Latest news with #BrewDog
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
‘I gave Tom Holland's no-alcohol lager to a beer fan and here's what he thought'
Hollywood actor Tom Holland has created his own line of non-alcohol beers, and we tried them out – and they make a great Father's Day gift for those who don't want alcohol With Father's Day is now just over a week away, there seems to be a large focus on beer in the shops at the moment. But nowadays enjoying a cold pint doesn't necessarily mean having to drink alcohol, and nowadays there are plenty of great non-alcoholic beers and lagers to choose from – including one new beer brand created by A-list actor Tom Holland. The Spider-Man star launched BERO, his premium no- (or rather, very very low-) alcohol beer, in the UK at the beginning of this year, after speaking openly about his problems with alcohol in the past. Keen to test it out, I secretly gave some of BERO's drinks to a beer lover, without telling them that it was alcohol-free, and – spoiler alert – they couldn't tell the difference. BERO currently sells four different brews: Edge Hill Hazy IPA, Kingston Golden Pils, Noon Wheat and the newly launched Double Tasty West Coast Style IPA, all with alcohol content of less than 0.5%, and with prices starting from £14 for a six-pack from the BERO website. As our tester typically drinks lager over ales, I poured him a glass of Kingston Golden Pils, which is BERO's lager-style offering and lists its tasting notes as "malty, biscuit, herbal, spicy, grassy, toast, bread, Vienna malt, moderate bitterness" (please ignore the totally inappropriate glass it's been poured into in the photo above; I clearly need to invest in some proper beer glassware...). Our tester is normally pretty sceptical about non-alcoholic beers ("I'd rather have nothing," is his typical response...), but I could tell that he really enjoyed this, praising its flavours and how crisp and refreshing it was. It also poured a really authentic looking head, unlike a lot of no-alcohol alternatives. Although he suspected it might contain a lower alcohol percentage than his usual favourite, he didn't realise it there was 'no' alcohol in it until I told him. As a non-beer-drinker myself, I also had a sip – and honestly couldn't believe how nice it was. It wasn't at all sweet or watery like a lot of zero-alcohol alternatives, and tasted really premium – but without the very bitter tang that I usually dislike in alcoholic beers. I could definitely see myself enjoying this on a warm summer's day. There are also plenty of five star reviews of these cans over on the BERO website, with customers calling Kingston Golden Pils "one of the best NA beers I've tried" and saying how it " tastes exactly how a beer should, has amazing texture and perfect body". My top picks for gifting from BERO are the variety packs, starting from £28.50 for 12 cans, which are a great way to trial the range. Another place to shop for no-alcohol beers is BrewDog; its Mixed AF selection pack can be bought in boxes of eight, 24 or 48 cans, with prices starting from £10. BeerHunter, meanwhile, sells a 12-pack Craft Beer Low/No Alcohol Free Mixed Beer Selection for £25.95, containing a large range of cans and bottles. Join our Shopping & Deals WhatsApp for the best bargains and fashion news WHATSAPP: Get the best deals and exclusive discount codes straight to your phone via our WhatsApp group. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. Some of these articles will contain affiliate links where we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from them. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Georgia Toffolo puts on a leggy display in a chic blue mini dress as she shares snaps from romantic Marrakech getaway with husband James Watt
Georgia Toffolo took to Instagram on Thursday to share a slew of stunning snaps from her romantic Marrakech getaway with husband James Watt. In one snap, the TV personality, 30, looked incredible in a chic blue mini dress that showcased her long, toned legs. She added height with a pair of gold strappy heels and carried a mini blue handbag that perfectly matched her ensemble. Meanwhile, her husband James, 43, who is the former CEO of BrewDog, cut a smart-casual figure in a white linen shirt and cream tailored trousers as he posed alongside Georgia. In another eye-catching snap, Georgia slipped into a skimpy red bikini as she lounged on a sunbed next to her shirtless husband. