Pud You Dare? Café Dedicated SOLELY to the Mighty Christmas Pudding Is Coming This Month!

Sainsbury’s are will opening a special café dedicated to the festive icon as it launches new Caramelised Biscuit variation of the classic

One in five Brits and almost a third of Gen Z (31%) believe the traditional Christmas Pudding is on track for extinction.

To get the pud back on the table, the Sainsbury's Pud you Dare Café invites guests to try out a classic Christmas Pudding along with the brand-new Caramelised Biscuit Pudding on 24th & 25th November.

The café is completely FREE and, for every attendee at the café, Sainsbury’s will donate £3 to Comic Relief

The UK’s first ever café dedicated entirely to the Christmas pudding is set to open its doors later this month.

Sainsbury’s is launching the Pud You Dare Café in a bid to get the classic ‘pud’ back on dining tables this festive season. It comes as research reveals that one in five Brits – and almost a third of Gen Z (31%) – believe the traditional Christmas Pudding is on track for extinction, with the average prediction being that it will disappear within three years.

Open in Holborn, London, on 24th and 25th November, the first of its kind café will give pud lovers, sceptics and haters the chance to enjoy several Christmas pudding options that are available at Sainsbury’s.

All generations are invited to embrace the taste of Christmas and open their hearts (and their palates) to the festive icon FOR FREE. Customers can tuck into the classic Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference 18 Month Matured Christmas Pudding, alongside the brand-new Taste the Difference Caramelised Biscuit Pudding – as seen in the Sainsbury’s 2022 Christmas advert – with a range of delicious toppings to choose from.

The festive desserts will be complemented by a choice of seasonal tipples, including Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Spiced Ginger Biscuit Irish Cream Liqueur, Taste the Difference Chocolate Mulled Wine and Taste the Difference Cranberry and Orange Presse.

Featuring a fruity sponge to please a range of tastes, the supermarket’s new twist on the traditional Christmas pudding is packed with flavours to appeal to the modern generation. With salted caramel being one of the nation’s favourite dessert flavours (coming second only to chocolate) the new pud on the block will set tastebuds racing. Vine fruits laced with a hint of brandy for a boozy hit are combined with a generous drizzle of spiced caramel sauce and caramelised biscuit crumbs to create a delicious fusion of traditional and modern tastes.

The café follows the recent launch of Sainsbury’s 2022 Christmas advert, which immerses viewers in a medieval fairy tale and depicts a young chef’s quest to reimagine and breathe new life into the traditional Christmas pudding. Starring Alison Hammond and featuring a voiceover from Stephen Fry, the advert celebrates the innovation and creativity of Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Christmas range and showcases the Caramelised Biscuit Christmas Pudding.

Claire Hughes, Director of Product and Innovation at Sainsbury’s commented: “The once loved Christmas pudding is at risk of being wiped out across the nation, and we’re making it our mission to ensure it firmly has its place at the dinner table this Christmas Day. That’s why we’re encouraging all generations to try the Christmas classic and save it from extinction. For both long-standing and younger pud sceptics, we’ve also launched a new caramelised biscuit pud this year, giving it a modern twist with salted caramel and biscuit crumbs. We’re sure it will be a hit with everyone at the table – even the pud purists!"

Any surplus food will be provided to Sainsbury’s long-term redistribution partner, FareShare, through their London delivery partner The Felix Project. Sainsbury’s and FareShare continue to work together as part of their shared mission to support communities with access to food.

Pud You Dare Café Details:

Opening Days: Thursday 24th & Friday 25th November 2022

Address: HELLO LOVE, 62–64 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AR

Opening Times: 12pm – 7pm on Thursday 24th November, and 11am – 7pm on Friday 25th November

Cost: FREE

Booking: Via www.opentable.co.uk/r/sainsburys-pud-you-dare-cafe-london 

Those already a fan of Christmas pudding, or any new converts following a visit to the Pud You Dare café, can purchase the brand-new Taste the Difference Caramelised Biscuit Pudding, in store and online at Sainsbury’s. A wide range of Christmas puddings are available from Sainsbury’s, with prices starting from £1.

It’s Marg O’Clock! Neurita Tequila launches fruit-infused Tequilas to take Margaritas - the UK’s favourite cocktail - to the next level this Christmas

Become a master Margarita mixologist this Christmas with the Insta must-have accessory, made deliciously and simply at home, using Neurita Tequila’s tangy citrus and sweet berry craft spirits

Margaritas are officially the world’s favourite cocktail, and according to Google Trends, have recently become the UK’s as well.

