FRANKIE & BENNY’S TREAT SCOTS STUDENTS WITH FREE VEGAN DOGS

FRANKIE & Benny’s have a special treat to celebrate the start of the new university year and a much-anticipated return to full in-person learning for students around the Uk.

 The talian-American restaurant brand recently completed phase one of a country wide free vegan hotdog giveaway to students. 

 When looking at how the brand could provide students with a tasty treat and some much-needed cheer, the ‘Vegan Hotdog University Tour’ was the obvious choice. 

The much-loved UK brand has for many years run their student offer (20% off food), as well as priding themselves on offering a broad choice of vegan and vegetarian options.  

 The first phase of the ‘Vegan Hotdog University Tour’ kicked off at Nottingham Trent University in late January 2022, followed by successful stops at Bristol Uni, Manchester Met, Leicester University, Birmingham City University, Nottingham Uni, Plymouth Uni, Sheffield Uni and Leeds Beckett. 

Off the back of phase one and following the overwhelmingly positive feedback from students across England, Frankie & Benny’s will continue with the activity, this time focusing phase two of ‘The Tour’ on Scotland and Wales. After a short break, the‘Vegan Hotdog University Tour’ will restart and head to the following sites:

 

• Glasgow University on 7 March

• Edinburgh University on 8 March

• Newcastle Uni on 14 March 

• Cardiff Met on 21 March

 

Be sure to continue to follow the tour and any relevant updates onFrankie & Benny’s social: @frankienbennys, as the brand will be handing out vouchers at their upcoming university stops (for freebies in restaurants), with students also in with a chance to win Frankie’s for a year when they sign up with the brand.  

 

The ‘hero’ of the whole tour has been the famous ‘Vegan Dog’, a new vegan option on the Frankie & Benny’s menu and one that is proving very popular with vegans and non-vegans alike! The juicy plant-based hotdog is served on a soft glazed roll, with fried onions, gherkins, fiery chillies, BBQ sauce and delicious vegan mayo.

Gabby Barysaite, Senior Brand Manager, Frankie & Benny’s, said: “Our recent ‘Vegan Hotdog University Tour’ has proved to be such a hit, and with such positive feedback from students across the country, it’s a programme that we’re committed tocontinuing – with a focus on universities in Scotland and Wales.”  

She continued: “We pride ourselves on our vegan and vegetarian menus and as a company it’s something that we’re always looking to adapt and update. We hope that some of the students that tried our vegan hotdogs at their universities were suitably impressed and will look to plan a trip to their nearest restaurant soon.”

PEAKY BLINDERS TOMMY SHELBY’S GLASSES WERE DESIGNED IN SCOTLAND

PEAKY Blinders is preparing to air its highly-anticipated final season and local Glasgow eyewear company IOLLA created the now trademark glasses of Tommy Shelby. 

Played by Cillian Murphy, the beloved protagonist of Peaky Blinders looked to Glasgow for his eyewear inspiration, donning a pair of bespoke IOLLA glasses in 2019’s fifth season. 

Whilst Tommy Shelby's exact glasses are not available to buy, following huge customer demand IOLLA designed a similar, retro style frame, meaning that fans of the show like theshowbizlion.com can replicate Tommy’s look for themselves in time for the final season with the classic ‘MacDonald’ frames. The petite, statement making frames bring Peaky Blinders’ vintage style to life, with signature IOLLA engraved tips. Fans can also visit one of IOLLA’s welcoming showrooms to learn about the design process in more detail, and even take a closer look at some early prototypes.

Approached in 2018 by Alison McCosh, Costume Designer for Peaky Blinders, IOLLA founder and frame designer Stefan Hunter worked closely with the BBC production; producing various prototypes and even attending a pre-filming fitting with Cillian Murphy to ensure the frames were the perfect fit for the renowned Tommy Shelby. 

Set to make a highly anticipated return to our screens this month for the sixth and final season, IOLLA’s epic collaboration with the BBC drama will go down in the brand’s history, as one of the all-time classic characters modelled his very own IOLLA frames. With actors like Tom Hardy and Anya Taylor-Joy set to star alongside Cillian Murphy, the final season is sure to be more unmissable television. 

Stefan Hunter, Founder of IOLLA said: “The culmination of a huge amount of hard work and collaboration, it’s been a joy to see such an iconic character wear a pair of IOLLA frames. When we were approached in the summer of 2018, we couldn’t have imagined the journey we would go on with the production and it’s really incredible to have our homegrown business be part of Peaky Blinders history. We can’t wait to tune into the new series to see how things will end for the famous Tommy Shelby!” 

