Tuesday, 22 April 2025

Not long now! Bristol Walk Fest launches on 1st May

Bristol Walk Fest, 1-31 May, has hundreds of walks on offer, with something happening every single day of the month!

The festival kicks off on Thursday 1st May with an inspiring launch event at Arup, featuring local heroes, championing the benefits of walking for mental health. 

Speakers include:

Taylor Moore: Bristol Rovers player & ambassador for 5k Your Way mental health support

Helen Cox: Bristol Rovers assistant coach & Rebound with Rovers, mental-health group

Claire Allen: walked 4,000 miles around GB raising £25k for homelessness charities

Orla Hennessy: founder of Girls Who Walk Bristol, tackling loneliness among young women

We couldn't launch Bristol Walk Fest without putting on a walk too! Bristol Walking Alliance, in collaboration with Bristol Ramblers, will lead a pre-launch interactive walk focussing on the healthiness of our urban streets, from 6.00-6.45pm, starting and ending at the launch venue.

More info on speakers & pre-launch walk here: https://www.eventbookings.com/b/event/bristol-walk-fest-2025-launch-event

Q&A interviews with 2 of our speakers on the website: Orla Hennessy 2025, Claire Allen 2024

We also have hundreds of walks on offer this May! We are excited to have 77 different walk providers leading 150+ unique walks. With some providers offering walks on multiple dates and times, that makes more than 400 walks available between 1 and 31 May.

Says Karen Lloyd, Bristol Walk Fest director: “Bristol Walk Fest is a great chance to discover something new about the city, explore a new area, or try walking for the first time. With a choice of free walks every single day of the month, you’re bound to find something to pique your interest!

“Printed programmes are out now; available in libraries and community centres across Bristol. We are still adding new walks to the website too, so it’s worth exploring online.”

Walks are listed by categories: nature & wildlife; art, history & architecture; health & wellbeing, walking sports and walking for pleasure. 

Difficulty level search: easy, fairly easy, moderate or challenging. 

Access needs search: wheelchair, visually-impaired, buggy and family-friendly, rest stops, accessible by public transport, toilets/accessible toilets nearby, dogs on leads welcome, etc.

Online programme: https://www.bristolwalkfest.com/events

That's Food and Drink: Long Live The Local: Why We Must Raise a Glass to ...

That's Food and Drink: Long Live The Local: Why We Must Raise a Glass to ...: There’s something deeply comforting about a pint pulled expertly at your favourite pub, the warm chatter of friends and strangers alike, and...

That's Food and Drink: Calling all Bellas! Bella Italia has £100 with You...

That's Food and Drink: Calling all Bellas! Bella Italia has £100 with You...: Bella Italia today launches the first ever Bella Appreciation Day, anyone named Bella will get £100 to spend at Bella Italia!  t’s never bee...

That's Food and Drink: A Brie-lliant Idea: The Rise of Wedding Cakes Made...

That's Food and Drink: A Brie-lliant Idea: The Rise of Wedding Cakes Made...: Once considered to be a quirky novelty, cheese wedding cakes are now firmly on the radar for modern couples looking to put a deliciously sav...

Monday, 21 April 2025

Spring Feasts from Frozen Christmas Leftovers

We all have those mystery tubs or zipped freezer bags lurking in the back of the freezer, labelled "Xmas turkey" or "leftover stuffing" in a scribbled Sharpie. 

Fast forward to spring, and you might be wondering what to do with those bits and bobs from December. 

Good news: Christmas leftovers don't have to feel heavy or wintry. 

With a few seasonal twists, you can turn them into fresh, vibrant springtime meals.

Here are some delicious ways to breathe new life into your frozen festive stash:

Turkey & Leek Spring Pie

What you need: Frozen cooked turkey Spring twist: Pair your turkey with sautéed leeks, garden peas, and a touch of crème fraîche. Pop it all into a pie dish and top with puff pastry or light filo for a golden, flaky finish. Comforting but not heavy.

Ham & Asparagus Tart

What you need: Frozen cooked gammon or ham Spring twist: Use ready-rolled puff pastry, scatter chopped ham with seasonal asparagus and a bit of goat’s cheese or ricotta. Bake until bubbly and golden. Serve with a crisp salad.

Roast Potato & Veg Frittata

What you need: Roast potatoes, carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts Spring twist: Chop everything up and mix into whisked eggs with spring onions and herbs like chives or parsley. Bake until set, then serve warm or cold with a side of greens.

Stuffing-Stuffed Mushrooms

What you need: Leftover stuffing Spring twist: Grab large flat mushrooms and fill them with a mixture of your stuffing, lemon zest, pine nuts, and chopped spinach. Roast until the tops are golden and fragrant. Great as a starter or lunch dish.