Neurita Tequila, a very special craft tequila brand, today launches its debut range of two sophisticated yet fun fruit-infused tequilas. Neurita is the only Tequila brand in the UK crafted to make Margarita cocktails delicious and simple for at-home mixology. 

Because they’re naturally sweetened with real fruit, there is no need to add triple sec, reducing the classic Margarita recipe to three simple steps and ingredients. More taste, less sugar.

When tequila is this versatile and tasty, it’s always Marg o’ Clock somewhere.

Neurita Tequila is produced authentically in a family-run distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. But unlike other brands that are often overtly traditional, Neurita celebrates its craft credentials with the joy of light and uplifting drinking occasions. 

Neurita is changing the status quo by challenging what it means to be a serious Tequila player, providing women and men with a brand that is both sophisticated and fun for everyone to enjoy.

Margarita winter warmer cocktails

The Neurita Citrus Tequila is tangy and bitter-sweet, featuring Sicilian orange and tangerine. It is perfect for the classic Margarita recipe in three simple steps, adding just lime and a dash of agave syrup. But this time of year, try the Spicy Picante, or the seasonal favourite Pumpkin Spice Margarita.

The Neurita Rosa Tequila has sweeter raspberry, strawberry and pomegranate notes. This one is ideal for the brand’s signature Margarita Spritz (see recipe below), or the zesty Paloma.

Changing the perspective on Tequila

A survey carried out by Neurita Tequila shows nearly a third of G&T drinkers admit to disliking the taste of gin, and nearly half of them dislike the tonic. Neurita wants to introduce new flavours to those who want a drink they find truly tasty and enjoyable by showing the versatility of tequila.

The survey shows Tequila is a misunderstood spirit. One in four (39%) do not know how to drink it and over a quarter (28%) thought it would be too much effort to make a Tequila-based drink.

Unsurprisingly, the top spontaneous association with Tequila is shots. Neurita aims to demystify these perceptions by championing the spirit’s spectrum of flavour, quality, and diversity for the longer serve.

Lucy Smith, founder of Neurita Tequila, says: “I've always enjoyed making Margaritas at home with friends, but have never found a Tequila brand that represented the spirit the way I saw it. Most Tequila brands are very serious and I wanted something uplifting, playful, yet credible to change the status quo. Neurita was crafted with women in mind, but we certainly aren’t exclusively for the ladies, from what I have seen the men of the UK are also fans of Marg O’Clock.”

Neurita Margarita Spritz – the brand’s signature serve

Research shows women prefer long serve, refreshing cocktails. When mixing their own drinks at home, they look for ingredients with ‘lower sugar’ and ‘nothing artificial’. With this in mind, the brand created the ‘Neurita Margarita Spritz’, its signature serve. Into a glass filled with ice, add a double shot of any Neurita flavoured Tequila, juice of half a lime, and top with citrus soda. Option: Garnish with lime or berries to serve. 

Neurita Citrus Tequila and Neurita Rosa Tequila (both 70cl) sell online for £31.99 from the Neurita Tequila website, Master of Malt, and Amazon. The Neurita Blanco Tequila, with 100% agave and natural citrus notes, will launch in 2023.

Check out this video to learn more

For more information visit www.neurita-tequila.com or go to Instagram on @neuritatequila

This Christmas Enjoy Soko Patisserie's Spectacular Festive Hamper, Brimming With Artisanal Delights

All the Hampers festive treats are made exclusively by Soko's talented team of chefs. 

The luxury hamper can be upgraded to include a selection of festive tipples, too.​​​​​​​​

The Bon Bons

The Soko hamper features the newly launched Christmas artisanal bonbon selection, featuring six contemporary flavours to indulge and enjoy: Black Forest Gateau, Mince Pie, Mandarin Caramel, Almond & Hazelnut Praline, Chestnut & Meringue and Spiced caramel.

Customers will also be utterly delighted with a box of 12 Baileys bon bons featuring a smooth comforting, silky ganache that is simple but big on Bailey's flavour. Ideal with hot chocolate or of course, a glass of Baileys.

A bag of Golden Hazelnut Rochers

The hamper also includes a bag of 10 Golden Hazelnut Rocher's. These delectable handmade treats are Soko's version of a Ferrero Rocher; a smooth rich chocolate ganache with a whole hazelnut in the centre coated in a gold edible dust. 

