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August 17 2023

Pure Booch Makes Kombucha History as UK’s First Fairtrade Certified Kombucha Brew

Pure Booch Kombucha, the innovative offshoot of Warwickshire’s Purity Brewing Company, is delighted to announce that it has become the first kombucha brand in the UK to achieve the prestigious Fairtrade status

This honourable recognition stands as a clear testament to Pure Booch’s commitment to producing only the highest quality, authentically brewed kombucha, whilst adhering to ethical standards and supporting Fairtrade practices.

Authentically brewed kombucha is at the heart of Pure Booch’s mission. Meticulously blending premium organic Fairtrade teas and sugar, and employing a traditional fermentation process, the company has masterfully created an array of great tasting, high-quality kombucha beverages that promote a healthy lifestyle. Attaining Fairtrade status allows Pure Booch Co to further fortify its unwavering dedication to the art of kombucha brewing whilst supporting its commitment to social and ethical responsibility.

Kombucha, an emerging category in the UK, is reported to boast numerous health benefits. Pure Booch Kombucha, is rich in probiotics and antioxidants and is naturally low in sugar, offering a refreshing alternative to sugar-laden drinks, while supporting good gut health and strengthening the immune system. The distinct brewing process culminates in a delicious, sparkling soft drink that is full of flavour, all the while being entirely natural and free from artificial additives.

“Securing the status as the UK’s first Fairtrade kombucha brand is an achievement we’re extremely proud of. It stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to producing authentic kombucha while upholding Fairtrade practices. It’s important for us to ensure that everyone we work with in our supply chain is looked after, particularly in the current economic climate. We firmly believe that kombucha can offer a delicious and ethical choice, and we’re thrilled to witness its growing popularity and demand in the UK.”

Patrick O’Connor, Founder of Pure Booch Co

Kerrina Thorogood, Partnerships Director at the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “We’re delighted to see Pure Booch launch the UK’s first Fairtrade certified kombucha. It’s an incredibly exciting addition to the broad range of Fairtrade products – over 6,000 – now available to buy in the UK. By sourcing their ingredients on Fairtrade terms, Pure Booch will help to ensure that farmers and workers in countries like Malawi and India, who are disadvantaged by global trade, can receive a fairer price for their goods and are able to farm in a way that is better for people and the planet.”

With the achievement of the Fairtrade status, Pure Booch is driving forward industry standards for quality, sustainability, and social responsibility in the kombucha category. Amidst the rising demand for authentically brewed kombucha, Pure Booch Co remains steadfast in its mission to provide consumers with exceptional products that not only enhance personal health and well-being but also embody the Fairtrade principles of promoting environmentally sustainable practices and fostering fairer prices and better wages and working conditions across our entire supply chain.

The versatile nature of Pure Booch from soft drink to health drink and cocktail mixer has helped Purity gain stockist across a wide range hospitality and retail outlets including East London’s The Culpeper where Pure Booch is available on draught, St John’s Wood 75 year old Panzer’s Delicatessen & Grocery store, Birmingham’s High Quality Vegan and Michelin recommended Land Restaurant, Kuula Poke an exciting and healthy poke bowls from Birmingham and Sheffield’s leading independent Greengrocer Store Beanies Wholefood.

For those who are interested in finding out more about Pure Booch, looking to stock or sample please head to online

Visit Pure Booch

July 12 2023

Brad and Holly Carter move carters restaurant to Westlands UK in Evesham for the summer

studio Digest, News news

The starred restaurant will move the entire team and experience to Evesham for a minimum of 3 months and the experience will be supported by Gusborne, the award-winning sparkling wine producer

Brad Carter has announced that Carters will be moving to Westlands UK, one of the restaurant’s key suppliers, in Evesham, close to Stratford Upon Avon and the Cotswolds, for the summer. Bookings have opened for July and August here.

Brad, Holly, the entire team and experience will be moving into one of Westlands UK’s glasshouses, surrounded by the produce that the Carters team use daily, from Wednesday 19 July until September 2023.

Surrounded by living herbs, flowers and fauna, guests will be able to enjoy a unique 9 servings inspired by the area’s natural bounty and Carter’s ethos of ‘ultra-British seasonality’.

