Food & Drink – Page 4 – The Review Studio

Opies Preserved Fruits

Christmas, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Stocking Fillers

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

For Christmas, there is a certain set of rules that doesn’t apply at any time of year, and that is especially true with food. Opies Preserved Fruits are the type of treat you would never ever think of buying for yourself at any other time of year, nor would it be a gift for someone else unless it was something they particularly asked for! Perhaps that’s why Opies only release these preserved fruits at Christmas – so that you look forward to buying and consuming the luxurious preserves a family, or because you know the perfect recipient for the Kilner jarred delicacies, perhaps as part of a hamper?

We were sent part of their 2024 range including the Black Cherrie, Baby Pears and Peaches. Each of the fruits are preserved in a different alcohol (so Granny might enjoy this but probably not one for the children!) which included Kirsch for the black cherries, Amoretto for the pears and 12 year old brandy for the peaches. Packed by hand, the preserved fruits come in generous 500 gram plus sized portions and are now in fabulous Kilner jars, so when you’re finished with the fruit, you can use the jar again and again.

Starting with the Black Cherries, the label has various recipes inside, but for starters you can use these in trifles, Christmas or otherwise. I like them on their own with some cream, or one year I made croissants and added cherries to the middle, which gave the croissants a festive red colouring as well! The baby pears are great as statement pieces at a Christmas dessert, or sliced up with their Amoretto flavoured juices as a Tarte Tatin. My favourites though are the Brandy peaches. The recipes include Peach Melba, but imagine these sweet, soft peaches in a peach crumble with delicious custard or ice cream as an alternative to Christmas Pudding?

Opies have other hand packed preserved fruits available on their website; have a look to see who you’ll be buying for this year, or maybe treat yourself?

Available from £6.99

Mixtons Forbidden Zest Cocktail

alcoholic drinks, Autumn, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Drinks and Mixers, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gluten Free, Halloween, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Halloween is all about fun – from eerie costumes to spooky décor and tasty treats, but when it comes to hosting the ultimate Halloween party, the last thing you want is to be stuck behind the bar, shaking up cocktails all night. This is where canned cocktails come in, the perfect party hack for anyone looking to serve up a wide variety of drinks without the hassle. These pre-mixed gems are perfect for parties as there is no need for complicated recipes or endless bottles of spirits and mixers – simply chill the cans, open, and enjoy!

I’ve recently discovered Mixtons cocktails and have become quite partial to their Forbidden Zest cocktail, a delicious blend of gin, blood orange, grapefruit, and yuzu that screams Halloween in every way. With its vibrant, blood-red hue, this cocktail adds a dramatic touch to any Halloween party, perfectly complementing the eerie atmosphere of the night.

As for the taste? It’s a refreshing, citrus-based cocktail with the natural sweetness of blood orange beautifully balanced by the tangy kick of grapefruit and yuzu, creating a cocktail that’s both fruity and zingy. The gin adds a smooth and sophisticated undertone, balancing the bold citrus notes with a crisp finish. It’s the kind of drink that’s light and invigorating, perfect for sipping throughout a lively Halloween evening.

So this Halloween, skip the bar setup and stock up on Mixtons Forbidden Zest. With its fruity, zingy flavour, eye catching red hue and handy 200ml cans, it’s the perfect way to keep your party spirits high – no tricks, just treats!

Box of 6 £22.50

TokyoTreat Halloween Sweets

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, Children, Family Life, Gifts for children, Halloween, Home, Lunchbox Fillers, snacks, Subscription Boxes

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

With Halloween round the corner, TokyoTreat have the perfect ‘Halloween in a box’ for you! The snack box subscription company have their Halloween sweet selection for the month of October if you sign up now, and you’ll find Japan’s favourite snacks all in one box.

For anyone who loves Japanese chocolates and sweets, or if you want to snack on something novel for a Halloween horror movie, we found the TokyoTreat box perfect. Inside there are loads of snacks, most of which are nothing like what you’d find in the UK. The exception being the Kit Kat selection – but in Apple Pie flavour! There’s snacks in the box from all of Japan’s top brands including Hi-Chew, Pocky and Calbee. Yes, they’re all in Japanese and mostly difficult to read but… that’s the fun of working out what the snacks are! I must say, it’s a delicious way to spend movie night or if you’re feeling adventurous, then Halloween Trick or Treaters will have a blast with these snacks, especially when they try to work out what they are!

TokyoTreat subscriptions start at US$32.50 per month for a 12 month subscription. See their website for more: https://tokyotreat.com/subscribe

The Hoy Coffee from Artisan Coffee Co

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, coffee, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Nobody likes bland coffee, so when The Artisan Coffee Co sent us a new blend of coffee to try, we were all for it! Not only was this a new artisan blend, but it was developed with Sir Chris Hoy, Olympic champion.

Sir Chris discovered artisan coffee during his Olympic training in Melbourne, Australia and has since joined forced with Artisan Coffee Co to create The Hoy No 6 blend. With a combination of Arabica beans from Sidamo in Ethiopia, Brazil and El Salvador, the distinct flavour is strong, with a smoothness you’ll appreciate as a coffee lover but with a sweetness that makes it ideal for after dinner. The luxury of this Hoy No 6 from Artisan Coffee Co means it’s ideal for Christmas Day, or for relaxing on Boxing Day without being too strong.

The Hoy No 6 is a limited-edition coffee, designed especially as a flat white, which incidentally is how Chris likes to drink his coffee! The coffee is a tribute to Hoy’s sporting achievements and as a celebration to the 2024 Olympic season.

The Hoy No 6 Artisan Coffee Co blend is available in whole bean bags of 240 grams. £1.50 of every bag sold will be donated to The Christie Charity, which supports the work of the Christie NHS Foundation Trust in providing world-class cancer care.

Available online for £12.25 at: https://www.artisancoffeeco.com/products/the-hoy-whole-bean-coffee?_pos=1&_sid=b8df84670&_ss=r

Bumbles and Boo New Mum Hamper

Baby, Children, chocolate, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Toys, Women

Disclaimer: we received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Choosing gifts for a new baby is always a delight, but it’s just as important to spoil mum too and that’s where Bumbles & Boo come in – they create the most incredible mother and baby hampers which are the perfect gift for any new or expectant mum.

