Tag: food and drink

Morrisons gives 10% discount to emergency workers for Christmas

– Blue Light Card holders eligible for 10% discount on their shopping –
– Available to those in the Emergency Services, Care Workers and Armed Forces

Morrisons has announced it is offering those in the Emergency Services, Care Workers and Armed Forces who hold a Blue Light Card ​a 10% discount on their shopping in stores nationwide. 

The move follows on from the 10% discount offered by Morrisons to NHS and School Staff across the country. 

The Blue Light Card is a recognised national scheme which provides card holders with a range​ of discounts from large national retailers to local businesses including holidays, days out and insurance. 

The Morrisons discount, which is valid till after Christmas, is a thank you to the thousands of key workers including Social Care Workers who have gone above and beyond their usual roles to provide care and support to the British public throughout the Coronavirus pandemic this year. 

Blue Light Card holders will also be able to participate in a dedicated shopping hour alongside NHS workers and School staff from 6am-7am (Mon-Sat) before Morrisons stores open to other customers. 

David Potts, Morrisons Chief Executive said: “Our emergency services, social care sector and armed forces have worked tirelessly this year to provide support to the many people who need it across the UK, often in exceptionally difficult circumstances.

“This discount is a thank you for all that they have done and continue to do for us all.” 

Tom Dalby, CEO of Blue Light Card, commented on the partnership: “We are thrilled to partner with Morrisons in saying thank you to those who have been working on the front line during these difficult few months. 

“Morrisons is a well-loved fresh food brand for many and offering a Blue Light Card discount will make a huge difference to our members. I hope that this partnership will make the Christmas food shop that little bit easier for those who go the furthest for us.​” 

Card holders can claim the 10% discount on their groceries by presenting their Blue Light ID card at the till in any of Morrisons 498 stores nationwide. 

See​ https://my.morrisons.com/blue-light-card-terms-and-conditions/ for more information on terms and conditions. 

All the ways to shop with Morrisons during the pandemic

– Same-day delivery services available via Amazon and Deliveroo – 

– Dedicated Telesales line and Doorstep Delivery Service available for those who are self-isolating, the elderly and vulnerable customers –

– Morrisons stores are operating with normal opening hours in line with Government restrictions – 

To continue serving customers during the pandemic, Morrisons has introduced a number of different ways to purchase food in addition to their usual online delivery service.

Morrisons stores remain open as usual (typically Mon–Sat 7am-10pm, Sun 10am-4pm) and are following Government advice where relevant, however, for those that don’t want to shop in store, there are plenty of other options including a Doorstep Delivery service for self-isolating, elderly and vulnerable shoppers, same-day deliveries with Amazon and Deliveroo for quick and convenient shopping.

In addition, there is a selection of Food Boxes available online, which will be delivered next day if ordered before 3pm, as well as click & collect and regular online delivery service with slots available on morrisons.com.

Doorstep Delivery Service

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Vulnerable, elderly and self-isolating customers including students can order their shopping on the Doorstep Delivery service via a telesales line by calling 0345 611 6111. They can choose from a range of groceries and their order will be delivered the next day by a Morrisons store colleague and paid for, on their doorstep, via a mobile chip and pin device.

Via Amazon

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Customers can access Morrisons shopping either through Morrisons on Amazon (an Amazon.co.uk service) and the Morrisons Store on Amazon Prime Now (accessible via the Prime Now site and app) provides Prime members with a way of getting free-of-charge same-day grocery delivery.

Orders are placed on Amazon, before being picked in store by Morrisons employees and packed in a dedicated area. From there, the shopping is collected by Amazon Flex Delivery Partners and delivered to the customer within a two-hour delivery window on the same day.

Via Deliveroo

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Morrisons has partnered with Deliveroo at more than 130 stores across the UK – covering one in four households (6.8 million). Customers can order from over 200 essential household items, including meat, plant-based substitutes, fruit, vegetables and household essentials, for on-demand delivery in as little as 30 minutes.

All deliveries are contact-free to ensure safety, with Deliveroo riders leaving the deliveries at customers’ doors to collect, minimising person-to-person contact.

Food Boxes

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In March, Morrisons launched a nationwide food box service and has since expanded the range to over 25 choices including cupboard essentials, vegan essentials, gluten-free essentials, meat and fish options, wine boxes and party boxes. All prices listed on Morrisons food boxes website https://www.morrisons.com/food-boxes/ include next day (if ordered before 3pm) or nominated day delivery. You can even save with a subscription on selected boxes.

Click & Collect

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Morrisons has expanded its Click & Collect service to 280 locations nationwide. Customers can simply complete a Morrisons.com order online and then collect from store, contact-free, at a time that suits them best.

