Mermaid Gin, the award-winning premium gin from the Isle of Wight, has announced a strategic growth partnership to support its next phase of expansion in the United States. The move strengthens the brand’s long-term focus on quality, authenticity and sustainable growth within the premium spirits market. Founded 10 years ago on the Isle of Wight, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve off England’s south coast, Mermaid Gin was created to reflect the character of its island home. Each bottle uses locally and ethically sourced botanicals, with production methods designed to reduce waste and protect the environment. The new partnership brings together experienced…
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 UAE Restaurant Group (UAERG), the official representative body for the country’s food and beverage sector, has held its first board meeting of 2026. The meeting took place on 9 January and included a briefing from the Ministry of Economy & Tourism on key plans for the future of the F&B industry. The session set priorities for the year ahead. UAERG members discussed how to support pilot projects and connect the Ministry with industry stakeholders to help deliver new initiatives across the sector. During the briefing, the Ministry outlined its main goals to strengthen the role of the F&B industry…
Wasabi, the Japanese sushi and bento restaurant group, has launched a new hot meal deal across the UK. The offer gives customers a warm, good-value option during January, when many look to spend less. The deal centres on Kobachi, Wasabi’s latest hot food range. Kobachi features small bowls packed with flavour. Each dish offers comfort food with the bold taste Wasabi is known for. The portions work well as a full meal while keeping quality and taste high. The Kobachi range includes Chicken and Beef Biang Biang bowls. Customers can choose spiced chicken or beef marinated with soy and garlic.…
EatClub and Acme Fire Cult have launched The Restaurant Festival, Hackney, a month-long event that celebrates local restaurants and helps diners access some of the borough’s most popular tables. Running from 1 to 28 February, the chef-led festival aims to increase footfall during a quieter trading period. It focuses on a limited number of offer-led tables at some of Hackney’s most in-demand independent restaurants. Curated by Acme and powered by EatClub, the festival brings together a selected group of restaurant owners under one local campaign. The goal is to support the hospitality sector, highlight Hackney’s food talent, and make top…
Cluck’d, Milton Keynes’ newest chicken restaurant, has launched its ‘JAN BLAST’ promotion to help locals beat the January blues. The offer gives customers 50% off selected menu favourites throughout the month. The deal runs from 5 to 30 January and allows diners to enjoy half-price dishes such as grilled chicken, Top Buns, and wraps. It gives customers a chance to explore Cluck’d’s menu and try its signature flavours at a lower price. Since opening in October, Cluck’d Milton Keynes has become a popular choice for those looking for fresh grilled chicken and bold sauces. The restaurant attracts customers for lunch,…
Peet’s Coffee has reached a new milestone in the UAE with the opening of its first Drive-Thru stores in Dubai. The move brings its craft coffee to customers in a faster and more convenient way. The two Drive-Thru sites are now open in Motor City and Al Wasl. They serve customers who prefer to stay in their cars, including commuters, families, and night-shift workers. The Motor City location operates daily from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM. The Al Wasl branch opens from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM, giving customers access from morning until late evening. This launch marks an important…
Monday 19 January is known as Blue Monday, often described as the most difficult day of the year. To lift spirits, Prezzo Italian is launching a special one-day offer. Diners can enjoy selected pasta and pizza dishes for just 99p on Monday 19 January only. The Blue Monday menu will be available across the UK for dine-in customers. The aim is to make Italian dining more affordable and accessible during a tough time of year. The 99p menu includes popular dishes such as Spaghetti Carbonara, Pepperoni Pizza, Margherita Pizza, Arrabbiata, and a plant-based Bolognese. Vegan and gluten-free options are also…
Chef Dara Klein has announced the opening date for her first permanent restaurant, Tiella Trattoria & Bar. The restaurant will open on Wednesday 21 January at 109 Columbia Road in London. Reservations are now live. Tiella is a personal project for Dara. It reflects her long-held ambition to run her own restaurant and continue her family’s hospitality tradition. She is launching the venue with her childhood friend and business partner, restaurateur Ry Jessup. The opening marks the next step in her career, following strong support for her regional Italian cooking across London. The restaurant sits inside a 175-year-old former Victorian…
Hola Zero Sugar Café, also known as Hola Keto Desserts, has launched a new wellness initiative called “You Move, We Brew” at Times Square Center in Dubai. The challenge rewards customers with a free coffee when they complete 10,000 steps in one day. The café sits inside Times Square Center, which focuses on community-led and wellness-based experiences. Through this initiative, Hola Zero Sugar Café encourages residents to stay active while making mindful food and drink choices. Hola Zero Sugar Café plays a key role in the centre’s Picnic Square concept. This area aims to be “not just a typical food…
Edinburgh Zoo has appointed Sodexo Live! as its new catering and hospitality partner following a competitive tender process. Sodexo Live!’s specialist brand, Heritage Portfolio, will lead operations with a dedicated team based in Edinburgh. The partnership signals a new phase for food and drink at the zoo. The focus will be on quality, consistency and alignment with the values of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), which manages the site. Together, the two organisations will develop a food culture that highlights Scottish produce, supports local suppliers and improves the visitor experience. The food and drink plan will centre on…