I recently had the pleasure of receiving one of their New Mum Hampers – “Most Beautiful Baby,” and I can honestly say that it’s one of the most thoughtful and beautifully presented gifts I’ve ever come across. The grey wicker basket, elegantly tied with a grey ribbon, looks incredibly stylish and I couldn’t wait to discover what was inside.

Every little detail, from the elegant packaging to the thoughtfully selected items, makes this hamper stand out, and the unboxing was a delightful experience. The hamper has a beautifully hand tied silver grey ribbon around it and once you’ve untied it and lifted the lid you discover a layer of crisp white tissue paper, which adds to the anticipation. The gifts, carefully nestled in shredded paper, are accompanied by a couple of white artificial roses, adding a luxurious feel to the hamper. A handwritten note from the Bumbles & Boo team completes the experience, adding a personal touch to an already special gift.

For any new mum, small moments of indulgence and relaxation are invaluable, especially during those sleepless nights and the hamper contains a couple of treats for mum to enjoy. The luxury chocolates, in a ribbon tied box not only looked incredible but tasted delicious too and the three Neal’s Yard Remedies Rose & Lime Flower Tea Quiet Time tea bags are perfect for those much-needed moments of relaxation and self-care.

The hamper also contains some delightful baby items. The 100% cotton baby bandana bib is soft and absorbent, and ideal for feeding time, while the grey knitted booties (sized 0-6 months) are utterly adorable, soft, cozy, and stylish and will be perfect for keeping little toes warm this winter. The hamper also included a sweet muslin cloth adorned with grey hearts and stars, a practical yet cute addition to the baby essentials. There was also a bottle of Childs Farm baby wash, a well-known brand trusted for its gentle, baby-friendly formula and a cute elephant baby rattle, its soft, friendly design making it the perfect toy for little ones.

There are also a couple of keepsakes in the hamper, the beautifully illustrated baby milestone cards are perfect for capturing those precious firsts, and the “Most Beautiful Baby” plaque has space to record details like the baby’s name, date of birth, weight, and place of birth. With its pastel beads and wooden rainbow design, it will look lovely on the nursery wall. The reusable wicker basket is also great for storing treasured mementos too.

This Mum-to-Be Hamper is the perfect gift for a baby shower or to welcome a new baby. It offers the perfect mix of pampering treats for mum and adorable, practical essentials for the baby. Whether you’re spoiling a friend or even treating yourself, this hamper is bound to delight any new mum this Christmas.

Bumbles & Boo have a fantastic selection of hampers available on their website to suit all budgets and don’t worry if you can’t find the perfect one, as there’s also the option to create your own hamper.

RRP £89.95

Slice of Heaven Brownies

Birthday Gifts, chocolate, Christmas, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, secret santa, snacks, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

We all have that one family member who’s hard to shop for at Christmas, so if they have a sweet tooth, why not surprise them with some mouthwatering homemade brownies?

Nikki at Slice of Heaven creates the most amazing cakes and brownies, and we were lucky enough to try one of the Brownie 4 boxes. With six indulgent flavours to choose from – Chocolate, Oreo, Twix, Milky Stars, Kit Kat, and Bourbon – there’s something for every chocolate lover.

The brownies arrived in pristine condition, packaged in a sturdy box with a clear plastic lid, with the ingredients listed on the bottom of the box. We tried the Oreo and Bourbon varieties, which were thick, full of flavour, and incredibly moreish! The added Oreo or Bourbon biscuits baked into the top takes the chocolatey experience to the next level making them the perfect treat for a loved one this Christmas. Whether you enjoy them hot or cold, these brownies are sure to be a hit, plus, they come in a letterbox-friendly box, making them a perfect, hassle-free gift to send to friends and family.

RRP £15.50

Lily O’Brien’s Christmas Chocolate Selections

Birthday Gifts, chocolate, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Stocking Fillers

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

We love Christmas chocolates and Lily O’Brien chocolates are no exception. Throughout the year there are selections of Lily O’Brien chocolates in the shops but at Christmas time, they bring out the special limited edition varieties to tempt you into the world of after dinner dessert chocolates. We were sent a box of dessert chocolates (which are already in the shops) and a box of Limited Edition Dessert Chocolates in time for the feasting to happen. We were not disappointed…

Made with only the best ingredients, we opened the 312 gram (11oz) big box of Christmas Dessert Chocolates first. These are a real treat because they contain 9 different flavours;

Crème Brulée
Banoffee Pie
Lemon Posset
Spiced Latte
Raspberry Infusion
Hazelnut Torte
Dark Orange
Berry Eton Mess
Tripe Chocolate Shot

These flavours are not what you would normally find in boxes but reflect the time of year with the seasonal addition of favourite desserts and indulgent chocolate. I particularly liked the Berry Eton Bess with the dried berries, tiny meringue pieces and white chocolate in a milk chocolate cup, and the Dark Orange which is a ganache filling with pieces of dried orange. These were particularly reminiscent of Christmas with their specific spiced flavours and perfect for after dinner, or sitting down with a hot drink to catch up with friends.

The second box was the favourite Dessert Collection. This contains 6 flavours, some of which were found in the Christmas Limited Edition Box:

Lemon Posset
Banoffee Pie
Crème Brulée
Raspberry Infusion
Key Lime Pie
Hazelnut Torte

My favourite here was the Key Lime Pie with the citrus lemon curd and lime infused truffle in dark chocolate, which has always been my best of chocolates. With both boxes, the chocolate is smooth and generous with the rich flavours being very overpowering, hence they work well as dessert chocolates and you may only need 1 or 2 after a meal to give you the chocolate sweetness or that dessert flavour you crave. This 210 gram box (7.4oz) is handy for stockings or Secret Santa as it’s a bit smaller and more affordable, but both of the boxes have such a mixture of flavours and different chocolates that anyone can dive in and enjoy them!

Lily O’Brien Dessert Chocolates from £7.50: https://groceries.morrisons.com/products/lily-o-briens-desserts-591089011

Lily O’Brien Limited Edition Christmas Dessert Chocolates available later in the year at £12 from Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Tesco.

The Biskery 12Days of Christmas Biscuit Tin

advent calendar, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, secret santa, snacks, Stocking Fillers

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Biscuits for grown-ups, especially at Christmas become more of a special gift than just a snack. The Biskery have brought out a perfect Advent Calendar for the 12 Days of Christmas with their handmade biscuits as affirmations in a reusable biscuit tin. They’ve sent us a sample to try before Christmas gets started and we couldn’t wait to try them!