IOLLA launched in 2015, introducing a better way to buy eyewear with their offering of complete prescription glasses and sunglasses for £75. Their mission is to help people look and feel great, empowering glasses wearers to build an eyewear wardrobe thanks to their diverse range of unique frame designs and affordable price point.

For more information and to keep up to date with all things IOLLA check out their website and follow them on Instagram:

www.iolla.com

https://www.instagram.com/iolla/ 

ST ANDREW’S FOODIES IN FOR TREAT AT THE SEAFOOD RISTORANTE

ST Andrew’s eaterie The Seafood Ristorante,  has begun a new chapter with a modern new dining look to the historical town.

 The stunning new look offers a luxurious space to relax and unwind with a truly immersive dining experience. Located on the Scores Bruce Embankment, overlooking St Andrews Bay and West Sands Beach, the restaurant offers 360-degree views of Scotland's dramatic North Sea. 

The renowned multi-award-winning restaurant, owned by Stefano Pieraccini of The Rocca Group, has an increased capacity for 56 guests and a spacious semi-private dining for groups of up to 14. A new reception and bar area has also been created to allow guests to unwind and relax before enjoying favourites from their coastal inspired menu. 

 Guests can savour the menu's special flavours, which are created with the best locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. The dishes are designed with a touch of Italian flair and the a la carte menu offers a classic dining experience as well as a seasonal set lunch menu should you wish to catch up with friends for a casual, relaxed afternoon treat. 

Roasted Orkney Scallops, John Ross of Aberdeen Smoked Salmon, and East Neuk Crab Agnolotti are among the menu's starters, and North Sea Turbot; Pittenweem Day Boat Halibut; Scrabster Monkfish, and Perthshire Roe Deer are among the mains.

 The renovation was inspired by Stefano's desire to not only inspire his staff but also customers to create an unforgettable food and drink experience that people want to leave their house for.

Stefano Pieraccini said “With more and more restaurants reopening, it's important that we maintain the highest standards and expectations our guests and staff expect. Our new look is contemporary, modern and represents the now as well as the future. The interiors reflect the beautiful surroundings, combining coastal colours with spatial fluidity and intuitive elegance”. 

 Initially open four days a week for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Saturday, the team behind The Seafood Ristorante plans to expand to five days a week beginning in April, with the addition of a new Tuesday service.

The Rocca Group commissioned Davidson Baxter Partnership Architects to reimagine the restaurant space and interiors for a new generation of customers. The architects had previous worked with the groups other venues in Edinburgh, Rico’s Ristorante and The Broughton.

 The open plan space has been upgraded with Chartreuse and dark olive-green furnishings, as well as rich brown tables and ebony-style wooden flooring. The new bar area increases the venue's capacity to 56 guests, and contemporary bar stools and low height poser tables have been added to encourage pre and post-dinner cocktails.

The Seafood Restaurant is open weekly, Wednesday to Saturday from 12pm - late at Bruce Embankment, St Andrews KY16 9AB. 

Book now at www.theseafoodrestaurant.com 

FANCY DINNER WITH A LOVE ISLAND OR TOWIE STAR FOR VALENTINES?

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples and self love is still a thing but for those who don’t want to face dining alone, Italian-American restaurant Frankie & Benny’s has the perfect solution. 

The eaterie is offering a “Take A-Bae” service offering solo guests a date to dine with - including three UK reality TV stars.

 A line-up of friendly-faced dining partners, dubbed “Valentine’s Baes”, will be available in selectedrestaurants on Valentine’s Day (Monday, February 14) to offer customers some company and conversation. Lucky guests will even have the option of dining with one of their favourite reality TV stars.

 Chloe Veitch, of Netflix’s hit Too Hot To Handle, will be a dinner date option in Frankie & Benny’s London restaurant. Meanwhile, in Birmingham, TOWIE’s James Lock will be waiting patiently to accompany lucky singletons at their table. Finally, in Glasgow, diners can choose to spend their Valentine’s Day with Love Islander Dale Mehmet. 

 

Frankie & Benny’s believes Valentine’s Day should be a day where anybody can treat themselves, bae or no bae. But it’s completely understandable not to want to be the only table-for-one in a sea of couples. 

All you need to do is head to one of the above restaurants, choose your dining partner, grab a drink, a bite and relax. 

 

On taking part in the “Take A-Bae” service, Chloe Veitch said: “Why should it just be couples that get to enjoy Valentine’s Day? What about all of us singles? There’s a lot of us out there, I should know!

