Walton Lodge Farm Estate, the 360-acre working farm and historic 18th century family home of Casa Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel owner Steve Perez, has officially achieved Red Tractor certification, one of the UK’s most respected marks of food quality, traceability, and sustainability. The certification confirms that Walton Lodge Farm – situated on the edge of the Peak District and home to native-breed Belted Galloway and Highland cattle, Dorset sheep, Berkshire pigs, chickens, and honeybees – meets the highest standards of food safety, environmental care, and animal welfare. The farm supplies seasonal meats, eggs, and honey directly to Casa Hotel’s Cocina…
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.
Launching this summer, the 2,280 sq ft site will mark the brand’s 23rd store in the UK – creating up to 15 jobs and joining the first wave of openings at the new retail destination Speciality coffee roaster, 200 Degrees, has announced that it is celebrating the launch of its brand-new coffee shop opening at the highly anticipated Cotswolds Designer Outlet by giving away 2,000 free drinks to locals who sign up here. Set to open this summer, the exciting new launch marks the brand’s most southerly location in England, and its 23rd coffee shop across the UK, bringing the…
Mark Poynton along with new business partners, Gareth and Emma John will launch The Ancient Shepherds in Fen Ditton, a village located three miles outside of Cambridge. A restaurant with rooms located on the site of Mark’s former restaurant, MJP @ The Shepherds, this heralds an exciting next chapter for Mark and team. Established residents of Fen Ditton, Gareth and Emma have been fans of Mark’s cooking ever since he opened his then Cambridge based restaurant, Alimentum in 2009. Having lived in the village for over 20 years, the pair wanted to safeguard the future of MJP @ The Shepherds…
Galvia AI, a leading international artificial intelligence company, has announced its UK expansion with a new Manchester office and plans to help hospitality SMEs transform how they operate, grow and compete using connected intelligence. Headquartered in Galway, Ireland, Galvia will base its UK operations at the Turing Innovation Catalyst (TIC), within Sister – Manchester’s £1.7bn science and technology innovation district. Galvia’s secure, scalable AI platform delivers measurable business impact within weeks, helping independent and multi-site operators across the UK’s hospitality sector connect their data, activate insights, predictions and prompts that drive smarter, faster decision-making. At the heart of Galvia’s UK strategy is…
In July 2025 Chelsea favourite HUŎ will open their next site in London’s leafy Belsize Village. Having first opened on Park Walk in 2021, HUŎ fast became an SW10 favourite with restaurateurs, Graham Rebak and Adam Wilkie looking forward to bringing their clean, fresh and healthy Asian food to NW3. Known for its chic interiors and accessible menu, HUŎ Belsize Village will stay true to its Chelsea heritage & sister restaurants ULI in Notting Hill & Marylebone. Head Chef Yam Gurung has curated a menu which encompasses carefully selected dishes from around China and Southeast Asia, with an emphasis on…
As skills shortages threaten growth for nearly 65 per cent of UK businesses Europa Worldwide Group is stepping up – putting investment in people at the heart of its strategy. In 2023, Europa announced a multi-year focus on bespoke Management Training aimed at creating a more empowered workforce. This is a strategic shift toward long-term team development with a comprehensive 12-month Management Training Programme designed to enhance leadership capability across its expanding operation and delivered by its inhouse Training & Development Team. The Programme provides structured, high-impact training and, so far, 170 senior managers from 16 UK sites have completed the bespoke course, with…
Backed by FIGR Ventures, Revenge Capital, and high-profile angel investors, the funding marks a major milestone for the drinks brand disrupting the premium RTD space. Pimentae, the female-founded tequila cocktail brand on a mission to reimagine ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails, today announces the close of its £1.5 million funding round, led by early-stage consumer fund FIGR Ventures. The raise brings total funds secured by the business to date to £2.5 million. In a sector where less than 1% of UK venture capital goes to all-female teams (source: British Business Bank), Pimentae’s success is both notable and necessary. The new capital will support Pimentae’s ambitious next…
As consumers slash their spending in the face of tightening household budgets, new analysis from the home delivery expert Parcelhero reveals 1 in 2 online shoppers abandon their cart because of delivery fees. Delivery options are as important as price for many. At the same time, 61% of us want to see greener delivery options. As businesses enter the second half of the financial year, the home delivery expert Parcelhero has done a deep dive into the latest consumer trends. It has found that unexpectedly high delivery fees and a lack of delivery options make many online shoppers abandon their cart. However,…
On Sunday 03 August 2025, Brixham will host a new one-day festival celebrating British sardines and South Devon’s fishing heritage This summer, Brixham’s Fish Market will come alive with flavour and festivity as the South West Sardine Festival arrives on Sunday 03 August 2025, bringing a vibrant new celebration to the heart of one of Britain’s most historic fishing towns. Free to attend and running from 12:00 to 21:30, the festival invites locals and visitors alike to experience a day inspired by coastal traditions, from the South West to the Mediterranean. At its heart is the British sardine – abundant, sustainable, and caught right here…
A Bipolar UK ambassador has today been awarded the British Citizen Award for creating its Mood Tracker app that has helped tens of thousands of people living with bipolar to manage their condition and reduce hospital stays. Andrew Thompson BCAh, from Staffordshire, launched the free Bipolar UK Mood tracker app to empower people to track their mood and spot early signs of an episode, so they can take steps to ward off a relapse. The 57-year-old was inspired to create the app because despite being referred to a psychiatrist at the age of 19, he was not diagnosed with bipolar until the…