Blog2022-08-31T10:32:48+01:00

Blog

It never stops here at Kitchen by Liquid. See what we’re up to and our opinions on the latest trends in our sector.

October’s delicious marketing campaigns

For the food and beverage industry, October was brimming with creative, bold, and delicious marketing campaigns that have captured the spotlight. But who truly stood out last month? Here, we've pulled together a list of the top five food and beverage campaigns that have not only sparked buzz with consumers on social channels but have demonstrated ways brands are [...]

Kitchen by Liquid: October highlights

Once again, it has been a busy and exciting time for the Kitchen by Liquid team.  From VIP chef appearances to the return of charitable cooking, the kitchen opened its heart (and cupboards) to a great range of clients this October.   Cooking for a cause: Food Cycle returns!  We had the honour once [...]

The future of food: will lab-grown products overtake natural produce?

As we navigate a world increasingly concerned about sustainability, health, and innovation, one question looms large: will lab-grown food become the new standard on our grocery shelves? With recent advancements in regulatory support, consumer acceptance, and environmental benefits, lab-grown products are poised to reshape our food landscape. Let’s explore how these factors are driving the transformation of our [...]

Kitchen by Liquid: September Highlights

September was an exciting month for Kitchen by Liquid. From shooting nostalgic recipes to charity supper clubs and hosting another cooking event with leading food charity, FoodCycle – our food team has been busy working on lots of great projects.   Teambuilding with FoodCycle We were thrilled to host Food Cycle for a teambuilding event [...]

Kitchen by Liquid: August Highlights

August was a month of culinary innovation and charitable spirit at Kitchen by Liquid. Our space was bustling with activity, hosting two distinctive events that showcased our commitment to community and sustainability.  Foodcycle Charity Teambuilding In August, we welcomed FoodCycle for an engaging charity teambuilding series. FoodCycle is a charity that connects communities through [...]

Beyond the Grocery Aisles: The Future of Retail in a Post-Inflation World

Inflation is hitting our grocery bills hard, but have you noticed how supermarkets are evolving right before our eyes? Shopping is no longer just about filling your cart—it’s about innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation. Let’s see how retailers are adapting and what the future holds for grocery shopping.  Battling Inflation with Innovation  In 2023, [...]

Kitchen by Liquid: July Highlights

July was a busy and exciting month for our kitchen space, as we had the honour of hosting two prestigious events that brought together dynamic leaders and influential voices. We provided the perfect setting for both the Women’s President Organization (WPO) and the Agent-General of South Australia, creating a culinary experience that complemented their important discussions and networking.  [...]

Pioneering sustainability: How UK supermarkets are showcasing their ESG progress

Sustainability continues to be extremely prevalent in the current climate and customers are becoming more conscious about where they shop and where their products are sourced from. ESG’s impact  Environmental, social and governance (ESG) impacts business through companies having to take measures in things such as reducing waste, lowering pollution, lowering CO2 output, increasing [...]

Kitchen by Liquid: June Highlights

The team at Liquid have been hard at work with BBQ-themed dishes being created for the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission and hosting the latest Maple From Canada UK ambassador to showcase her new pure Canadian maple syrup-infused recipes.  Sweetpotato Sensations for Summer BBQs  In June, the Liquid team curated four new BBQ side dishes [...]

Kitchen by Liquid: May Highlights

Another day, another shoot at Kitchen by Liquid! This month we also hosted an event for young professionals in Birmingham – have a read below to what we go up to.  Maple Australia photoshoot This month we hosted a photoshoot for our client, Maple from Canada, for the Australian market. Using pure Canadian [...]

Adapting to the trend: How businesses are embracing the rise in ‘sober socialising’

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in attitudes towards alcohol consumption, with data showing that around 20% of the population is no longer drinking, and the number of units drank decreased by almost 10% in the last ten years according to Alcohol Change UK. This cultural shift has been fuelled by different reasons, from increased [...]

