Blog - Page 8 - Ceres Shop

Pineapple & Scotch Bonnet Hot Sauce

Posted by Nick on 12th Jun 2023

Scotch bonnet chillies and pineapple belong together; this topical hot sauce is an absolute winner of a sauce. The recipe has minimal ingredients, takes no time to make, and lasts ages in … read more

A poem about fish and chips

Posted by Emily on 10th Jun 2023

Meeting and cooking for the Chelsea Pensioners on National Fish & Chip Day was a real honour and hearing their memories and stories of a dish they grew up on was absolutely fascinating. What we did … read more

Captain Thornton’s Leeds the way

Posted by Emily on 3rd Jun 2023

When most people hear the name Thornton’s, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the chocolatier. But if you’re from Leeds, it’s more likely to be the two fish and chip takeaways James and … read more

Chelsea Pensioners enjoy fish & chips on National Fish & Chip Day

Posted by Emily on 2nd Jun 2023

We had the honour of cooking fish and chips for over 200 Chelsea Pensioners at their Royal Hospital Chelsea home in celebration of National Fish & Chip Day on Friday 2nd June. We suppl … read more

Has the UK Vegan Wave Peaked?

Posted by Emily on 29th May 2023

Several key brands, including Oatly, Nestlé, and Innocent Drinks, have withdrawn select plant-based products from the UK market, raising questions about the robustness of the vegan trend. Per- … read more

Ceres serves Chelsea pensioners Britain’s iconic dish on national fish & chip day

Posted by Jessica on 28th May 2023

We are delighted to reveal that we will be serving fish and chips to the iconic Chelsea Pensioners at their Royal Hospital Chelsea home on National Fish & Chip Day. We have the honour o … read more

Toridoll Acquires Franco Manca's Parent Company, Fulham Shore, in £93 Million Agreement

Posted by Emily on 10th Apr 2023

Japanese culinary giant, Toridoll, is set to acquire Fulham Shore, the company behind Franco Manca, in a deal valued at £93 million. This acquisition signifies a premium of approximately 34.8% base … read more

Is It British? FSA Probes into Pork's True Origin

Posted by Emily on 5th Apr 2023

Farmers Weekly has revealed that a prominent UK food manufacturer allegedly supplied supermarkets with sometimes off-quality meat. kallerna, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons According … read more

Italy Takes Steps to Prohibit Lab-Grown Meat in Defence of Food Heritage

Posted by Emily on 31st Mar 2023

The Italian government has supported new legislation aiming to outlaw meat cultivated in laboratories and other synthetic foodstuffs, underscoring the safeguarding of Italian culinary heritage and … read more

Breaking down barriers for disabled workers

Posted by Emily on 18th Mar 2023

The government made it clear in its Spring Budget earlier this month that it is serious about getting people back into work, announcing a range of measures totalling £3.5 billion over five years to … read more

Spring Budget 2023

Posted by Emily on 18th Mar 2023

As we predicted, there were no major reforms in Jeremy Hunt’s first-ever Spring Budget as Chancellor that would directly help the hospitality industry, either in terms of a VAT cut or even a hint of a … read more

Introducing Nick

Posted by Stelios on 18th Mar 2023

Coffee shops have expert baristas, cocktail bars have professional mixologists and at Ceres we have…Nick Damurakis! I’m delighted to welcome Nick to the Ceres team as our Business Deve … read more

Stelios Named in 20 Top Hospitality Influencers for 2023

Posted by Emily on 14th Mar 2023

Ceres Managing Director and host of the Ceres Podcast Stelios Theocharous has been named as one of the 20 Top Hospitality Influencers for 2023. The prestigious list, compiled by media outlet Modern … read more

What is Panne?

Posted by Stelios on 11th Mar 2023

When writing articles on fishcakes or doing a demonstration, people always give us a funny look when we mention the word panné (also referred to as pane). We thought now would be a good time … read more

Top Catch turns its fortunes around

Posted by Emily on 11th Mar 2023

Making a good living from a convenience store on a parade of shops in Southampton, Raj Khaira decided to capitalise on the fact there were 185 flats above his shop yet no takeaways to service them … read more

A Balancing Act at Linfords

Posted by Emily on 11th Mar 2023

Using Ceres products has enabled Chris Pithey to strike the perfect balance between serving homemade items and traditional chip shop favourites at Linfords in Market Deeping, Peterborough. … read more

