Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
Cadbury to release two new Bournville chocolate bars this July
Flavours: Salted Caramel and Chopped Hazelnut
Recommended retail price: £2.20
Set to be available nationwide, starting with Sainsbury’s
Launch follows earlier new flavour announcements from Cadbury
New Bournville flavours arriving in stores this month
Cadbury is set to introduce two new additions to its Bournville range in late July: Bournville Salted Caramel and Bournville Chopped Hazelnut.
The dark chocolate bars will be available at supermarkets across the UK with a recommended retail price of £2.20. While both bars are already listed on Sainsbury’s website, they are not yet available for order.
Cadbury's parent company, Mondelez International, confirmed that the new bars will be permanent additions to the Bournville lineup. The company said it expects the products to be stocked by multiple retailers nationwide.
Part of Cadbury’s wider 2024 launch activity
The new Bournville flavours follow several recent product launches from Cadbury. In May, the brand released a Dairy Milk Iced Latte bar, which featured a coffee-flavoured filling and biscuit pieces wrapped in classic Dairy Milk chocolate.
Cadbury also launched limited-edition Dairy Milk summer bars earlier this year, which included temperature-sensitive packaging that changed colour depending on the surrounding heat.
Another recent release — the Twirl White Dipped — has attracted strong customer feedback, with many praising the bar's white chocolate coating as a fresh twist on the traditional Twirl.
Recent changes to the Bournville range
Despite the new product launches, Cadbury recently discontinued its Bournville Fingers. The dark chocolate-coated biscuits, introduced in October 2020, were withdrawn from shelves in June 2024, ending a short but popular run.
The Bournville range continues to focus on dark chocolate offerings, and the introduction of Salted Caramel and Chopped Hazelnut is seen as an effort to expand its appeal with new flavour profiles.
Dishoom opens its first Glasgow location on Friday 29 August
New café located in a Grade A listed building on Nelson Mandela Place
Signature dishes like Bacon Naan Rolls and House Black Daal to feature on the menu
Continues ‘Meal for a Meal’ initiative, donating a meal to a child in need for every one served
Follows successful launches in London, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Birmingham
One of the UK’s most beloved restaurant groups, Dishoom, will officially open its first Glasgow café on Friday 29 August. The new site, located on Nelson Mandela Place in the city centre, marks a major milestone for the brand as it expands further into Scotland.
Taking over a 7,000 sq ft Grade A listed building that formerly housed Glasgow’s stock exchange, the new Dishoom will blend the spirit of Bombay’s old Irani cafés with the energy of Glasgow’s South Asian community.
Rooted in story and tradition
Every Dishoom location draws inspiration from a specific narrative rooted in Bombay’s culture. For Glasgow, the story is centred on a fictional former agent, Miss X, who returns to civilian life to run a lively Irani café at the base of the stock exchange building.
This storytelling element informs the restaurant’s design, with interiors and atmosphere shaped by the imagined world of Miss X.
A menu of much-loved classics
The Glasgow café will be open from morning to late evening, serving a menu of signature favourites that have earned Dishoom national acclaim. Diners can expect classics such as the Bacon Naan Roll, House Black Daal, Chicken Ruby and Jackfruit Biryani, alongside drinks like chai and house sodas.
The restaurant will accept reservations for breakfast and lunch, as well as for dinner groups of six or more. Walk-ins will be welcomed throughout the day.
Dining with purpose: Meal for a Meal
Every Dishoom location draws inspiration from a specific narrative rooted in Bombay’s cultureHaarala Hamilton
Dishoom’s commitment to social impact continues with its ‘Meal for a Meal’ initiative. For every meal served in Glasgow, the restaurant will donate a meal to a child in need. This is delivered in partnership with Magic Breakfast in the UK and The Akshaya Patra Foundation in India.
To date, more than 20 million meals have been donated through this initiative across Dishoom’s other locations in London, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Manchester.