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The blonde beauty playfully stuck out her tongue for the camera while posing with a plate of food. During their four-day stay, the couple also dressed to the nines for an evening out. In one glamorous photo, Georgia showed off her washboard abs in a stylish black co-ord set, featuring a crop top and a figure-hugging skirt. Meanwhile, James opted for a smart dark blue shirt and beige trousers, smiling broadly for the camera. In another image, Georgia wore a chic white linen co-ord that offered a glimpse of her toned midriff. She completed the look with a brown suede bag, trendy black sunglasses, and a headscarf as she explored the city. For her next outfit of the day, Georgia chose a white pleated mini dress with a delicately embroidered floral hem. Later, she looked effortlessly stylish in a white frilly top paired with blue denim jeans, posing up a storm at the resort. In another image, Georgia wore a chic white linen co-ord that offered a glimpse of her toned midriff Sharing the highlights and challenges of her trip, Georgia captioned the post: 'My honest thoughts on Marrakech… 'It blows my mind that you can hop on a plane and just over 3 hours later land somewhere this magical. No jet lag (an actual dream), just the most amazing culture and people. 'What I LOVED… ♥️ The vibe: It feels like stepping into another world. From the terracotta walls to the scent of spices in the air, pure sensory bliss. We stayed in the most heavenly riad with breathtaking interiors. 'The food: Moroccan cuisine is next level. Tagines, couscous, and sweet mint tea. I basically ate my way through the trip. 'The interiors: Everywhere you look is a dream. Tadelakt walls, handwoven rugs, patterned tiles, lanterns, even the door handles are pretty. 'The souks: Slightly chaotic but so much fun. Ceramics, rugs, cheeky fake designer belts… it's all there. Prepare to haggle and get lost (in every sense lol). 'Hammams: A Moroccan spa is not to be missed! Slightly intense (you'll be scrubbed within an inch of your life) but your skin will thank you. 'The people: Everyone was so warm and welcoming. Not to be dramatic, but everyone says 'with pleasure, Madame' and it's my new fave phrase. WITH PLEASURE XX 'The weather: Perfect in early or late summer. Avoid July/August, it gets HOT. 'No time difference to London: For someone who really suffers with jet lag, a game changer. 'Not-so-amazing (but real) bits (upside down smiley face) 'Riads are beautiful but quite dark inside. We'd 100% stay in one again, but worth noting if you love bright spaces. 'The chaos: The Medina is full on. I went to the souk after a massage… not my best idea (laughing emoji) 'The hidden steps: They're everywhere. I tripped constantly. James found it hilarious. '"Helpful" strangers: Some offer directions then ask for money, not a huge deal just something to be aware of. 'Dress code: More western than I expected, but you'll feel more comfortable covered (shoulders/knees) in the Medina. 'Traffic: Crossing the road is a sport. Hold your breath and go. 'Would we come back? 100% YES. Four days felt like a proper reset. Already planning round two, probably October. She concluded: 'Save this for your next sunshine escape. Send to the group chat, you'll need a souk buddy x' The pair got engaged last October after the millionaire proposed with an exquisite eight-carat triple-diamond studded band estimated to be worth £200,000 during a romantic getaway in Greece for Georgia's 30th birthday The vacation snaps come after Georgia revealed earlier this year that she and James eloped in North East Scotland. The pair got engaged last October after the millionaire proposed with an exquisite eight-carat triple-diamond studded band estimated to be worth £200,000 during a romantic getaway in Greece for Georgia's 30th birthday. And after the BrewDog founder previously insisted that the pair would be tying the knot this year, it appears that the couple were true to their word - though guests only had 48 hours' notice to attend. Taking to Instagram, Georgia shared loved-up snaps of the newlyweds posing on a fishing boat moments after saying 'I Do', captioning her shock post: 'James and I got married today.' '1st March will forever be the best day of my life - the day I became your wife. We eloped! 'Guests: whoever could get here with 48 hours notice!
Press and Journal
7 days ago
- Business
- Press and Journal
I try the BrewDog brewery tour in Ellon - is it worth £20?