Kitchen by Liquid: April Highlights

April was a busy month, creating eerie North Carolina sweetpotato dishes, getting summer ready with the help of pure Canadian maple syrup, and assisting with an Air Ambulance calendar shoot.  Spooky sweetpotato shoot  This month, the team got into the spooky spirit with a Halloween shoot for our client, the North Carolina Sweetpotato [...]

Eco-conscious packaging: How the hospitality sector is making sustainable choices

Sustainable packaging is becoming an ever-present part of modern consumption, and over the last few years has been one of the fastest-growing trends in the packaging world. It is predicted that the sustainable packaging market will grow at a rate of 7.6% by 2029, as many companies now pledge to use 100% recycled packaging during the next few [...]

Kitchen by Liquid: March Highlights

Kitchen by Liquid was full throttle in March. We’ve had several amazing events furnished with some show-stopping recipes. Read on to find more! Maple from Canada kitchen masterclass This month we hosted a delicious lunch and masterclass on behalf of our client, Maple from Canada UK, for some top British chefs.  Our chef director, [...]

Kitchen by Liquid: February Highlights

It’s been another busy month for the Kitchen by Liquid team, with a special Canadian-inspired Afternoon Tea, content creation shoots and lots of delicious recipes being whipped up. Read on to find out more! Canadian Embassy visit In February we hosted a visit from Emma Finn, Trade Commissioner at the Canadian High Commission to [...]

Are quick service restaurants becoming the new TikTok?

In recent years, the culinary landscape has witnessed a notable shift in consumer behaviour. In particular, we are seeing more individuals opting for quick service restaurants (QSRs) and takeaways over traditional dine-in establishments and, according to Restaurant Online, mid-market casual dining is now struggling to compete. Studies from Mordor Intelligence show that the market size for QSRs will [...]

Kitchen by Liquid: January Highlights

It’s been a busy start to the year for the Kitchen by Liquid team, with event hosting, content creation shoots and lots of delicious recipes being whipped up. Many people complain that January goes on for too long, but we’d be happy for it to go on forever if we get to keep experiencing Olivier’s wonderful creations. Read [...]

Food trends to look out for in 2024

As we bid farewell to 2023, the culinary world is gearing up for another year filled with exciting and innovative food trends. From sustainable dining to cutting-edge ingredients, 2024 promises to be a year of gourmet delight. Here at Kitchen by Liquid, we have been exploring the top food trends set to transfix taste buds and redefine the [...]

Kitchen by Liquid: December Highlights

The Christmas bells were ringing in our development kitchen in December, and we were busy hosting events, photoshoots and Christmas parties – read on to hear all about it! Maple from Canada photoshoot On 12th December, we hosted a foodie photoshoot in the development kitchen for Maple from Canada Australia. Our development chef, Olivier, crafted six [...]

Kitchen by Liquid: November Highlights

November has been a busy month for the Kitchen by Liquid team, with seasonal photoshoots, event hosting and cook-a-longs. Throughout the month, we’ve welcomed familiar faces from the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, as well as hosting the Chartered Insurance Institute for the first time. Read on to find out more! Maple pancake shoot On 8th [...]

Fine dining and luxurious restaurants: On the rise despite the cost-of-living crisis?

It’s no secret that the cost-of-living crisis has had a devastating effect on the hospitality sector, as lower disposable income for consumers has meant a decline in footfall. What’s more, the rising cost of energy and electricity bills is a big challenge for restaurants as they try to continue running whilst balancing profits. With this in mind, it [...]

Our predictions: The effect of Christmas 2023 on the hospitality industry

For many, Christmas is a time for socialising and celebrating with loved ones, which often leads to a very busy period for the hospitality industry. Visits to restaurants and pubs are a popular way for people to catch up with those closest to them, exchange gifts and celebrate the festive season. However, with the cost-of-living crisis being an [...]

TikTok consumer eating habits

At present, there are around 23.4 million TikTok users in the UK and, on the app, the hashtag #FoodTikTok has over 188 billion views. It’s not surprising then that the content on the short-form video-sharing app is beginning to influence how we eat.   But just what trends are we seeing on TikTok and how are these changing consumers’ [...]

