OCTOBER 2024
It’s National Curry Week 7-13th October and, as any restauranteur, chef or pub manager knows, an ideal beverage accompaniment is, of course, beer! American craft beer is particularly appropriate with its wide flavour spectrum and big, bold flavour characteristics.
Since the 1970s Indian cuisine has gained in popularity amongst UK consumers with curry becoming one of the nation’s favourite dishes. Curry is often paired with lager as the default choice of beverage accompaniment. However, offering different and more creative beer pairing ideas will add interest to the menu, compliment your dishes and help drive sales.
Beer is a good accompaniment to curry because the carbonation and hop bitterness will cut through the spicy, sometimes high fat content in a recipe. Carbonation found in beer will cleanse the palate and scythe through a rich, creamy sauce so that your mouth is refreshed and ready for the next bite. A low level of hop bitterness will both complement and cut the spicy flavours of a curry and calm the heat of fiery, hot ones. Dark beers such as brown ales, porters and stouts are also good partners because their malty sweetness balances the hot spices found in intensely flavoured curries to create a rounded, harmonious pairing. Note the alcohol level of a beer – a general rule of thumb is to pair a high level of heat with a beer that’s low in bitterness and alcohol content.
For teetotallers and anyone abstaining from alcohol, alcoholfree beers work just as well as their alcoholic counterparts particularly those with a hop forward flavour profile such as Athletic Brewing Co Free Run Wild IPA.
Check out these pairing ideas:
• Chicken Tikka Masala – pale ale or IPA works well with this dish due to the rich, creamy, high fat content of the sauce. A beer like Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is ideal and also pairs well with Chicken Korma or Butter Chicken
• Prawn Dhansak – pilsner lager will complement the succulent, minerality of the prawns and its hint of hop bitterness will refresh the palate after the hearty, earthy note of the lentils
• Lamb Madras – a hot, flavoursome curry calls for a beer with low bitterness and low alcohol content such as a blonde ale or Helles lager to help calm the heat of the spices and reset the palate, eg. Stone Brewing Co Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager
• Vindaloo – offer a dark beer with a high level of malty sweetness to balance the tangy, spicy heat of this classic, fiery curry. Ensure the alcohol content is low or the pairing will be too intense!
The UK is an important export market for American craft beer, accounting for 7.9% of all exports and ranking as the third largest market globally.
Free downloadable resources to help you enjoy and understand American craft beer are available at www.brewersassociation.org or www.craftbeer.com
American craft beer is available from select national wholesalers for the trade and on-line retailers such as Athletic Brewing, Sierra Nevada shop, Beer Merchants.com, Beers of America or watch out for pre-orders of American craft beer on Cave Direct
www.brewersassociation.org
EYE CATCHING LOUNGE FURNITURE
In Stock and ready to ship!
Kempsey Chair shown
Eden Furniture hold a number of ranges fully finished and available for immediate delivery.
In addition the chair frames such as the Worcester, Clifton, Broadheath, Bransford and Kempsey are held in the raw so can be stained and polished to our customers' requirements and delivered within 7 - 10 days.
Seat pads in a standard brown faux leather but can also be upholstered in customers own material.
Amanda Chair
Daisy Chair
Della Armchair
Mela Armchair
Clifton Chair
Kempsey Chair
WWorcester Chair
BBernice Chair
BBroadheath Chair
BBransford Chair
Introducing ‘Keep It Clean’: A New Podcast Series For The Cleaning Industry
Jangro, the UK & Europe’s largest network of independent janitorial and cleaning distributors, is excited to announce the launch of ‘Keep It Clean’, a groundbreaking podcast series that discusses the changing face of the cleaning industry.
Launched on 18 September 2024, this innovative series aims to provide valuable insights, expert interviews, and the latest trends to companies across a range of different industries that employ cleaning teams, as well as professionals in the cleaning sector.
‘Keep It Clean’ is hosted by Kate Williamson, National Accounts Manager at Jangro and features industry leading guests from the Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA), Planet Mark, and the Human Trafficking Foundation, amongst others. Over the six episodes, a diverse range of topics are covered including sustainability, legislation, challenges and much more!