“I love the idea of this ‘Take A-Bae’ service and giving a bit of love to those who might be solo on the big day. I’m really looking forward to meeting some new people at Frankie & Benny’s on Valentine’s Day and who knows - maybe someone will sweep me off my feet?”

 

Ahead of Valentine’s Day, TOWIE’s James Lock said:“I reckon there’s a lot of people wanting to go out on Valentine’s Day but not bothering because they’re on their own. Hopefully now they might do. I’m good company, easy to talk to and will have a chat with anyone so hopefully I’ll be able to have a bit of a laugh with a few people in Birmingham.

 

One of my first dates was actually at Frankie & Benny’s in Essex, so this will bring back some fun memories.”

 

Love Islander Dale Mehmet said: “Valentine’s Day is always a bit of a sucker punch when you’re single, so I’m excited to play a part in opening the big day up to a few more people. It’s great that Frankie & Benny’s is thinking about those who may be alone but still keen to get out and celebrate.

 

It’ll be good to grab a bite with people on Valentine’s Day. I didn’t have the best of luck finding love on the island so maybe I’ll have a little more luck at Frankie & Benny’s on Monday!”

 

The “Valentine’s Baes” will be in participating Frankie & Benny’s restaurants from 5PM on Monday, February 14:

- Burleigh House, London

- In the Fort, Birmingham

- In the Fort, Glasgow

 

Jon Knight, Managing Director of the leisure & concessions business, said: “This Valentine’s Day we want to make sure we’ve got all our guests covered at Frankie & Benny’s and provide people with comfort food in a welcoming environment, no matter what their relationship status. So, whether you’re single and looking for a date, or would just like to have some company over a meal - we’ll provide the venue, the food and the date (or mate).

TAKE THE HIGH ROAD PROVES A RATINGS HIT FORTY YEARS ON

The late Gwyneth Guthrie played Mrs Mack

TAKE The High Road or The High Road as it became known was one of the most popular Scottish shows over forty years ago. 

And now it’s been revealed that the show based in fictional Glendarroch is still as popular as ever as new figures show. 

Over 40 years after it first launched on STV, Scottish drama fans are still being gripped by the goings-on in Glendarroch, as Take the High Road  has been revealed as one of STV Player’s most-streamed drama series of 2021.

 

The iconic soap, which aired its final episode in 2003, has won a legion of new followers – and delighted existing fans – since dropping on STV’s free streaming service two years ago. It was the fifth most-watched drama on the platform in 2021, attracting more streams than major new series such as Marcella (#6) and Finding Alice (#9). 

 

However, despite the enduring popularity of the gentle rural soap, a chilling American crime drama about the hunt for a serial killer operating around the US-Mexico border proved more popular. Critically-acclaimed The Bridge – starring Diane Kruger as formidable detective Sonya Cross – was added straight to STV Player without being aired on the channel itself and, as the fourth most-streamed drama of the year, has been a bingeworthy hit with viewers.

 

Daily streams of Take the High Road reached a peak on 12 November, as viewers sought to rewatch the memorable performances of one of the series’ most treasured stars, Gwyneth Guthrie(Mrs Mack), in the wake of her death. 

 

Elsewhere, the top three dramas of 2021 on STV Player were perennial favourites Coronation Streetand Emmerdale, as well as the second series of British crime thriller The Bay. 

 

Rounding out the platform’s top ten most-streamed dramas of the year were David Morrissey-starring detective series Thorne (#7) and US legal drama The Firm (#10) – both STV Player-only shows – as well as beloved Scottish classic, Taggart (#8). All 27 series of the show, which originally aired from 1983 to 2010, are available to stream on STV Player.

 

Richard Williams, MD of Digital, STV said:“Never underestimate the power of Glendarroch! We’re so pleased that, among the countless big-name, big-budget international dramas our viewers are enjoying on STV Player, there remains a soft spot for the gentle familiarity of Take the High Road.

 

“This list also highlights that Corrie and Emmerdale fans have embraced the flexibility that watching their favourite soaps on-demand gives them. The sheer variety of our top ten list, from the day-to-day antics on the cobbles to the high-octane thrills of The Bridge, shows there really is a drama to suit every taste on STV Player.”

 

STV Player’s ten most-streamed drama series of 2021:

 

01. Coronation Street

02. Emmerdale

03. The Bay

04. The Bridge

05. Take the High Road

06. Marcella

07. Thorne

08. Taggart

09. Finding Alice

10. The Firm

 

TILLY RAMSAY TRIES THE NEW MCPLANT BURGER AGEAD OF STRICTLY TOUR

Tilly Ramsay proved she has an open mind to grub as she  took time out between busy rehearsals for the much anticipated Strictly Live Tour. 