For more information visit www.morrisons.com.

Change law to guarantee all publicans a decent living, Scottish Government urged

The Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee has published its report into legislation proposed by Labour MSP Neil Bibby to govern the relationship between tied pub tenants and pub-owning businesses. 

The Tied Pubs (Scotland) Bill is being backed by CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, which is calling on the Scottish Government and all parties in the Scottish Parliament to vote for the legislation when it is debated later this month. 

Licensees in Scotland are currently exempt from regulations that are in place across the rest of Great Britain which stop large pub companies from taking more than is fair or sustainable from pub profits by forcing licensees to buy their beer from them rather than on the open market. 

Responding to the publication of the Scottish Parliament Committee’s report, CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona said: “CAMRA is calling on Business Minister Jamie Hepburn and the Scottish Government to do the right thing and give their backing to the Tied Pubs Bill when it is debated later this month.

“This Bill will create, in law, a powerful pubs code to guarantee tied pub tenants are treated fairly and can earn a decent living. 

“Scottish Government support for this legislation would be very warmly welcomed by both consumers and the licenced trade as a positive move to help pubs, publicans and pub-goers, after weeks and months of harsh restrictions which are devastating the industry. 

“Just a few weeks ago Heineken’s pub arm, Star Pubs and Bars, were fined £2 million by England and Wales’ Pubs Code Adjudicator for serious and repeated breaches of the pubs code. But despite being headquartered in Edinburgh, their Scottish tenants don’t have similar protections to stop pub companies taking more than is fair or sustainable from tied licensees’ profits or make it harder to sell a range of locally-brewed products in their pubs. 

“The Scottish Government must now take this opportunity to change the law so that tied pub tenants here have the same protections as those south of the border.” 

Morrisons launch explosive spicy sausages for Bonfire Night

Morrisons has brought back a set of fiery bonfire night bangers made with three of the hottest chillies known to mankind. 

Back by popular demand, The Morrisons ‘Hellfire’ sausages contain an explosive combination of Naga Ghost, Trinidad Scorpion and Carolina Reaper chilli – some of the spiciest chillies you can get according to the Guinness World Records.

They have been expertly blended with Morrisons 100% British ‘The Best’ sausage meat to create the ultimate hair-raising banger.

With coronavirus restrictions putting a dampener on many Halloween and Bonfire plans this year, these scorching six chilli rating sizzlers are sure to heat up even the smallest at home celebrations. But be quick, as the sausages are available for a limited time only.

Morrisons Sausage Buyer, Campbell Breakwell said: “These sausages cooked up a storm amongst our customers last year, so rightfully we had to bring them back!

“For those feeling dare devilish enough to try them for the first time, we’d suggest having a glass of milk at the ready!”

Available in Morrisons stores for £2.65 for a pack of six – or two packs for £4 if you’re feeling brave.

Available in the majority of Morrisons stores – whilst stocks last

Nominations now open for Asian Restaurant Awards 2020

The 4th Asian Restaurant Awards in association with Just Eat will return to Scotland on 7 December 2020.

The awards recognise outstanding culinary excellence, sumptuous creativity, and achievement by those who have worked hard to help their local community during the recent pandemic that has rocked the hospitality industry. 

Nominations are now open and the public have until the 20 November to vote for their favourite restaurant online:

https://asianrestaurantawards.org/scotland-nomination-form/

This year, because of Covid-19 restrictions the judges won’t visit individual restaurants, so their winning decisions will rely entirely on customer nominations and any information supplied by the nominee.

The winners will be announced at a virtual award ceremony broadcast live from the Sheraton Hotel in Edinburgh on NTV Europe (Sky 780) on Monday 7 December from 6 – 8pm.

Andrew Kenny, Managing Director of Just Eat, said “Just Eat has worked closely with the Asian Catering Federation for a number of years. During an exceptionally challenging year, I’m delighted to celebrate our partnership by helping to recognise those who have worked tirelessly through the last 10 months and continue to do so.”

Organised by the Asian Catering Federation, the awards have become a pinnacle for uniting the Asian restaurant industry in achieving recognition for innovative vision and exceptional food.

Categories will cover a range of national cuisines, including Chinese, Bangladeshi, Indian, Thai and Middle Eastern, and also include the highly anticipated Chef of The Year, Best Newcomer and Local Hero awards.

Industry legend and Curry Club founder, Pat Chapman, a judge at this year’s awards, said: “Things have always been tough for the curry restaurant sector with immigration regulations and competition, and the virus has enforced closures (some permanent) and loss of income, so this year, more than ever, it is a pleasure to be involved in these uplifting ceremonies.”

