Tag: food and drink

Raise a glass to the world’s tallest animal for World Giraffe Day 2021

Today, Glenmorangie has launched a charity cocktail to support the protection of the world’s tallest animal, the giraffe, on the longest day of the year.

 To celebrate World Giraffe Day the commemorative drink crafted by makers of tasty liquor Mothership, will raise funds towards the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), as part of the single malt whisky’s ongoing concerted effort to aid the animal in partnership with GCF and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS). 

 The giraffe has long been a beloved symbol of the Highland Distillery. The same height as an adult giraffe, its stills allow more space for taste and aroma, which is why Glenmorangie’s spirit is so wonderfully delicate and fruity.

But the giraffe faces serious threats in the wild, from poaching to habitat loss. Numbers have fallen by almost 30% in just 30 years – and some types are now critically endangered.

Earlier this year, Glenmorangie supported RZSS with the wildlife conservation charity’s creation of a brand new habitat at Edinburgh Zoo, allowing giraffes to return to the capital for the first time in over 15 years.

 Featuring Glenmorangie Original, the ‘Camel Leopard’ cocktail is available online now via Mothership’s website and across its three Edinburgh venues, Bramble, Lucky Liquor and Last Word Saloon.

All proceeds will be donated towards GCF in their efforts to raise awareness of the plight of giraffes. With tropical and fresh notes, the cocktail unfolds with layers of complexity, making it the perfect drink to raise a glass to these magnificent creatures.

 Caspar MacRae, Global Marketing and Business Development Director of The Glenmorangie Company said: “For over 175 years we have created whisky in stills the same height as an adult giraffe, with this wonderful animal becoming a much-loved symbol of our brand.

“It seems only right that we should lend our support to protecting their future through our global conservation partnership with GCF and RZSS.

 “We have been working closely with Jason, Mike and Jon at Mothership for years – having dreamed up many of the delicious Glenmorangie cocktails in the past. Together, we will work to protect giraffes in the wild and shine a light on their predicament before it’s too late.”

 Jason Scott, co-founder of Mothership, added: “We’re pleased to once again collaborate with Glenmorangie, especially on such a special initiative, helping to save giraffes in the wild.

“With a balance of citrus, herbal and tropical flavours, this refreshing cocktail is perfect to raise a glass to the world’s tallest animal and enjoy on a long summer’s day.”

 Available until the 27th of June, Glenmorangie’s charity cocktail, the ‘Camel Leopard’ for World Giraffe Day 2021 is available at: mothershipscotland.com or Mothership’s venues Bramble, Lucky Liquor Co. and Last Word Saloon in Edinburgh.

Aldi launches Scotch Wagyu Steaks in time For Father’s Day

WAGYU WAITING FOR?

Aldi customers are set to enjoy one of the world’s most expensive meats at a fraction of the price as the supermarket launches Specially Selected Scotch Wagyu Ribeye, Sirloin and Fillet steaks.  

Believed to be the first supermarket to stock the famous Wagyu beef in premium PGI-certified Scotch, customers will be able to snap up a Scotch Wagyu steak for as little as £6.50 a pack based on average weight. 

What’s more, the Specially Selected Scotch Wagyu steak range will be available from all 96 Scottish Aldi stores from Thursday 17th June, making them the perfect Father’s Day meal. If he’s a sirloin fan, you can treat him to a steak for around £6.50 (based on £30.75/kg) or a ribeye for an average of £7 (based on £30.75/kg), or he can dine out on fillet for about £10 (based on £44.00/kg).  

Renowned for being one of the most expensive meats in the world, Wagyu tends to only be available in top restaurants or from specialist suppliers and is rarely found on supermarket shelves.   

The steak is famed for its intensely rich flavour and buttery, melt-in-the mouth texture provided by the unique fat marbling in the meat. Once cooked, the marbling melts into the meat, creating an incredibly tender texture and rich flavour.   

Aldi’s Wagyu steaks are produced from traditional pure bred Japanese cattle breeds that are born and reared in Scotland as part of the supermarket’s commitment to championing the highest quality Scottish produce.  

To get the most out of the Scotch Wagyu steaks, Aldi recommends allowing them to come to room temperature before cooking and season well with salt and pepper.  