The delicious tin contains 11 biscuits with affirmations on them, separated by rice paper with the 12 Days of Christmas written on them, and a 12^th biscuit with “Merry Xmas.” The biscuits are jam filled with a cut-out on each of them, much like Jammie Dodgers but with handmade vanilla biscuits. The crisp biscuits are fragrant, crunchy and filling like a biscuit should be but as they are freshly made at the Biskery HQ, they’re that special kind of crumbly that you only get with bakery biscuits that haven’t got any additives or preservatives in them.

With free postage within the UK, you can send them as a gift at short notice. Although children will love the biscuits, adults appreciate the affirmations too and the home-baked quality of the jam filled cookies. There’s a free gift note included as well and the tin will live on long after the biscuits are gone. I think these could be used as excellent after dinner treats at Christmas time, as a treat for teachers or even as the cookie left for Father Christmas on Christmas Eve…

Freshly baked for £29.95: https://www.thebiskery.com/products/12-days-of-christmas-biscuit-tin

Siprano Non-Alcoholic Wine

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Drinks and Mixers, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Vegan, Vegetarian

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Today, there are not only a lot more choices available to us for alcohol but non-alcoholic drinks are also becoming increasingly popular, and much better than they used to be.

Siprano was born out of owner Anna-Louise’s sobriety and an opportunity she found to create wines that were non-alcoholic but tasted as good as the real thing. There are a surprisingly large demographic of buyers who don’t want or can’t drink alcohol, and those, like me, who just don’t like the taste. Ultimately, the non-alcoholic market is much larger than the drinker’s market and has more longevity, so Anna-Louise has hit the nail on the head with her idea, and especially in time for Christmas.

Anna-Louise sent me a bottle of each of my favourite wines; a Riesling white wine called The Very Cautious One and a Rosé called Darling Cellars Grenache. Both are alcohol free and refreshingly, also vegan so anyone can drink these!

The Very Cautious One was our first to open. A dry wine, it is typically Riesling flavour with Australian grapes. Not a tough drink at all, it has sharp tones but a slightly fruity taste which develops with time. It feels like a wine but perhaps not the same Riesling flavour as the alcoholic version but still refreshing and easy to drink either on its own or as part of a meal. It’s light-medium bodies so you can drink more of it than you might imagine.

The DC Rosé is made with 98% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Grenache from South Africa and has distinct delicacy to it with a fruity sweetness. This is a great pairing with a pasta meal or after dinner and is very drinkable. This tastes more like its alcoholic rosé cousin and goes down well on its own or with a meal, and even a snack in the evening. Particularly good sharing with a group of friends where you can forget that it’s not alcoholic and enjoy it anyway!

Siprano has an online quiz on their website to help you choose which wine is best for you, with a subscription of 1-4 bottles per week delivered to your door. Their gift idea also works perfectly as a gift for someone to receive a bottle per month for 3, 6, 9 or 12 months. Nothing stopping you having your own subscription for the next 12 months too, and with it being non-alcoholic wine, it won’t be the alcohol preventing you opening a bottle as often as you like.

www.Siprano.co.uk have a new website which they’re eager to show off, so have a look and see if the quiz, or any of their evolving products take your fancy.

The Very Cautious One White £10.60: https://siprano.co.uk/collections/white-wine-alcohol-free/products/de-bortoli-the-very-cautious-riesling-alcohol-free-white-wine

Darling Cellars Rosé wine £9.35: https://siprano.co.uk/collections/rose-wine-alcohol-free/products/darling-cellars-grenache-alcohol-free-rose-wine

Sauce up your sandwich with new limited flavours from Walkers and Heinz

Children, Food & Drink, snacks, Vegetarian

Disclaimer: We received these crisps free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Have you ever tried a crisp sandwich? The blend of texture, flavour, and nostalgia makes it a snack that connects with people on many levels. It’s a great example of how food can be fun, comforting, and delicious, even when it’s as simple as two slices of bread and a handful of crisps. And now, it’s even easier to enjoy thanks to Walkers, who recently teamed up with Heinz to create three sandwich-inspired limited edition crisps: Sausage Sarnie with Heinz Tomato Ketchup, Cheese Toastie with Heinz Beanz, and Roast Chicken with Heinz Mayonnaise.

Of the three, the Sausage Sarnie crisps are my favourite. The meaty sausage flavour shines through, perfectly complemented by the tangy tomato sauce, making it the best crisp sandwich I’ve had in a long time!

So, next time you’re craving a snack, consider reaching for a crisp sandwich. You might just discover that this humble creation satisfies your cravings in unexpected ways.

All three flavours are available in supermarkets but you’ll have to be quick as they won’t be around for long.

RRP £1.65 (5 pack multipack), £1.25 (70g PMP) and £1.00 (45g grab pack)

Fearne & Rosie Jam

Children, Family Life, Food & Drink, Lunchbox Fillers, snacks, Vegan

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Jam is a timeless kitchen staple that adds a fruity burst to any meal. Whether spread on toast or crumpets, eaten on a scone (jam or cream first??) or used in baking, the right jam can truly elevate your food. Over the years, I’ve sampled many jams and noticed a significant difference in quality across brands. Supermarkets offer a range of options, from budget-friendly ‘essentials’ to premium ‘finest’ selections, alongside various branded jams and after sampling a selection of jams from newcomer Fearne & Rosie I can honestly say that their jams are now a firm favourite with my family. Their fruity jams not only taste delicious but with 40% less sugar than standard jams are much healthier choice too.

Launched in November 2019 by Rachel, a passionate advocate for healthier eating, Fearne & Rosie Jam comes from the scenic hills of Yorkshire. Named after her daughters, this brand reflects Rachel’s commitment to creating products that are both wholesome and packed full of flavour. The range includes classic flavours, raspberry, strawberry, and blackcurrant as well as cherry and strawberry super berry jam and what really distinguishes Fearne & Rosie jam from other brands is its high fruit content. With around 70% fruit, these jams offer a rich, authentic taste that outshines typical jams. The natural sweetness and vibrant fruit flavours take centre stage, providing a fresher, more intense experience with every bite. The texture is slightly different to standard jams, resembling crushed fruit rather than the more solid consistency common in other jams. This makes it perfect not only for spreading but also for enhancing a variety of dishes, from breakfast to desserts.