“We’ve always flirted with the idea of building a restaurant at Westlands UK with Director Will Boers. Every time we visited for inspiration days at Westlands UK, it always crossed my mind how good it would be to take Carters there, and now it’s a reality”

Brad Carter

Brad Carter, said, ‘I’m thrilled to announce we are taking Carters to an incredible location over the Summer at one of my key suppliers, Westlands UK Evesham.

Having worked with Will and his family for over 13 years, showcasing all of their amazing produce and helping develop some of the products along the way – it seems so right to take the restaurant to them and create something completely unique and unmissable.”

Westlands UK are committed to sustainability so our responsibility is to support their ongoing mission of work – the menu sits at around 75% of produce grown in and around the dining space.For us, it’s a chance to be creative, think outside the box and take our plates to source – the menu here is complete sustainability – inspired by the herbs, flowers and plants of Westlands UK – in our usual style of complete circle, recycled cooking we will use whole shellfish, whole animals and seasonal fruits to create one off unique dishes for our time in the glasshouse.

Think of the warmth in the tomatoes plucked from the vines and the intoxicating smell in the greenhouse they produce. Expect edible flowers, herbs and plants picked and harvested by hand within minutes of eating them, experiencing the optimum texture, flavour and peak freshness of the products in the environment they grow.”

As a family-owned, multi-generational business headed up by Managing Director Martin Boers, Westlands UK operate as a team, with a thoughtful approach at every step of the growing process.

Will Boers, said, “We’re so proud to welcome the highly-regarded Carters of Moseley on-site here at Westlands UK. Brad and I have worked closely together for a number of years and feel this collaboration is an epic match; combining sustainably-grown produce with talented chefs in an inspiring setting can only result in amazing, innovative dishes.”

Carters at Westlands UK has been designed by 2G Design and Build.

Book here

July 12 2023

Dan Lee launches residency at Hockley Social Club

studio Digest, News news

The winner of MasterChef: The Professionals 2021, Dan Lee, has officially launched his 4 months residency at Hockley Social Club serving up his trademark dishes and weekly specials 4 days a week

MasterChef: The Professionals winner, Dan Lee, has launched a semi-permanent residency at Hockley Social Club running Thursday – Sunday each week until 1st October

Dan will be serving up a menu of Asian inspired dishes 4 days a week including, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Siu Mai with crispy chilli oil, Char Siu and Maple Bao, and Turmeric Lime and Vegetable Curry with Rice alongside a menu of weekly specials such as salt and chili chicken and chips and brownie bites with miso. Jars of home-made chili oil and satay sauce will also be made available for guests to purchase to use at home.

Described by Michelin-star celebrity chef, Marcus Wareing, as ‘a star in the making’, Dan has spent the last year exploring Birmingham’s culinary scene and collaborating with some of the city’s culinary stars, from fellow MasterChef winner, Stuart Deeley, to Vietnamese street food concept, Eat Vietnam.

“I’m really excited to finally launch my new residency at the home of Birmingham street food, Hockley Social Club! The people of Brum will now be able to catch me here each week until 1st October serving up some of my favourite Asian inspired dishes. There’s a range of dishes on the menu available from as little as £6 and we will also be serving up a menu of weekly specials. Let the service, commence!”

Dan Lee

Dan Lee will be available at Hockley Social Club:
Thursdays and Fridays 5–10.30pm
Saturday 12–10.30pm
Sunday 12pm–6pm

Visit Hockley Social Club

July 11 2023

Rudy’s Harborne announces opening date

studio Digest, News news

The new opening will mark Rudy’s third location in Birmingham

The neighbourhood pizzeria, Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana, will bring its relaxed dining concept to the former Hawkshead Taphouse, at 77 High Street, Harborne.

Serving the perfect and classic Neapolitan pizza since 2015 from its original Rudy’s in Ancoats, the much-loved pizzeria has since opened more sites with the brand-new restaurant in Harborne being its third location in Birmingham.