There's only a limited number, so customers do need to make sure to email to pre-order as soon as you can.

Info@sokopatisserie.co.uk​​​​​​​​ 

www.sokopatisserie.co.uk 

@sokopatisserie

​​​​Hamper Contents:​​​​​​​​

1 x 12 box Christmas selection Bon Bons​​​​​​​​

1 X 10 bag Golden Rocher's​​​​​​​​

1 X 12 box SOKO enrobed chocolate selection (Vanilla & Milk chocolate, Salted Caramel, Strawberry Cheesecake, Crispy Praline)​​​​​​​​

1 x Christmas chocolate tablet (Pistachio & Cranberry)​​​​​​​​

1 x 12 Baileys Bon Bons​​​​​​​​

1 Deluxe Panettone​​​​​​​​

1 x Festive chocolate and orange cake​​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​Choose From:​​​​​​​​

- Hamper Only £90.00​​​​​​​​

- Hamper and 1 bottle of Ferrari Sparkling Rose wine £120.00​​​​​​​​

- Hamper and 1 bottle of Laurent Perrier Rose Champagne £150.00​​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​​Nationwide Courier Delivery​​​​​​​​

Choose from two dates, Tuesday 13th December or Tuesday 20th December​​​​​​​​.

That's Food and Drink: Le Beaujolais Est Arrivé!

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Christmas Gifts for the Cheese Lovers in Your Life

Devon's Sharpham Dairy offers gifts for cheese lovers this Christmas.

Cheese throughout the Christmas season is a long and cherished part of our heritage and the perfect festive gift for any foodie this Christmas. Or a fine example of self-gifting if you feel you deserve a little Christmas treat yourself this yuletide season?

Exactly what is available?

Sharpham Devon Cheese & Wine Christmas Feast - £90

A real Devon treat, this hamper comes jam-packed with everything you need for your home festivities. It includes delicious handmade, artisan cheese, a 300g Sharpham Brie, 450g Ticklemore goats' truckle, 450g Rustic Chive & Garlic truckle, 150g Elmhirst and 210g Quicke's Vintage Cheddar alongside a bottle of each of best-selling Sharpham Dart Valley Reserve and Sharpham Pinot Rosé. 

For accompaniments there are Sharpham Sourdough Crackers, Original & Rosemary with Sea Salt, Caramelised Fig & Sharpham Pinot Noir Chutney, plus Bramley Apple & Hunts Wobbler Cider Chutney and Ploughman's Hunters Elmhirst Ale Chutneys, both newly developed in partnership with Sharpham's local Devon friends.

Family & Friends Cheese and Wine Tasting Event - £80

Join Greg Parsons, whom is the owner of Sharpham Cheese and Tom Wedgery, winemaker and expert from Sandridge Barton (Sharpham Wine) for their first online tasting event of 2023, taking place at 7pm on Friday 3rd February. A tasting box will be delivered to your door before the event and will include enough for at least six people. 

The tasting box includes: Sharpham cheeses; Sharpham Brie, Ticklemore Goats, Rustic Chive & Garlic, the brand new Rushmore cheese, plus Vintage Cheddar from Quicke's. For drinks; Sharpham Estate Selection and Pinot Rose, Elmhirst Ale from Hunters Brewery and Wobbler Cider from Hunts. A Sharpham chutney and a couple of packets of new Sharpham Sourdough Crackers will also be included. 

*As a Christmas gift, Sharpham will send the lucky recipients a 'letter box gift” with their voucher, details of the event and a little gift!

The Essential Devon Cheese Board - £25

Features five artisanal cheeses, each made with milk from cows and goats that graze Devon's luscious pastures, crafted with over 100 years of skills and nurtured with love until ready for your cheese board. Includes the Devon classics; Sharpham Brie, Quicke's Mature Cheddar and Ticklemore Devon Blue, plus a 'Grader's Choice' from both Sharpham and Quicke's. 

Customers will receive five pieces (circa 300g each) of artisan cheese individually wrapped along with tasting notes for each, all boxed up and ready to go.

Sharpham Celebration Cheese Cake - from £2.20pp

This tower of cheeses is perfect for weddings, parties, corporate events or any reunion. With ten multi-award winning cheeses to choose from, plus crackers and brand new chutneys to complete the centrepiece. Choose from a simple three-tier creation to an extravagant six tier tower crowned with a heart-shaped cheese on top.