Fearne & Rosie Jam isn’t just about great flavour, with it’s low sugar content it’s also a healthier option for families looking to reduce their sugar intake without compromising on taste. With 40% less sugar than standard jams, it’s a smarter choice for those who want to enjoy the sweet things in life while maintaining a balanced diet.

With its high fruit content and reduced sugar, it offers a delightful way to savour the natural taste of fruit while supporting a brand that genuinely cares about family well-being. Once you try it, you’ll see why Fearne & Rosie is quickly becoming a favourite in homes everywhere.

RRP £3.20

Available from Booths, Waitrose, Ocado, Morrisons, Asda and Amazon

Pom Bear Crisps

Children, Food & Drink, snacks, Vegan, Winter

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Pom-Bear crisps have always been a favourite in our house, so our mini reviewers were thrilled to try the two new flavours—Pom-Bear Cheese and Pom-Bear BBQ. The crunchy, flavourful crisps were an instant hit, especially with their adorable teddy bear shapes.

With just 65 calories per bag, these snacks are also vegan, gluten-free, and free from artificial colours and flavours, making them the perfect treat for children. With September approaching and lunchbox planning in full swing, Pom-Bear snacks are the ideal choice as they are a great lunchtime snack, offering just the right mix of taste and portion size.

Whether at home, at school, or on the go, Pom-Bear crisps are a convenient and tasty treat that kids will love.

The Cheese flavour will be available in Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Waitrose and Co-op, and the BBQ flavour available from Asda

RRP £2.25 (pack of 6)

Beef Brisket at Smith’s Bar and Grill, Paddington

Days Out, Family Life, Food & Drink, Restaurant, Summer

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Paddington in London is more than just the Bear we all love… the whole area along the canal has been transformed in recent years to be a vibrant, social place with lots going on. One of the inhabitants there is Smith’s Bar & Grill, right on the canal and a stone’s throw from Paddington Station.

Mondays are Beef Brisket day at Smith’s Bar & Grill. That means £40 for a whole sharing platter (for 2) of tender beef, corn on the cob, macaroni cheese, sweet potato fries and gherkins, along with a couple of sauces to go with the mix. The offer is only available on Mondays so we went along for a taste and to see what else they had on offer!

Smith’s Bar & Grill is on the canal but has both indoor and outdoor seating. If you’ve ever walked to Little Venice, you’ve probably walked past Smith’s and not realised – I know I did recently. Their menu is a mix of Italian, seafood and grill with an impressive salad menu too. We chose the Beef Brisket but started with Burrata and Salmon Tartare.

The delicious Burrata was served with an olive oil dressing and red and yellow cherry tomatoes. It’s a generous size serving too and absolutely divine, especially if you’re a cheese lover. The Salmon Tartare is smoked salmon served on a bed of avocado, with a lemon dressing. The salmon is just right; light and well dressed and the avocado is creamy and soft to go with the lemon dressed salmon.

The Beef Brisket (which we had both been waiting for!) came out on a giant wooden platter, complete with beef pieces dressed in a BBQ sauce an accompanied by macaroni cheese, sweet potato fries and gherkins. There’s also pesto and BBQ sauce dips to accompany as well. The beef is cooked then cut so there are some pieces which are well done with the majority of the joint being medium rare, so there’s a choice for both of you who are sharing. There’s ample there to be able to get enough food for only £20 a head, and I liked how there was enough vegetables to give you a whole meal as well as a huge helping of beef.

To top off the meal, we had Tiramisu and Chocolate Fondant, which is served with vanilla ice cream. Going with the Italian theme, the Tiramisu is incredibly light but also very velvety and has a delicious hit of coffee with it. The Chocolate Fondant is also very well baked with the gooey chocolate filling and a beautiful vanilla ice cream on the side. Served warm, it gushes chocolate from the centre when you cut into it and is again a good size portion.

We came for the Beef Brisket (which is only available on Mondays after midday but Smith’s Bar & Grill also has half price premium wines) but there were so many other choices on the menu that we had to choose more. The Italian theme is not all they do – there’s steaks and a great range of seafood as well and plenty to choose from all round. We really enjoyed the Beef Brisket, which is a brilliant idea to get people out on a Monday and enjoying the Paddington area and what the canal has to offer. The atmosphere, even with a few people on what was a miserable afternoon weather-wise, was just as enjoyable. I wonder what they’re going to do for Christmas?

Beef Brisket is available Mondays only, 12:00 until closing and is available for £40 for two to share. Desserts and starters are additional.

See menu and details here: https://www.smithsbarandgrill.co.uk/hidden-gems/brisket-wines?utm_source=smiths_internal_email&utm_medium=smiths_internal_email&utm_campaign=smiths_internal_email

Smith’s Bar & Grill: 0207-286-9458, 25 Sheldon Square, Paddington Central, London, W2 6EY

Fruit Snacks from Whitworths

Autumn, Children, Days Out, Family Life, health, Home, Lunchbox Fillers, snacks

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

It’s back to school in a few weeks and the dreaded lunchbox needs filling! Whitworths has some lovely snack ideas of dried fruits, perfect for the lunchbox, after school or for yourself at any time!

The Whitworths Sunny Raisins come in a pack of 6, each of 42.5 grams. One pack counts towards your child’s 5-a-day quota for fruit and vegetables so this is a brilliant way of getting nutrition into them especially as raisins are so tasty which is always the challenge with children’s food. These Whitworths raisins aren’t dried up at all, but have a very sweet taste and juicy too. One pack is enough for me to have with a sandwich at lunchtime and makes it feel like I’ve had something sweet instead of a chocolate bar or cake!

Whitworths also have the Sunny Snacks of Fruit Mix-Ups; Strawberries & Sultanas and Apricots & Mango. The packs are smaller at 18 grams each so don’t fill you up as much but they do give a hit of dried fruit. The Apricots & Mango have no added sugar, but both are very sweet without anything added. The tiny pieces make these good for cooking too if you’re adding dried fruit to a cake mix or for tiny hands to decorate cupcakes with you in the kitchen. These are great snacks for a lunchbox or taking on days out as they’re easily transported too and it doesn’t matter if they get hot.