I visited BrewDog DogTap this weekend – for what was probably the fiftieth time – but my first time inside the actual brewery. People either love or hate BrewDog, but there is no denying the bar and restaurant in Ellon is always busy. I've visited with my family for special occasions, catch-ups and spent God knows how much on beer and wings. But I have never done the brewery tour. Intrigued by the affordable £20 price tag for the 1.5 hour tour, I booked my dad and I in for the tour. A pre-Father's Day treat, if you will. As part of me expected, I'm the only woman on the tour. There's me, my dad and a group of men possibly there on a stag do. Our enthusiastic tour guide, Lisa, meets us at the upstairs bar at BrewDog DogTap in Ellon. We immediately get a taste of BrewDog beer while we get kitted out in goggles and high-vis. It's just gone 12, but it's five o'clock somewhere, right? Sadly as the designated driver, I'm limited to AF. But my first taste of the day, Lost AF, is always a hit with me. We head out of DogTap Ellon towards BrewDog HQ next. On our way Lisa – self-proclaimed historian and bartender – talks through some of BrewDog's history. She makes several references to BrewDog's beginnings in the Broch, stating the bar relocated to Ellon because 'Fraserburgh decided they didn't want us.' And that iconic colourful artwork on the side of the DogTap building? Lisa explains that it was done by an artist who was caught graffiti-ing on the old Fraserburgh bar. How punk. We arrive in BrewDog HQ, heading up a spiral staircase into the main offices of the Ellon team. This is a real peek behind the curtain. I didn't meet James Watt, but I did get a glimpse into his psyche. Though Lisa does admit that 'we [BrewDog] are no longer punk', souvenirs of the beer's rebellious and outrageous beginnings fill the place. There are photos of the 2012 protest when the team drove a BrewDog tank down Camden High Street. Other memorabilia draws into focus the success of what began as a small Aberdeenshire brewery run by two mates and their OG Brew Dog Bracken. Lining the walls are prints of each of the BrewDog bars across the world. These fill every inch of wall in a belt. It is impossible not to be impressed by the scale of something which started off in a 'tiny, derelict shed', and has since spread around the world. BrewDog opened 15 bars in 2015 alone. Key names of other locations opened over the years stick out to me: Paris, Budapest, Reykjavik, São Paulo, Stockholm. All the way fae the Broch. Suitably impressed – despite our fellow tour attendees talking over Lisa – we head into another room for our second tasting, and to learn more about the beer. I'm proud to say I name three of the four main elements in beer, teacher's pet that I am. My dad sneaks in there by naming the most obvious: water. There's also hops, malt and yeast. Now it's time for another beer sample. This time, it's Punk AF for me. My dad and the other drinkers enjoy a taste of the Hazy Jane Guava IPA. He isn't a sweet tooth, but is actually a big fan of this. The fruitiness isn't overpowering or sickly. The brewery tour continues with our progress into the brewery itself. Now it's time for us to don our goggles, and me to tie up my hair. Inside the brewery, we get a look at the mash tuns – yes, these play a part in whisky distillation and beer brewing. I've visited several breweries before for interviews, but it's interesting to see this on a tour perspective too. The bitesize explanations and handy infographics would make this comprehensible even for a total beer novice. It's also pretty cool to see the canning process on the go too. Watching cans flee along the line, then head out the door packaged on pallets. After this, we return our high-vis in exchange for a token we can redeem for a final beer at BrewDog DogTap. All in all, the BrewDog Brewery Tour was great. The chatty group was slightly distracting at points, but it provided a great insight into the north-east beer giants. It was fun to see the behind-the-scenes of the beer I've been enjoying for years, and learn about the history of the business while standing where employees do every day. My dad who has been drinking beer longer than I've been alive, said: 'It was enjoyable and informative, and great to see the brewing process from start to finish. 'What an achievement creating a huge global operation from humble beginnings with two men and a dog. 'It's nice to see an Aberdeenshire business thrive like that.' For me, it is well worth the £20 price tag.
