Author: Karen Contrino

Following its highly successful launch in November, and a short break over the Christmas and New Years, The 1 Bar will be back with more exciting events from the 7th of January. With more musical performances, themed nights and new offerings, The 1 Bar is ready to liven up your evenings in Central London. The cocktail bar on 18 Appold Street is also expanding its menu to mixed charcuterie boards, pizzas, crackers, olives and nuts – perfect for pairing with their signature drinks or with non-alcoholic mocktails for those embracing Dry January. The 1 Bar will soon launch a special…

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Community retailer SPAR has launched a new way for shoppers to win much-needed cash this New Year, by playing the free Frozen Fortune game with an amazing pool of 400,000 instant rewards including big brand products up for grabs. SPAR is giving away four £10,000 grand prizes, and as people begin to dream of adventures and travels for 2025, a £200 holiday voucher will also be given away every day until the competition ends on the 19th of February. Shoppers can also win instant prizes from a huge array of brands including: Pepsi Max McVities Jaffa Cakes Aero or Milkybar…

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Set to launch January 2025, OAK by Chris Emery is a brand-new restaurant and dining space at Crazy Bear Stadhampton. With seating for just 42 covers, OAK will celebrate the finest local and seasonal ingredients through innovative, ingredient-led dishes inspired by Emery’s extensive career. The completely redesigned restaurant combines contemporary elegance with a rustic charm that reflects its Oxfordshire countryside setting. OAK’s warm, inviting atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for Emery’s love of flavours. “With OAK, we’ve created a space and a menu that focuses on letting the seasons guide us.” said Chris Emery. OAK’s menu highlights simplicity and bold flavour combinations,…

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On January 8th, The Bat and Ball is set to open in Cuddesdon, Oxfordshire, as the latest venture from Ben Moss’s Montgomery Group. Known for revitalising beloved local pubs, the group previously restored The Lamb Inn, a charming 15th-century establishment down the road in Little Milton. The Bat and Ball will capture the traditional pub experience while offering an elevated menu of classic pub bangers from Head Chef Rick Owens, that focuses on seasonality, sustainability, and affordability. Five beautiful guest rooms will also be available, providing cosy Cotswolds comfort for overnight stays.  Head Chef Rick Owens comes from the prestigious…

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 The Flava People, experts in creating innovative brand-led licenced food products, have announced a partnership with the UK’s market-leading wholesale provider, Booker, for the wholesaling opportunity of their new Baileys Caramel Sauce. For sale in 135 Booker stores across the UK, the 500ml bottles serve an easy solution for foodservice providers to elevate festive menus and make the most of customer demand this Christmas. The product, which officially launched earlier this year in partnership with Diageo UK, is a tantalisingly delicious, non-alcoholic Baileys Caramel Sauce. Shortly after launch, the delectable sauce sold out on Amazon within 24 hours and was even spotted for reselling for…

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Four of the UK’s leading food and drink experts have shared their insights into the key trends that will be tantalising consumer palates in 2025. From functional foods and improved quality in low and no beverages, to undiscovered European flavours, eco-consumption and the continued growth of the organic sector; the year ahead promises to redefine the way we eat, drink, and interact with our favourite products. Here the UK’s advisors to the EU’s ‘More Than Only Food and Drink’ campaign reveal their trend predictions which pave the way for a more mindful and dynamic food and drink landscape for the…

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The team behind Soho’s acclaimed restaurant and wine bar, Firebird, are excited to announce the launch of their next project: Noisy Oyster, set to open its doors in the vibrant heart of Shoreditch in Spring 2025. Introducing a fresh, modern take on the seafood bistro, Noisy Oyster promises a unique dining experience; ironic British charm, the finest seafood, innovative martinis, and a distinctive design aesthetic. The concept will artfully blend culinary innovation with warm hospitality and cutting-edge, creating a space where food, fashion, and art seamlessly come together. Co-founders Madina Kazhimova and Anna Dolgushina are excited to be launching this…

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Innovative Greek menu with Australian influence essi (formally esti), the Greek-Australian kitchen, now holds a long term residency at iconic east London pub, The Adam & Eve pub in Homerton. The once tired dining room has had a stylish transformation, accentuating the pub’s original features. Tucked away behind the bar and away from the hubbub, the dining area offers a sit-down, restaurant experience. essi is open seven days a week.  essi’s menu is something to behold. The selection of snacks feature some essi classics. essi’s Saganaki Toastie has become a viral sensation, served with rainforest lime, ghee and thyme. The…

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Clays brings its immersive, virtual clay target shooting experience to Birmingham, offering a unique gaming experience, premium food, and cocktails inspired by the British countryside Clays has officially opened its doors in Birmingham’s historic Piccadilly Arcade, marking its much-anticipated arrival in the city. Combining state-of-the-art virtual shooting technology with exceptional hospitality, Clays offers an unforgettable social experience for groups of all sizes. Clays’ signature virtual target shooting concept transports guests to a simulated British shooting ground, delivering fun and friendly competition in a stunningly realistic setting. New and exclusive to the Birmingham venue, guests can enjoy the Clays Arcade – a fast-paced…

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Applebee’s, an institution of Borough Market for 25 years, is set to celebrate its milestone anniversary with an exciting relaunch in February 2025. Still fully independent and family-run, Applebee’s is one of the original Borough Market traders, having started as a fishmonger, Joy and Graham Applebee then moved into their first bricks-and-mortar seafood restaurant on Stoney Street. Spearheading the relaunch is their son Jack Applebee along with his two brothers. Jack has appointed a new Executive Chef, Frankie van Loo, who joins the business from Jason Atherton’s Social Company restaurant group. Frankie notably spent 13 years at the group, which…

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