The second sunny Fruit Mix-Ups flavour is Strawberries & Sultanas. These are no added sugar too and have loads of flavour. The dried strawberries are particularly tasty as you get the burst of strawberry flavour as you bite into them, then the texture of all the seeds! These are great for toddlers and smaller children who don’t like fruit as they’re super sweet but without the sugar.

It’s never been easier to get more healthy options into children’s diets with snacks like Whitworths’ Sunny Fruit Mix-Ups and Sunny Raisins, but always a good idea to test them yourself before they go back to school…

Fruit Mix-Ups £1.25 for 4: https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/308099031

Raisins £2.40 for 6: https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/258141777

Dole Kids Jellies

Children, Food & Drink, snacks

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

When I’m packing my children’s lunchboxes it’s a fine line between what the children want to eat and what they need to eat! Whilst it’s nice to include a sweet treat, it is important that they eat healthy and nutritious food too. When preparing lunchboxes, it is important to strike the right food balance, to ensure that they will eat enough to receive all the nutrients they need to help them stay energised and focused through the day. Snacks are an important part of lunchboxes and choosing the right ones can make a huge difference in overall nutrition.

One of the newest additions to my children’s lunchboxes is the Dole Kids Jellies, the fruity jellies are an excellent way to add a healthy, fun snack to my children’s lunches. Available in two different flavours, Orange Jelly with Mixed Fruit and Strawberry Jelly with Mixed Fruit they are made with 100% real fruit juice, making them a healthier alternative to the many sugar laden snacks that are currently available. Not only does the jelly taste fruity, it also contains real fruit pieces, adding a burst of natural flavour and texture. The fruit pieces contribute to the jelly’s overall nutritional value providing fibre and natural vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C.

The Dole Kids Jellies come in handy sized pots with a fun characters on the packaging which our min reviewers loved. The pots are the perfect size for a lunchbox and make a great lunchtime treat.

At £1.79 for a pack of 4, Dole Kids Jelly is not only a healthy choice but an affordable one too.

Available from Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsburys

Afternoon Tea Week at Brown’s Covent Garden

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Days Out, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gluten Free, Restaurant, Summer, Vegetarian, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

As if we need an excuse for an Afternoon Tea, 12-18 August is Afternoon Tea Week across the UK and Browns Brasserie & Bar invited us to their Champagne Afternoon Tea at their luxurious Covent Garden restaurant to sample their new Moet & Chandon menu. Available now in all Browns Brasserie & Bars, the classic meal is enhanced by a glass of classic or pink Champagne courtesy of Moet & Chandon and set in the fabulous ex-courthouse building in Leicester Square.

Upon arriving, the Judge’s Court room is upstairs (staircase or lift, in case you’re wondering) which is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of downstairs and one of the busiest parts of London. There’s no noise and no passing trade to disturb you or your photos, but the decadent décor, the parquet flooring and almost complete inside of the court from when it was a working court is still there. There’s even the judge’s chair left at the front of the room and ‘TO THE CELLS’ sign on the door! It’s beautifully decorated with plenty of room and no rush to contend with.

The Afternoon Tea Menu is both traditional and delicious. Starting with the Moet & Chandon Champagne, we had a classic glass each, which was slightly dry but totally appropriate with an Afternoon Tea. The sandwiches include an open sandwich of rye bread and salmon pate, lobster brioche, salt beef and horse radish and a lovely mix of cheese, pickle and crunchy apple – a combination which I will be trying at home! Each of the sandwiches was so fresh and so delicious we wanted to have more, but Browns had other ideas, judging by the amount of cake that was also on the stand.

Each of us had a plain and a fruit scone for the second course, with cream and both strawberry and blackcurrant jam to accompany. The crumbly scones were obviously baked that morning and fresh on the plate, as were the four different cakes which we enjoyed. Starting with the Blackcurrant Victoria Sandwich which was light and fluffy and featured the fruity blackcurrant jam which featured with the scones, it was definitely the first one to try before the stronger flavours kicked in. The Carrot Cake was also fresh and baked with cinnamon to give the tangy yet rich flavour which is so often found in Afternoon Teas. The Brown’s Black Forest Chocolate Pot also requires a Highly Commended mention because this was the richest of all the rich desserts with a Black Forest centre, chocolate moat and a cream filling on top. This one was definitely one to be eaten slowly! The final cake was a delicate lemon meringue tart with edible violet flower on top, to remind you that it’s still summer.

All of this was accompanied by a tea of your choice including loose leaf English Breakfast or Earl Grey and teabags of Green Tea, Elderflower & Pear or Ginger, Turmeric & Lemon. The tea is endless with more pots being brought out whenever you ask for them and the jams and cream are bottomless too.

Browns Brasserie & Bar have put on a super Afternoon Tea this year and not only is it available throughout the summer but there are vegetarian and Gluten Free versions too. Classic Afternoon tea starts at £30 with Moet & Chandon Champagne costing £40 and Pink champagne at £45. We certainly enjoyed our 2 hours stress free and were more than full from their Afternoon Tea! https://www.browns-restaurants.co.uk/afternoonteamenu#/

Clean G Pink Non Alcoholic Crisp Fruity Botanical Spirit

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Drinks and Mixers, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts an opinions are our own.

The sun has finally made an appearance and the forecast for the next few days is good so I’m looking forward to some lazy afternoons in the garden once I’ve finished work for the day. Whilst I would love to unwind with a cool gin and tonic, I’ve a busy week so can’t afford to wake up with a hangover,so a sophisticated non alcoholic drink like Clean G Pink from Clean Co is the perfect choice. Founded in 2019 by Spencer Matthews Clean Co has quickly made a name for itself with its stylish art deco style bottles and high quality alcohol free spirits. Clean G Pink is not only refreshing but captures the essence of a classic pink gin, offering a vibrant blend of botanicals and a hint of sweetness just minus the alcohol.

The Clean G Pink spirit has a delicate pink hue and the bouquet of aromatic botanicals, berries and pink peppercorns creates an inviting aroma that promises an enjoyable drinking experience. The taste is fruity and zesty with the juniper leading the way. The clean and crisp taste makes it incredibly refreshing and whether you pair it with a standard or flavoured tonic, lemonade or make a mocktail it is the ideal companion for unwinding and relaxing.

