Here are six of our current faves.
The New-Look Drive Thru
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
Established in the US in the seventies, Popeyes was an instant hit when it landed here in 2021. Why? Because its chicken sandwiches – made of British chicken that has been marinated in a signature blend of herbs and spices for 12 hours, breaded and battered by hand and popped in a brioche bun – are indescribably delicious. Now the thriving fast-food chain has opened its first ever drive thru, in Rotherham. More will follow the length and breadth of the country, so keep your eyes peeled. Discover more.
The Experience
The 3rd Floor At Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason has just opened a swanky space, on the third floor of their iconic Piccadilly store, that is dedicated to extraordinary food and drink experiences of every imaginable kind. They call it ‘a destination for sipping, supping, testing, tasting, mixing, making and cocktail-shaking’. It also available for exclusive hire. Visit the website for the extensive programme of events. Discover more.
The TV Show
Is It Cake Too?
Since Is It Cake? premiered in the US in March 2022 it has been heaped in sugary praise. The Guardian goes so far as to say: ‘This show might be the most pure, brainless fun ever created.’ In the goofy game show, which was based on a viral trend, talented bakers create cakes that look like household objects in an attempt to trick the celebrity judges. Now Netflix has announced a second series, Is it Cake Too?. Get ready to gorge. Watch it.
The Snack
The Posh Cheese Toastie
Look carefully and you will see that high-end cheese toasties, crafted from sourdough and artisan cheese, have popped up in every fashionable corner. They are on the bar menu at The Three Horseshoes, the exquisite new pub in Somerset where Margot Henderson is executive chef; they feature prominently at the burgeoning London neighbourhood coffee shop chain, Another Brother; and they are the crowning glory at the divine Cheese Shed in Nettlebed.
The Festival
Daylesford Organic Summer Festival
Fans of good food and nature – so most people, then – will rejoice at the news that Daylesford is holding its first two-day festival at its Cotswolds HQ on June 17 and 18. Expect live music, a troupe of dancing JCB diggers, cooking demonstrations, creative workshops and delicious organic food and drink. Kids go free. Discover more.
The Book
Ravenous: How To Get Ourselves And Our Planet Into Shape By Henry Dimbleby With Jemima Lewis
Food campaigner and Leon co-founder Henry Dimbleby has written – with the help of his journalist wife Jemima Lewis – an important and eminently readable book. Diving into the two-pronged task we have on our hands regarding a. the obesity epidemic and b. the impact of our eating habits on the environment, it is a contender for must-read of the year. Buy it.
By Becky Ladenburg
June 2023
