Author: Karen Contrino

With less than 100 days to go until Christmas, Lucela’s has announced that its unique festive gift box, which contains a bottle of award-winning chocolate rum and handcrafted, locally made milk chocolate shot cups are back. A uniquely delicious gift idea for grown-up chocolate lovers, the gift box features a 500ml bottle and ten chocolate shot cups for £35. The gift set can be purchased online at lucelas.co.uk. The brand will also be attending several Christmas markets in November and December, including Chatsworth, York, Winchester, Manchester, Chester, Liverpool, and Nottingham. The milk chocolate shot glasses are handmade by a third-generation artisan…

Today, the Open Wing Alliance (OWA), a coalition of 95 organizations across 75 countries working to end the abuse of chickens worldwide, launches a consumer-driven campaign urging companies across sectors to be transparent on their progress towards their global cage-free commitments. Norwegian Cruise Line, Colombina, Lai Sun Dining, and Wagamama each publicly pledged to source exclusively cage-free eggs. Yet, despite the global food industry’s move away from cruel cages, these companies refuse to reveal whether they still raise egg-laying hens in these archaic conditions across regions. Combined, these companies use approximately 73 million eggs per year, and meeting their cage-free commitments would reduce the suffering of an estimated…

Body Fit Training (BFT) – Australia’s fastest-growing franchise – is celebrating the upcoming launch of its newest studio – BFT Croydon. Located opposite BOXPARK Croydon, and a two-minute walk from East Croydon Station, BFT’s third London studio is set to open on 19th October. For franchisee Chris Pook, the opening of the BFT Croydon marks a significant milestone in his franchising career. “I’d run my own food catering franchise for over a decade but began to feel myself wanting a new challenge – something that truly spoke to my passions. “I’ve always had a love for fitness so the idea…

Opening November 2024 Danish Japanese restaurant, Sticks’n’Sushi, is bringing its unique combination of creative sushi and grilled sticks to London’s iconic Battersea Power Station on 30th November. A sushi restaurant even for those who don’t like fish, this is the perfect riverside destination welcoming shoppers, tourists and locals alike, from lunch through to dinner and everything in-between. Located on Electric Boulevard just outside the South Entrance of the Power Station, the new restaurant will serve up much-loved Sticks’n’Sushi favourites; classic and innovative sushi, sashimi, tartare, grilled sticks and generous set menus to suit varied budgets and tastes, available for dine-in,…

Innovative architecture and outstanding building designs are being celebrated in the 10th New Forest National Park Building Design Awards. Nominations are now open for the 2025 Awards which champion sustainable developments that protect and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park. The New Forest National Park Authority is asking people to nominate their favourite building design within the New Forest National Park which has been completed in the last three years. The best residential buildings, non-residential schemes, conservation projects and ‘green buildings’ will all be recognised with individual awards. The New Forest’s distinctive buildings and their setting…

Gen Z more likely to say shopping sustainably is important to them, but older people much more likely to action their beliefs, according to new research from Savanta Savanta’s Q3 Grocery Eye Report suggests Boomers more likely to use reusable bags, buy loose goods, minimise waste and prioritise recyclable packaging Sustainability in retail is defined differently across generations, with older people more likely to associate with recycling – while younger people tend to link with human rights Consumers think that sustainability is as much the responsibility of retailers and brands as it is on themselves as individuals Sustainability is seen…

Norfolk’s perfect Autumnal escape  As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, The Harper is excited to share a series of enchanting events that are right on their coastal doorstep, all within an hour’s drive, that make for the perfect Autumnal trip. October promises a delightful blend of magic, music, and seasonal festivities and with a stay at Norfolk’s cosiest hotel, it’s the recipe for the perfect getaway to refresh, recharge and be suitably well-entertained. Staying at The Harper  The Harper’s 32 bedrooms are a spacious haven of peace, privacy and calm. Find the room that’s right…

WHAT THE FORK… FORMER ROYAL BUTLER SAYS BURGERS SHOULD BE EATEN THE “RIGHT WAY” – WITH A KNIFE AND FORK Grant Harrold a former British Royal butler to Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III and Prince William at Buckingham Palace gives comment He says that despite common convention, it’s in fact “proper etiquette” to use a knife and fork when eating a burger Mr Harrold says using utensils ensures pristine presentation, cleanliness, and better table manners Insight forms part of Greene King research revealing Brits are five times more likely to eat a burger with their hands than with a…

This November, Nova Maldives invites lovers of Japanese cuisine to embark on an exquisite culinary journey at Mizu, the island resort’s intimate overwater teppanyaki restaurant. Set against the stunning backdrop of the South Ari Atoll’s glistening lagoons, guests will indulge in a refined dining experience curated by renowned Japanese chef Kazuki Arai. From November 18th to 22nd , Mizu will host an exclusive dining activation in collaboration with celebrated chef Kazuki Arai at Mizu, where guests can enjoy artfully crafted set menu paired with premium sake. Additionally, guests will have the unique opportunity to participate in bespoke cooking classes, led by chef Arai San…

London’s ‘underground apothecary bar’ Hokus Pokus has a new alchemist at the helm! Supremely talented bar manager Sergio Jiménez (House of KOKO, Shoreditch House) is putting the finishing touches to an exciting new menu of luscious libations. What’s more, with Halloween just around the corner, he couldn’t resist adding a few spooky specials into the mix too! Located where Bloomsbury meets King’s Cross this unique venue is renowned as a living tribute to the local area’s rich history. Sergio has expanded these starting points to include not only the neighbourhood and London at large, but further afield as well. To…