Food

When it comes to good old British grub, it doesn’t get more classic than a traditional pie. And, according to new research by one popular online pie retailer, when it comes to the nation’s favourite, a rich, gravy filled steak pie still takes the top spot. 

Known for their traditional Black Country recipes and quirky pie names, the team at Mad O’Rourkes Pie Factory in Tipton - which delivers pies nationwide through its Mad Pies Online pies by post service - analysed over 10,000 orders from pie fans up and down the country to determine which flavour came out on top.

Work’s a drag for most, but time flies when you’re having rum!

That’s why Revolucion de Cuba, the Havana-inspired cocktail bar group, is on the hunt for the UK’s biggest rum fan to become its official taste tester.

Cottons, London's longest-running Caribbean restaurant group, is excited to announce the opening of its new Shoredich site on Hoxton Square.

The restaurant, currently situated on Curtain Road, will relocate to its new location this summer, opening in early September.

New research by Prezzo, to launch its ‘Summer Like You Mean It’ campaign, has revealed the top signs it is summer in the UK, with the smell of BBQs cooking in gardens taking the top spot with 45 percent of the vote.

Also, to make the list of quintessential British summer traits was the scent of freshly cut grass (40 percent), a classic Mr Whippy ice-cream with a flake (38 percent) and everyone complaining about how hot it is (38 percent).

Each year, only around 2% of products are awarded 3-Stars in the ‘Exquisite’ category for ‘extraordinarily tasty food’. This August, when the results were announced, Hackney Gelato totally smashed it, winning 3-Stars for three different recipes – Pistachio, Almond & Lemon gelato, Sea Salted Caramel gelato, and Hot Cross Bun gelato.

With its official launch at the Island Villa Plaza in Ocho Rios, the return of the Ocho Rios Seafood Festival is set for Independence Day, Saturday, August 6.

The festival takes place at the White River Reggae Park and returns after a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pokémon has returned to Happy Meal with Pikachu, Gossifleur, Victini and more available at McDonald’s.

The Happy Meal Pokémon experience will give every child the chance to get a little closer to becoming a Pokémon Master.

On the arrival of the highly-anticipated Commonwealth Games, Birmingham’s newest wine bar, Vinoteca, unveiled a specially designed wine tasting paddle to celebrate the flavours of the Commonwealth. Located at Two Chamberlain Square in the city centre’s Paradise development, the team at Vinoteca have hand-picked three wines to showcase vineyards across the UK, Australia and South Africa.

Celebrate summertime by making the most of the abundant local summer produce. The quintessential Kentish fruit – cherries – can be found across the county right now.

Why not try an irresistible cruffin filled with creme patisserie topped with a rich cherry compote from Gilda Bakery nr Canterbury?

With flavours such as Chicken Ramen, Katsu Curry and Singapore Noodles tasty and filling enough as a standalone meal, it is now the trend for fans of Kabuto Noodles to ramping up their ramen by adding ingredients of their own and personalising their pots - and sharing their secrets on Instagram and TikTok. 

UK premium spirits distributor Speciality Brands has partnered with charity Only a Pavement Away which supports people facing homelessness, prison leavers and veterans into careers within the hospitality industry. Set up in 2018, Only A Pavement Away has already placed 220 members into work and is looking to help and support over 1,000 people by 2027.

The first images of Birmingham's newest wine bar, Vinoteca, have been released ahead of its official launch on Monday 18th July. 

Located within the iconic Paradise development at Two Chamberlain Square, Vinoteca will be the city's largest wine venue, with 150 covers set across the 4,500 sq ft space.

On the 25th July, McDonald’s is partnering with the friends and family of Caroline Flack as one of the headline sponsors of FlackStock, a celebration of Caroline’s life with live music, comedy and food.

McDonald’s is giving away sets of tickets to festival lovers to allow them to treat that best friend, partner or family member that has supported them, and shown them kindness over the last few years.

Tourism specialists and county ambassadors Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire, have launched the tantalisingly tasty new ‘Herefoodie Guide 2022’ celebrating the county’s craft and artisan producers, including exceptional restaurants, top notch bars, local farm shops, the cream of English vineyards, craft distilleries, top class butchers, bakers, and chocolate makers and much more.

On a mission to serve the best freshly prepared, cooked to order chicken in town, iconic US brand Slim Chickens has arrived in Leicester, opening in Highcross shopping centre.

From testing chicken recipes in a garage, Tom Gordon and Greg Smart went on to open the first Slim Chickens in Fayetteville, Arkansas, in 2003 with the ambition of creating magnificent, freshly cooked chicken for guests, fast.

The UK’s leading rural insurer, NFU Mutual, is making a plea for visitors to the countryside to leave barbecues at home and not slip on fire safety as temperatures are set to soar in the coming days.

Droughts in spring and more recent heatwaves have already seen a number of large gorse and grass fires across the country, including those traced back to disposable barbecues and fire pits which serve as a stark warning against carelessness in the countryside.