Garlic & Ginger Fried Cod

Posted by Stelios on 5th Mar 2023

Over the years, I have played with different types of fish coatings, not just in my current role but also when I worked back in the family fish and chip shops. But for the most part, any off-the- … read more

Hugh Lipscombe on Episode 134: Legacy, Leadership, and the Future of Fish & Chips

Posted by Emily on 4th Mar 2023

In this captivating episode, we sit down with Hugh Lipscombe, the Founder and Chairman of The Chesterford Group. Hugh's journey began with the establishment of Fish N Chick'n and has since expan … read more

Crispy Calamari

Posted by Nick on 4th Mar 2023

Golden, crispy, tender morsels of calamari. it’s the staple dish of many European and mediterranean holidays. but why can’t it be great here in the U.K? These days, squid (calamari) is available … read more

Nashville Hot Fried Chicken

Posted by Nick on 4th Mar 2023

Although I have never been to Nashville, hot fried chicken is one of my favourite foods. The chicken is perfectly seasoned and breaded to create a crispy shaggy crust, then basted with Nashville hot s … read more

Exploring Monosodium Glutamate

Posted by Stelios on 4th Mar 2023

WHAT IS MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE? Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a popular seasoning and flavour enhancer. It is the purest form of umami, the fifth taste sensation. Monosodium glutamate is widely used … read more

Mackerel Tatsuta Age: A Symphony of Flavors for Your Menu

Posted by Stelios on 4th Mar 2023

Imagine the deep, succulent flavours of mackerel marinated in a rich fusion of soy sauce, Mirin, and freshly grated ginger. This beautiful dish, Mackerel Tatsuta Age, is more than just a main course; … read more

Tori Karaage

Posted by Nick on 4th Mar 2023

Tori karaage, named after its cooking method (frying), is traditionally made with small, boneless chicken pieces, usually thigh meat. In this recipe, the chicken is marinated in fresh ginger, garli … read more

Fritto Misto

Posted by Nick on 4th Mar 2023

Every culture does fried food, but Italians do it exceptionally well. In Italy, Fritto Misto is nearly always served as a first course and is especially lovely in bite-size pieces. We reco … read more

Crispy Hot Wings

Posted by Nick on 4th Mar 2023

Nothing beats a portion of delicious hot wings with a side of punchy bacon & blue cheese sauce. Chicken wings are cheap, tasty and addictive, and you can serve them as a side or a profit-maki … read more

Sour Cream & Chive Dip

Posted by Nick on 4th Mar 2023

Homemade Sour Cream and Chive Dip? This Sour Cream and Chive Dip recipe is the perfect dip. It is incredibly adaptable and packed with flavour, using only a few ingredients.It tastes better than buyin … read more

Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Tenders

Posted by Nick on 4th Mar 2023

These deep-fried chicken tenders are one delicious treat that your customers will love! Marinated in buttermilk and Alpha Coated, they are juicy and succulent. Perfectly crispy, these tenders a … read more

The National Fish and Chip Awards Winners 2023

Posted by Emily on 28th Feb 2023

Today in London, the National Fish & Chip Awards unveiled this year's top contenders in an elegant award ceremony. Presented by the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) and graced by comed … read more

British Pie Week

Posted by Stelios on 19th Feb 2023

From 6th-12th March all eyes are on the pies as British Pie Week takes place, and we have all the bases covered. We’ve got everything from a really simple homemade steak pie that even you w … read more

Market Hill Hits the Mark as Business Remains Buoyant

Posted by Emily on 12th Feb 2023

Working at Market Hill Fisheries in Winterton, North Lincolnshire, as a teenager while studying for his A’ Levels, Ryan Moody had no idea that four years later, his family would own the takeaway and t … read more

Ceres Proves a Problem Solver for Auckley Friery

Posted by Emily on 31st Jan 2023

David Nicolaou bought Auckley Friery in Auckley, Doncaster, almost 20 years ago. A traditional ‘80s shop at the time, it was dated with strip lighting down the middle and a suspended ceiling. … read more

The Benefits of Being Small

Posted by Emily on 24th Jan 2023

Having fried fish and chips seven days a week for 10 years and eventually burning themselves out, Terry Collinson and his wife Jennifer, downsized and bought a takeaway in Pagham, West Sussex, which t … read more

Miller's Keeps Moving Forward

Posted by Emily on 8th Dec 2022

Millers certainly can’t be accused of resting on its laurels. Since winning Fish & Chip Shop of the Year in 2018, the York-based, family-run chippy has worked tirelessly to build its brand and carve o … read more

