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​A Cup of History: The J. Lyons & Co. Story

​A Cup of History: The J. Lyons & Co. Story

Posted by Emily on 21st Apr 2024

J. Lyons & Co., founded in 1884 by Joseph Lyons and his brothers-in-law, Isidore and Montague Gluckstein, emerged from a tobacco business background. They made their first foray into the catering i … read more
​The Rise and Fall of Little Chef

​The Rise and Fall of Little Chef

Posted by Emma on 14th Apr 2024

In 1958, the British roadside witnessed the birth of a beloved institution: Little Chef. The brainchild of catering mogul Peter Merchant and caravan manufacturer Sam Alper, this chain was inspired … read more
​The Irresistible Appeal of Melted Cheese

​The Irresistible Appeal of Melted Cheese

Posted by Emma on 21st Dec 2023

Melted cheese captivates the palate with a rich tapestry of flavours and textures, a phenomenon deeply rooted in both science and sensory experience. This exploration, enriched with personal testim … read more
​Spotted Dick: A Sweet Trip Down Memory Lane

​Spotted Dick: A Sweet Trip Down Memory Lane

Posted by Emma on 27th Nov 2023

Have you ever wondered about the story behind Spotted Dick? Grab a cuppa and a slice of spotted dick, and let's find out how it came to be. Remember when life was simpler, and dessert was the … read more
​A Chronicle of Fish & Chips

​A Chronicle of Fish & Chips

Posted by Emily on 7th Nov 2023

To say Mike Pili knows a story or two about fish and chips would be a vast understatement. As he shares a host of anecdotes from more than 60 years of experience in the trade, we can’t help bu … read more
​Are There Really Dead Wasps in Your Figs?

​Are There Really Dead Wasps in Your Figs?

Posted by Emily on 14th Oct 2023

Have you ever pondered the crunch in your fig? The answer may be more surprising than you think. Figs, curiously, are actually inverted flowers. Within each fig lies hundreds of tiny buds that … read more
​Stichelton Cheese vs. Stilton Cheese

​Stichelton Cheese vs. Stilton Cheese

Posted by Stelios on 30th Sep 2023

Britain boasts over 700 cheeses. While many are churned out in mass and lack character, a treasure trove of exquisite artisanal cheeses awaits those willing to seek them out. Enter Stichelton chees … read more
​The True Story Behind Spam

​The True Story Behind Spam

Posted by Stelios on 24th Sep 2023

Spam celebrated its 80th birthday on 5th July 2017. As documented by the Smithsonian, the product's journey began with a naming contest. Hormel, the company behind Spam, was looking for a suitable … read more
​Jaffa Debates: When VAT Takes the Cake!

​Jaffa Debates: When VAT Takes the Cake!

Posted by Stelios on 23rd Sep 2023

First introduced in 1973 by the then-Chancellor Lord Barber, VAT has since been adopted by over 130 nations, contributing a staggering £70 billion yearly to the UK's coffers. In essence, VAT is a l … read more
​The Chemistry of Loving Spicy Food

​The Chemistry of Loving Spicy Food

Posted by Stelios on 23rd Sep 2023

Ever wondered why, after indulging in a spicy curry or Taco Bell meal, we can't help but crave it again, even after its fiery aftermath? Simply put, spicy food gives us a thrill. Image Source: … read more
​The Taxing Question: When is Bread Not Bread

​The Taxing Question: When is Bread Not Bread

Posted by Stelios on 22nd Sep 2023

In October 2020, Ireland's Supreme Court ruled that the rolls used in Subway's hot sandwiches contained excessive sugar to be legally classified as bread. This surprising decision revolved around t … read more
​The Loss of the Original McDonald's French Fry

​The Loss of the Original McDonald's French Fry

Posted by Stelios on 21st Sep 2023

By fate, Interstate Foods, a shortening company, sought cost-effective measures and incorporated beef fat into the equation; they unwittingly birthed the oil that would soon bestow fame upon McDonald' … read more
​The History of Fish and Chips

​The History of Fish and Chips

Posted by Emily on 18th Sep 2023

Ah, fish and chips - a delicious love story wrapped in newspaper and seasoned with a sprinkle of British culture. This quintessential dish, with its hot, flaky fish and crispy chips smothered in sa … read more
​The Saga of the 2018 KFC Chicken Shortage

​The Saga of the 2018 KFC Chicken Shortage

Posted by Stelios on 18th Sep 2023

The KFC fried chicken shortage, spanning nearly a week, provides a quintessential lesson in logistics management. Why did the chicken refuse to cross the road, you ask? Well, blame it on a single p … read more
​The Intriguing Tale of McDonald's Filet-O-Fish

​The Intriguing Tale of McDonald's Filet-O-Fish

Posted by Stelios on 5th Sep 2023

The Filet-O-Fish may not enjoy the same status as the Big Mac, but it's a McDonald's offering that has withstood the test of time since 1962. This simple fish sandwich, consisting of a fish filet, … read more