FOOD & DRINK
The latest happenings on Scotland’s food and drink scene
FRASER’S FEAST
Sous chef Fraser Cameron has won the award of Federation of Chefs Young Scottish Chef of The Year for 2021. Fraser, who works at the Globe Inn, Dumfries, presented a winning menu, cooked in a timed environment under the scrutiny of judges including President of Scottish Chefs Kevin MacGillivray and Executive Chef Joe Queen. His menu comprised of three courses, opening with Millbank venison tartare, followed by a main course of rack and loin of Scotch lamb. For dessert, Fraser prepared a spectacular cream cheese espuma, Scottish strawberries and pistachios. www.globeinndumfries.co.uk
Cheers for the beers!
Innis & Gunn has unveiled a zero alcohol version of its award-winning Lager Beer, brewed at 0.0% without producing or removing any alcohol from the process. The hops in the new Innis & Gunn lager are exactly the same varieties of Styrian Goldings and Super Styrian as in the 4.6% but added at slightly different rates, as the zero per cent drink is lighter bodied. The 0.0% lager will be available on-shelf in 106 Tesco stores throughout Scotland from 15 November. www.innisandgunn.com
A tasty new chocolate
A new dairy-free, sugar-free and vegan white chocolate has been launched after two years in development by Scottish chocolate makers Pure Heavenly. Aimed at those with dietary requirements, the new recipe is made with rice cream and 36% cocoa, with 0.4% sugar and is also gluten-, soy- and palm oil-free. Founder Stephen Conway appeared on Dragon’s Den. www.pureheavenly.com
COOKING UP A TREAT
Alan Clarke has been appointed as the new executive chef at Meldrum House Country Hotel and Golf Course in Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire. Aged 30 and originally from Forres, Clarke forged his career path when he won the Chef’s UK Accor Challenge Award for Britain, aged only 21. He then honed his skills under Shirley Spear, the renowned previous owner of The Three Chimneys on Skye, helping them retain their 3 AA Rosettes. Since then he has been head chef at two Aberdeenshire hotels and now brings 14 years of experience to his new role. www.meldrumhouse.com
Orkney Brewery honour
The Campaign for Real Ale has awarded Orkney Brewery in Quoyloo, Orkney a Golden Award, marking 50 years of the organisation’s campaigns. Orkney Brewery has been selected due to it being a long-standing and prolific CAMRA national award-winning brewer, and going above and beyond in delivering excellence over the years. As part of its anniversary celebrations throughout 2021, CAMRA is recognising people, groups of people or businesses that have made a significant contribution to CAMRA’s aims. www.camra.org.uk/50-years
New role for Lucinda
Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne has been appointed as the new chair for industry leadership body, Scotland Food & Drink. The founder of Genius Foods will assume her role at the organisation’s AGM in November. With more than 20 years’ experience in the industry as a chef, teacher, entrepreneur and board director, Lucinda takes over from Dennis Overton who has held the role since 2018. Lucinda trained as a chef at Leith’s School of Food and Wine, and founded the Genius Foods ‘free from’ brand in 2008. www.foodanddrink.scot