Little Caesars Pizza Makes a Return to the UK Market

Posted by News on 8th Dec 2022

Little Caesars Pizza, the American pizza group, is returning to the UK market after a 22-year hiatus. The company plans to inaugurate four new restaurants in the upcoming months. This strategic exp … read more

Homemade Coleslaw

Posted by Nick on 29th Nov 2022

Set aside shop-bought versions of Coleslaw and supercharge your menu with homemade slaw. It’s an ideal side for Fish & Chips, kebabs, and homemade fried chicken.This Homemade Coleslaw recipe is a … read more

Wendy's Expands into UK's Northern Market with First Sheffield Franchise

Posted by Emily on 10th Nov 2022

Wendy's, a renowned fast-food chain, is set to mark a significant expansion in the UK by opening its first franchise location in Sheffield next month. This move signifies the brand's strategic push … read more

Pitco Fryer Cleaning with Ceres Deep Fryer Cleaner

Posted by Stelios on 1st Nov 2022

Pitco fryers are used by many restaurants and commercial kitchens. These deep fryers can produce a variety of fried foods, from chicken nuggets to fried chicken, in just a few minutes. That's why regu … read more

Every Day Is a School Day at Chez Fred

Posted by Miria on 1st Nov 2022

Even with 38 years in the fish and chip trade, the last 33 spent at Chez Fred in Bournemouth, Fred Capel still believes that every day is a school day. There’s always something to learn, … read more

Understanding Umami and Its Influence on Flavour?

Posted by Stelios on 30th Aug 2022

THE DISCOVERY OF UMAMI Umami was discovered in 1908 by Professor Kikunae Ikeda, a chemist at Tokyo Imperial University. He noticed a particular “savoury” taste in foods such as dashi, … read more

Balsamic Battle: Italy Challenging Slovenia Over the Authenticity of Balsamic Vinegar

Posted by Stelios on 22nd Aug 2022

Last year, tensions arose between Italy and Slovenia over the title and tradition of balsamic vinegar. I recall how Italy's renowned balsamic vinegar, specifically "aceto balsamico di Modena" – a t … read more

Expand Your Menu and Build Sales With New Ceres Alpha Coater

Posted by Emily on 12th Aug 2022

Restaurants and Takeaways are under more pressure than ever to diversify, not just in light of rising fish prices but also to capture the attention of Gen Z, who want more variety, as well as quick … read more

Egg vs Batter!

Posted by Stelios on 1st Aug 2022

For as long as we have been making our Ceres Fishcake Mix we’ve had plenty of customers ask us what is best for dipping the fishcakes into so as the breadcrumb sticks. There are two … read more

Getting Creative With Dan Nash

Posted by Michael on 1st Aug 2022

Dan Nash is the founder of SixEight, a creative agency that helps turn food brands into cult brands through the power of storytelling. In our latest podcast, Dan cuts through all the marketing jargo … read more

Counterfeit Wonka Chocolate Bars Seized in £100,000 Oxford Street Raid

Posted by Emily on 30th Jul 2022

Trading standards staff have confiscated a significant amount of counterfeit chocolate, specifically "Wonka Bars", from American candy shops on Oxford Street. The seized merchandise, amounting to a … read more

The Great Feta Feud: Denmark, Greece, and the EU

Posted by Stelios on 20th Jul 2022

In a decision that left Copenhagen looking rather sheepish, Denmark faced a setback in the European Union's top court over the feta cheese saga, which dates back decades. The Court of Justice … read more

Ramp up your recruitment drive

Posted by Emily on 7th Jul 2022

While all business sectors are currently undergoing a staffing crisis, the hospitality industry is bearing the brunt with staff shortages reaching critical levels. According to recent ONS figures … read more

Calabrian Chilli Mayonnaise

Posted by Stelios on 7th Jul 2022

Anyone who knows me will know that I love chillies. Something about how the chillies taste, scotch bonnets are oddly fruity underneath the fire, and African bird’s eye chillies are peppery under th … read more

Paul Gunning on his shoebox success

Posted by Emily on 7th Jun 2022

He’s worked in five star hotels, 2-3 rosette and Michelin starred restaurants and, 11 years ago, he opened Purslane in Edinburgh. If you’ve not yet had a chance to listen to our podcast with Paul … read more