Are brands doing enough to make food and drink packaging more sustainable?

There has been a noticeable rise in the eco-conscious consumer, putting new pressure on food and drink brands to be aware of their overall sustainability. One area that has seen significant developments in terms of sustainability is packaging, despite challenges including usability, customer preferences, and product-specific considerations such as maintaining shelf life. But why should food and drink [...]

Kitchen by Liquid: October Highlights

Although October is the month for spooky goings-on, there’s certainly been nothing scary about what the Kitchen by Liquid team have been up to. This month has seen us host three photo shoots for our food clients, welcoming some new and familiar faces into the kitchen in the process. Read on to find out more! North Carolina [...]

Oatly’s climate labelling campaign: Will it catch on?

Campaigning to improve transparency in the food and drink industry nationally, Oatly is calling for all food and drink companies to climate label all their products. In particular, they have challenged dairy companies to disclose their climate data, even going as far as offering free high-profile advertising to dairy companies who publish the climate footprint of their products. [...]

Vertical Farming: Future or Failure?

As the sustainability agenda has become more prominent in recent years, vertical farming has grown in popularity due to its highly efficient way of growing food. For those who don’t know, vertical farming is the practice of growing crops indoors in vertically stacked layers, using controlled environments to optimise crop growth. Instead of natural elements like sun and [...]

The Hospitality Skills Passport: A solution to the hospitality industry’s crippling staff shortages?

The hospitality industry has long been a key pillar of the UK economy, representing around 10% of national employment and about 5% of GDP. However, in recent years, the sector has fallen on hard times, having been hit by a severe shortage of skilled labour. Seeking to address this issue and help the industry get back on its [...]

Kitchen by Liquid: Summer Highlights

It’s been a super summer for us here at Kitchen by Liquid, as we’ve welcomed new faces into the kitchen and seen Olivier cook up some yummy treats. We’ve hosted a local business who were developing new products, as well as a networking event for young professionals – read on to find out more! Kitchen Hire for [...]

Frying up a storm: London’s first air fryer restaurant takes flight, but are they here to stay?

In recent years, air fryers have taken the culinary world by storm, gracing kitchens across the UK and beyond. It seems like everyone (and their mum) has embraced this new kitchen appliance, so much so that London welcomed its very first pop-up air fryer restaurant on September 27th, exclusively serving dishes made using the beloved air fryer. This [...]

The Brisbane FIFA World Cup: Igniting a Dining Industry Boom Down Under

As Brisbane geared up to host a whirlwind of football excitement during the FIFA World Cup, our colleagues living and working in the city took the opportunity to experience the vibrant culinary scene in and around the fan zones. The famous football tournament provided the perfect opportunity for Brisbane to showcase the diversity of its food industry, so [...]

Supermarket shopping trends: What are consumers looking for in the cost-of-living crisis?

The cost-of-living crisis in the UK has seen the price of everyday essentials rise to a level that is disproportionate to average household incomes. As a result, consumer behaviour has dramatically changed, particularly when it comes to grocery shopping. With rising prices and tighter budgets, consumers are looking to get more for their money and supermarkets have a [...]

Kitchen by Liquid: July Highlights

Throughout July, the kitchen has been bustling with new and familiar faces and Olivier has been whipping up some delicious recipes. We’ve had Christmas photo shoots (yes, we’ve said the C word already), cake sales, masterclasses and staff dinners – read on to find out more! Maple from Canada photo shoots On 6th July, we welcomed [...]

The government has ditched plans for food waste targets and reporting: But what about food sustainability?

In 2018, ex Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Michael Gove, proposed enforced measurement and mandatory targets to reduce food waste. Now, almost five years later, the government has announced it has ‘no plans’ to implement this. The UK already faces a challenge to meet Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 to halve food waste by 2030, [...]

Tackling ‘Greedflation’ in the Food Industry

Ongoing food inflation is an issue brought about by a multitude of factors: the global pandemic, the war in Ukraine, labour and skill shortages and more controversially, by corporations profiteering across the supply chain. ‘Greedflation’ refers to excessive price increases driven by a desire to increase profit margins rather than genuine cost factors. Supermarket chains are under fire [...]