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “The launch of our Specially Selected Scotch Wagyu steaks is another step forward in our support of the Scottish red meat industry. We are the first retailer to offer Scotch Wagyu steaks and I am so pleased that our loyal customers can enjoy this delicacy at an affordable price. 

If you are looking to treat your Dad to a gourmet meal this Father’s Day, or just fancy indulging yourself, look no further than Aldi Scotland. But be quick, because as with all Specialbuys, once they’re gone, they’re gone.  

Aldi is the biggest retailer of Scottish origin beef* and regularly tops NFU Scotland’s ‘shelf watch’ surveys, which means customers are guaranteed to find the highest quality, locally sourced meat all year round at Aldi stores in Scotland.   

Meat labelled as Scotch Beef PGI means it has been sourced from farms that meet the most stringent criteria in animal welfare and natural production methods. 

Morrisons brings back traditional glass milk bottles to cut plastic and reduce CO2 emissions

– Morrisons is launching reusable glass milk bottles to cut plastic and reduce CO2 emissions –

– The trial is a partnership with local dairy farmers –

– The ‘long life’ bottles last for decades without signs of wear and tear –

Morrisons is launching a glass milk bottle trial as part of its drive to reduce plastic and bring back traditional packaging. 

The glass milk bottles hold a pint[1] of milk and are priced at 90p. They are available in seven trial stores across Kent and four stores around Sheffield. They are delivered directly to Morrisons supermarkets by local dairy farms and once returned are collected and sanitised and can be reused for ten years or more. 

The introduction of traditional glass milk bottles is expected to remove 40,000 plastic bottles from these Morrisons stores per year as well as reduce CO2 emissions – as delivery from local suppliers means milk covers shorter distances. 

Natasha Cook, Packaging Manager, from Morrisons said: “We want to help our customers live their lives with less plastic. Reusing glass milk bottles is an easy leap for many people to make because they remember that this was how milk used to arrive on the doorstep.

” We’re currently talking to other local dairies and hope to be able to roll out glass milk bottles across the country.”

Steve Hynd, Policy Manager, from City to Sea said:“Milk is a prime example of a product that could and should be swapped from single-use plastic bottles to planet friendly reusable bottles.

“It is great to see Morrisons pioneering the process of delivering milk in reusable bottles in supermarket stores. We know this move is popular, with 3 out of 4 people telling us they want more refill options in shops as a way of tackling plastic pollution. This is Morrisons doing not only what’s right for the planet but also what their customers are telling us they want to see.” 

Morrisons has committed to a 50% reduction across its own-brand primary plastic packaging by 2025. Initiatives introduced over the last 12 months will remove 9,000 tonnes of unnecessary or problematic plastic each year. Over 83%of Morrisons own-brand plastic packaging is now able to be recycled. 

In 2019 Morrisons was voted the most environmentally responsible company in the UK for its work on plastics reduction at the Responsible Business Awards, run by HRH The Prince of Wales’ Business in the Community Network. 

For more information, visit: www.morrisons.co.uk .

A Pizz-a Every Nation!

Morrisons launches limited-edition Euros Pizza

Morrisons has launched a limited-edition ‘Best of Europe Pizza’ so customers can grab a slice of the action during Euro 2020.  

The 14” pizza combines flavour favourites from four footballing giants, with Germany, Spain, Portugal and Italy all coming together to make one pizza perfect to watch the group stages with.

Divided into quarters, Morrisons ‘Best of Europe Pizza’ is topped with frankfurters and red onion, chorizo and chargrilled peppers, mozzarella and pesto, and spicy peri peri chicken.

So, no matter if you’re rooting for Ronaldo, supporting Sane or cheering for Jorginho there’s no worrying about your loyalties as the Morrisons pizza combines the best bits from every country.

With the British weather warming up and restrictions around group gatherings relaxed, the new pizza is landing in-store at the perfect time for Euro 2020 parties and is being released ahead of England, Wales and Scotland’s first games in the tournament.  

Priced at just £3.89, Morrisons ‘Best of Europe Pizza’ is a fraction of the price of limited-edition pizzas at high street pizza restaurants. It will be hand-made by Morrisons Market Street experts in counters nationwide from Thursday 10 June. 

Leanne Cory, Pizza Buyer at Morrisons, said: “With so much excitement for the Euros, we wanted to give customers the ultimate opportunity to tuck into the best flavours of Europe, whilst enjoying the match.”