A long-held ambition realised
Executive Chef Arun Tilak, who joined Dishoom in 2012 and helped launch its Covent Garden kitchen, said the Glasgow launch fulfils a long-standing dream.
“Bringing Dishoom to Glasgow has long been a dream of ours. The team has worked hard to create a space and a menu that feels authentic to Bombay while celebrating the character of Glasgow and the heritage of its South Asian community.
“Every Dishoom tells a Bombay story which comes to life when people sit, eat and share together. That sense of warmth and welcome is at the heart of what we do, and we’re so looking forward to seeing it in Glasgow.”
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Citing an “extremely difficult” operating environment for the UK’s hospitality sector
BrewDog is set to shut 10 of its UK bars this Saturday.
Locations affected include Aberdeen, Brighton, Camden, Dundee, and Leeds.
CEO James Taylor cited location, size, and commercial viability as key factors.
The company will hold a two-week consultation process with impacted staff.
Closures come amid mounting pressure on the UK hospitality sector.
BrewDog announces closure of 10 bars across UK
BrewDog has confirmed it will close 10 of its bars this Saturday, citing an “extremely difficult” operating environment for the UK’s hospitality sector.
In an internal email to staff, chief executive James Taylor said the decision followed efforts to improve viability but that certain sites could no longer be sustained due to “their size, location and other limiting factors”.
Affected locations include:
Aberdeen (flagship bar)
Brighton
Camden
Dundee
Leeds (North Street)
Oxford
Sheffield
Shepherd’s Bush
Shoreditch
York
“No realistic prospect” of viability, says CEO
Taylor, who took over as BrewDog CEO less than five months ago, wrote:
“Following much consideration, we have sadly concluded that there is no realistic prospect of making these venues commercially viable.”
He added that keeping underperforming bars open would hinder BrewDog’s ability to invest in areas with stronger growth potential.
“This decision is not simply a response to the challenging UK hospitality market, but a proactive decision to redefine the bar division’s focus.”
Staff consultations and redeployment plans
The company has not confirmed how many employees will be affected by the closures but said it has begun a “meaningful and appropriate consultation process”, lasting at least two weeks. One-to-one meetings are being arranged for all staff at risk.
A BrewDog spokesperson said:
“We are working hard to minimise the impact on our people, and we expect to redeploy many affected team members across the BrewDog network.”
Industry pressure and BrewDog’s recent performance
The closures come at a time of growing financial pressure on UK hospitality businesses, driven by increases in national insurance, rising wage costs, and inflation. Earlier this month, Oakman Inns, a hotel and pub chain, entered administration, closing six locations and cutting 159 jobs.
BrewDog, founded in 2006 by James Watt and Martin Dickie, has grown from a garage start-up in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, into an international beer brand with bars, hotels, and retail distribution. In 2023, the company employed more than 3,000 people worldwide.
The latest financial accounts show revenue rose from £321 million to £355 million, but pre-tax losses widened from £30 million to £59.2 million, partly due to increased costs and write-downs on underperforming sites.
The company has also undergone executive changes, with Taylor becoming the second CEO in under a year following the departure of James Arrow in March for “personal reasons”. Prior to his promotion, Taylor had served as BrewDog’s chief financial officer since 2023.
According to industry figures, more than 400 pubs in England and Wales closed in 2023, bringing the total number below 39,000 for the first time.
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The chain had also gained a following for its themed brunches
Chinese dim sum restaurant Ping Pong has closed all its UK locations
The chain made the announcement via social media
Founded in 2005, the brand thanked customers and staff for their support
Loyal diners shared memories and disappointment in the comments
All branches are permanently closed
Chinese restaurant chain Ping Pong has permanently closed all its branches in the UK, the company confirmed in a social media announcement.
Founded in 2005 by restaurateur Kurt Zdesar, the dim sum chain had become popular for its stylish interiors, creative menus, and Asian-inspired cocktails. The company did not provide prior notice of the closure but said the decision marked the end of an “unforgettable” 20-year journey.