The Dart Valley Cheese & Wine Selection - £40

Enjoy Sharpham Cheese's original and most popular selection mix. Rich and buttery Sharpham Brie, delicate Ticklemore, and velvety Sharpham Rustic. Complete with a bottle of Sharpham Dart Valley Reserve 2018 and Peters Yard sourdough crispbreads.

Sharpham Cheese Subscription Service - £30

Each box brings a new discovery, as a curated selection of outstanding cheeses, crackers and condiments is delivered quarterly to your door. Each beautifully and sustainably packaged box will feature three of Sharpham's multi-award winning varieties, a local guest cheese, Peter's Yard sourdough crackers, a Sharpham chutney and tasting notes.

All cheeses are available for home delivery from www.sharphamcheese.co.uk.

Indulgence Without the Guilt! Enjoy the Mavrik Virgin Cocktail Experience

Are you looking for a festive tipple that won't lead to the dreaded morning after the night before feeling?

Or perhaps you have been nominated as the responsible driver but sick of sipping water or drinking overly sweet diet drinks?

Worried that the festive merriment may wreak havoc on your healthy eating plans? 

Pregnant party animal looking for an alcohol free drink to kickstart the celebrations?

Or perhaps you are tee-total? Or are you looking to lay in some non-alcoholic drinks for friends or family members who don't drink alcohol?

Then we've got some really great news for you! Prepare to switch to Mavrik, an exciting new range of cocktail drinks that are specially created for those choosing to abstain from alcohol or simply moderate their alcohol intake. 

Mavrik has launched four non-alcoholic, low calorie cocktails that look good and taste great, setting the brand up as the go-to for free-spirited adults who are happy to avoid alcohol and its after effects.

The story of Mavrik drinks started as a casual conversation about the total lack of desirable non-alcoholic drinks and ended up as an obsession to create a range of great tasting, low calorie and alcohol-free cocktails with a clear WOW factor. 

Eighteen months in the making, Mavrik has now hit the shelves, making it possible to enjoy the cocktail experience with none of the negatives associated with drinking alcohol.

These expertly-crafted, all-natural drinks are not just cocktail substitutes, they are something to look forward to and to savour. Mavrik's virgin cocktails are made from the best-quality ingredients, with zero compromise on taste or enjoyment.

Enjoy Mavrik as delicious, long drinks that will leave you feeling fresh, alert and free of that cloying sugary after-taste. Best of all there's a fabulous flavour combination to suit everyone. 

AROMATIC G&T: a delicious and refined low calorie pink G&T, without the naughty ingredients. 

CUBAN MOJITO: a totally gorgeous, low calorie, indulgent alcohol-free Mojito cocktail inspired by the renowned Cuban highball.

VENETIAN SPRITZ: a refreshing, spirit lifting, low calorie Spritz that takes its cues from the classic Venetian cocktail. 

STORM & SPICE: a fiery, tongue tickling, low calorie Dark & Stormy type drink; the alcohol-free version of the classic and spicy Bermudan rum cocktail. 

Whether you're looking to cut back on alcohol, go teetotal or simply want to give your body a break, reach for Mavrik. With under 50 calories per a can, they can even fuel your fitness goals and keep you on track, whilst still allowing you to let your hair down and have fun with family and friends. 

And with the cost of living crisis hitting the household budget, the handy (recyclable) can format ensures minimal wastage and a real value for money treat.

Mavrik drinks are available to buy online from https://www.mavrik-drinks.com/shop, RRP £9.75 for a tasting pack of all four flavours or create your own mixed case of 12 for £23.80.

And they are guarenteed to be gluten free and suitable for vegans and vegetarians, too.

Love Tyrells Crisp? Then you'll really love them over Christmas!

Because what’s a festive spread without a Christmas Crisp?

You can have a Tyrrellbly Tyrrellbly Tasty Christmas with Tyrrells Crisps! They are utterly perfect for festive soirees or cosying down with your favourite tipple in front of a much-loved Christmas film, Tyrrells Crisps are made with only the finest British spuds to create the most delicious crisps with its signature curl and crunch.

Tyrrells’ iconic flavours of Lightly Sea Salted (150g), Mature Cheddar & Chive (150g), Veg Crisps (125g), Sweet Chilli and Red Pepper (150g) and Sea Salt and Cider Vinegar (150g) have had a lovely festive makeover to get you in the Christmas spirit ready for this year’s festivities. 