Jo Gilliard, CEO of Jangro, comments: ‘We are thrilled to launch ‘Keep It Clean,’ which is designed to serve industry decision-makers across various sectors that contract or employ cleaning teams and suppliers. This podcast aims to share valuable insights and keep listeners updated with the latest trends and developments, ensuring that businesses can make
informed decisions. Our goal is to create a resource that is both informative and engaging, communicating detailed benefits, support, advice, and knowledge from within the industry for businesses seeking guidance and a trusted partner, like Jangro.’
The first episode of ‘Keep It Clean’ is now available and can be accessed on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. New episodes will be released bi-weekly, ensuring a steady stream of fresh content for the audience.
For more information about ‘Keep It Clean’ and to stay updated on upcoming episodes, visit www.jangro.net/Keepitclean.
PizzaExpress serves up record store at new Birmingham ICC pizzeria
• The newest addition to Birmingham’s vibrant dining scene combines great food with live music and a record store
• The opening marks the brand’s fourth record store, and first outside of London, serving live recorded vinyl and CDs from its eclectic music catalogue
• To celebrate the opening of PizzaExpress’ newest restaurant, famed singer Jack Garratt wowed guests at opening party
The UK’s most iconic pizzeria brand is delighted to announce that today, it is opening its newest pizzeria at The ICC, Birmingham. Alongside serving up its worldfamous pizza and iconic Dough Balls, there is an added sprinkling of spice in store: the brand is bringing live music back to the city of Birmingham. That’s right, PizzaExpress is returning to the city with its worldrenowned live music shows and if that’s not enough, it’s launching its first record store outside London inside the pizzeria.
Following the success of the brand’s three record stores opening in the capital earlier this year, this new store is located inside The ICC pizzeria. Featuring vinyl and CDs from the brand’s PX Records artists, customers will be able to purchase records from UK soul outfit Mamas Gun, keyboardist Matt Johnson (Jamiroquai) and renowned British singer-songwriter, Jack Garratt – all of which were recorded at PizzaExpress Live iconic venues.
The brand continues to prove itself as more than just a pizza restaurant, continually innovating and showcasing its authentic music prowess – with live music venues which have played host to a number of the big names of today, from Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith to the late Amy Winehouse, many of whom credit the brand for the role it’s played in their success and propulsion into the limelight.
This innovative approach to bring music into the heart of the new Brum pizzeria is exciting news for the talent of Birmingham, as the restaurant will feature weekly live music, known as Live Sessions, providing a platform for local artists to share their musical talents – not to mention the perfect setting for music lovers to enjoy an American Hot and ice cold Peroni. PizzaExpress Birmingham ICC’s Live Sessions will be held on Thursday evenings from 6pm, showcasing incredible, upcoming Birmingham talent.
Located in the heart of Birmingham’s bustling cultural precinct of arenas, restaurants, bars and attractions, PizzaExpress Birmingham ICC overlooks the city’s famed canals with an incredible outdoor dining terrace. The bespoke interior is the work of its award-winning design team - including unique gold artwork by Italian interior designer Enzo Apicella, who worked with PizzaExpress’ founder, Peter Boizot, to create some of the brand’s iconic aesthetics.
Destined to be a firm favourite for the city, the pizzeria celebrated its opening through an exclusive event last night (Thursday 12th September) featuring a surprise performance from its latest PX Records recording artist, Jack Garratt, to high acclaim. Jack was supported by a set from local Birmingham musician Hali Ray, which guests enjoyed whilst sipping refreshing cocktails by craft distiller, Sipsmith.
PizzaExpress Birmingham ICC General Manager Ilham Tahmazov said, “Our pizzeria is a stylish new setting for locals to enjoy their PizzaExpress favourites. In a city renowned for its heavy metal in the late 60s, as we approach our 60th anniversary next year, it only seems right to celebrate our connection to live music, with our very own record store, live music and our delicious menu – all the ingredients for a lunch stop with family, mates or dates or guaranteed good night out.”
