A fresh take on the concept yet unmistakably NOTTO, the new fast-casual dining site will open its doors on Monday 22 December. NOTTO first emerged as a pasta delivery service before developing into two popular Pasta Bars located in Piccadilly and Covent Garden. This December marks the next stage of its development as the brand arrives in Broadgate: a fast-casual version of NOTTO crafted for City professionals and Londoners who value quality dining, offering an elevated lunch or dinner experience designed to be quick, convenient and uncompromising. On Monday 22 December, Michelin-starred chef Phil Howard, together with long-standing business partner…
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.
The Killingworth Castle (Glympton Road, Wootton, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1EJ) is closing out 2025 with a trio of achievements worth celebrating. Recently ranked as the 17th best pub in the UK by the Good Food Guide, newly reaffirmed as one of the Top 50 Gastropubs for 2026, and now welcoming new Head Chef Edward Dutton, the pub enters the festive season in exceptional form. In keeping with the celebrations, the venue is also now wrapped in a large red bow for Christmas. Proudly independent, food-led and complete with stylish rooms, The Killingworth Castle’s new placing at number 17 in the…
Vittoria on The Walk secures Best Pasta at the Scottish Italian Awards, while Landy’s Fish & Chips celebrates Best Newcomer at the Scottish Chippy Awards. Edinburgh’s Vittoria Hospitality Group is marking an exceptional end to 2025 after earning a series of accolades at two major events recognising Scotland’s vibrant culinary sector. Earlier this week, the group received honours across several categories at the Scottish Italian Awards, an annual celebration of excellence within Italian cuisine across the country. Among the achievements were Best Pasta for Vittoria On The Walk and Best Antipasto for Divino. The group also achieved Highly Recommended status…
The Savvy Baker has revealed that its new store at Trinity Leeds will open to the public on Sunday, 7th December. The launch represents an exciting step forward for the rapidly expanding Leeds-based brand, which started as a home baking venture during lockdown and has since become one of Yorkshire’s most recognisable independent bakery names. Situated at Trinity Leeds on Albion Street, the new space will feature several firsts for the business. Among them is an in-store cookie bakery, giving customers the chance to see fresh cookies being baked throughout the day and offering a rare insight into the process…
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, late-night kick-off times driven by the host nations’ North American time zones mean UK nightclubs, bars and live music venues are emerging as ideal locations for live match screenings. Importantly, many of these venues already hold operating licences that align with the fixture schedule, allowing them to host fans without major regulatory adjustments. Matches involving the home nations are anticipated to attract particularly large audiences, with supporters expected to seek the excitement and shared celebration offered by nightlife spaces, where energy and atmosphere are part of the experience. Thanks to existing audiovisual capabilities,…
Radnor Hills has agreed a two-year partnership with Cardiff City FC, marking a new collaboration between the drinks producer and the Championship club. Under the partnership, Radnor Hills will supply natural mineral water along with a selection of its soft drinks to first-team players, coaching staff, supporters at the Cardiff City Stadium, the club’s Vale training facility, and its soccer school programme. Based in Knighton, Powys, Radnor Hills is widely recognised as one of the UK’s most established soft drinks manufacturers. Family-owned and operating for more than three decades, the company sources pure Welsh spring water from boreholes located on…
FIFTY TWO, the intimate 20-cover restaurant located in Harrogate, has been honoured with the title of ‘Best Fine Dining Restaurant’ at the Yorkshire Post Tourism Awards held on 1 December. Opened in 2024 and holding 3 AA Rosettes, FIFTY TWO is set within 300 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland at Rudding Park, led by Head Chef and Host Adam Degg. The restaurant benefits from a dedicated kitchen garden overseen by Emma Pugh, where more than 500 varieties of plants and produce are cultivated for use throughout the year. The dining concept at FIFTY TWO offers a relaxed and playful…
Humble Grape, the independent wine bar and importer renowned for its focus on sustainable, small-batch producers, has announced the launch of its seventh venue: Humble Grape, Bow Lane. Situated beneath the famous Bow Bells, the new location occupies the 11th-century crypt of St Mary-le-Bow in Cheapside (EC2). The venue spans three vaulted bays, retaining its original Norman arches and stone vaulting, offering visitors an atmosphere shaped by a thousand years of history. The church above, rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London, has long represented endurance and community. Now, the crypt below is being reimagined as…
The European Union has introduced A Taste of Excellence, a newly released book created to support UK retailers, wholesalers, importers, distributors, chefs and foodservice professionals in discovering the depth and outstanding quality of European food and drink. The publication places special emphasis on the many “hidden hero” products that continue to be underrepresented in the UK. Produced by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI) as part of the “More Than Only Food & Drink” UK initiative, the book offers trade professionals a valuable resource for expanding their selections with authentic, traceable and high-quality European goods.…
As Christmas approaches and cold winter days set in, there’s no better time to gather loved ones around the table for hearty dishes brimming with comfort and seasonal flavour — especially when PGI Welsh Lamb takes centre stage. Imagine deep, slow-developed flavours, tender cuts that fall apart at the touch of a fork, and dishes that fill your home with the unmistakable aroma of the festive season. From a beautifully roasted Welsh Lamb shoulder coated in preserved lemon and aromatic spices, to shanks simmered gently in a rich red wine sauce, and a classic moussaka topped with velvety béchamel, these…