Born out of passion for pizza, Rudy’s follows the authentic Neapolitan tradition of pizza making, serving classic recipes such as Marinara, Margherita and Calabrese – all originating from Naples, the birthplace of pizza.

Rudy’s dough is made fresh daily using Caputo ‘00’ flour which ferments for at least 24 hours, alongside the best quality ingredients imported from Naples, including San Marzano tomatoes grown on fields next to Mount Vesuvius, and Fior di Latte mozzarella.

All accordance to a truly authentic Neapolitan technique, the dough is cooked in a Stefano Ferrara oven for just 60 seconds – resulting in a soft and light pizza with an airy and raised cornicione (the edge or rim of the pizza).

Rudy’s Harborne opens seven days a week, Monday to Sunday, from 12pm until 9pm.

“We’re really looking forward to bringing Rudy’s Pizza to Harborne’s bustling high street. Since our initial announcement, we’ve been welcomed with open arms by the local community and can’t wait to open our doors to welcome them in.”

Louis Symeonides, General Manager

Follow Rudy’s Pizza on Instagram for the latest updates and exclusive content

Book a table via button below

Visit Rudy's Harborne

July 11 2023

Orelle launches 3 course menu for £42

studio Digest, News news

Orelle restaurant will be launching a new three course menu from 1st July to 31st August. The prix fixe menu can be enjoyed as a three-course offering at £42, or two courses for £35, both include a glass of Chandon.

Listed in the Harden’s Guide, Orelle is located on the 24th floor of 103 Colmore Row. Enjoying panoramic views of the city and beyond, Orelle is the first Birmingham location for D&D London.

Tables can be booked between Monday to Friday 12:00 – 14:30 and Monday to Thursday 17:30-18:00, and takes in 3 courses, plus sides, showcasing dishes such as:

Tomate: Isle of Wight tomatoes, burrata, sourdough, English strawberry, gazpacho

CEufs de morue: Taramasalata, dashi pink fir potato, seasonal greens, sea herbs

Terrine: Chicken and guinea fowl terrine, sweetcorn, charred lettuce, sourdough

Strozzapreti: Strozzapreti pasta, summer squash, Cornish yarn, toasted pumpkin seed, castelfranco

Bréme: Jersey Royal potatoes, courgette, calamari, confit tomatoes spiced tomato consommé

Poitrine de porc: Slow cooked pork belly, miso glazed nave, pomme purée, cimmi de rapa

‘Zing Tang’: Lemon mousse, citrus crémeux, sponge, juniper and lime sorbet

Fraisier des bois: Strawberry mousse, basil, meringue, yoghurt sorbet

“We’re really looking forward to launching our Summer menu at Orelle. We pride ourselves on cooking in harmony with the seasons and showcasing all of the amazing produce our suppliers provide. The dishes are fresh, light and a perfect menu to enjoy in the warmer months up in the sky!”

Chris Emery, Executive Chef

Visit Orelle

July 10 2023

Roxy Ball Room Humberstone gate is now open

studio Digest, News news

Roxy Ball Room has officially opened its doors in Leicester’s city center, featuring activities such as ten pin bowling, ice-free curling, shuffleboard and 3 karaoke rooms

Located on Leicester’s Humberstone Gate, Roxy Ball Room Leicester continues to follow the brand’s signature ‘Booze & Ball Games’ mantra, with activities including ten pin bowling, ice-free curling, batting cages, 3 karaoke rooms, shuffleboard, American pool, deck shuffle, ping pong, crazy pool and beer pong available for guests to enjoy.

The venue’s most notable activities include 3 karaoke rooms, suitable for both small and larger group bookings.

Roxy Ball Room Humberstone Gate will serve the brand’s new food menu which features premium Italian focaccia pizzas and Roxy Dogs made with bratwurst sausages and brioche buns, accompanied by a wide selection of American style sharers such as Loaded Roxy Fries, Chilli Cheese Bites and Kickin Popcorn Chicken.

The venue’s cocktail menu also serves ‘Roxy Signature’ drinks such as Rock ’N’ Roll Star, ‘Roxy Classics’ like Pingstar Martini, ‘Roxy Serves’ such as Blood Orange G&T, and ‘Roxy Low & Nos’ like Virgin Lychee & Raspberry Smash. The drinks offering also includes a wide selection of spirits, wines, draft beers and more.