Morrisons ‘Best of Europe Pizza’ has the following countries’ flavours:  

  • Germany – Frankfurter sausage, red onion and mustard
  • Spain – Chorizo and chargrilled peppers
  • Italy – Mozzarella, pesto and tomato
  • Portugal – Spicy piri piri chicken

It is available from Morrisons Pizza Counters until Sunday 11 July and costs £3.89.

Lindsay scoops over £690 for her local foodbank as Aldi resumes Supermarket Sweep

The winner of Aldi’s Supermarket Sweep in Livingston has raised an amazing £698.36 for a local foodbank while picking up the same value in Aldi favourites for herself. 

After a year hiatus, Aldi’s hugely popular Supermarket Sweep returned to Scotland and lucky shopper Lindsay Smith, who was chosen as the winner of an in-store competition, took part in the five-minute trolley dash for charity on Sunday 6th June. 

As well as taking home a trolley full of goodies, Lindsay successfully found the three Scottish products on her shopping list so Aldi doubled the total value of her haul and donated the lump sum to her nominated charity, Polbeth Community Hub.   

Aldi Supermarket Sweep winner, Lindsay Smith, said: “Aldi Supermarket Sweep was an amazing experience that I will never ever forget, all the staff were brilliant and I’d like to thank them all. I am particularly delighted with the amount they kindly donated to my nominated food bank, I feel so happy and proud to be able to give something back to such a great cause.  

“Polbeth Community Hub is at the heart of our village and they pulled out all the stops during the pandemic, delivering food parcels to all those isolating or shielding, and continuing services like counselling and advice sessions online wherever they could.”   

Jane Cooper, Community Development Worker from Polbeth Community Hub, said: “We are extremely grateful to both Lindsay and Aldi for the kind nomination and wonderful donation that will be put to great use helping the community during times of need.

“We appreciate the support of our local Aldi and the kindness shown in what has being a very trying year for all.”

Richard Holloway, Regional Managing Director for Scotland, said: “The Aldi Supermarket Sweep is a firm favourite across the country and we are so pleased to be able to bring it back after a year hiatus.

“Congratulations to Lindsay who managed to raise an incredible £698.36 for Polbeth Community Hub and take home a trolley full of Aldi goodies for herself.” 

The Supermarket Sweep was run in line with current COVID-19 guidelines and all safety precautions, including social distancing, were adhered to.  

New St James Quarter video gives viewers a look inside some stores opening ‘Behind the Quarter’

St James Quarter has released episode two of its ‘Behind the Quarter’ series, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the highly anticipated shopping district. This episode showcases never-before-seen footage of a selection of the brands due to open as part of phase one.  

Gill Moore, Retail, F&B and Hospitality Director at St James Quarter sits down with the General Manager of Bonnie & Wild, Kate Russell, Founder of Bross Bagels, Larah Bross and Head of Branch at John Lewis Edinburgh, Barry Blamire to find out more about what guests can expect from the new residents of The Quarter and why they are excited to be part of one of the UK’s biggest city centre transformations.

The phase one opening line-up is one of the most significant any city in Scotland has ever seen with several brands making their Scottish debuts, including; Scottish food market Bonnie & Wild, & Other Stories, PULL&BEAR, Bershka and Stradivarius.

The full video can be streamed here.

Celebrate World Gin Day with Morrisons

World Gin Day takes place this Saturday (12th June) and Morrisons has everything gin lovers need to celebrate.

There are deals in store and online on a range of classic and flavoured gins – most of these last until Sunday, so customers will need to grab them before they’re gone. These include the likes of Beefeater Blood Orange Gin (£14 down from £18) and Sipsmith Lemon Drizzle Gin (£23 down from £28).

Morrisons The Best London Dry Gin (£15.50) has recently been Good Housekeeping Taste Test Approved, so is therefore the perfect choice for those after a great quality classic.

New Food Menu & Euros-inspired Scottish Cocktail to kick off summer at Fore Play Crazy Golf

Edinburgh’s favourite adult-only alternative night out, Fore Play Crazy Golf has today unveiled an exciting new street food and cocktail menu, including a Euros-inspired Scottish serve, to kick off summer.

