemo Savvy, a tribute to the late Andy Gray, The Steamie, Pop Off, Michelangelo and much more. 

Foodies queue for hours at the opening of Scotland’s first Cinnabon

Shoppers turned up their droves and travelled for miles to get their hands on the world-famous bons at the opening of Cinnabon’s first-ever Scottish site at The Centre, Livingston yesterday (26th July), with queues starting almost two hours before it opened.

The company, which started out it in Seattle in 1985, has branches in over 48 countries around the world, and now Scotland, at one of the country’s largest shopping centers, The Centre, Livingston which has over 150 shops including Flannels, Rituals and River Island.

Fans and those new to Cinnabon, travelled from all over the country to get their hands on the tasty treats, which come in a variety of flavours, including the original roll which is the Classic Cinnabon with Makara cinnamon and signature frosting, ChocoBon and Caramel PecanBon.

The first customers also received a special tote bag.

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “The opening of the first-ever Cinnabon branch in Scotland was a huge success as people travelled from near and far and queued for up to two hours before it opened, with long queues continuing throughout the day, to get their favorite bons. 

“The opening is a fantastic addition to our existing variety of great places to shop and eat at The Centre, Livingston which makes for a brilliant day out when visiting us.”

Healthy Cooking Course for Women at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

A new 6 week cooking course for women, run by Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC), will be starting at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre on Thursday 1st August from 12:30- 2:30.

Learn to cook healthy delicious food in a small informal group and have fun while doing so!

Cinnabon set to open first Scottish outlet in Livingston

Livingston, the Bons are out of the bag!

Cinnabon® is now able to confirm the launch date for its first Scottish outlet.  We are counting down the days to Friday 26th July at The Centre, Livingston.  Get there early to avoid the queues!

Visitors to the shopping centre will see branded hoarding appear from 8th July as the Cinnabon® team works its magic to transform the area to a paradise of Cinnabon’s Ooey-Gooey® goodness and the smell of warm cinnamon and frosting.

Dan Smith, Brand Manager for Cinnabon, is delighted to confirm the first of several openings across Scotland: “It certainly has been difficult keeping this launch a secret, with many people across press and social media guessing that Livingston will be Cinnabon’s first store in Scotland. 

“To say we’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response is an understatement and reinforces our decision to open at The Centre, Livingston on Friday 26th July.   

“We have a lot of fans in Scotland, and they have been asking us to open here, and now we’ve delivered!  We’ll be there a few days earlier with the Cinnabon® bus so anyone who can’t wait to get their hands on our famous Bons, should head over to The Centre, Livingston to get a taster.”

With a promise of several more outlets over the coming months, Scotland is going to be awash in frosting from the famous American bakery chain and customers can look forward to a full selection of freshly baked Bons, including the Classic Cinnabon®, ChocoBon, Caramel PecanBon, as well as the official Biscoff Bon, and Choco bon made with OREO.  

In addition, Cinnafans will be able to indulge in the latest Chillattas, the infamous homemade lemonades and a selection of premium hot drinks.

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston commented: “We are truly delighted to welcome Cinnabon®, and already, there’s been so much excitement just from our team here at The Centre. 

“Our customers will be thrilled to hear that Livingston is confirmed as the first opening on the 26th July and we’re expecting big queues!”

If you have yet to discover Cinnabon® check out the website for more information on,

  • Cinnabon® Classic – The world-famous cinnamon roll is made with a combination of warm dough, legendary Makara cinnamon, and signature frosting for a freshly baked, irresistible sweet treat.
  • PecanBon – The signature Classic Roll, topped with decadent caramel frosting and pecans for the perfect crunch.
  • Biscoff Bon – The signature Classic Roll, generously coated in Biscoff spread and garnished with their signature biscuit.
  • Choco bon made with OREO – Delicious ChocoBon, topped with frosting then fused together with chocolate sauce and topped with OREO crumbs and a delicious OREO biscuit.
  • Chillatta- The coolest way to enjoy a Cinnabon®. This blended frozen masterpiece comes in a variety of flavours.