With less than 0.5% ABV, no sugar or additional sweeteners and only 14 calories per 50ml serving it’s the perfect choice when you want something special that isn’t alcoholic.

A 70cl bottle costs £16 and is available from Clean Co and supermarkets.

Immature Garden – Home Grown Microgreens

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, eco friendly, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, health, Home, Subscription Boxes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

What a great gift! The team at Immature Garden sent us one of their Large Microgreen Growing Kits to show us how indoor planting of microgreens is not only easy, but a great present for anyone. We had no idea what was in the kit when it arrived, so what you’re seeing is a succession of photos as we unpacked what was inside. Read on to see how it works…

Anita and Arnold founded Immature Garden in 2019 when they couldn’t find a sustainable, easy way to grow microgreens at home. Fast forward to today and they do indeed have a lovely business growing microgreens, selling the kit and everything that goes with it. What are microgreens though? Vegetables which you would normally go and buy in the shops at maturity are just as nutritious, if not more, when they are seedlings and before the vegetables or fruits start to grow. You see microgreens on lots of restaurant dishes and if you are serious about increasing your ‘5 a day’ to increase your nutrition intake, microgreens are the way to go. They’re also excellent for growing indoors and during the colder months where you can just cut them down and use them as you need them.

We were sent the Large Microgreen Grow Kit which has more than enough of everything for you to be able to grow microgreens for yourself. Within the box, there are 3 coconut shell and 6 packets of coco soil. Hidden within the box (and this is great for kids as you have to pull the box apart to find what’s hidden at the bottom!) contains three different types of microgreen seeds; radish, kale and clover. The box comes with instructions or there is a video online but if you’re a gardener or have grown microgreens before, you’ll know how easy it is to put together.

The soil provided is just the right amount for each of the coconut bowls. Empty one packet into a bowl, keeping the plastic bag to one side. Fish out one of the packets of seeds – a whole packet covers the soil of one bowl as long as you spread the seeds out evenly and this is important to stop them from becoming mouldy. Water them sparingly just so that the soil and seeds are wet. Using the plastic bag the soil came in, enclose the bowls and seal up the bag so that there is enough heat generated for the seeds to germinate. Once they have started to sprout, you can take them out of the bag and keep them indoors until they grow to a reasonable height. The seeds will keep growing unless you cut them and use them, but with the multiple packs you can keep the Immature Garden going for several months – and order more seeds from the website too.

This is a fabulous gift for anyone who is interested in either cooking or gardening, and families with children will love it too as they learn about growing seeds as well as being hands-on. I recommend starting the kit outdoors so that the soil doesn’t go everywhere, which is what I did, then you can move the bowls in the bags indoors. The kit can be started any time of year not just in summer so as a gift it would be great for Christmas, and in the winter is when we need more nutritious food that can’t be found in shops as easily. It’s also great fun watching them grow and make beautiful centre pieces for dining tables and decoration on shelves!

Check back to see my photos as the kale, clover and radishes sprout and grow – I can’t wait!

Large kit £33.80: https://www.immaturegarden.co.uk/product-page/Large-Microgreen-Grow-Kit

Starter kit: £17.75: https://www.immaturegarden.co.uk/product-page/Starter-Microgreen-Grow-Kit

UPDATE: We have some germinated seeds already! Don’t they look fab!

Higgidy Snacks for Summer

camping, Children, Days Out, Family Life, health, Home, Lunchbox Fillers, snacks, Summer, Vegan, Vegetarian

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Snacking is not just for picnics anymore, the working from home culture means that more of us are not only eating from home but treating ourselves when we grab a bite between meetings or for the school run. Higgidy have an increasing range of snacking foods which appeal to all tastes and ages thanks to their variety of vegetarian baked goods, as well as sausage rolls, quiches and muffins. We were gifted a lovely range (available in all big stores) to sample whilst watching the tennis, football and of course, sheltering from the rain this summer.

Starting with the Higgidy Beechwood Smoked Bacon & Mature Cheddar Quiche, this is a great lunch, snack or even dinner for the family thanks to the protein from the bacon and cheese! The combination of the thick-cut bacon with the rich, mature cheddar lends it perfectly to a more substantial snack or as part of a bigger meal. It’s great for picnics, or for taking as a gift to a summer gathering where you can choose your portion size. The quiche is yummy too with béchamel sauce in the mixture.

If a large quiche is too much to handle then the Higgidy Smoked Salmon & Spinach Quiche (also with béchamel sauce) might hit the spot. At 155 grams it’s more of a single serving for either lunch or a snack and can be warmed up or eaten cold. I had this for lunch one day with some deli favourites, which work beautifully with the poppy seeds in the pastry of the quiche crust. There are other quiches in the Higgidy range but I think the Smoked Salmon & Spinach Quiche is probably my favourite.

Onto the sharing snacks, and Higgidy do a lovely range of mini muffins, like these Mature Cheddar & Spinach with a pinch of cayenne. These muffins are slightly lighter than quiches but have the same dough-like consistency of muffins, just more protein heavy. The Mature Cheddar & Spinach Mini Muffins are bite-sized and can be heated or eaten straight from the sharing box but with the spinach included, and the cayenne for extra taste, these are healthier than their flour-made sweeter counterparts. They’re great to add to lunchboxes or to have as a sharing snack when watching a movie too!

The Higgidy range of rolls includes these Great British Pork Sausage Rolls and vegetarian Porcini Mushroom & Spinach Rolls. These packs of 6 mini rolls each have tasty fillings fit for any picnic and add something different that you can’t normally buy in the shops. The Great British Pork Rolls have the meaty centres where the Porcini Mushroom & Spinach have the mixture of mushroom and greens to give a slightly different edge to a British classic and which everyone can enjoy as they’re plant based.

Speaking of plant based, Higgidy also have a range of other vegan snacks which are widely available. These are the Higgidy Cheddar Cheese & Caramelized Onion Rolls and Higgidy Sweet Potato Katsu Curry Little Lattices. If you haven’t tried the Little Lattice sharing range, these are filled pastry treats especially for sharing and have a pretty lattice pastry design on top so your picnics will look great too. I like these as after school savoury treats or to add to a salad or soup at lunchtime. The katsu curry taste is very different to other snacks on the market and the sweet potato makes a change as it’s not as dry as other fillings and has that sweeter taste too. The Cheddar Cheese & Caramelized Onion Rolls are similar to their counterparts but the cheese is on top too, giving a crunch coating to add a little texture. The sweet onion filling makes a great accompaniment to any meal or picnic.