The UK’s first-ever drive-thru Chinese takeaway: Is this a new addition to the drive-thru craze?

England has seen its very first Chinese drive-thru open, in Warrington, and it is already causing quite a stir, with people travelling from Wales to visit the first of its kind. The creators of Wiyo, which stands for ‘what is your order’, hope to become the ‘McDonalds’ of Asian cuisine and have been developing the concept since 2018. [...]

Kitchen by Liquid: May Highlights

The Kitchen by Liquid team has been hard at work in May and the kitchen has been alive with the sights and smells of lots of delicious recipes. We’ve been busy with photoshoots, masterclasses and food styling courses – and you can read all about it below! Summer recipe shoot On 10th May, we hosted a [...]

Landmark study reveals cardiometabolic health benefits of maple syrup: What does this mean for the food processing industry?

The rates of obesity and people who are considered overweight are steadily on the rise and the Health Survey for England reveals that, currently, almost three-quarters of adults in England aged 45-74 are considered obese or overweight. One of the major factors causing the growth of obesity levels is an increased consumption of high-fat and high-sugar foods that [...]

ChatGPT and its uses for hospitality

ChatGPT, the AI-powered chatbot, is revolutionising the hospitality industry. Since OpenAI released ChatGPT in 2022, it has been adopted by millions of hospitality businesses around the world due to its ability to generate human-like conversations tailored to their specific needs. It has been vital in improving customer service, helping restaurants and hotel businesses alike build on their relationship [...]

Kitchen by Liquid: April Highlights

April has been a packed-out month for us here at Kitchen by Liquid. From staff socials to afternoon tea masterclasses, magazine shoots to networking events, we’ve certainly been keeping Olivier busy in the kitchen. Read on to find out more! Staff social On 13th April, the Kitchen by Liquid team joined the rest of our colleagues [...]

Hospitality training academies: Providing a solution to recruitment challenges

As the hospitality industry grows and continues to bounce back on its feet to pre-pandemic levels, recruitment challenges remain a persistent issue. With vacancy rates still 72% higher than they were pre-pandemic, meaning 1 in 4 businesses are unable to meet demand, the hospitality industry is facing an incredibly challenging recruitment landscape. The recruitment crisis is also stunting [...]

What will the King’s Coronation bring to the hospitality industry?

Photo of London by Chris Boland Due to the cost-of-living crisis, many hospitality businesses have been experiencing quieter times in recent months, as consumers prioritise where to spend their income. However, with the King’s Coronation happening on 6th May, there are questions as to whether the public will continue this trend by choosing to celebrate this momentous occasion [...]

Kitchen by Liquid: March Highlights

Here at Kitchen by Liquid, another busy month has come to an end and Olivier has been hard at work cooking up some wonderful recipes. March has seen us host two photoshoots, restock our Urban Cultivator and welcome familiar faces into the kitchen for some tasty treats – and you can hear all about it here! Photoshoots [...]

Stars in their Eyes: Who made the MICHELIN Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2023?

Perhaps the most prestigious accolade in the culinary sphere, the Michelin Star guide, has been influencing the world since 1889. Brothers Andrew and Edouard Michelin, founders of the Michelin tyre company, created a guide explaining how to change a tyre, where to find a petrol station, as well as where to stay and what to eat, which has [...]

Hospitality vs. Spring Budget 2023: Who’s winning?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, delivered his annual Spring Budget for 2023 on Wednesday 15th March. Prior to this, the hospitality industry was just one of the sectors pleading for reform, following turbulent times post-pandemic. Although members of the food and drink industry broadly welcomed the Chancellor’s Spring Budget, there were questions raised around the viability [...]

Kitchen by Liquid: February Highlights

It’s been a fabulous February for us here at Kitchen by Liquid, as we’ve welcomed new faces into the kitchen and seen Olivier cook up some tasty treats. We’ve had trainee chefs in for masterclasses, a celebration of women in business and a photoshoot for a national food chain – read on to find out more! Springboard [...]

