Two popular UK visitor attractions, Blenheim Palace and the Eden Project, are setting new standards as the pioneers of an innovative returnable cup system.

This is the latest in a series of initiatives undertaken by both organisations, which has seen the elimination of approximately 620,000 single-use coffee cups per year.. This represents a combined saving of 27 tonnes (26.87) of CO2e per year, which equates to heating 12 domestic homes for 12 months.

The initiative, powered by green-tech company re-universe.

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“Accidental Gin Maker” and Gin Bothy Founder, Kim Cameron, today (September 20th) celebrates the 10th anniversary of Jam Bothy, the brand that started it all. As the initial venture of the now globally established Bothy Trading Group, the artisanal producer has launched three new preserves; a blackcurrant jam, an orange and cranberry jam, and a long-awaited chutney.

The milestone marks a decade since Kim first began making jams and marmalades in a bothy kitchen in the Angus Glens. It was here that her gin journey began, using leftover fruit juice to create the now-famous Gin Bothy Raspberry Gin.

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The Ice Cream and Artisan Food Show is a two day event being held from 4th February to the 5th February 2025 at Birmingham NEC.

As the only exhibition in the UK dedicated to the ice cream industry, the event will feature suppliers, caterers and manufacturers of ice cream and showcase a huge selection of ice cream varieties, equipment and supplies.

For further information please visit https://ice-cream.org/ice-cream-and-artisan-food-show/

The Historic Royal Palaces Hampton Court Palace Festival Fayre is set to take place over two weekends between 1st and 3rd December and 13th and 15th December 2024.

The festival includes street food, pop-up bars and artisan producers, seasonal shopping, christmas gifts and live music as well as the opportunity to explore the gardens, maze and Henry VIII's palace.

For further information, please visit https://www.hrpfestivals.com/festive-fayre

The Institute of Hospitality has announced the appointment of Martin Traynor OBE FIH as the new Chair of its Board of Trustees, following the organisation's Annual General Meeting. Traynor succeeds Kellie Rixon MBE FIH in the role.

IoH CEO Robert Richardson FIH MI said: “I am delighted Martin has accepted the role of chair. His experience and reputation will assist us greatly as we continue to pursue our ambition to achieve Chartered Status.”

Martin Traynor OBE FIH, who became a trustee on the Board earlier this year.

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Chipotle Mexican Grill UK, the fast-casual restaurant chain that serves burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, and salads made with real ingredients, announced it will offer guests who order via the Chipotle UK app free guac throughout September.

How it Works:

Starting Monday 2nd September, guests who download the Chipotle UK app will receive a code redeemable for one free regular topping or side of guacamole when they purchase a main meal on the app.* One free code will be dropped in a guest's account every Monday through 23 September that is valid to use until midnight the following Friday.

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On Saturday 14th September Fearns is set to host this year’s annual Leeds Rum Festival alongside event organisers, Studio Events which promises to once again be a premier all-round experience for rum lovers, experts and enthusiasts alike.

From 1pm to 9pm, the Leeds Dock kitchen, bar and event space located at 4 The Boulevard, will be home to infectious music and immersive first come, first served masterclasses hosted by rum ambassadors, with plenty of opportunities to taste great food and sip on the finest rums.

General Admission tickets are £38.

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Peel Retail & Leisure has announced a successful Summer Food Festival at top 10 UK outlet, Gloucester Quays, spotlighting over 150 stalls from local operators and uplifting footfall at the destination by 37% week-on-week.

Held in Gloucester Quays’ historic dockside Mariners Square and Orchard Square, the free-to-attend event brought together local food produce, crafts, pop-up bars, and live music at over 150 stalls. Live cookery sessions were hosted by TV presenter and author Chris Bavin in the Cookery Theatre, featuring chefs such as Matt Pritchard, author of 'Dirty Vegan,' and Josh Smalley.

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Greenall’s Gin are bringing their Gin Bar to Pub in the Park, St Albans in September. The festival runs from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th September. What better way to soak in the September sun than by sipping on Greenall’s G&Ts and cocktails to the sounds of Tinie Tempah, Scouting For Girls, Olly Murs and Paloma Faith.

Pub in the Park is one of the UK’s most popular food and music festival, which offers the chance to enjoy an unrivalled programme of entertainment including delicious food, award-winning chefs, great live music and a whole host of drinks. The brainchild of chef Tom Kerridge, this year sees a great line-up of chefs including TV favourites and Michelin starred heroes.

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Seasoned, the venue management and event catering experts, have been awarded a three-year contract at the Royal College of Nursing’s Head Office at 20 Cavendish Square, located just off Oxford Street. The contract will encompass internal hospitality for the 360 RCN staff, tenants and members from across the UK who regularly attend meetings and events, external hospitality for commercial clients from various other sectors and the onsite café in the Library and Heritage Centre.

This exquisite Grade II listed town house is rich in history and boasts 14 versatile event spaces that blend beautiful Georgian architecture and contemporary design with state-of-the-art facilities.

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Fresh pasta experts Pasta Evangelists has announced the opening of its first Pasta Emporium in Richmond, with a second opening in Greenwich hot on its heels.