In the run up to the big event she decided to go for a special menu. 

And it wasn’t nouvelle cuisine. 

Tilly, whose dad is famed Scottish chef Gordon Ramsay, decided to get some high street food for a change and    looked in good spirits as she visited a local McDonald’s.

The TV star, wearing a white puffer coat teamed with casual black jeans, strolled through the city of Leeds whilst clutching a McDonald’s bag during a well-deserved break from the hectic Strictly schedule.

Tilly is the latest star to be spotted tucking into a McPlant – after Mark Wright arranged for a McDonald’s van to visit his £1.3 million home renovation to deliver lunch for his builders.

 

The McPlant is the new vegan offering from McDonald’s which launched nationwide in January following a successful trial in October 2021. The impressive McPlant, which took over three years to develop, features a patty co-developed with Beyond Meat® and has already proved hugely successful with McDonald’s customers.

 

The impressive build features a Vegan Sesame Bun, Mustard, Ketchup, Vegan Sauce, Fresh Onion, Pickles, Lettuce, Tomato and Vegan Cheese. It is cooked separately from other McDonald’s burgers and sandwiches using dedicated utensils. 

 

 McDonald’s UK&I spent three years on research and development to bring a delicious plant-based offering to British and Irish customers, and every element of the McPlant was designed with taste and quality top-of-mind. 

From the plant-based patty co-developed with Beyond Meat, to innovative vegan cheese based on pea protein that tastes just like McDonald’s iconic cheese slices, and a new vegan sandwich sauce. 

 

WATERLOO ROAD RETURNS TO OUR SCREENS

Waterloo Road is returning to our screens seven years after it was taken off air by the BBC.

This time round however filming will not take place in Greenock, Scotland but move back to Manchester, England, where it first began.

Much loved characters Adam Thomas, Angela Griffin and Katie Griffiths will however return to the reboot, which this time round will focus on school life after Covid.

McCoo artist Steven Brown in hospital after suffering stroke at his home

Ex Emmerdale star Adam will return as ex pupil Donte Charles, while Katie will play his wife Chlo Grainger. 

Angela will return as headteacher Kim Campbell, once the the head of pastoral.

Waterloo Road last aired in 2015, and moved to Scotland to film three years later, leaving filming in Rochdale, Greater Manchester.

Adam and his co-stars took to social media to let fans know about the new series and he told them: "The news is finally out!!! Donte and Chloe are back!! @waterlooroad coming soon… @bbc @bbciplayer."

Adam posted a throwback snap of the pair as pupils at Waterloo Road.

He commented: "I’m so excited to go back to where it all started! Waterloo Road was a huge part of my life and career so to go back 15 years later is a dream come true.

"I feel so blessed to have been given this opportunity to get back to acting and doing what I love! I can’t wait to see some old faces and some new. I know this series is going to be the best one yet…"

Katie from Leeds showed of a photo of the three reading their scripts and wrote: "Big news! I'm going back to school! I'm so so excited to be returning to @waterlooroad reunited with @adamthomas21 and @theangelagriffin and loads of new faces yet to be revealed. Coming to @bbciplayer later this year. #waterlooroad.

"I am incredibly excited to be returning to Waterloo Road - loved by all who make and watch it! Chlo was my first professional acting role, and I feel so lucky to be part of the show again. I can't wait to see what stories unfold!"

Angela added: 'Here it is!!! My big news! I'm going back to school! I'm ridiculously excited to be returning to @waterlooroad as Kim Campbell…. But this time, she's the HEAD."

'I'm reunited with the brilliant @adamthomas21 and Katie Griffiths @kaytgriff (Donte and Chlo all grown up) and loads of new faces yet to be revealed. Coming to @bbciplayer later this year!"

Executive producer Cameron Roach said: 'Waterloo Road will continue its reputation for kickstarting, supporting and enabling careers both in front of and behind the camera, in a truly inclusive way, from our base in Greater Manchester.'

Actors who used to come to Greenock t film for the series included Lip Service's Heather Peace, Bridgerton's Regé-Jean Page and Phoebe Dyvenor, Loose Women panellist Denise Welch and Hollyoaks actress Chelsee Healey.

The former Greenock Academy was used as location for the BBC TV series and many local children had roles as background actors in it.

One fan said of the return:"Waterloo Road coming back reminds me that half the kids I went to school with were backing characters in it. They'd go to Greenock for a weekend then come back like "I got to die in an explosion woo!"

Another added: "OMG! Its actually coming back, and returning to Greater Manchester rather than Greenock."