The opening of PizzaExpress Birmingham ICC builds on the brand’s mission to make its iconic pizzas available to customers no matter where they are - from Bengaluru, India to Birmingham, UK with this new restaurant marking the brand’s third location in the UK’s second largest city. It will also support the local economy by bringing 20 new jobs and career opportunities for the community.
To learn more about PizzaExpress, visit www.pizzaexpress.com
Isle of Wight Distillery Launches Limited Edition
50cl Mermaid Gin Seagrass Gift Set in support of Project Seagrass
The Isle of Wight Distillery has today unveiled a striking new gift set which contains a 50cl bottle of Mermaid Gin and a Mermaid branded tumbler. Demonstrating the distillery’s commitment to sustainability, the new gift pack is packaged in mycelium, an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic and 10 % of profits from the sale of each gift set will be donated to Project Seagrass. This new gift set will be available to purchase to consumers online from the Isle of Wight Distillery from 2nd September and priced at £49.00.
As part of this limited-edition gift set, The Isle of Wight Distillery has introduced a brand new and exclusive 50cl glass bottle, in addition to the existing standard 70cl and 5cl bottles. The stunning bottle is crafted from recyclable glass, and features a sustainably sourced natural cork stopper and tamper-proof seal made from corn and potato starch, which composts in food waste recycling within 6-12 weeks. The label on the neck of the bottle is crafted from recyclable, biodegradable paper whilst the bottle is also re-usable and recyclable. The striking blue bottle is based on a Mermaid’s tail and makes a perfect gift alongside the tumbler which is embossed with gold features.
The packaging in which the bottle and tumbler sit is 100% mycelium and compostable. Produced by the Magical Mushroom Company, the inserts are grown into the shape of both the bottle and tumbler, and they are completely biodegradable and can simply be added to food waste.
The Distillery has committed to give 10% of profits from the sale of each gift set to Project Seagrass, a registered charity which helps protect and preserve seagrass ecosystems globally.
Based on the Isle of Wight, the distillery sees first-hand the damage human activity, pollution and climate change has on seagrass meadows in the Solent, the stretch of water between the island and mainland, UK. The team at the distillery want to help raise awareness of the power of seagrass and the role it plays in combating climate change. Seagrass is the unsung hero of the ocean, home to many sea creatures and also functions as a huge carbon sink (akin to absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere), sequestering it 35 times faster than the rainforest. However its survival is being threatened by human intervention including mooring anchors, buoys and pollution.
Xavier Baker, Co-Founder of Mermaid Gin says, “We are delighted to announce the launch of the limited-edition Mermaid Gin Seagrass Gift Set to gin lovers who we hope will enjoy both the new bottle size and sustainable packaging. It is an offering that supports the brands commitment to help protect the planet with support of Project Seagrass together with the new biodegradable packaging.”
Mermaid Gin is a small batch, beach to bottle London Dry Gin with a hint of sea air. Hand-crafted on the Isle of Wight, Mermaid Gin uses ten locally foraged and sustainably sourced botanicals which are multi-distilled to deliver a smooth, clean and fresh finish. Mermaid Gin’s botanicals include organic lemon zest, underpinned by peppery spicy notes of grains of paradise, with a hint of the sea air from the locally foraged, fragrant rock samphire.
Mermaid Gin Tasting Notes:
Nose: Fresh citrus, sweet spice, gentle juniper
Taste: Citrus with a peppery spice, an earthy sweetness and a hint of sea air
Finish: Long, layered and complex with a well-rounded mouthfeel
Mermaid Original Gin Gift Pack RRP £49.00 ABV 42%. Available from The Isle of Wight Distillery.
LÍO RETURNS TO A SPECTACULAR
“THE JUKEBOX”
Experience the ultimate Cabaret, Dining, and Club Night as Ibiza’s legendary entertainment brand opens its autumn/winter season in London on Friday 4th October.