Group bookings of over 14 people are able to choose from a range of drinks and food packages which can be booked via the website.

Roxy Ball Room Humberstone Gate is open seven days a week. Monday – Thursday 3pm – 1am, Friday and Saturday 12pm – 2am & Sunday 12pm – 1am. Off-peak pricing applies from Sunday – Wednesday, and peak pricing from Thursday – Saturday.

Visit Roxy Ball Room

June 6 2023

A sip of Italy: The Grand Hotel Birmingham announces the opening of their garden terrace in partnership with Malfy Gin

studio Digest, News news

The terrace will launch 2 June for al-fresco drinks

This June will see the launch of The Grand Hotel Birmingham’s Garden Terrace. The outdoor space will be a summer oasis for guests to enjoy a bespoke gin and tonic menu that’s been created in partnership with Malfy Gin.

Malfy Gin refer to themselves as ‘the essence of La Dolce Vita’ with their 4 signature flavours, Con Limone, Gin Rosa, Con Arancia & Originale all taking inspiration from the Amalfi Coast. Made in Moncalieri, each of their flavours are distilled with fine botanicals including hand-picked Juniper, Italian lemons, pink grapefruits and oranges married with Italian water. All the signature flavours will be served on the Garden Terrace.

The Garden Terrace will be open 4.30pm – 9pm Thursday – Fridays and 12.30pm – 9pm Saturdays. The space is also available for event bookings.

Housed in one of Birmingham’s most iconic buildings on Colmore Row, The Grand Hotel Birmingham is a Grade II* listed building. The hotel re-opened its doors after 19 years, revealing its £50 million restoration and refurbishment to the public in May 2021. Retaining the building’s French Renaissance exterior and Victorian Arts & Crafts features, the restoration also includes a penthouse suite with spectacular views across St Philip’s Cathedral. The hotel boasts 185 rooms and suites, Madeleine, the hotel’s glamorous cocktail bar where Afternoon Tea is served, and Isaac’s, the New York-inspired brasserie-style restaurant.

“As the hotel enters its third year back open, we are thrilled to have partnered with Malfy Gin to bring something unique and refreshing to our little oasis of greenery in the city centre. We can’t wait to welcome guests onto the Garden Terrace for after work drinks, casual gatherings or large events.”

Charlotte Horler, Hotel Manager at The Grand Hotel Birmingham

Visit Grand Hotel Birmingham

June 6 2023

Who’s got the ‘Bab?

studio Digest, Editorial editorial

One Star Döner Bar

Brad Carter, One Star Döner Bar

He’s the mastermind chef-owner behind one of the UK’s most exciting Michelin-star restaurants. He’s also a secret MC. Now, Brad Carter is determined to get as many of his kebabs into the hands of Brummies as he can.

Brad Carter is no regular chef. His was not your typical route into cooking. There was no time spent sharpening his skills in a Michelin-starred kitchen or under the wing of an established mentor. A kitchen porter job at his local sparked a teenage Brad’s love of cooking and inspired him to enrol at University College Birmingham, which is known nationwide for its production of high quality chefs from its renowned culinary arts courses.

Brad juggled his studies alongside nights MC’ing in clubs thanks to a lifelong passion for acid house, dance and hardcore culture. Brad admired the creativity within the rave scene, describing feeling ‘absorbed’ by the way ‘all social barriers were broken down once the music started.’ As time went on, he found himself choosing between the two disciplines, with cooking ultimately succeeding.

“I find now that I get the same creative feeling when developing recipes as I did with a mic in my hand. It all stems from the same place and I still listen to rave music all the time.”

Brad Carter

Following his education, Brad decided to travel to explore his passion for whole animal butchery and ancient preservation techniques. His time abroad allowed him to pick up new culinary skills as he worked in fine-dining restaurants in Menorca and Marseille. The methods and flavours in these restaurants would later influence his own unique spin on modern British foods.

Upon returning to the UK, he grafted in local pubs and restaurants before launching Carters of Moseley with his partner, Holly Jackson, in 2010. At the time of its launch, Brad was only 27.