Cranberry & Chicken Salad

What you need: Cranberry sauce, cooked chicken or turkey Spring twist: Toss shredded poultry with baby spinach, cucumber, avocado, and a simple vinaigrette. A spoonful of cranberry sauce adds zing, and toasted walnuts give it crunch.

Sprout & Bacon Pasta with Pea Pesto

What you need: Brussels sprouts, bacon Spring twist: Sauté sprouts and crispy bacon with garlic, toss through pasta, then stir in a homemade pea and mint pesto. It’s zingy, green, and utterly springlike.

Luxury Bubble & Squeak Cakes

What you need: Mashed potatoes, mixed veg Spring twist: Mix and shape into small patties, then fry until golden and crisp. Top with poached eggs and spring greens for a next-level brunch.

Final tip: Always defrost leftovers safely and check they smell and look right before using. If in doubt, chuck it out!

Turning forgotten festive bits into bright spring dishes is not just a win for your tastebuds, but also for your budget and food waste goals. Got a great leftover creation? Share your spring makeover with us.

That's Food and Drink: There’s Always a Greene King Hungry Horse Pub Nearby

That's Food and Drink: There’s Always a Greene King Hungry Horse Pub Nearby: Affordable eats, family-friendly vibes, and a British classic just around the corner If there’s one thing we Brits can count on – besides th...

Friday, 18 April 2025

Thursday, 17 April 2025

That's Food and Drink: Typical Meals Served at the Time of Passover

That's Food and Drink: Typical Meals Served at the Time of Passover: Each spring, Jewish communities around the world celebrate Passover (Pesach), an eight-day festival commemorating the Israelites’ escape fro...

Why You Should Buy Men's Clothing from A Fish Named Fred

In a world of fast fashion and copy-paste wardrobes, finding a brand that balances creativity, quality, and individuality can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. 

Enter A Fish Named Fred – a Dutch menswear label that’s making waves across Europe and beyond. 

Whether you’ve spotted their bold prints in an independent boutique or are curious about the name, here’s why this brand deserves a spot in your wardrobe.

1. Stand Out Without Saying a Word

Fred is not for wallflowers. Their clothing is unapologetically bold, with vibrant colours, playful patterns, and unexpected details. 

From floral-lined blazers to shirts covered in bicycles, birds or maps and gorgeous waistcoats, this brand is all about self-expression. For those tired of blending in, A Fish Named Fred offers a welcome escape from beige basics.

2. A Brand With Personality – And Purpose

The name might be quirky, but there’s thought behind it. The idea is that ‘Fred’ is the embodiment of originality, encouraging people to be themselves and live life with colour. The brand's motto, “Be proud to stand out,” captures its ethos – empowering men to dress with confidence and creativity.

3. Surprising Versatility

While some of the prints may seem loud at first glance, A Fish Named Fred has mastered the art of wearable eccentricity. Their pieces are surprisingly versatile. A patterned shirt can elevate a plain suit. A colourful blazer can add character to a wedding outfit. Their collections include everything from smart casual to formal wear, all with that signature Fred flair.

4. Attention to Detail and Quality

Fred’s garments aren’t just about looks. They’re also made to last, with high-quality fabrics and a strong focus on fit. Buttons, linings, stitching – everything is done with care. Many pieces feature hidden touches, like cheeky inner linings or witty label tags, adding to the sense that you’re wearing something truly special.

5. Sustainability in Style

While not a fully sustainable brand, A Fish Named Fred is making conscious efforts towards responsible production. 

Many of their materials are chosen with durability in mind, and they work with ethical suppliers. In an age of throwaway fashion, investing in a few key Fred pieces means buying clothes you’ll genuinely want to wear again and again.

6. A Perfect Gift (Even If It’s for Yourself)

Looking for a gift that’s a bit different? Whether it’s Father’s Day, Christmas Day, a birthday, or just a treat-yourself moment, A Fish Named Fred offers everything from ties and socks to full outfits. 

Their accessories, in particular, are a brilliant way to dip your toe into the brand without committing to a full patterned suit.

Where to Buy

You can find A Fish Called Fred in high quality independent menswear shops across the UK, online via their official site https://afishnamedfred.com/

In a sea of sameness, A Fish Called Fred dares to be different – and that’s exactly why it deserves your attention. If you’re ready to inject some fun, flair, and individuality into your wardrobe, this might just be the catch you’ve been waiting for.

I have to say that I absolutely adore my A Fish Named Fred shirts. They are vibrant, lively and very well made so are very comfortable and easy to care for. The shirt shown in this blogpost is one that is owned and proudly worn by me. After years of muted tones and dull colours I decided, with my wife's help, to change my wardrobe to great effect.

Sunday, 13 April 2025