And if you can’t wait for the Livingston store to open, you can still get your fix online at www.cinnabon.uk

Exclusively for Scotland: M & S launches free sandwich campaign

  • From 17th July – 17th October, Scottish shoppers get their 7th sandwich FREE when they buy 6 – available with Sparks
  • THIS IS NOT JUST A SANDWICH: New offer in Scotland follows a host of award wins for M&S sandwiches – including the coveted Multiple Retailer of the Year Award at The Sammies Awards

From 17th July – 17th October, shoppers in Scotland can get their seventh sandwich on us when they buy six in a new 3 month campaign.

The offer is open to EVERYONE who is a member of Sparks in Scotland. Simply activate your offer in the M&S App and scan your digital Sparks card every time you buy a sandwich, wrap or roll. Collect six stamps and your seventh sandwich is free! If you don’t have the offer in your Sparks account, you can scan the QR code in an M&S Foodhall to get started.

When you’ve redeemed your free sandwich, you can start collecting all over again!

How to get your seventh sandwich on us in four easy steps:

  1. Download the M&S app
  2. Activate the offer in your Sparks account or add the offer by scanning the QR code in store
  3. Choose any delicious sandwich, wrap or roll
  4. Scan your Sparks card at checkout

Available for a limited time in 53 M&S stores and 15 Franchise stores in Scotland.

Sharry Cramond, M&S Director of Food Marketing and M&S Loyalty, said: “We’re delighted to introduce the seven for six sandwich campaign for Scottish shoppers this summer.

“With our loyalty scheme Sparks, we aim to give back to our customers with personalised offers and rewards they’ll love. I hope they’ll be delighted when they get their 7th (award winning) sandwich free! These are not just any sandwiches, and this is not just any campaign!” 

When you’re a member of Sparks, good things happen every time you shop! Sign up for personalised offers and rewards you’ll love, including money off, free treats and charity donations.

And never queue again with the time saving Scan & Shop. Simply use the Scan & Shop feature on the M&S app to scan and bag items as you go. Then pay for your food shop directly from the M&S App – no need to visit a checkout.

Download the M&S App to scan your Sparks card straight from your phone and keep track of offers and rewards.

IT’S OFFICIAL: M&S SANDWICHES REIGN SUPREME

The new Sparks sandwich offer in Scotland follows an incredible haul of wins at this year’s Sammies Awards – the ULTIMATE awards for sandwiches and food to go.

Multiple Retailer of the Year AwardThat’s right – we’re THE go-to destination for your next lunch. With 61 sandwiches, wraps and rolls to choose from, there’s something for everyone with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

Healthy Eating Award: High Protein Korean Egg WrapWith a whopping 23g of protein, you won’t want to miss this one. Fiery Marinated British chicken, pickled slaw, red pepper and chilli mayo and spinach, all in a carb clever egg wrap. 
WHAT ELSE IS NEW? Be one of the first to wrap your jaws around the latest sandwiches to join our stellar line up:

Roast Chicken & Chorizo Sandwich

This is not just a Roast Chicken & Chorizo sandwich.

Generously filled with British chicken and chorizo, packed with a lemon and paprika dressing on thick cut bread.

Cheddar Cheese New Yorker Sandwich
Farmhouse Cheddar cheese, gherkins, soft cheese mustard dressing, pickled onions and cabbage with spinach, on soft seeded rye bread. 

Want a gluten-free version? We’ve got you covered!

Our Made Without Cheddar Cheese New Yorker Sandwich won GOLD at the Free From Food Awards 2024 and was developed using our award-winning Made Without New York Deli Sandwich’s soft gluten-free seeded rye bread as a base.

Cheese & Marmite® Sandwich

Your favourite Marmite® spread with cream cheese and farmhouse mature Cheddar in soft vitamin-D enriched white bread. Under 400kcals, with one sold every 20 seconds in first two weeks of launch!


Natalie Tate, M&S Food Product Development Manager for sandwiches, salads and on-the-go options, said:“At M&S, we are iconic for our sandwich quality, and we have been busy coming up with more products to add to our amazing range of products.

“Our Cheddar & Marmite® sandwich is a collaboration made in heaven (for some!) and I assure you that more people love it than hate it, as it’s packed full of farmhouse cheddar and marmite cream cheese.

“The Roast Chicken & Chorizo is selling quicker than most other sandwiches in the range, and I can see why, as it’s packed full of British chicken, chorizo, and a delicious lemon & paprika dressing on thick-cut malted bread.