“Carters was started in 2010 by myself and my partner, Holly. It was our vision to create a restaurant which was completely British, using world class products from the UK so that we could really show off our landscape and food that we have here. The cooking style has always been the same but progressed quite quickly to being refined which I put down to us being in one space and concentrating on getting better.”

Carters was awarded a Michelin Star in 2015. The Guide described the restaurant’s tasting menu as ‘ambitious, creative and modern’. Brad described receiving the accolade as “like winning an Oscar, but for cooking.” These days, the success of Carters has seen Brad appear regularly on daytime TV such as Saturday Kitchen Live and at live demonstrations such as The Good Food Show.

“Our entire ethos is to use One Star Döner Bar as a more accessible version of Carters. The ingredients are the same, all of the products we use are the same as Carters; same butcher, same quality of meat, just a different execution. At Carters, the ingredients are a little bit more expensive which makes it a place that is a bit more exclusive, whereas One Star Döner Bar is accessible and for every day.”

Brad Carter

A recent addition to the Carters collection is the One Star Döner Bar concept. Inspired by Berlin’s Gemüse Kebab, a popular street food option in the German capital, the idea was originally a lockdown side project as Carters was closed. One borrowed kebab spit later, Brad rustled up inventive versions of the Gemüse using his own Michelin-star level ingredients at Carters and, unsurprisingly, sold 400 in one weekend. Using the same ingredients as those served within Carters dishes allowed a wider audience to access the tastes available at the restaurant, as Brad believes that ‘good quality food should be available for everyone’.

“Originally, One Star Döner Bar was just a bit of fun! We launched during the winter lockdown when everything felt a bit doom and gloom. I was fed up with doing takeaway boxes and wanted to meet people again. We were only allowed to do click and collect at the time. We launched and sold out completely within ten minutes on the first weekend. We knew then that it would be a hit.”

By October 2021, the first iteration of a brick-and-mortar One Star Döner Bar launched within Manchester’s urban street food market, Escape to Freight Island. The concept boomed and allowed a much wider audience to get to know Brad’s talent and style through his unique dishes.

The kebabs, in Brad’s words, are “as good at 2pm as they are at 2am” and act as the “perfect post-rave sustenance.” The curated menu takes in two kebabs and two shawarmas, made from high-quality ingredients, including Lamb from Launceston, Cornwall, Tamworth Mortadella and Cotswold White Chicken. Carters’ signature potato smileys are also available as a side order.

Now, 2023 has finally seen the kebab king return home, as One Star Döner Bar takes up residence at the iconic Hare & Hounds pub in Kings Heath. In collaboration with the pub’s owner, DJ and promoter Adam Regan, Brad is ‘super chuffed’ to bring the concept home to Birmingham. “I can’t think of anywhere better suited to One Star Döner Bar than the brilliant Hare & Hounds. Adam and I have hoped to collaborate for a long time. We have known each other for years and have always mixed in similar paths both musically and creatively.”

Brad and Adam are a well-suited pair. Their common lifelong love of dance and rave culture, and shared experience within hospitality, has seen them come together to ensure that One Star Döner Bar is accessible for Brummies. Brad is happy to be collaborating with Adam on this, and states that “it feels great to see this project become a reality.”

Adam has looked to introduce a food offer at the Hare & Hounds for some time. “We’re made up that Brad has brought his trademark kebabs to our pub. We know that they’re going to be a big hit; and between us, we’re determined to get as many ‘babs into the hands of as many Brummies as possible.”

Brad says that he and Adam have “flirted with the idea of launching food at the Hare & Hounds many times over the years, but I’ve never had a certain concept until One Star Döner Bar. Once this was established, I reached out to Adam and we were talking it over within two minutes. It felt very natural.”

The Hare & Hounds, despite never having served food before, appears to be the perfect companion to the One Star Döner Bar concept, which Brad does not take lightly. “It’s an iconic venue in Birmingham run by someone who I respect and love. Just being able to be there and serve food for the first time ever is a huge honour.”