Prepare for an unforgettable evening as Lío London makes its triumphant return on Friday, 4th October, unveiling the sensational new show, “The JukeBox.” This immersive cabaret experience will transport you through the decades, bringing the energy, opulence, and world-class entertainment of Ibiza right to the heart of London. (...cont)
Step into ‘The JukeBox,’ a whirlwind of iconic pop hits, seductive performances by worldclass talent, and next-level gastronomy curated by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Andreu Genestra. Fresh off the back of recordbreaking seasons in Ibiza, Mykonos, and Mallorca, Lío London is assembling the best international talent to light up the London stage with “The JukeBox.” Get ready to embark on a musical journey through the greatest hits of the last four decades, brought to life by thrilling cabaret acts, seductive performances, and cutting-edge culinary creations.
Whether you’re planning an elevated date night or a celebration with friends, Lío London offers an experience like no other. The 2.5-hour show features a dazzling array of theatrical performances from the global Lío family, accompanied by an all-new Mediterranean menu.
Indulge in a culinary adventure that transports you to Mediterranean shores with dishes like the succulent Beef Ribeye with Madeira Jus, the exotic Roasted Cauliflower in creamy green curry with Dukka, and the exquisite Lío Sea Festival, a shared feast of Sashimi, Scallops, and Caviar. And don’t forget to save room for one of Lío’s handcrafted desserts, designed to delight and entice— Chocolate Mousse with Caramel Banana or a deeply flavored Pistachio Tiramisu.
Lío London’s Executive Chairman, Julio Bruno, shares his excitement: “This season, we’re bringing opulence back to London nightlife. After an electrifying summer across the Mediterranean, we can’t wait to return to the capital with a brand-new show, fresh talent, and an exciting new menu. As the nights grow darker, Lío will be lighting up London with another sell-out season.”
The excitement continues as Lío Club opens its doors from 11pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, featuring a lineup of top international DJs. Last year’s season included renowned artists such as Jamie Jones, Nic Fanciulli, Bob Sinclar, Seth Troxler and Fat Tony, with this season promising more of that high energy with commercial Reggaeton on Thursdays and the hottest electronica on Fridays and Saturdays.
Lío London opens its doors every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 4th October - with dinner and cabaret from 7:30pm and club nights from 11pm.
Reserve your table or club ticket now at Lío’s website.
Half of the population at risk of panic in emergencies: experts sound the alarm for urgent workplace first aid training
Experts have sounded the alarm for more workplaces, including across the food and hospitality industry, to urgently invest in first aid training, with new research* finding one in two people (49%) would feel panicked if they came across a health emergency, due to lack of training.
The new data, released by England’s leading first aid charity, St John Ambulance, also revealed that more than a quarter of people surveyed (26%) said they had never learned any first aid.
Lisa Sharman, Head of Education & Commercial Training at St John Ambulance, shared her concerns: “The lack of first aid knowledge, combined with the panic that can set in during emergencies, is something no employer or employee should have to experience—whether at work, at home, or beyond.”
She added, “Investing in first aid training isn’t just about meeting workplace regulations—it’s about empowering people with the confidence, knowledge and skills that can save lives, anywhere.”
“When employees are trained to respond calmly and effectively, they can make a life-saving difference in critical moments, whether it’s for a colleague, a relative, or a stranger.”
“Providing this knowledge enhances the safety and well-being of everyone, not only in the workplace but in everyday life, offering peace of mind for businesses, employees, and the wider community.”
St John Ambulance specialises in one-day Emergency First Aid at Work training courses for workplaces across the food and hospitality industry, covering adult resuscitation (CPR), burns and scalds, choking, communication and casualty care, use of defibrillators, bleeding, seizures, shock, unresponsive adults and more.
St John Ambulance is urging all workplaces to take a day, to save a life, by investing in emergency first aid training and upskilling their workers.
St John Ambulance is also one of the most trusted providers for Emergency First Aid at Work, with organisations across England rating their training courses at 4.9 out of 5, based on more than 40,000 reviews*.
Responsible employers across England invest in Emergency First Aid at Work, and Mental Health First Aid training courses, both of which are offered by St John Ambulance.
For more information, and to book a First Aid at Work training course with St John Ambulance, visit www.sja.org.uk/courses
voco hotels opens doors to voco StockholmKista in Sweden’s ‘Silicon Valley’
Embrace a dynamic blend of tech and culture, in Stockholm’s most diverse district, where innovations in music, design, fashion and technology are born.