There are more items in the extensive range at Higgidy but I think you get the idea of what yummy things they have out there for you to try. It doesn’t matter that the weather isn’t great, you can still enjoy good company and snack on the go with Higgidy’s fabulous range!

Available in most big supermarkets, smaller supermarkets may have a limited range. See online for details of ingredients: https://www.higgidy.co.uk/our-food/

Cocoba Chocolates

Birthday Gifts, Children, chocolate, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Stocking Fillers

hocolDisclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Chocolate aficionados will know that supermarket chocolate is not what it used to be. Thankfully, there are lots of new chocolate companies out there who are killing it in the market with those who appreciate good chocolate. Cocoba Chocolate is one of those companies, starting as a pop-up hot chocolate drinking shop in Brent Cross, London. Founder Darren comes from Australia and arrived in Blighty to find that he couldn’t find the same quality hot chocolate he was used to growing up. So he made his own. From hot chocolate, the business grew and now includes bars, boxes of chocolates, truffles and a whole range of gifts. We were sent some bars of Cocoba Intense 70% Dark Chocolate, Cocoba Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate Buttons and Cocoba Cocoa Dusted Salted Toffee Truffles.

I started with the Salted Caramel Chocolate Buttons (you’ve got to start somewhere, right?) as they’re so easy to open and pop into your mouth. It only takes one button to give you that chocolate hit and they’re relatively small so I had these as mini-snacks after lunch or with a cup of coffee. They’re very smooth milk chocolate but with a hint of the salted caramel to them which makes them extra sweet and a bit crunchy. To add a different dimension, keep them in the fridge and then let them melt in your mouth after a hot drink to feel the texture as well as savour the flavour.

The mini bars of chocolate (33 grams) are 70% dark chocolate, hence they’re called Intense 70% Dark, and they are certainly intense! There’s no flavour to them other than the dark chocolate and very few ingredients either, just cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter and natural vanilla flavouring. I love dark chocolate anyway and these are perfect because the size means they’re a light snack, fit into a lunch box or are beautiful after dinner, but 70% dark chocolate isn’t so rich that it’s difficult to eat.

Finally, the Cocoba Cocoa Dusted Salted Toffee Truffles were my favourite! Truffles are a big hit with me anyway but I didn’t know that these were going to be such dark, smooth chocolate and have the extra texture of the salted toffee. You can taste both the salt in them and the small pieces of toffee that get into your teeth – but don’t worry, they’re not toffee enough to take out your fillings! You can really taste the soft cream in these and the cocoa coating is left on your hands when you pick them up. They’re great for after dinner or for sharing and make magical gifts as well.

I’m never one to refuse chocolate but when it’s good quality chocolate like this? What is there not to like?

Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate Bag £4.95: https://www.cocobachocolate.com/products/salted-caramel-milk-chocolate-buttons?_pos=3&_sid=954c85107&_ss=r

Cocoa Dusted Salted Toffee Truffles £7.95: https://www.cocobachocolate.com/products/cocoba-cocoa-dusted-salted-toffee-truffles?_pos=1&_sid=94397d296&_ss=r

Intense Dark Chocolate Mini Bar 70% £2.50: https://www.cocobachocolate.com/products/intense-71-dark-chocolate-mini-bar?_pos=1&_psq=intense-dark&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Kitchen Therapy- book by Charlotte Hastings

Birthday Gifts, Books, Family Life, Food & Drink, health, Home

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

There are self help books, cookery books and creativity ideas but Kitchen Therapy combines all of them to bring to you a new way of cooking – the way of conscious cooking.

Charlotte Hastings has a background in anthropology, has been head of Drama at a school for children with autism, ADHD and dyslexia and is a psychodynamic therapist. Until recently, these would all have looked like completely unrelated careers with no link to mental health and well-being but the premise of the book is that good health and good mental health come from looking after yourself from the food you eat and the way you prepare it.

The book starts with Kitchen Therapy. This is the practice of using good food, preparing it and even growing it in a way in which is more nutritious and works on your health from the inside out. Science have long believed that it’s not good enough to just eat your greens and have 3 meals a day, but the practice of growing food is good for your mental health, the process of gathering ingredients and preparing a meal is good for your soul. The creativity it brings to your life is just as nourishing as the food, which if you look at the spectrum of the foods available to us today, is the broadest and healthiest it has ever been, if you just look for it.

The book is not for the casual reader but more someone who is engrossed in either food or self-help or both. There are ‘Time to Reflect’ sessions which Hastings asks thoughtful questions about lifestyle and food. The book continues with a section of recipes called The Cards which again goes into depth about foods such as chocolate and tea and then different foodstuffs and meals.

The book is quite long and takes some time to get through with the amount of new information and references it makes. There is a ton of new material in there which if you are not familiar with a more holistic lifestyle will take a long while to get used to. It’s best read in total and then used as a reference book as the concepts make the recipes cards and some of the food choices more understandable. It’s totally different to a cookbook though, and it’s not self-help but it is hugely explanatory and life changing for anyone who isn’t used to the connection of food and their quality of life, as well as health.

Available from £14.99 online: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kitchen-Therapy-Charlotte-Hastings/dp/1911383906/ref=sr_1_1?crid=11YY8DZA5VN0N&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ZUdca1dSTAyIE7g_2G3abtb5_qCi1N6A-6RBalhfgho.ZjdloNmqTB0WsRV-n3rFmBjr_L7Q0TqpzqlKe1xtfsE&dib_tag=se&keywords=kitchen+therapy+charlotte+hastings&qid=1720190646&sprefix=kitchen+thereapy%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-1

Marty’s Virgin Bloody Marys

Drinks and Mixers, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Summer, Vegan, Vegetarian

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Who needs lessons in cocktail making when you can buy the cocktail mixers ready-made nowadays, and enjoy your cocktail without any of the mess!