The new openings will offer an entirely new take on Italy, with previously forgotten fresh pasta shapes made by hand on site and served to customers from the locations’ open pasta counters. Customers can choose to dine in or take away, via digital screens or from the counter. And, of course, there’s a fleet of terracotta Vespas on hand for Pasta Evangelists deliveries to customers’ homes, too.

Whilst customers wait to indulge in their fresh pasta delicacies (think lobster tortellini or slow-cooked beef and Chianti ragù).

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Thousands of golf fans from around the world have arrived in Ayrshire for the 152nd Open at Royal Troon.

And with some of the very best produce that Scotland has to offer on its doorstep, visitors will be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing where to dine after an afternoon spectating on the green.

Thankfully, award-winning hospitality group Buzzworks has compiled a list of the best places to eat and drink across the region during the event – with everything from outstanding venison dishes to the “official cocktail” of the tournament.

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Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur Brand, CAFÉ SOLO today announces the launch of its new Espresso Martini cans, crafted for coffee lovers. The CAFÉ SOLO Espresso Martini Cans are the second product to launch in the CAFÉ SOLO range after the brand launched its debut CAFÉ SOLO Original Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur to shake up the coffee liqueur market in the UK in April 2024. CAFÉ SOLO Espresso Martini Cans are available from Amazon and CAFÉ SOLO’s website at an RRP of £3.99 for a 125ml can.

CAFÉ SOLO Espresso Martini is made with CAFÉ SOLO Original Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, SOLO Coffee Espresso Strength Cold Brew and Premium British Vodka.

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Comedy duo the Thinking Drinkers are throwing their heavyweight support behind the beleaguered hospitality sector with the launch of a new show celebrating the pleasures of the pub.

To recognise the hard graft of those on the frontline of pubs, bars and restaurants, there are discounted tickets available to hospitality workers at performances of Thinking Drinkers: The Booze-Ical, which premieres at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this August.
The show will see discerning drinking duo Ben McFarland and Tom Sandham express their love for the local whilst serving up.

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DTZ Investors has announced that Spider Box Manchester, a brand-new next generation social entertainment venue, is to make its debut at Printworks this September. Occupying 8,000 sq ft and serving as a differentiator alongside the Vue IMAX cinema and Europe’s largest digital ceiling, Spider Box is the latest addition to Printworks following completion of a £27m investment programme earlier this year to create a unique world of entertainment.

Spider Box will offer visitors live music, karaoke and immersive music quizzes, complemented by a comprehensive food and drink offer. Designed to cater for families.

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As cost pressures on hospitality operators continue, buying specialist Lynx Purchasing has launched a new, fully updated version of its pioneering GP Calculator App.
Gross Profit, or GP, is the essential calculation which tells operators the menu price they need to charge for a dish, based on the ingredient costs. The original Lynx Purchasing GP Calculator App, launched in 2013, has been downloaded more than 20,000 times onto Apple and Android devices, with an across-the-board appeal to everyone from leading chefs to catering college students.

Rachel Dobson.

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Five hospitality heavyweights gathered for an inspiring and thought-provoking discussion focused on transforming the perception of hospitality careers and attracting more young talent to the industry. The panel event took centre stage at the 2024 Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or awards ceremony earlier this month, creating the perfect setting to deliver a powerful message to more than 240 industry professionals.

The panel, which was chaired by TV presenter Mark Durden-Smith, featured UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls OBE, Nestlé Professional managing director Katya Simmons, Sodexo’s food innovation & sustainability director David Mulcahy.

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South Yorkshire pub operators Simon Woodcock and Richard Hepplestone are taking the lease on their sixth pub as they look to build an estate of ten sites in the region. The Black Bull in Ecclesfield is the duo’s second venture with Star Pubs. Closed for more than a year, it will reopen at the end of July, creating ten new jobs following a £198,000 investment by Star.

The refurbishment will transform The Black Bull into a family-friendly premium local with a pretty garden, dedicated games room and varied entertainment programme.

The overhaul will completely renovate the outside of the distinctive pub and develop a 40-seater sheltered courtyard garden with a big screen for watching sports.

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The Liberty Romford, the shopping centre owned and operated by Redical, has announced the opening of globally renowned sandwich chain, Pret A Manger, and independent coffee pioneer, Black Sheep Coffee, reaffirming the positive advancements and market momentum the destination is experiencing following its strategic transformation and elevation.

Marking London borough debuts for the two operators and adding strength to the centre’s existing lineup of F&B tenants, Pret A Manager and Black Sheep Coffee join a portfolio of international, best of British, and independent operators at The Liberty Romford.

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CLAP London is a newly opened fine-dining Japanese restaurant that seamlessly combines authenticity with innovation to create a truly immersive experience. The glamourous space features striking sushi and robata counters, stunning interiors and a rooftop bar and lounge.

Hidden away from the hustle and bustle below, CLAP London’s seventh floor boasts a vibrant cocktail bar and intimate terrace. Open daily, it’s the perfect setting for after-work drinks or an evening rendezvous while enjoying the unparalleled view across Knightsbridge.

CLAP London is thrilled to announce a brand-new selection of cocktails available from early July.

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