The 2019 awards in Edinburgh were hosted by BBC TV news anchor Samantha Simmonds and over 70 Asian restaurants from across Scotland were shortlisted for an award. Winners in 2019 included Mother India’s Café in Edinburgh, Masala Ram’s in Falkirk and Panache in Elgin.

As Chairman of the Asian Restaurant Awards, Yawar Khan (above) is keen to uphold the traditions of honouring great food and maintain a strong stance on how recent measures are affecting the hospitality industry.

He said “During these difficult times, we need more support from the government, and the Asian Restaurant Awards 2020 are a wonderful way to give recognition to hardworking people in the Asian food industry.”

Restaurant group launches national initiative to support staff through Winter

Top restaurant group, Kained, has teamed up with TiPJAR and Hospitality Action to kickstart a national charity campaign to help Scottish hospitality workers during the COVID-19 crisis.  

If you take a stroll down Finnieston this month, you’ll spot an innovative window display that has been designed to support local hospitality staff who have been hit the worst during the pandemic.

The pioneering new ‘Support Local’ activation – the first of its kind in the world launches today (Monday, 2nd November),  and is the first fintech project of its kind in Scotland to tackle challenges presented by the uncertainty of the current pandemic and help support local hospitality staff.

TiPJAR – the UK’s new cashless and contactless tipping platform will help raise emergency funds for the Kained 100-strong team, and thousands of others nationally, who like many in the hospitality sector are receiving reduced support for 67% of their regular income and in most cases, now facing no government support due to changes in the new tier system and furlough eligibility.

The revolutionary campaign sees contactless tipping boxes provided by TiPJAR in the Finnieston restaurant windows which you can support by giving a £2 cash-free donation that goes directly to Hospitality Action to distribute to hospitality workers across Scotland – including the Kained team.

Simply tap to tip on their window to support local workers, with half of the money distributed straight to the Kained staff and the other half donated to a national pot to help the most at-risk workers.

Graham Suttle, MD of Kained, said: “We are proud to kick off a national campaign to bring support and a much-needed lifeline for so many, in such difficult times. 

“Our customers are as much part of the family as our team, and have asked so many times to help they now have a safe and direct way via this award-winning platform, to help support our amazing team and those most in need across the nation.” 

TiPJAR is an award-winning cashless tipping platform that allows individuals and groups to receive tips from consumers directly and distribute them transparently and fairly amongst their team.

James Brown, founder of TiPJAR and retail director of to BrewDog, said: “Having started my hospitality career working in bars in the city, I couldn’t think of a better place to launch this campaign.

“As many staff and businesses now face their toughest challenge of the pandemic so far, we wanted to do what we can to help the staff at Kained and staff all across the U.K.”

All funds will be donated towards Hospitality Action who will distribute funds to hospitality workers in Scotland. 

If you would like to support the initiative, you can donate by clicking this link, head to the Finnieston and tap to tip their windows or visit https://tip.wearetipjar.com/p/kh-finnieston

Join the tipping revolution, for more information on TiPJAR, head to https://www.wearetipjar.com

Michelin-starred chefs create meal ideas for students to savour

Two of Scotland’s finest chefs have created mouthwatering vegan recipes for students staying in University of Edinburgh accommodation.

The nutritious meal suggestions – devised by Michelin-starred Martin Wishart and Tom Kitchin – are part of a range of recipe cards to be included in food packages for students if they are self-isolating in halls.

The Edinburgh-born chefs have developed their recipes with student kitchens in mind. Each uses a variety of high-quality, fresh vegetables and herbs, and take less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook.

Tom Kitchin – chef and owner of award-winning restaurant The Kitchin, The Scran & Scallie, Southside Scran and The Bonnie Badger – launched the project by creating a fragrant tofu and noodle broth.

Martin Wishart (above), proprietor of the award-winning Restaurant Martin Wishart, has prepared a colourful vegan box with stir-fried vegetables and chilli noodles.

Much-loved local eateries Bross Bagels and Civerinos Slice have also created vibrant meal suggestions for students to enjoy.

The recipe cards are the latest addition to the package of support students receive if they are required to self-isolate in University accommodation due to Covid-19 restrictions. University chefs have also created recipes, which include jackfruit casserole, chilli bean ragu and smoked mackerel fillets with potatoes.

University staff are working 24-hours a day to ensure that students receive a balanced diet, with self-isolation packs consisting of three meals a day to students in catered halls as well as up to 800 grocery boxes per week for those in self-catered. Essential items are also being delivered on request.