“Lastly, we have reintroduced our very popular Made Without Cheddar New Yorker which also just won GOLD at the Free From Awards 2024.”

Pubs to stay open late as England bid to ‘bring football home’

Pub and bar licensing hours extended tonight after England reach the final of the UEFA European Football Championship

TONIGHT (Sunday 14 July), pubs and bars across England and Wales can keep their doors open until 1am as England bid to become champions of Europe, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has confirmed.

Following the Three Lions’ emphatic (Eh? – Never a penalty! – Ed.) semi-final win on Wednesday night, the team is set to go head to head with Spain in the final of the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship.

The heavyweight clash will kick off at 8pm, with fans up and down the country coming together to show their support.

Pub licensing hours can be relaxed to mark occasions of “exceptional national significance”, meaning pubs and bars will be able to stay open for an extra 2 hours tonight.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “We’re so proud of Gareth Southgate and the England team. It’s right that we can all come together tomorrow to enjoy the match and—do we dare to dream?!—hopefully celebrate an England victory.

“I want to pay special thanks to the police officers and first responders who will be working across communities to keep us safe.

“I look forward to getting behind all our brilliant players, who bring so much pride to our country, and I want to wish the team the best of luck. Let’s bring it home.”

As well as bringing fans together for longer, tomorrow night’s extension is due to be a welcomed boost to the hospitality industry.

Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “As with the semi-finals, pubs will be licensed to stay open until 1am on Sunday night and thanks to the Home Office for making the changes to the licensing rules for allowing this to happen. 

“The changes give fans even more time to enjoy the game, support our pubs and hopefully celebrate football finally coming home. 

“Fans have shown us resoundingly this tournament that there is no better place to watch our teams and soak up the atmosphere than the great British pub. This Sunday the BBPA urges everyone to get down their local, support our pubs and get behind the boys. Come on England!”

UK Hospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “The Euros have provided a huge boost for hospitality businesses this summer, as fans pack pubs, bars and fan zones to come together and cheer on the home nations.

The extended licensing hours for the final will allow venues and fans to take advantage of the occasion, and hopefully celebrate an historic England win.”

IN THE INTEREST OF BALANCE IT’S ONLY FAIR TO SAY THAT NOT EVERYONE IN THE BRITISH ISLES IS LOOKING FORWARD TO ‘AN HISTORIC ENGLAND WIN’:

MAY the best – and not just the luckiest – team win tonight! – Ed.

COSMO Edinburgh reopens today

First look as Edinburgh multi-cuisine restaurant COSMO Authentic World Kitchen unveils stunning refurbishment as it sets to reopen this Saturday, 13th July from 12 noon: 

The restaurant, recently named Best Restaurant in Scotland by The Golden Chopsticks Awards, co-founded by Gok Wan, has recently undergone an impressive eight-week makeover, enhancing its luxurious ambiance with modern, stylish decor and furnishings.

COSMO Edinburgh, renowned for elevating the buffet dining experience, now boasts an inviting atmosphere filled with contrasting textures and tones. Guests will be guided through a world of flavours by an innovative lighting system and elegant marble counters.

For added comfort, the restaurant features plush leather booth seating, large stand-out wall projections, and a mix of dark and light oak shelving that offers private dining areas.

Conveniently located in the Omni Centre on Greenside Row, COSMO World Kitchen’s extensive menu showcases a diverse array of global dishes, ensuring every palate is catered for.

From Asian stir-fries and sushi to Italian pasta and American BBQ, COSMO’s all-you-can-eat buffet promises a culinary adventure for the entire family. The live food theatre, featuring Teppanyaki stations, adds to the excitement, with food freshly prepared and cooked to customers’ preferences.

Taking inspiration from the most extravagant five-star hotel buffets worldwide, the Tasting Kitchen offers a tour de force of the globe’s most popular dishes served on small plates. Diners can savour delights such as chilli con carne, tandoori chicken, and salt and chilli hash browns, making it the perfect opportunity to explore new dishes and cuisines. 

Kan Koo, Partner at COSMO, said: “We are excited to reveal our newly refurbished restaurant to the people of Edinburgh.

“Our goal was to create a luxurious yet comfortable dining environment that continues to elevate the buffet experience for the full family. We can’t wait to welcome our guests this weekend as a world of flavours awaits.”