Today voco hotels, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium portfolio, opens voco Stockholm - Kista, a brand-new contemporary hotel in the lively district of Kista. Offering a laid back and inviting oasis for all types of travellers, the hotel marks IHG Hotels & Resorts’ re-entry into the Swedish market. At voco Stockholm - Kista, each element of the hotel has been thoughtfully curated to deliver a charming experience worth cherishing.
Located in the heart of Stockholm's Silicon Valley, the brand new, fullservice hotel, with uninterrupted views of northern Stockholm, is an exciting addition to the city scape welcoming business and leisure guests from around the world to enjoy its premium spa, wellness facilities and gourmet dining. With 201 rooms, a spacious restaurant, café, five meeting spaces, a fitness suite and underground parking, voco Stockholm - Kista is within walking distance of corporate headquarters and tech parks and is only a short drive from Stockholm city centre.
Upon check in, guests each receive a signature voco welcome treat that is both unique and representative of the local area. At voco StockholmKista, guests will be offered a typical Swedish treat – a chocolate ball. It is part of Swedish “fika” culture where Swedes take a coffee break to enjoy something sweet and take a break from the day and connect with others.
On the doorstep of the hotel is the area of Kista itself, a vibrant melting pot for different cultures. Guests will have a rich blend of cultures reflected in a variety of restaurants, shops and community events a stone’s through away.
Niclas Stjernström, General Manager, voco Stockholm - Kista said: “We are thrilled to announce the opening of voco Stockholm - Kista, the very first voco hotel in Sweden. This brandnew property represents not only a significant milestone for IHG Hotels & Resorts but also a remarkable addition to the Kista business district. The entire team has worked tirelessly to create a welcoming and dynamic space that perfectly embodies the voco brand - combining charm, comfort and a premium inviting experience with the reliability of a global brand. We hope to meet the needs of the local and international
business community, and we are excited about the opportunities this hotel will bring to the region. I couldn’t be prouder of the incredible work our team has done in bringing voco to life, setting a new standard for hospitality in Sweden”.
The hotel rooms are designed to suit any traveller’s needs with a mix of various room sizes, including family rooms, accessible rooms and connecting rooms. The top floor of the property plays host to an outdoor terrace and café serving light meals ultimately providing guests with a sky-high sanctuary complete with the only spa and pool in Kista.
Guests at voco Stockholm - Kista can also savour pan-European dishes at The Eatery Garden, an urban dining concept serving modern interpretations of classic dishes with a Nordic flair. Open for all-day dining, The Eatery Garden caters to both business and family dining and offers a cosy and relaxing environment. At the head of all menus and drinks is The Eatery Garden’s “MasterChef” to ensure flavours, sustainability and nutrition are all perfectly balanced.
First launched in 2018, voco hotels is one of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ fastest-growing brands with 71 open hotels and over 79 exciting destinations in the pipeline. voco Stockholm - Kista will build on IHG Hotels & Resorts’ presence in the Nordics, which includes Crowne Plaza Hotel Copenhagen Towers in Denmark, as well as a portfolio of seven hotels in Finland.
Staying true to voco hotel’s “step by step” sustainability mantra, voco Stockholm - Kista is committed to innovation and sustainability, and the belief that small steps collectively make the biggest difference. This includes pillows and duvet fillings made from 100% of recycled materials, bulk plantbased amenities, and more.
To learn more about voco hotels or to book a stay at voco Stockholm – Kista, visit the hotel’s website here, or download the IHG One Rewards mobile app
Cut from a different cloth
We’re passionate about making luxury mattresses and beds in the most responsible way. And for us, that means caring where everything comes from so you can provide your guests with the best in luxury sleep. It’s why we grow our comfort fillings on our Yorkshire farm, weave naturally FR Chemical Treatment Free fabrics in-house and make our own award-winning springs.
Our unique approach to luxury bed making makes us different. It’s why each and every one we lovingly handcraft is proudly cut from a different cloth.
You can find us launching our new collections at DECOREX ON STAND A54 and INDEPENDENT HOTEL SHOW ON STAND 1630 this October!