Staff have been delivering up to 2,400 packed meals per day to students in catered halls and more than 800 grocery boxes per week to those in self-catered across 48 different locations.

Round-the-clock care is also on hand to ensure that students can speak with staff either on the phone or in person if they have any worries or concerns. As well as counselling and online support services, the University has almost 200 Residence Assistants and Wardens on site to help students.

From Friday, the University is asking students to share their kitchen creations on social media to win a three-course meal from The Scran & Scallie or Civerinos Slice for their household.

Chef Tom Kitchin said: “This is a really brilliant initiative by University of Edinburgh and I am delighted to support it. We all know that eating well and planning a good meal start with the use of good ingredients.

“With a little bit of imagination and some cooking tips along the way, some students might discover a love for cooking. Times are challenging for many so it’s more important than ever that we stick together and support the community, especially the young generation in all this. I’m excited to see what dishes the students will come up with and what new ideas are coming our way.”

Carina Svensen, Director of Accommodation, Catering and Events at the University of Edinburgh, said: “We are thrilled to provide students with these fantastic recipe ideas and work with local businesses.

“Tom and Martin are renowned for championing fresh Scottish produce, and Bross Bagels and Civerinos Slice are really popular, so we are sure this will be a hit with our students.

“This year has been tough on all of us, but I hope that this will give our students a boost and encourage them to showcase their creative flair. We are keen to continue this initiative and work with other Edinburgh businesses to create more exciting opportunities for our students.”

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs said: “This an excellent initiative from celebrity Michelin-starred chef’s Martin Wishart and Tom Kitchin.

“Students starting university this year have faced far more challenges than a usual student intake and this is friendly gesture which acknowledges these challenges.

“Since the start of this year, looking out for each other and sticking together has been hugely important and this is another example of the kindness on show in local communities.”

Watch Tom Kitchin create his recipe for University of Edinburgh students here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tP2BOnUkHbs&feature=youtu.be

HALF of Scots felt that their trips to the supermarket were vital to combating isolation during lockdown

From our bellies, to our minds, to our hearts: The role of the UK’s supermarkets through COVID-19

Scotland’s new ‘five-tier’ lockdown system comes into effect tomorrow, with each of the country’s 32 local authorities falling into Levels 0 to 4, depending on coronavirus infection rates.

In light of the increase in localised lockdowns due to surging Coronavirus cases, the role of grocers and supermarkets has now become more clear than ever. Not only have they been integral in providing us all with basic living necessities, they have also played a hugely important role when it comes to our mental health. 

The national lockdown in March saw millions of people confined to their homes, fearful of any contact with other people. However, these fears also came with elements of cabin fever as people yearned to once again feel a sense of normal.

For many, the only time this could be achieved was through their weekly shop; a time they were able to (safely) socialise, and gain a glimpse of normality amid the unforeseen circumstances brought about by the pandemic.

In light of this, technology pioneers Ubamarket found that 50% of Scots believed their weekly shop to the supermarket was vital to combating the isolation they were feeling during lockdown. As we experience a tightening of restrictions once again, the centrality of supermarkets in society has now become overwhelmingly clear, with many once again finding solace in their supermarket. 

Now, it is more important than ever that supermarkets and the retail sector alike are able to adapt to the post-Coronavirus climate.

According to many industry commentators, retail technology holds the key to helping supermarkets and retailers transition into the new future of retail as designed by Coronavirus. The implementation of end-to-end tech solutions which help supermarkets to streamline and modernise the shopping experience in keeping with the changing retail landscape. 

Will Broome, CEO and Founder of Ubamarket, discusses the integral role of supermarkets amid the Coronavirus crisis, and how technology can transform the current in-store offering to ensure long-term success and customer satisfaction:

“Localised lockdowns have highlighted exactly how important local shops and supermarkets are to consumers across the country. An essential presence, our nation’s shop keepers are constantly at the front line, providing everyone with their basic necessities.

“Their presence is absolutely paramount in our efforts to combat the difficulties brought about by the virus, and with half of Scots combating isolation and finding much-needed relief when doing their weekly shop, the centrality of supermarkets has never been clearer.  

“Now, in order to sustain this, the world of retail needs to evolve and adapt to the new Coronavirus climate, moving away from the existing problems the sector has. The constantly changing store layouts, the outdated queues and checkouts, and the lack of communication between supermarkets and their customers are just some of the issues that COVID-19 has made very clear. 

Retail tech offers an all-encompassing solution; in Ubamarket’s case in the form of a simple app; which can put consumers in control, doing away with the need for time-consuming queues, unhygienic checkouts, and confusion about where products are and whether they are in stock.