Marty’s Virgin Bloody Mary is a pre-mixed Bloody Mary cocktail but without the alcohol. If you’re a fan of just the tomato juice, apple juice and apple cider vinegar summer drink then pop this in the fridge and drink away. Hugely hydrating, Marty’s Virgin Bloody Mary has no additives, is vegan and only contains natural sugars. You can of course, add your favourite alcohol to it to make up your own cocktail (conventional Bloody Marys have vodka but you can add anything you like to this!) or you can use it to create a completely new cocktail by adding other ingredients. The high tomato content in this 750ml bottle can also be added to cooking – Bolognese sauces will never be the same!

Marty’s Mild Virgin Bloody Mary comes in a 750ml bottle but we were also sent the spicy version in 250ml. This had more of a kick to it and I would recommend the spicy version for cocktails where the alcohol balances out the spices. Both drinks are sold alcohol free though, so you can really taste the rich tomato flavours coming through in them, the spices that add the summer flavour and best of all, there’s no pulp from the tomato that you have to wade through in order to get to the flavour! It is best to shake up the bottle first though as the natural juice does settle.

Best of all, Marty’s has won the Great Taste award in 2023 and A in the Aurora International Taste Challenge. Whenever a food wins such prestigious awards, I always like to find new ways of using it, so my lasagne is going to taste amazing this week, and I have ideas for a new salad dressing too!

MILD Virgin Bloody Mary currently on Sale for £20.99 for 3 at: https://drinkmartys.com/shop-uk/p/martys-virgin-bloody-mary-mild-3-pack

SPICY Virgin Bloody Mary currently on sale for £16.99 for 6 at: https://drinkmartys.com/shop-uk/p/martys-virgin-bloody-mary-6pack

Wickedly Welsh Chocolate Great Taste Trio

Birthday Gifts, Children, chocolate, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Stocking Fillers, Summer

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

As if you need a reason to celebrate chocolate, there is an important day in the calendar – 7 July, which is World Chocolate Day! To mark the occasion, Wickedly Welsh, the British chocolate makers, have sent us the Great Taste Trio of three different flavoured chocolates to try. We’ve never said no to chocolate in this office and today wasn’t the day we were going to start!

The trio are three flavours; Orange Marmalade, Dark Chocolate & Welsh Sea Salt and Mint Crunch. Two of the flavours has won the Great Taste awards (Mint Crunch in 2017 and Welsh Sea Salt in 2021) with Orange Marmalade being inspired by an award winning recipe. Each bar is handmade in Wales, and handmade is not something we associate with chocolate in this country so this is a rare treat.

The Orange Marmalade flavour is set in dark chocolate with a half and half mixture of tangy and sweet, much like the jar of marmalade you remember growing up. It also has a little Cointreau but you can hardly taste it, it’s just the aftertaste on your tongue that you might notice the slightly orange flavour. The dark chocolate is smooth and rich and brings out the orange flavour. With the Dark Chocolate &Welsh Chocolate Sea Salt, the minerals of the sea salt are apparent as soon as the dark chocolate starts melting and you can feel the crystals dissolve. The juxtaposition of the salt and dark chocolate work really well together, reminding me of the sea at night when you can hear and smell it but you can’t see it. If you like dark chocolate, then this flavour is a great addition to your taste buds!

Finally, my favourite is the Wickedly Welsh Mint Crunch. Again, this is dark chocolate, swirled with peppermint and meant as an after-dinner chocolate or to cleanse the palate. It reminds me of an Aero bar but with more peppermint and a richer flavour because the chocolate has a higher cocoa content and less sugar. It’s particularly good when added to cooking. Have you tried making your own croissants at home from the ready-made packets and adding some chocolate before you roll them? Instant chocolate croissant, and the Mint Crunch chocolate bar adds not just the novel flavour to the chocolate filled pastry, but extra texture too. I think Mint Crunch is my favourite!

Wickedly Welsh have a whole host of different flavours of chocolate on their website and are adding new products all the time, but the Great Taste Trio is a fabulous place to start.

Available online for £14.97 at: https://www.wickedlywelsh.co.uk/collections/best-selling-products/products/your-great-taste-trio

Fox Vintage Crisps

Food & Drink, Gluten Free, Lunchbox Fillers, snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

National Picnic Week is here and with warm and sunny weather forecast for the weekend it’s looking like it’s going to be perfect picnic weather.

Crisps are one of my staple picnic snacks, crunchy and packed full of flavour they are great to munch on whilst chatting with friends and are the perfect accompaniment to sandwiches, salads or even a bottle of beer! If you’re looking for an extra special crisp then you really need to try some of the hand cooked Artisan Olive Oil Company crisps – made in Italy they will add a real touch of luxury to any picnic basket.

The Fox Salt and Truffle Vintage Crisps are thickly cut and have a satisfying crunch which you bite them. I’ve never tried a truffle before so I can’t tell you how close the flavour is to a real truffle but the earthy flavour combined with the saltiness of the crisp works really well and you find yourself reaching for more!

The Fox Italian Vegetable Crisps are made from the finest root vegetables including beetroot, parsnip and carrot. Baked to perfection and lightly salted they are lovely and crispy and incredibly moreish! They’re a reasonable thickness and well-seasoned and the saltiness really enhances the flavour of the root vegetables.

With a RRP of £4.25 they are in the more pricey, premium crisps bracket however for a special treat they are certainly worth the extra money.

Ginsters BBQ Pulled Pork Slice

camping, Children, Family Life, Food & Drink, Lunchbox Fillers, snacks, Summer

Disclaimer : We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

The 3^rd week of June is National Picnic week so if you are looking for some tasty treats to pop in your picnic basket this weekend then the new BBQ Pulled Pork Slices from Ginsters really need to be on your shopping list!

With a recipe crafted by expert chefs, the BBQ Pulled Pork Slice is made from 100% British Pork, cooked in a smoky BBQ sauce and encased in golden puff pastry which has a delicious crunchy applewood smoked crumb topping.

The BBQ Pulled Pork slices are incredibly tasty, the meat is lovely and moist, and the flavours work really well together, bringing the delicious taste of a BBQ to summer picnics.

As well as being a great picnic food they are also delicious warm, they can be warmed in the oven or pop them in an air fryer for really crispy pastry and then serve with a tasty salad for a lovely summer lunch.

With a RRP of £1.95 the Limited-Edition BBQ Pulled Pork Slice is available at Tesco, Morrisons, Waitrose and ASDA whilst stocks last.