Social media announcement thanks customers and staff
In a post shared on Instagram, the company wrote: “It’s a wrap. After 20 unforgettable years, all Ping Pong locations are now permanently closed.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we built, an independent hospitality brand full of creativity, flavour and soul.
“To everyone who joined us over the years, for dim sum dates, happy hours, bottomless brunches, and just-because catch-ups – thank you.
“You shared your moments with us, passed around little parcels of deliciousness, and helped make Ping Pong what it was.
“To our collaborators, suppliers, and the incredible team who kept the steam going, thank you. It’s been sum-thing truly special.”
Customers express sadness over sudden closure
Regular customers responded to the announcement with disappointment and nostalgia. Many expressed shock over the sudden news and the lack of notice.
One Instagram user commented: “Noooo, we’ve made some amazing memories there, birthdays, anniversaries, you name it. The food was always so amazing.”
Another said: “WHAT?? WE HAD NO CHANCE TO SAY GOODBYE! NO WARNING.”
Others fondly recalled the restaurant’s atmosphere and signature dishes, with one writing: “The food and the lychee cocktails will be sorely missed.”
Ping Pong had multiple locations across London and was known for its contemporary take on traditional Chinese dim sum. The chain had also gained a following for its themed brunches, casual dining experience, and cocktail offerings.
No further information has been shared regarding the reason behind the closure or whether the brand will return in a new format.
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Tesco has issued an urgent product recall for two batches of Wall’s Scotch Eggs
Tesco and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) have issued an urgent recall for Wall’s Scotch Eggs.
Salmonella contamination has been confirmed in two batches with a use-by date of July 2, 2025.
Customers are advised not to eat the affected items and return them to any Tesco store for a full refund.
No other Wall’s products are affected by this recall.
Wall’s Scotch Eggs recalled due to salmonella risk
Tesco has issued an urgent product recall for two batches of Wall’s Scotch Eggs after salmonella contamination was confirmed. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) supported the decision and has advised customers to check their kitchens and dispose of or return the products immediately.
The recall applies specifically to Wall’s 2 Classic Scotch Eggs 226g and Wall’s The Classic Scotch Egg 113g, both with a use-by date of 2 July 2025. Customers who purchased either product are urged not to consume them due to the potential health risk.
Symptoms and safety guidance
Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause food poisoning, with symptoms including fever, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps. The FSA and NHS advise that anyone experiencing these symptoms after eating a recalled item should seek medical advice if necessary.
Customers are advised to avoid eating the affected products and return them to any Tesco store for a full refund, with no receipt required. Point-of-sale notices have been displayed in all stores that stocked the affected items to alert customers to the issue.
Tesco and manufacturer issue statements
Tesco confirmed the recall on its website and through in-store notices. The supermarket stated:
"Wall’s is recalling various Classic Scotch Eggs with the use-by date of 2 July 2025. This is due to the presence of salmonella."
The manufacturer, The Compleat Food Group, described the recall as a voluntary precaution, citing a "potential risk of salmonella." However, Tesco confirmed that the affected products sold in its stores were contaminated.
A spokesperson for The Compleat Food Group said:
"This is an isolated incident and no other Wall’s products are affected."
What to do if you’ve bought the product
Customers who have purchased the affected Wall’s Scotch Eggs are asked to:
Not consume the product.
Return it to any Tesco store for a full refund.
No proof of purchase is needed.
Additional information and support are available through the Wall’s website atwalls-pastry.co.uk or by contacting Tesco Customer Services on 0800 505 555. Customers can also email customercare@compleatfood.com for assistance.
To find the nearest Tesco branch, shoppers can use the store locator tool available on the Tesco website.
FSA guidance on food recalls
The FSA explained why recalls such as this one are issued:
"If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be 'withdrawn' or 'recalled'."
In this case, the FSA has issued a Product Recall Information Notice to alert both consumers and local authorities. It added that in some instances, a 'Food Alert for Action' is also issued to ensure the appropriate steps are taken.