One Star Döner Bar at the Hare & Hounds is set up to serve at a high volume. “We’re aiming to get between 200 and 250 kebabs out on a Saturday.” The pub itself can hold around 90 guests between its saloon and main pub area. One Star Döner Bar is starting out with a Wednesday – Sunday offer and will look to moving up to a 7-day operation when possible.

“We would really just like to feed as many people as we can. That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.”

One Star Döner Bar at the Hare & Hounds is now open.

Visit One Star Döner Bar

June 1 2023

B:Eats celebrates national biscuit day with free limited-edition biscuits

studio Digest, News news

B:Eats will be celebrating National Biscuit Day with a complimentary limited-edition biscuit, served alongside every hot drink purchased between 29 May–3 June

The eatery will run the week-long promotion from 29th May – 3rd June. (from 5pm on Mon, 11am – 4pm Tues-Sat ), where each guest can receive a free custom made biscuit when purchasing any hot drink.

The limited-edition biscuit, created by head chef Lee Hollington, is a nod to the Midlands classic Shrewsbury biscuit. A traditional English dessert that dates back to as early as 1602 in Shropshire. Lee’s take on the sweet treat will be a short biscuit dough with raisins, lemon zest and added decoration in white and dark chocolate.

Alongside the week long promotion, the cafe will also play host to free live music lunch time events such as:

Tuesday 30 May: Laura Lenthall
Performance time: 12:00-13:00

Wednesday 31 May: Dalbir Singh
Performance: 12:00-13:00

Thursday 1 June: CBSO Ensemble
Performance: 12:00-13:00

“With National Biscuit Day fast approaching we thought we’d continue to shine a light on some traditional, regional ideas, once again with our own twist – an so the limited-edition biscuit was born! The offer will be available in our cafe from Monday 29th May – Saturday 3rd June, so guests can enjoy a complimentary biscuit with their hot drink, while enjoying our amazing free lunch time performances and once again, kids eat for £1 (when accompanied by an adult purchasing a full priced meal). We hope to welcome guests to enjoy their half term with us.”

Lee Hollington, Head Chef

B:Eats is a daytime cafe and eatery created by B:Music, the music charity responsible for Symphony Hall and Town Hall. Serving food and drink in the heart of Birmingham from inside the transformed spaces at Symphony Hall, B:Eats offers both a daytime and evening menu.

Visit B:Eats

June 1 2023

Orelle announce the opening of their new summer terrace in collaboration with Tanqueray

studio Digest, News news

The terrace will launch 1st June for al-fresco dining and summer drinks

Orelle have announced their summer terrace will be opening on Thursday 1st June. In collaboration with Tanqueray, the outdoor space will be a botanical inspired spot for al-fresco food and drinks.

Alongside Parisian inspired decor and an outdoor bar, guests will be able to experience a Tanqueray focused cocktail menu created by Orelle’s in house mixologists, alongside Executive Chef Chris Emery’s new spring menu.

Tanqueray refer to their gins as ‘Unmistakably Tanqueray’ with 6 signature flavours, London Dry Gin, Nº Ten Gin, Flor De Sevilla Distilled Gin, Blackcurrant Royale Distilled Gin, Rangpur Lime Distilled Gin and 0.0%. Made in Scotland, each of their flavours are created by double distilling grain with selected botanicals added during the second distillation. The full Tanqueray selection will be served on the terrace.

The terrace will be open 11am – 7pm Monday – Thursday, 11am – 9pm on Friday and 12 – 10pm on Saturday. The outdoor space will also be used as part of Birmingham’s Cocktail Weekend during the 7-9th July.

Orelle is the first Birmingham location for D&D London. Located on the 24th floor of 103 Colmore Row, Orelle will offer panoramic views of the city and beyond. Taking inspiration from the French words for ‘gold’ (or) and ‘her’ (elle), Orelle will serve classic and modern French dishes, accompanied by a carefully crafted cocktail list created by Tiago Bastos, one of Birmingham’s leading mixologists. The venue comprises an 88-cover restaurant, 12-person private dining room and 23-seater bar. Orelle Cafe and Terrace is located on the ground floor and will open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, evolving into a cocktail bar in the evening.