Urban Cultivator: Introducing our brand-new indoor kitchen garden

With the ever-unpredictable weather conditions in the UK, largely caused by climate change, we are starting to see colder, wetter winters and hotter, drier summers.  The effect that this extreme weather has on British-grown produce can be detrimental, killing off crops and creating supply shortages. With this in mind, people are increasingly starting to explore alternative options, with controlled [...]

The Burnt Chef Project’s mental health apprenticeship – what does this mean for the industry?

Last month, The Burnt Chef Project – which aims to eradicate mental health stigma within the hospitality industry – announced the launch of its revolutionary mental health apprenticeship. But just what is a mental health apprenticeship and what does this mean for the hospitality industry? The Burnt Chef Project Launched in May 2019, The Burnt Chef [...]

Kitchen by Liquid: January Highlights

We’ve kicked off 2023 with a bang here at Kitchen by Liquid – with lots to keep us busy, there has certainly been no time for January blues. We’ve welcomed some lovely people into the kitchen for a taste of Olivier’s magic, as well as taking a foodie-focused trip to France and finding fame on Instagram. There’s been [...]

Who’s been smashing it this Veganuary? Kitchen by Liquid’s Top Vegan Places to Eat Out in Birmingham

We’ve all heard of Veganuary, but did you know that the organisation behind it is actually a registered charity which has been promoting veganism since 2014? Veganuary’s mission is simple: to inspire people to follow a vegan lifestyle, spread awareness and accelerate corporate change. With over 629,000 people from 228 countries and territories taking part last year, the [...]

Cheap cuts, expensive prices: Why are cheap cuts expensive in restaurants and how to cook them at home

When planning a weekly meal list and choosing to feature beef on the menu, most Brits would instinctively consider home comforts like roast beef, spaghetti bolognese or cottage pie. The likelihood of opting for cuts such as beef cheek, short rib or brisket don’t normally make the cut to make it into your top three go-tos, or potentially [...]

Kitchen by Liquid: December Round Up

Our December at Kitchen by Liquid has indeed been busy - from events, to photoshoots, to more chocolate than you could throw a snowman’s arm at, here’s a roundup of everything that kept us busy last month.  We kicked off December with the production of more than 450 beautifully handmade and individually decorated chocolates by master pastry chef [...]

Kitchen by Liquid – November highlights

It’s been another busy month for the Kitchen by Liquid team, as the kitchen doors have opened to a number of local businesses.   From a Transatlantic networking event with mini hotdogs and sliders to celebrate Tthanksgiving, through to a pâtisserie masterclass for chefs from local Indian restaurants to expaend their repertoire, we’ve had a busy but enjoyable month [...]

Street food in Birmingham: Digbeth Dining Club to Habaneros, who are the heavyweight vendors to look out for?

At Kitchen by Liquid, we count ourselves lucky to call Birmingham our home, while there are many reasons for this, one of the main reasons is that it is the most ethnically diverse regional city in the UK and is home to people of 187 different nationalities. There aren’t many cities in the world with almost 200 [...]

Kitchen by Liquid – October highlights

Things have been hotting up at Kitchen by Liquid over the past month! The team have been busy hosting a special event to raise money for Acorn’s Children’s Hospice and Olivier delivered the first practical masterclass from our brand-new cookery school, find out more about the events below.  ‘’Come Dine with Us” event for Acorns Children’s Hospice    [...]

Olivier’s favourite plant-based recipes to try this World Vegan Month

November is World Vegan Month, so what better way to celebrate than to join the millions of vegans around the world and get creative with plant-based ingredients in the kitchen!   To help inspire you, we caught up with our awarding-winning development chef, Olivier Briault, who shared some of his favourite plant-based recipes that even the total beginners amongst [...]

Getting involved with Sourdough September

2022 marks the 10th annual international Sourdough September – a month dedicated to helping people across the world to discover that “life’s sweeter with sourdough!”. #SourdoughSeptember is all about encouraging everyone to bake and buy sourdough bread. It’s an opportunity for genuine sourdough bakers and teachers to showcase what they do – and all that’s great about sourdough! [...]