This latest recall follows a recent series of food safety alerts, as salmonella was also detected in other snacks sold across England, Scotland, and Wales in the past week.
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M&S’s latest offering taps into both tradition and innovation
M&S unveils limited edition strawberries and cream sandwich for £2.80
Inspired by Japanese 'sweet sandos', it features Red Diamond strawberries and whipped cream cheese
Available in stores now, found in the savoury sandwich aisle
Launch coincides with Wimbledon and British strawberry season
Wimbledon increases strawberries and cream price for first time in 15 years
New summer sandwich from M&S
Marks & Spencer has launched a limited edition M&S strawberry sandwich, combining classic British summer flavours with a Japanese twist. Priced at £2.80, the strawberries and cream sandwich is available in M&S stores now.
The dessert-style sandwich features M&S’s exclusive Red Diamond strawberries, whipped cream cheese, and sweetened bread. Despite its sweet contents, the product is found in the savoury sandwich section of M&S Food halls.
M&S said the creation is inspired by Japan’s ‘sweet sandos’ a popular type of fruit sandwich made with fluffy bread and luxury fruit, often seen in trendy Japanese patisseries.
A nod to Japanese tradition
Fruit sandwiches in Japan date back to the early 20th century when fruit shops began opening cafés near train stations and business districts. These cafés offered dishes that featured premium fruit at accessible prices, including parfaits, shortcakes, and sandwiches.
M&S product developers said they had long planned to create a dessert sandwich, and the juiciest moment had arrived. “With our exclusive Red Diamond Strawberries at their juiciest best, the time has finally come to create the ultimate strawberries and crème experience,” a spokesperson said.
Social media reaction
The M&S strawberry sandwich has already caught the attention of customers, with many sharing their thoughts on social media. One Instagram user called it the “best sandwich ever” and rated it “100000/10”. Another described it as “berry berry good”, while a third commented: “Where are my car keys! I need to get this NOW.”
Others compared it to “cake on the go” and said it would be the perfect treat before work or as part of an afternoon tea.
M&S says the sandwich is ideal for alfresco lunches, summer picnics, courtside snacks at Wimbledon, or simply as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
A rich history of sandwich innovation
M&S Food began offering freshly made sandwiches in the 1920s and introduced pre-packed sandwiches in the 1980s. Since then, the retailer has sold over four billion sandwiches. The launch of the M&S strawberry sandwich adds to this legacy, offering a novel twist on a British summer classic.
Strawberries and cream have long been associated with summer in the UK and are traditionally enjoyed when the fruit is in peak season. The dish’s roots are believed to trace back to Tudor England, where it was served at royal banquets under Henry VIII.
Wimbledon raises strawberries and cream prices
The sandwich launch comes as Wimbledon prepares to open its gates, where strawberries and cream remain one of the most iconic refreshments. For the first time in 15 years, the All England Club has increased the price of the snack from £2.50 to £2.70.
A spokesperson explained: “We have taken the decision to slightly increase the price of strawberries this year from £2.50 to £2.70. We feel this modest increase still ensures that our world-famous strawberries are available at a very reasonable price.”
With rising operational costs, even Wimbledon is feeling the impact of the wider cost-of-living pressures. The club sells around 140,000 punnets each year, meaning the new price could generate an additional £28,000.
Despite the increase, the £2.70 strawberries and cream dish remains one of the best-value items at the tournament. Wimbledon is also among the few major sporting events that allows spectators to bring their own food and drink, including alcohol.
The strawberries served at the Championships are picked the same morning from the family-run Hugh Lowe Farm in Kent, ensuring freshness.
Sweet timing
As Wimbledon fever builds and summer reaches full swing, M&S’s latest offering taps into both tradition and innovation. The M&S strawberry sandwich is a playful take on a classic flavour pairing and adds a fresh option to the retailer’s seasonal range, just in time for one of the UK’s most iconic sporting events.