A beloved crisp to share with friends and family this Christmas, the new festive packaging is available now in all major retailers, RRP £2.30.

Our favourite Festive Tyrrell's Crisp movie is the 1951 version of A Christmas Carol. What's yours?

That's Food and Drink: Devon Stands Out in World Cheese Awards

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Deer Park Country House Host The Great South West Scone-Off Gift Drive in Aid of Operation Rudolph

Nobody should go without the magic of Christmas, which is the motivation behind project Operation Rudolph. Supporting the project, Deer Park Country House in Honiton are hosting The Great South West Scone-Off Gift Drive on Thursday 24 November. 

The entry price is one gift per person, which will be donated to someone who could do with a pick-me-up this Christmas. 

350 tickets are available for guests to enjoy a South West cream tea, consisting of homemade scones prepared by some of the South West's top patisserie chefs. In return, guests are required to donate an unwrapped brand new gift - perhaps a toy for a child, or something to lift an adult's spirits (worth at least £10), which will then be wrapped-up by a team of volunteer elves and distributed to young children who will benefit most from them this Christmas. 

This event is organised in partnership with community interest group, Inspiring Connections. Last year, Inspiring Connections organised over 100 hot meals on Christmas day, supported 120 families with gifts and provided 78 meat boxes. Operation Rudolph is a global project, which started in 2020 and aims to support families during what is often a difficult period. Through donations and fundraising, individuals and families are provided with Christmas hampers and presents. 

Mark Godfrey, who is the MD at Deer Park Country House says: “All children deserve the magic of Christmas and something special to unwrap under the tree. As we head into a hard winter, we wanted to support our local community and help ease the pressure on those who might need it this festive season.”

Sharon Thorne, the founder and director of Inspiring Connection says: “Honiton Foodsave has indicated that demand has increased 50% compared with this time last year. There is real concern about how families will manage and the decision of 'heat or eat' is a real everyday issue for many. 

“With Operation Rudolph, there are no complicated forms or means testing, just a simple sign-up for applicants to indicate what support is needed. It's all free of charge and we know that once our customers are in a stronger position, they will give back when they can.

“We are always looking for volunteers to support Operation Rudolph within roles before the 25th December. Even a few hours will make a huge difference to our communities. We urge people to consider their neighbours over the festive period - perhaps invite them over for Christmas dinner, share company and spread the good community vibes for all.”

Dozens of volunteers and numerous supporting businesses will play an essential role in bringing the event together. Trewithen Dairy are donating 24kg of their award-winning Cornish clotted cream to complete the cream tea, and Waterhouse Fayre are providing strawberry jam.

Trewithen Dairy director, Francis Clarke commented: “As a family-run dairy, this project is close to our hearts. Making a child smile this Christmas is something you can't put a price on. We're keen to support Operation Rudolph and help spread the wonder and magic of the festive season.

Two sessions are available for The Great Scone-Off Gift Drive at Deer Park Country House; 2:30-3:30pm or 4:00-5:00pm. Booking is essential via info@inspiring-connections.org or 0300 365 4545.

Mustard x Wordbits Introduce Number Magnets Mustard in time for Christmas

Are you seeking out a gift that is playful and practical for someone you love this Christmas? Good news! Your favourite magnets are now available in numbers!

Wordbits Numbers are small but they are mighty! Each lightweight number has a rare earth magnet that’s strong enough to hold a greeting card. The perfect accessory to your locker, fridge and makes a great stocking filler!

Mustard is so proud to collaborate with the amazing Wordbits team to bring you two exclusive colourways, Blush and Mustard. 

“When it comes to dream collaborations, this is exactly the kind of thing we were always hoping for,” said Becca Stern, who is Co-Founder and Creative Director at Mustard Made.

She went on to say: “We're so proud to have partnered with female-founded, magnet lovers Wordbits to bring you our oh-so-exclusive collaboration in the new Numbers range.”

Mustard and Wordbits have teamed up to give the signature Wordbits Number magnets a Mustard glow-up in Blush and Mustard (of course)! Wordbits Number Magnets are also available in Bone and Black. Find Wordbits and Wordbits Numbers at www.mustardmade.com 

Product Details:

30 numbers in each set (3 x numbers 0–9)

Each number is 3cm tall

Designer typeface

Quality magnets

BPA and phthalate free

Post-consumer recycled plastic

Available in the following colours: Mustard, Blush, Bone and Black.