Fore Play Crazy Golf believes that life’s happiest moments are found in the exceptional experiences we share with others. While they won’t be showing the football, you can still join the fun and show your support for our national team by sipping on their ‘Yes sir, I can bogie’ bevvie at the end of a round of crazy golf in their clubhouse bar, or sun-soaked cocktail garden. 

The patriotic blue and white showstopping serve features blood orange gin, Blue Curacao liqueur, and is topped with white cotton candy clouds. The refreshing drink features on their new cocktail menu which is now available to enjoy. 

Other quirky concoctions to try include a sweet Water(melon) Hazard – made with Midori liqueur and their blend of sweet and sour syrup, Snake in the Rough with Disaronno Originale liqueur, WKD Original Vodka and orange juice, and a delicious 5 Irn-egroni with Pickering’s Original 1947 gin, Campari and the OG Irn Bru. 

Meanwhile, in their kitchen, street food kings The Pitt have created a new global-inspired summer menu to tantalize your taste buds complete with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. 

There’s a sweet and sticky Duck Bahn Mi with locally-sourced baked milk bun, duck liver pate, crispy aromatic duck, Asian slaw, pickled vegetables, sriracha mayo, lime coriander and crushed salted peanuts. 

Go meat-free with their BBQ pulled jackfruit taco with marinated and stewed young jackfruit, mango salsa, coriander and pickled cabbage, or switch it up with locally-sourced white coley, avocado guacamole, iceberg lettuce, parsley cream, lemon and sriracha mayo.

Veggie fans will love their Korean BBQ mushroom Asian noodle salad, and of course, there are house favourites on there like their Buffalo cauliflower wings with shaved spring onions, lime and chilli flakes if you like things hot.

The Edinburgh venue, which recently opened their stunning cocktail garden seating up to 70 people, is the perfect destination for having fun this summer. They’ve also got great local independents available from their bars, including craft beers and ales from Edinburgh Beer Factory. 

From sipping on their playful cocktails, enjoying street food to tackling their signature crazy golf courses, you’re guaranteed to leave happy after your time on and off the green.  

Craig Neilson, Chief Greenkeeper at Fore Play Crazy Golf said: “It’s been a tough few months and we could not have come back swinging without our incredible customers and the support of the Edinburgh community. We think it’s high time to celebrate the beginning of a much anticipated, very Scottish summer. 

“We’ve gone all out with our new summer drinks, there’s something for everyone on there and it wouldn’t be complete without our homage to Scotland!” 

The new cocktail menu goes live today – Friday 11th June.

Book your tickets now at https://foreplaycrazygolf.co.uk. 

Fore Play Crazy Golf Edinburgh is now open and operating under Level 2 restrictions.

Celebrate World Gin Day with a distillery tour with Rabbie’s

Grab your closest friends and set off for a distillery tasting, while letting someone else take care of the driving, this World Gin Day (12 June). Eco tour operator, Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com), offer tours allowing guests to embark on adventurous days out to some of the UK’s best gin distilleries, in the company of an expert driver-guide.

Rabbie’s mini-coach tours give travellers the space and freedom to travel in comfort and style, while benefiting from the knowledge and expertise of a driver-guide. Forget bottomless brunch and an afternoon in the park, hit the road with Rabbie’s for a gin-tasting trip departing from London or Edinburgh. Sample itineraries include:

Bombay Sapphire Gin & Winchester

Mix in a slice of history with your gin and tonic on a relaxing day trip to the home of Bombay Sapphire Gin, Laverstoke Distillery. Setting off from central London, head straight to one of England’s most history-soaked cities, Winchester, for an exploration of its glorious cathedral, ancient mill, cute cafes, and plentiful museums.

After wandering the lanes and paths of the ancient city, head to the home of one of the world’s most popular gins – Bombay Sapphire. It’s not just the booze at Laverstoke Mill that’s brilliant – the exhibition and Victorian architecture are just as interesting and stunningly beautiful. Enjoy a tipple while learning the art of gin distilling before making your way back to London. Prices for the one-day tour start from £59 per person.

The Whiskies & Gins of East Lothian

Set off from Edinburgh and head straight to NB Distillery – a gin producer launched in 2013 with a mission to develop the ‘perfect’ gin. Infused with eight traditional botanicals, sample the 42% ABV London Dry Gin without having to worry about the drive home.

