In the bustling world of real estate, conservatories once hailed as the epitome of luxury and comfort, are now often viewed as a thorn in the side of property value. Experienced Greater Manchester-based estate agent, Jennie Platt, said the modern homeowner’s perception of 80s classic conservatories has shifted dramatically, leading to challenges in selling properties with these structures. She told Conservatory Insulations: “They’re generally a negative sales point in the area I work in. “If your conservatory is more than 10 years old, it’s typically seen as outdated and can devalue the property. “A lot of buyers will see a conservatory and…
Author: Sam Allcock
Sam Allcock
Sam Allcock is a seasoned journalist and editor with a deep passion for the culinary arts. With over two decades of experience in the world of food writing, Sam has become a distinguished voice in the industry, renowned for his insightful reviews, engaging storytelling, and unwavering commitment to highlighting the finest in gastronomy. As the Editor-in-Chief of Feast Magazine, he leads a dynamic team dedicated to exploring the diverse and ever-evolving culinary landscape. Sam's journey into food journalism began with a childhood fascination for cooking, inspired by his grandmother's kitchen where he first learned the magic of blending flavors and crafting delicious meals. This early love for food led him to pursue a degree in Journalism from the University of Leeds, where he honed his skills in writing and developed a keen eye for detail. Throughout his career, Sam has traveled extensively, tasting and documenting cuisines from around the world. His articles are known for their rich, vivid descriptions and his ability to convey the cultural contexts of the dishes he explores. Whether it's a hidden gem in a bustling city or a traditional dish in a remote village, Sam's work brings the reader right to the heart of the culinary experience. Under Sam's leadership, Feast Magazine has flourished, earning accolades for its in-depth features, exclusive interviews with top chefs, and comprehensive guides to the best dining spots. His editorial vision emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and authenticity in the culinary world, ensuring that the magazine not only entertains but also educates and inspires its readers. Beyond his professional achievements, Sam is an advocate for food education and sustainable practices. He frequently participates in panels, workshops, and community events, sharing his expertise and fostering a greater appreciation for the art of cooking and the importance of ethical food consumption. In his free time, Sam enjoys experimenting with new recipes, exploring local farmers' markets, and hosting dinner parties for friends and family. His personal blog, where he shares his culinary adventures and recipes, has a loyal following, further cementing his status as a trusted authority in the world of food. Sam Allcock's dedication to his craft and his genuine love for all things culinary make him a pivotal figure in food journalism, continuously inspiring and delighting food enthusiasts around the globe.
Awarded its second Michelin star in April 2024, Lakeside at The Fontenay on the shores of Lake Alster in Hamburg has this month introduced a zero-alcohol pairing menu to accompany its seven-course tasting menu. Junior Sommelière, Ann Katrin Spyra, developed the concept together with Lakeside’s Master Sommelier, Stefanie Hehn, and Restaurant Manager, Michel Buder. Ann Katrin explains, “As soon as a new menu item is communicated and explained by the kitchen, we sit down together to create a suitable drink accompaniment based on the flavours and ingredients. We use flavoured teas, kombucha, juice spritzers and drinks that we mix…
Extreme weather events have increased 48% to 16,956 in the past two years European food production at risk as climate change leads to increase in severe weather events The number of extreme weather events in Europe (including the UK) has increased by 48% to 16,956 in 2023/24 (year-end February 6)*, up from 11,442 in 2021/22, adding to the volatility of food prices says supply chain experts INVERTO, part of Boston Consulting Group. The jump in extreme weather reports confirms the trend of increasing extreme weather events in Europe, with the number of large hailstorms alone increasing 72% in the past…
The Rice Association has announced that National Rice Week will return for a seventh year from 9 – 15th September 2024. The annual celebration will continue to build on the Rice Up Your Life theme to highlight to consumers the many benefits of all rice – from its versatility and convenience, to its health properties. The content-led campaign will feature inspiration from foodie influencers and Rice Association members. It will challenge consumers to try at least one new type of rice during the week or one new rice dish – whether that’s at home or eating out. National Rice Week will also help…
The Stafford London has long been regarded as a haven of curated luxury and the height of informal luxury for those seeking a traditional yet individual London experience, coupled with the finest hotel products and service, that turns even the briefest of stays into a genuine pleasure. In anticipation of the fast-approaching summer months, and in response to increasing demand from guests wanting an al-fresco private dining option, the hotel’s Park Suite terrace is now available for private hire. Guests will feel on top of the world in this stunning space overlooking the rooftops of London, with the sprawling terrace offering unparalleled views from St James’s…
Sainsbury’s request to buy Home Retail Group has been approved by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The £1.4bn takeover of the UK based retailer that is the parent company of Argos and Habitat, has been under discussion since April this year. Sainsbury’s went under an in-depth investigation with the CMA that gave them green light to close the deal in early September. This decision will broaden the supermarket’s product range and reduce its reliance on the competitive grocery market. Argos stores will be implemented in the supermarkets, adding a more varied range of homeware and other products. They will…
CORD, the first fine dining restaurant by the esteemed culinary institution Le Cordon Bleu, is set to take over Bustronome, London’s gourmet sightseeing experience, for one day only on Saturday 29th June 2024. The exclusive collaboration will offer guests a unique opportunity to experience a London sightseeing tour like no other, while enjoying exquisite dining provided by the team from CORD. Bustronome is a luxury double-decker bus that has been converted into a fine-dining restaurant to offer panoramic views of London. For the pop-up, the bus will be bestowed with CORD’s striking navy branding to embark on a celebratory journey through the capital.…
Stonegate Group, the UK’s leading pub company, reveals their plan to feature two of The Drinks Bureau’s premium RTD cocktails – Dirty Shirley and non-alcoholic Shirley Temple – as limited-edition PRIDE cocktails across over 1,100 bars, pubs and clubs nationwide in honour of PRIDE. This listing is part of their support for Stonewall Housing – the national charity aiding LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing homelessness or living in an unsafe environment. The Drinks Bureau will donate 10p of every can sold to the charity. The Drinks Bureau launched in November 2023, with their range of award-winning and bar-quality cocktails in cans and…
More than 100 hospitality businesses, from large multi-site operators to small independents, came together in Oxford yesterday to collaborate with technologists, consultants and professors on improving productivity and driving innovation in hospitality. At the first accelerator event run by Jane O’Riordan as part of the Hospitality Sector Council, operators heard from Kevin Hollinrake MP, Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business, to open the day. Hosted by Oxford Brookes Business School and supported by the Department for Business and Trade and UKHospitality, the event facilitated lively discussion and workshops that were designed to stimulate innovative ideas around customer experience, streamlining…
Biscuit brand McVitie’s release a special limited-edition biscuit tin, ahead of an exciting summer for British sport The commemorative Summer of Sport Tin has been designed by Ben Mosley, renowned expressionist and sporting artist Featuring an assortment of delicious biscuits, the tin is available from Monday 27th May in UK supermarkets and retailers including Morrisons, Amazon, and WHSmith McVitie’s has announced the launch of a limited-edition commemorative biscuit tin to celebrate the compelling few months of sport we’re set to enjoy this summer. McVitie’s Summer of Sport Tin features a winning biscuit selection perfect for sharing with friends and family…