The National
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Aberdeen farmhouse bags title of Scottish Home of the Year
Hilltop House, built atop a farm near Pitmedden, Aberdeenshire, was featured in the second episode and took home the top prize in the 2025 series of Scotland's Home of the Year, beating out competitors in Edinburgh, Giffnock, Broughty Ferry, the Isle of Skye and Dalbeattie. The home, designed and owned by artist couple Jessica Zanoni and Chris Labrooy, blends styles like California Cool and mid-century modern, and was selected as the winner by top architects and interior designers. READ MORE: BrewDog news, interviews and updates on Scottish pub chain Zanoni said: 'It has been such a lovely experience all around, and to win it has been fantastic. After watching the shows and getting to see our competition in detail, it really must have been a hard decision to make.' Labrooy added: 'It's great to win. The house is a reflection of our tastes and personalities and we are proud of what we have created.' The couple met with other contestants and the judges in Glasgow's House for an Art Lover — designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh — for the finale, where their home won the top prize for its colourful interiors and sustainability-based design choices. The judging panel consisted of interior designers Anna Campbell Jones and Banjo Beale, alongside architect Danny Campbell. Isle of Mull-based Beale called the farmstead "unforgettable", saying: 'Hilltop House just felt alive. The home had been brought back to life in the most bold and beautiful way." The couple received high praise from the judges for the pops of colour incorporated throughout the house (Image: Kirsty Anderson)Jones added: 'I love to see an old building brought back to life, recycled into something new that will last for generations. 'Hilltop House was a brilliant example of finding that balance between history and modernity whilst honouring its necessary function as a country home.' READ MORE: UK to build up to 12 new attack submarines and invest £15bn in warheads Zanoni, originally from California, called meeting the other finalists a 'whirlwind' and said her and husband Labooy's artistic backgrounds were what helped their architectural vision come to life and bag them the top prize. She said: 'Every home is distinctive and unique because of the people that live there. So, our home is different because we are different. With me being from California and Chris being an artist, I think our tastes are just naturally a little bit unique. 'There isn't really anything in our house that we found at shops near us. Everything was specially sourced in a way. '[The view] was the reason we bought the plot and we have really used it almost as a piece of art. It definitely adds to the interior and it changes every day.' Filming for the next series of Scotland's Home of the Year will take place in June, and this season is available to view now on iPlayer.
The Independent
02-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
University unveils plans for £35m brewing and distilling ‘centre for excellence'
A Scottish university is aiming to raise £35 million for a 'world-renowned' Centre for Sustainable Brewing and Distilling to help the alcohol industry deal with the climate crisis. Heriot-Watt University, based in Edinburgh, already has an International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD), which since 1989 has been considered the world's leading educational establishment for courses in brewing and distilling. However its history of teaching brewing dates back more than a century, to 1903. Many of the best-known Scotch whisky master distillers and brewers – including BrewDog co-founder Martin Dickie, master distiller at Arbikie Highland Estate Kirsty Black, and David Wilkinson, head distiller at Edinburgh Gin – studied at the ICBD. The new centre is intended to function as a living laboratory, constructed with low-carbon materials with the aim to access all of its power through clean energy. The Centre for Sustainable Brewing and Distilling (CSBD) will embrace the latest green technologies and sustainable practices so Heriot-Watt can evolve its teaching and research to meet the challenges of the future. It is hoped to include plug-and-play brewing and distilling testbeds, enabling companies to trial production methods before full-scale adoption, as well as advanced sustainability research labs to develop low-carbon distillation techniques. The CSBD will offer specialist training programmes, including graduate apprenticeships, executive education, and research-led industry collaborations. Professor Gillian Murray, Heriot-Watt's deputy principal for business and enterprise, said: 'Heriot-Watt's association with teaching brewing and distilling dates back to 1903. 'However, it was over 35 years ago that our unique brewing and distilling teaching and research facility – recognised by the Institute of Brewing and Distilling – was established. 'Ever since it has been home to vibrant research and unique innovation that has revolutionised both industries. Our teaching provides the perfect breeding ground for ground-breaking new ideas from the brightest and best students – from use of raw materials and fermentation to chemical engineering, bottling, packaging and marketing. 'But we have big aspirations for the future. That is why we are unveiling a revamped and revitalised approach to academic research into brewing and distilling through a new world-renowned centre for excellence, the Centre for Sustainable Brewing and Distilling. 'We want to encourage people from around the world to help us fund this multimillion-pound vision that sets the next generation of brilliant minds the challenge of finding ever more economically-viable and environmentally-sustainable ways of driving both industries forward into the 22nd century.' Ewan Andrew, president of global supply chain at drinks company Diageo, said: 'We back Heriot-Watt's plans for a Centre for Sustainable Brewing and Distilling. The CSBD will provide a new, modern environment for innovation, support the development of groundbreaking sustainable processes, and develop a new highly-skilled workforce that helps future-proof this vitally important economic contributor for decades to come.' Jo Marshall, brand director at Carlsberg Britvic, which owns McEwan's Export, said: 'Over a century ago, McEwan's founder William McEwan collaborated with the university's very first professor of brewing, Emil Westergaard, to drive forward brewing innovation. 'It's inspiring to see that same pioneering spirit lives on today in plans for a new centre dedicated to sustainable talent development and innovation.'