Tips for tough times

Posted by Stelios on 19th May 2022

It might feel at the moment that everything is stacked against you. Price increases on core ingredients are coming thick and fast, while problems with product availability are an increasing worry f … read more

Life at the sharp end

Posted by Emily on 18th May 2022

“Knife sharpening is an important trade,” says Stefano Nella, director of sales operations of knife sharpening service Nella Cutlery Services. And he’s not joking, stating that the importanc … read more

Sandy’s raises the bar in Folkestone

Posted by Emily on 5th May 2022

Following a £150,000 refurbishment, a rebrand and new ownership, Sandy’s Fish & Chips has become the top-rated fish and chip shop in the Kent coastal town of Folkestone on both Google and Just Eat, an … read more

Podcast #125 Matthew Konen, Athena B, Portslade, Brighton

Posted by Emily on 9th Apr 2022

In this episode of the Ceres Podcast, 29-year-old Matthew Konen talks about the journey he’s been on and the challenges he’s faced since returning to help his mother, Mary, run the family fish and chi … read more

Armed Forces Day

Posted by Emily on 6th Apr 2022

There are plenty of days throughout the year that you can use as a hook to promote new menu items, signature dishes and your business generally. National Fish & Chip Day is the big one, of course, but … read more

10 Tips for a stress-free national fish & chip day

Posted by Emily on 4th Apr 2022

Mmm fish and chips at the seaside, photo courtesy of the Magpie Cafe in Whitby. Friday 27th May 2022 marks the seventh National Fish & Chip Day and it’s a day that you should be shout … read more

Stand Out With Our New Labelling Solutions

Posted by Stelios on 21st Mar 2022

We’ve launched a series of high quality, value for money food labels to help your shop run more smoothly. The first is our Advanced Food Rotation Label which allows staff preparing bat … read more

Ceres Creates a Cleaner product for Marina Fish & Chips

Posted by Emily on 7th Mar 2022

Like all fish and chip shop owners right now, Matthew Etches is facing spiralling prices and stock that’s hard to get hold of. It’s the biggest set of challenges to hit his business since he bought … read more

Growing a Business Organically

Posted by Emily on 1st Mar 2022

When is the right time to open a second shop? When an opportunity comes up that’s just too good to miss? When a business reaches capacity and the market is large enough to support a second s … read more

Positive Thinking

Posted by Stelios on 1st Feb 2022

I don’t know if I’m alone in thinking this – and I hope I’m not – but I feel quite optimistic about 2022. The scrapping of most Covid measures across the UK recently has felt like a massive step fo … read more

Ceres & Cem share the same forward-thinking attitude

Posted by Emily on 13th Jan 2022

The two fish and chip takeaways that Cem Oktem owns in Lancashire, Packet Bridge in Bolton-le-Sands and Westgate in Morecambe, might be less than five miles away from each other but they have ve … read more

Christmas cracker or a festive flop?

Posted by Emily on 10th Dec 2021

2021 looks set to end the same way it started, with much uncertainty about what is to come. Growing fears around the Omicron variant are already showing signs of dampening consumer confidence while … read more

Starting the Year Vegan-friendly

Posted by Nick on 30th Nov 2021

Move over basted turkey, pigs in blankets and honey-glazed ham, because just seven days after sitting down to a traditional Christmas feast, attention quickly turns to Veganuary. A whole month dedi … read more

Lifting Lunchtime Trade

Posted by Stelios on 21st Nov 2021

Lunchtime trade has taken a kicking over the last 18 months as Covid had people working from home and turning to homemade lunches or treating the family in the evening instead. The grey pound, whic … read more

Athena B Inspired by Ceres Support

Posted by Emily on 1st Nov 2021

What started as a recommendation to use Ceres Natural Batter Mix has resulted in a journey of discovery for Athena B in Portslade, Brighton. Matthew Konen and his mum Mary took the lease back … read more

Head to Head: Kate Nicholls, U.K Hospitality

Posted by Stelios on 14th Oct 2021

This week, UKHospitality stepped up pressure on the Government to retain the current 12.5% VAT rate for hospitality long-term by launching its #VATsEnough campaign. We caught up with CEO Kate Nicho … read more

Head to Head: Andrew Crook, National Federation of Fish Friers

Posted by Stelios on 28th Sep 2021

With The NFFF helping to lead a campaign to bring about VAT reform, we quizzed President Andrew Crook on the key requests, what he hopes to achieve and what he thinks is the most likely outcome. We … read more

The Ceres Podcast: Celebrating a Milestone of 100 Episodes

Posted by Emily on 27th Jul 2021

This month, we recorded our 100th Ceres podcast episode, and I’m blown away when I look back at the calibre of the guests we’ve featured. When I started the podcasts two years ago, they focu … read more

Navigating the Mind: Keeping the U.K.’s Hospitality Industry Happy and Healthy

Posted by Emily on 1st May 2021

A Fresh Start As cafés, restaurants, and hotels across the U.K. opened their doors again, the excitement of returning to work was tinged with anxiety. Many employees returned after nearly … read more

Tesco Fined a Record £7.56 Million for Selling Out-of-Date Food.