COSMO delivers high-quality fare, world buffet style, offering Continental menus, Carvery, House of Spice, small plates Tasting Kitchen and Deli style food, alongside their East and South East Asian menus and reopens this Saturday, 13 July from 12 noon. 

Follow COSMO on social: 

@cosmorestaurants

Find out more or book a table at: 

www.cosmo-restaurants.co.uk/restaurants 

Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop opens in Castle Street tomorrow

Ben & Jerry’s is excited to announce the launch of its NEW SCOOP SHOP, OPENING THIS WEEKEND on Castle Street. 

From 12pm on Saturday 13th July, the doors will open to Scotland’s very first stand-alone Scoop Shop, as the values-led company spreads the joy of Ben & Jerry’s across the UK, as part of its growing portfolio of franchise stores. 

To celebrate the new store, the first 100 customers can get their hands on a free scoop in a sugar cone or cup. 

On Saturday 13th July 2024, ice cream lovers are invited to the grand opening from 12pm to enjoy a scoop of their favourite Ben & Jerry’s flavour at the brand NEW Scoop Shop on Castle Street. At less than a 15-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley station, it’s the perfect first-stop-shop for any new arrivals heading to the area.

Chris Braeger, Head of Franchising UK at Ben & Jerry’s commented: “We’re so excited to be spreading the joy of Ben & Jerry’s across the UK by bringing our scoops and swirls to our fans in Edinburgh with the opening of our first standalone store in Scotland!

“I truly believe we have the best fans in the world and I can’t wait to celebrate with them over a scoop of ice cream. The new store marks one of many set to open this year, so fans should keep their eyes peeled in case their city is next!”  

To celebrate the new store, the first 100 customers can get their hands on a free scoop in a sugar cone or cup. But visitors must be quick, as they aren’t expected to last long! 

A colorful room with a bar and a counter Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Alongside fan favourites and signature scoops, such as Chocolate Brownie Fudge and iconic Cookie Dough, visitors will be able to try Scoop Shop exclusives, including:

  • Vanilla – a simple but deliciously creamy classic!
  • Double Caramel Brownie – Caramel ice cream with salted caramel swirl and chocolate brownies (utterly irresistible)
  • Cherry Garcia – Cherry flavoured ice cream with cherries and dark chocolatey chunks, a real fan favourite!

Like all Ben & Jerry’s ice creams, the Scoop Shop flavours are lovingly made with Fairtrade chunks and swirls, and can be enjoyed in a cone or cup. Other signature desserts will also be available, including loaded hot fudge sundaes and extra waffle or brownie toppings for your scoop – all customisable with your choice of ice cream and sauces. 

Key details:

  • Where: 4 Castle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3DW
  • When: Open from Saturday 13th July
  • Opening times: 10am – 11pm

Worried about missing out? If you’re not near Edinburgh, then keep your eyes peeled, as Ben & Jerry’s is set to open more Scoop Shops across the UK over the next year… 

To find your nearest Scoop Shop, visit: www.benjerry.co.uk/ice-cream-near-me  

Morrisons Gyle fights holiday hunger

Morrisons Gyle has announced that it will continue to support its local community by joining the national effort to help prevent holiday hunger this summer.

Morrisons Community Champion Tess at Edinburgh Gyle donated £200 to Community One Stops Shop and Space at The Broomhouse Hub to help towards their free breakfast and free lunch for kids, to support families and children in the community and to tackle holiday hunger this summer. 

It was our pleasure to donate £100 to our friends at Community One Stop Shop and £100 to Space at The Broomhouse Hub. Community One Stop Shop are offering free breakfast packs, and Space at The Broomhouse Hub are offering free lunches to children. Tess met with Willie from Community One Stop Shop on Monday to hand over the donations.

Morrisons stores across the country will support school holiday activity programmes – arranged by local schools, community groups and HAF (the Holiday Activities and Food Programme), by donating £100,000 of food across the UK this summer. 

To help those in need, Morrisons already has its in-store Food Bank ‘Pick Up Pack’ scheme which allows customers to purchase a bag filled with a mix of products which are distributed to local food banks and community organisations by the in-store Community Champions. 

To find out more about the work being done by your local Morrisons community champion please visit: https://www.facebook.com/GyleCommunityChampion/