“In a tech-supported store, customers can simply check ahead of time which products are in stock, be guided to their exact location with an aisle sat-nav, and then simply scan and pay in-app, rather than having to waste time and risk potentially dangerous exposure in queues or tills.

“I for one am extremely interested to see how the retail landscape in the UK will emerge from the Coronavirus crisis, but if one thing is certain, it is the capability of retail technology to help us build the future of retail that we would like to see.”

Morrisons offers Teachers and School Staff 10% off all groceries

From this Monday (Nov 2nd), all teachers and school staff will be able to claim a 10% discount* on their shopping in Morrisons stores nationwide.

Lasting until after Christmas, the special discount is a thank you to half a million teachers** and additional school staff who are looking after the nation’s children and supporting them through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Primary, secondary, private and special educational school teachers can all claim the discount, as well as all teaching assistants, catering staff, dinner ladies, caretakers, cleaners and school office staff.

These groups will also be able to participate in a dedicated shopping hour alongside NHS workers from 6am-7am (Mon-Sat) before stores open to other customers.***

Morrisons also offers a 10% discount for NHS staff which was introduced in April.

From this Monday, all teachers and school staff will be able to claim a 10% discount on their shopping in Morrisons stores nationwide. Lasting until after Christmas, the special discount is a thank you to the half a million teachers and additional school staff who are looking after the nation’s children and supporting them through the COVID-19 pandemic.

David Potts, Morrisons Chief Executive said: “Teachers and school staff are facing many challenges and the education of our children has never been more important. This discount is our way of saying thank you as they continue to care for and educate our kids.”

Teachers and school staff can claim the 10% discount on their groceries by presenting their school photo ID card at the till in any of Morrisons 498 stores from Monday 2 November.

*The 10% discount cannot be used with a purchase of alcohol, drugs, pharmaceutical products, infant milk or formula, tobacco and is not available online.

Full terms and conditions here https://my.morrisons.com/teachers

**https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-workforce-in-england

*** The special hour of shopping also applies in most stores on a Sunday from 9am

Old Curiosity brings the festive spirit with colour changing Christmas Gin

Scottish craft distillery, Old Curiosity, has launched a new limited-edition Christmas Gin ahead of the festive period, perfectly capturing the essence of the season by blending classic aromatic spices, and naturally coloured with botanicals to create a fitting rosy red colour. 

The Secret Garden Christmas Gin (50cl, 39% ABV) is distilled with botanicals grown in the distillery’s Secret Herb Garden on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom are distilled to create a distinctly festive flavour, while hollyhock petals give the liquid a natural festive red colouring.  

The Secret Garden Christmas Gin comes in three sizes to suit a range of gift ideas. Starting from a perfect stocking filler size of 5cl (£5.95), 20cl (14.95) to 50cl (£35.95), ideal for a gin lover’s present. The range also includes a festive gift set of a 20cl bottle of Christmas Gin paired with the distillery’s renowned Wild Gin (20cl, 40% ABV), priced at £29.95.  

To create the perfect festive serve 

  • Fill a Tall glass with ice 
  • Add 50ml Christmas Gin 
  • Top up with low sugar tonic 
  • Garnish with Orange  

Once the tonic is poured into the glass, the bright red Christmas Gin turns to a striking fluorescent pink.  

Hamish Martin, Director at the Old Curiosity Distillery, commented: “We really wanted to explore a new range of festive flavours using traditional seasonal ingredients to make our Christmas Gin.

“We drew influence from medieval Christmas feasts by distilling the gin with cinnamon and aromatic cardamom, while the ginger gives the spirit an extra kick for warmth!  

“We’ve proud to say that our Christmas Gin contains no preservatives, sugars, colourings or flavourings, only truly natural ingredients from our very own Secret Herb Garden in Midlothian. We hope gin lovers enjoy our festive tipple this Christmas.” 

The botanicals used in the Christmas Gin carefully grown at The Secret Herb Garden on the outskirts of Edinburgh. The Secret Garden is an award-winning herb nursery with over 600 naturally grown and tended varieties of herbs and flowers which are picked, dried and distilled by hand to deliver the pure essence of nature. 

It is most renowned for the highly acclaimed and multi award-winning collection of premium, 100% natural, Secret Garden Gins which are stocked by some of the UK’s most prestigious retailers and now exported to 11 countries around the globe. The distillery also produces ranges of teas, soaps and hand sanitisers. 

The Secret Garden Christmas Gin is available now online at theoldcuriosity.co.uk. 

To find out more about the Old Curiosity distillery and The Secret Garden Gins please visit www.theoldcuriosity.co.uk.