Head to North Berwick, one of the most beautiful seaside villages in East Lothian, before arriving at Glenkinchie Distillery. Nestled in a peaceful glen, this distillery languished in obscurity for over 150 years before becoming an international brand at the end of the 1980’s.

Explore the huge stills and sample the malt whiskies while hearing how this distillery became such a success before a short drive through the golden wheat and barley fields back to Edinburgh.

Prices for this one-day tour start from £37 per person.

Rabbie’s operates sustainability-focused, eco domestic travel options, ensuring that the places we love are there for future generations to enjoy and advocates ‘taking only photos and leaving only footprints’.

Rabbie’s tours provide worry-free journeys so guests can enjoy a sustainable staycation without concerns. All listed tours can be arranged privately, meaning guests can travel in just the company of their friends and family with one of Rabbie’s guides.

For more information, visit www.rabbies.com, or to arrange a private tour call +44(0) 131 226 3133 or email explore@rabbies.com.

Scotch Malt Whisky Society partners with Botanic Garden and renowned mixologist to create floral cocktail menu

THE SIGNATURE COCKTAIL MENU COMBINES THE FRESH FLORAL FLAVOURS OF SUMMER WITH WHISKY IN ITS PUREST FORM

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) have teamed up with world-renowned mixologist, Jason Scott, of Bramble and Lucky Liquor Co. and The Royal Botanic Garden to create a limited-edition range of floral cocktails.

In this iconic partnership, mixologist and Edinburgh independent bar owner, Jason Scott, will be working with Dr Greg Kenicer of The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Together they have created cocktails that explore the more delicate and floral notes within the Society’s June Outturn whiskies, complementing and contrasting them through edible flowers and exciting mixers.

Jason, who is the owner of Bramble Bar, Lucky Liquor and The Last Word Saloon, is a key figure in the Scottish cocktail industry and has trained some of the best bartenders in the country.

Inspired by the flavours of summer, the signature cocktails will be created using a range of natural mixers, that include lavender, primrose flower, borage flower, fresh mint, and gorse.

Jason Scott, said: “I have long been a fan of the Society and really admire what they do.

“After visiting The Botanics and meeting up with Greg, it’s been a journey of fun and discovery to create these fantastic floral cocktails. I’m confident whisky and flower lovers alike will adore this summer cocktail menu.”

Dr Greg Kenicer of the Royal Botanic Garden, said: “I am delighted to be working with Jason and The Scotch Malt Whisky Society on this exciting and unique project.

“When it comes to enhancing and developing cocktail flavours, there is so much out there for drink makers and bartenders to explore from the botanical Kingdom. Many of these plants can be grown in a garden or even a window box, or you can find them at your local supermarkets.

“Since the Stone Age, botanicals and fresh plants have been used as compounds to enhance the flavour of drinks. It’s really exciting to see mixologists across the world continuing this ancient legacy, and also innovating in so many creative ways.”

The signature cocktails will be available at SMWS Bath Street, Queen Street and Greville Street from tomorrow (Friday 11th June).

Non-members are also welcome to attend Queen Streets’ Kaleidoscope Bar and can visit both Bath Street and Greville Street venues on Tuesday evenings, by booking online or by phone.

To celebrate the signature cocktail menu, the SMWS will also be hosting an event on the 29th of June, at their Queen Street venue.

With the aim of breaking down the perceived barriers of traditional whisky drinking, the cocktails have been designed to encourage whisky enthusiasts to delve deep into the modern use of whisky, by mixing the water of life with fresh ingredients:

Cocktail list:

Queen Street, Edinburgh – Joy & SorrellThe Joy & Sorrell features vibrant fuchsia flowers with a taste of citrus lemon and sweet sorrel syrup.

Bath Street, Glasgow – Melancholy CrushThis refreshing julep combines an elegantly fruity and herbal dram with fresh mint, lemon and Angostura Bitters.

Greville Street, London – Four SeasonsThis London inspired violet Penicillin, features a 2008 Speyside distilled whisky combined with ingredients that include fresh lavender, finished in an old fashioned glass.

Bottled – Flaming Primrose Garnished with a primrose flower, this vibrant blood-red cocktail incorporates infused gorse Campari and Sweet Vermouth with an 8-year-old single scotch oily and coastal whisky.

For more information about the Scotch Malt Whisky Society click here.