Christmas is just around the corner and in a break with custom; our household is going with the three-bird roast this year. However, just to please the purists amongst our ranks, we have ensured that there will be turkey on the table come the 25th.
Not that those purists have a leg to stand on: Long before turkey became synonymous with our Christmas dinners, other birds such geese, capons and pheasants were the go-to bird of choice, though the rich often dined on peacocks and swans.
Alongside the roast centrepiece, we, as a nation, like to serve up pigs in blankets, a spoonful of roast potatoes and an array of vegetables. Some people even opt for a few Brussels sprouts…
But, what is the traditional Christmas meal away from the United Kingdom?
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The EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation came into existence a year ago, requiring all restaurants to provide a thorough breakdown of the ingredients used to prepare each menu.
This is especially important as it means that allergens, such as nuts, dairy and fish, must be clearly labelled and accessible to the general public.
However, despite a number of high profile chains and independent eateries taking the requisite steps, research suggests that many within the dining sector are failing to meet even the most basic of recommended standards.
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Champagne beware, the English are taking over.
Tattinger, the renowned champagne house, has become the first French company to invest in British fizz after investing in a former Kent orchard. Together with UK-based wine merchants Hatch Mansfield and a handful of private investors, Taittinger has acquired the sixty-nine hectare plot near Chilham.
A collection of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier grapes will be planted in 2017, with the first bottles hopefully being ready by 2020.
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