Aldi Scotland brought its Supermarket Sweep fundraiser to Cowdenbeath to mark one year of partnership with Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS). Shona Malcolm, a chef at Rachel House hospice, took part in the challenge and raised £524 for the charity, helping to close a successful year of fundraising. Rachel House, based in Kinross, is one of two CHAS hospices in Scotland. It provides palliative, respite and end of life care to children with life-shortening conditions and supports their families. The hospice kitchen plays a central role in daily life, with Shona, who has worked there for seven years, preparing meals…
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.
As 2025 draws to a close, the way people in the UK celebrate New Year’s Eve is shifting. Large city events and high-cost parties still attract some crowds, but many people now prefer smaller, more relaxed plans. These often involve dinner with friends, familiar places, and the option to leave early rather than commit to a long night out. Longbow Venues, which operates pubs, restaurants, and boutique hotels across the Peak District, has seen this change across its locations. These include The Maynard, The Ashford Arms, The George at Hathersage, and The Peacock at Owler Bar. In response, each venue…
Hotel Gotham Newcastle has launched a new range of luxury gift vouchers, giving guests the option to gift a five-star experience at the city’s newest hotel. The vouchers are available to buy online and arrive ahead of the festive season. The collection offers flexible ways to treat others or plan a future stay. Guests can choose from curated hotel experiences or monetary vouchers that can be used across the property. Each voucher provides access to the Hotel Gotham experience, from cocktails at FIRE bar and dining at SIREN restaurant to overnight stays in Art Deco-inspired rooms and suites. The vouchers…
The Starbucks Winter menu launches on 8 January 2026, bringing new drinks designed to suit colder mornings and refreshed daily routines. From 8 January 2026, Starbucks will roll out its Winter menu across the UK. The line-up introduces two new drinks: the Pistachio Matcha Latte and the Ristretto Bianco. Both are designed to offer a change of pace at the start of the year, with a focus on balanced flavours and familiar ingredients. The new Pistachio Matcha Latte places pistachio back at the centre of the menu. Available hot or iced, the drink combines matcha green tea with steamed milk…
The Danish-founded brand increases its UK footprint as part of plans to reach 1,000 global locations Danish-founded juice, coffee and sandwich brand JOE & THE JUICE continues to expand its UK presence, opening four new stores within a six-week period across November and December 2025. These openings bring the total number of new UK stores launched during 2025 to 16. The expansion supports the company’s wider plan to open more than 1,000 locations worldwide over the next five years. The latest openings follow strong growth across the UK estate. JOE & THE JUICE increased its number of UK stores by…
For the festive period, Caviar Kaspia and Rosewood Villa Magna have come together to introduce Santa’s Kaspia Bar, a seasonal pop-up set in the centre of Madrid. The collaboration brings a shared approach to style, hospitality and seasonal dining. The concept builds on the popularity of Villa Magna’s Santa’s Bar and introduces Caviar Kaspia’s established identity to the experience. The result combines Parisian influence with the hotel’s festive setting, creating a space that reflects both brands. The venue offers an interior inspired by a winter chalet, paired with Caviar Kaspia’s Paris-led design language. Soft lighting, custom mosaic details and gold…
More than half of people in Britain say Christmas is the main time their household cooks together Over 14 million people in the UK face food poverty, making festive meals harder to afford New recipe series highlights community work tackling hunger across the country Wednesday 10 December, London: Sainsbury’s and Comic Relief have launched Twelve Recipes of Christmas as part of the Meals Make Memories campaign. The initiative focuses on the role food plays in creating shared moments and what can be lost when access to food is limited. The collection includes twelve affordable recipes shared by six community workers…
Hinba has grown from a single coffee shop in Oban into a group of seven cafés, bakeries and restaurants across Glasgow and the west of Scotland, despite wider pressure on the sector. The business has more than doubled in size in 18 months, employs over 50 people and has increased turnover by 150% in the past year. Founder Fergus McCoss attributes the growth to timing, clear decision-making and a focus on factors within the company’s control. At a time when many Scottish hospitality businesses face rising costs, tight margins and frequent closures, a coffee shop that opened on Oban harbour…
Mark Perkins, Executive Pastry Chef at Rosewood London, named Pastry Ambassador for HRC 2026 HRC, part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, will take place at ExCeL London from 30 March to 1 April 2026. The event has confirmed the launch of a new Pastry Section, created to provide pastry chefs with a clear and focused space within the UK’s leading hospitality show. The section will offer access to technical demonstrations, peer networking and direct engagement with suppliers of specialist ingredients, equipment and pastry solutions. As part of this development, HRC has appointed its first Pastry Ambassador, Mark Perkins, Executive…
What Is HomesBlogs? HomesBlogs is a blog and information site about everything related to your home. The content on this site is made to help people make their houses look better, work well, and feel comfortable. HomesBlogs shares ideas you can try in your own home. The blog covers things like Stylish home decor ideas Interior design tips Home improvement guides Simple DIY projects Budget-friendly ideas Organization and cleaning tips Outdoor space ideas The goal of HomesBlogs is to provide easy-to-understand content that inspires people, no matter their level of experience. Why HomesBlogs Is Helpful Making your home look and…