Elton John has launched a new premium non-alcoholic sparkling wine under the Elton John Zero brand. The release marks the introduction of a 0% Blanc de Blancs designed for shared moments and everyday celebrations, without alcohol. Elton John Zero is built around the idea that time spent together should feel good, both during the moment and after. The brand targets people who enjoy social occasions and want an alcohol-free option that still feels considered and complete. The Blanc de Blancs is made using Chardonnay grapes grown in Northern Italy and is positioned as a premium sparkling alternative for a wide…
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.
Colombo Kitchen, a Sri Lankan restaurant group based in south west London, has raised close to £3,000 to support communities affected by severe flooding in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah. The fundraising effort was led by Sri Lankan-born chef and restaurateur Sylvia Perera, with additional personal donations made by Chef Sylvia herself. The funds were raised through a series of community-led activities. These included a fundraising buffet held at Colombo Kitchen on 30 November 2025, where all profits went towards flood relief. A further contribution came from a pop-up at Imperial College London Hospital, which raised more than £1,000 through…
A new study shows that January birthdays are often overlooked, with many people choosing to cancel, delay or avoid celebrations altogether. The research reveals a growing trend now known as “Abandonuary”, where birthdays in January receive less attention than at any other time of year. More than a third of adults born in January, 36 per cent, say they have experienced Abandonuary. A similar share, 34 per cent, admit they have abandoned their own birthday plans at least once in the past decade. One in five, 21 per cent, say they have never had a birthday party during their adult…
Costa Coffee has announced the launch of its new January menu, introducing new drinks, food items, and returning favourites designed to support simple daily rituals at the start of the year. The menu will be available in stores across the UK and Ireland from Thursday 8 January 2026. As part of the update, Costa Coffee is introducing its first nationwide Matcha Latte range. The drinks will be available in more than 2,800 stores, offering customers an easy way to choose matcha as part of their daily routine, whether they are new to the flavour or already familiar with it. The…
Krispy Kreme has announced a new limited-edition collaboration with Perfect Ted, introducing the Grab Your Greens range across the UK and Ireland. The partnership brings together Krispy Kreme’s Original Glazed doughnut with Perfect Ted’s matcha, offering new products aimed at the start of the year. The collaboration launches as interest in matcha continues to grow. The Grab Your Greens range begins on 30 December and includes the Strawberry Matcha Doughnut, alongside two Original Glazed Matcha Lattes, available hot or iced. The Strawberry Matcha Doughnut features a strawberry-flavoured Kreme filling, coated in Perfect Ted matcha and finished with dried strawberry pieces.…
Bayne’s the Family Bakers has outlined a long-term growth plan that includes doubling its retail estate and investing £11 million in the business over the next five to eight years. The strategy follows a record financial year, with turnover reaching £51.2 million for the year ending 31 March 2025. The growth plan builds on more than 70 years of trading and centres on a major expansion of the Orwell Bakery hub in Lochore. This investment will support the opening of three to four new shops each year and aims to secure the business’s place on Scottish high streets for the…
Commuters were brought to a halt this week when an orchestra performed music made entirely from vegetables and kitchen utensils, with vocals from Strictly Come Dancing’s La Voix. The unusual instruments included carrot recorders, potato flutes, and butternut squash horns. Together, the group played a short jingle encouraging people to head home for the day and make time for dinner. The performance took place at exactly 5pm, marking the end of the working day and highlighting dinnertime. The ‘HelloFresh Kitchen Orchestra’ performed on London’s South Bank as crowds passed through towards Waterloo station. The event followed new research commissioned by…
Budapest has been ranked Europe’s most authentic food destination, achieving a score of 98 out of 100 in a SAGA survey. Within this context, Kimpton BEM Budapest has emerged as one of the city’s notable recent openings, attracting both residents and visitors through its strong focus on food. Located on the Buda side of the Danube, the hotel’s culinary direction sits under Executive Chef Attila Fehèr, who oversees three dining venues: AGOS, Bar HUSO, and FENNEN Rooftop Bar. Each offers a view of Hungarian cooking shaped through Mediterranean influence. Within a year of opening, AGOS has received two Toques from…
Alfred Works, the new food hall from award-winning hospitality group Blend Family, has announced the first wave of food partners set to open at the redeveloped Custard Factory site. All three brands will open in Birmingham for the first time, introducing new cuisines and concepts to the city. Scheduled to open in 2026 in Digbeth, Alfred Works marks a new phase for the historic site named after custard powder inventor Alfred Bird. The venue will cover more than 17,500 square feet of indoor space and feature 15 kitchens, an outdoor courtyard, social gaming areas, family-friendly spaces, and a large events…
Nitya Foods has announced the launch of its new eCommerce platform, Nitya Online. The platform marks an important step in the company’s efforts to improve access to Indian food products for customers across the United Kingdom. Nitya Online has been developed to serve the Indian diaspora in the UK. It aims to make it easier for customers to buy familiar Nitya products and reconnect with traditional flavours and ingredients. The website allows customers to browse products, place orders, and receive deliveries at home. The range includes rice, lentils and pulses, traditional snacks, and cooking oils. The platform supports Nitya Foods’…