Posted by Stelios on 3rd Mar 2021

On 19 April 2021, Tesco Stores Limited faced a significant £7.56 million penalty at Birmingham Magistrates' Court for 22 instances of selling out-of-date food at three outlets between 2016 and 2017 … read more

Street food meets fish and chips

Posted by Emily on 2nd Mar 2021

Located in Southbourne, Bournemouth, just a few hundred yards from the beach, Ricky’s isn’t your average chippy. But then again, owner Ricky Knowlton isn’t your average fish frier. Building on … read more

Delivery Aggregators Unwrapped – 2021 Update

Posted by Stelios on 2nd Mar 2021

The world is significantly transforming how people buy and consume food. Modern consumers are more likely to order fast food while sitting at home watching Bridgerton on Netflix than they are to co … read more

Burton Road Chippy Finds a New Home

Posted by Emily on 1st Feb 2021

Confronted with a steep 17% hike in rent coupled with the mandatory shuttering of their restaurant due to the COVID-19 crisis, Burton Road Chippy in Lincoln opted for relocation last summer. Lesley … read more

James Lant: The Genius Behind The English Indian

Posted by Emily on 27th Jan 2021

Birmingham-based street food vendor The English Indian puts an Asian twist on a very British classic From one pop-up gazebo working festivals and food halls in and around Birmingham five years ag … read more

How to Be a Great Podcast Guest

Posted by Stelios on 1st Jan 2021

The art of interviewing is a popular topic, but what about the art of being interviewed? While the role may feel more passive, it's just as active as the interviewer's.These tips for a memorable (in a … read more

Grains of Contention: The India-Pakistan EU Basmati Dispute

Posted by Stelios on 4th Nov 2020

India's move to attain geographical indication (GI) status for its basmati rice in the EU has stoked tensions with Pakistan. This latest development intensifies the already delicate relations be … read more

From Sea to Table: Longsands Secret to Perfect Fishcakes

Posted by Emily on 30th Jun 2020

Longsands Fish Kitchen serves an array of daily changing fish in its Tynemouth seafood restaurant and a consistent menu of chip shop staples in the takeaway. Some of its most popular dishes are the … read more

Episode 48: James Ritchie bosses it at Stroud

Posted by Emily on 18th Mar 2020

Although James Ritchie’s plans for the first fish and chip shop he bought with his ex-wife Bonny was to own it for a couple of years and sell it on, it quickly became their baby and resulted in the … read more

The Bearded Sailor: Sailing Towards Sustainability

Posted by Emily on 29th Feb 2020

Four years ago, Alex Papaioannou traded his chalk and blackboard for batter mix and haddock, fulfilling his ambitions by launching The Bearded Sailor in Pudsey, West Leeds. Far from being just anot … read more

Episode 45: Mulling things over with John Molnar

Posted by Emily on 29th Feb 2020

Spurred on by his dad telling him he would never be a better chef than him, it’s probably fair to say John Molnar can lay that ghost to rest. Not only has he held various top cheffing position … read more

Andrew Calleja, the visionary behind Clopton Catch, champions one belief: Quality above all else.

Posted by Emily on 25th Feb 2020

‘Fresh food comes to those who wait’ is the ethos at Clopton Catch in Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire, and owner Andrew Calleja is so proud of it that he’s had it emblazoned in huge lettering acr … read more

Bespoke Touch: Beyond the Ordinary at Krispies

Posted by Emily on 29th Jan 2020

Krispies in Exmouth, Devon, prides itself on serving top quality food, whether from the takeaway or its newly opened click-and-collect and delivery shop, and its owners, Kelly and Tim Barnes, are m … read more

Lets Get Technical

Posted by Stelios on 1st Jan 2020

We have compiled a guide to help you get the best audio quality on the day of your podcast recording. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.What Screen - It's best to use a … read more