Back to school: Inspirational packed lunch ideas to add some excitement to lunchtime

Lunchtime is a vital part of a child’s school day as it not only gives them a chance to unwind with friends, but it also allows them to re-energise with delicious food. Getting the nutrients they need from eating a range of tasty food will (hopefully) help them to stay focused during afternoon lessons and the day ahead. [...]

Behind the scenes: Liquid’s summer party

On Saturday 23rd July, team Liquid came together to celebrate our recent successes – from award wins to jaw-dropping campaigns – at our summer party.   Held on floor two of our office, the team welcomed friends and family along for the occasion. Thanks to some excellent preparation from the social committee – Heather, Claudia, Luke, Antonia, and Jess [...]

The sector’s first employee exchange programme – what does this mean for hospitality staff?

Here at WTF! we love to keep up with the most recent industry news, as well as the latest hot topics that all us foodies want to hear about.    Staff Canteen recently revealed how Michelin-starred chefs Paul Ainsworth and Tommy Banks have launched the sector’s first exclusive employee exchange programme, an initiative which allows staff - from both [...]

Olivier Briault’s top five chocolate recipes for World Chocolate Day 

World Chocolate Day is a global, guilt-free day of choccy celebration, where chocolate lovers from around the world can indulge in their favourite treats.  Taking place on July 7, the date symbolises the anniversary of the introduction of chocolate to Europe in 1550 and has been observed since 2009 – and how grateful we are… who can imagine [...]

Liquid’s 18th birthday: reflecting on changes in the food sector over the last 18 years

As Liquid turns 18, our Chef Director, David Colcombe, reflects on the changes in the food sector over the last two decades.  The food industry has changed a lot since 2004, the year that Liquid was born. The events of the last 18 years have shaped the sector in many ways – and particularly since the pandemic. From people’s shopping habits to [...]

English wine week: cheers to English wine!

There is an ever-growing thirst for home grown wine, as wine producers and retailers have worked tirelessly to transform perceptions of English wine over the past decade. The industry was previously reduced to ultra-sweet sherry type bottles, but things have certainly changed – about time in our opinion!  The industry has been toasting an exponential growth, with figures [...]

Inspiring sandwich fillers to brighten up your lunch this British Sandwich Week

Sandwiches have always been at the heart of English mealtimes – whether it’s a quick on-the-go lunch or a brunch style sandwich, you can’t beat a perfectly made sarnie to add to your picnics or lunchboxes this summer.   To celebrate British Sandwich Week, we have selected our top five irresistible sandwich filler ideas to inspire your sandwich making [...]

A day in the life: Kitchen by Liquid

Last month, we shared the news that we had launched Kitchen by Liquid – our new service offering enabling brands, companies, organisations, chefs, and individuals to hire our state-of-the-art development kitchen and studio in the heart of Birmingham.   This month, we’re giving an inside look at what our development chefs and food stylists get up to on shoot [...]

Chef’s top tips on how to reuse your leftover Easter chocolate

Left over Easter chocolate? It’s a problem we all love to have. Luckily here at Liquid, we have two experienced chefs who can transform your leftovers into a deliciously sweet treat for the whole family to enjoy.  Olivier, our in-house development chef, has two go-to recipes he uses leftover Easter chocolate for:  Chocolate truffles In typical French style, [...]

Food predictions for 2022

After two years of living through the pandemic, we have seen so many trends and growth in the food and drink sector – people have been trying their hand at cooking restaurant dishes, baking up a storm and experimenting with new ingredients, but what’s on the agenda for 2022?    We’ve pulled together a list of the top food [...]

Introducing Kitchen by Liquid

Waterloo Street boasts some of Birmingham’s best restaurants and bars, but we’ll let you in on a secret… It’s also home to another kitchen that is very special to us – introducing Kitchen by Liquid! Our state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen is where we do our very best work – they do say that the kitchen is the heart of [...]

Contact

kitchen@weareliquid.com
0121 285 3760

Hollie Jones
Food account director

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