Latest news with #Franks
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
UK's Canned Wine Group to seek further funding
UK-based Canned Wine Group is looking to raise more funds by the end of 2025 as it looks to grow headcount and expand the presence of its on-draught keg line. Speaking to Just Drinks at London Wine Fair last week, co-founder and CEO Simon Rollings said the money would be used for "working capital", to build its sales and marketing teams and scale the on-tap line for its Copper Crew brand. Rollings said the single-serve wines business was looking to raise £3m ($4m), mostly from new investors and was in talks with several venture capital firms. It has so far raised £2m to date. Canned Wine Group launched its 20 litre wine kegs in the UK in March and is looking to expand the presence of those in the UK and Ireland, the latter of which it entered last week. Co-founder Ben Franks told Just Drinks the Copper Crew keg line was being well received, especially following the introduction of the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme, which came into force in the UK last month. The policy requires producers to report how much packaging they put into the market and pay associated rates per tonnage. "There's... some really interesting restaurant groups and pub groups and so on that see the benefits with EPR coming in and switching to that new format," Franks explained. Rollings also said the move into kegs responded to a significant demand. "Part of that is being driven by EPR, part of it by sustainability," he said. "It's also about service, so rather than having staff refilling fridges, they're serving customers. Because changing your keg over is instant, whereas filling a fridge is time consuming, and you're not doing what you should be doing as a bar[tender], waiter, waitress, which is serving customers and delivering a very great experience." Speaking on future plans, Franks said down the line that the company wanted to increase the number of brands in its portfolio, which it might do through M&A or in-house. "We're looking at where does that fit, what the opportunities are in the market, either through acquisition of creating our own," he said. "So, building on this idea of being a brand house that has multiple brands for different occasions". Canned Wine Group's portfolio includes Canned Wine Co. and Copper Crew, which it acquired in 2023. The UK is Canned Wine Group's main market. It also sells to the Netherlands, France, Greece, Malta and now Ireland. Speaking to Just Drinks in 2023, the business said it had ambitions to bring its products to the US. Last week, Rollings said that interest was still there, but that the market was "not something we're proactively going after at this stage", adding there was plenty of "scope" to build the business in the UK and "nearer markets like Netherlands and Ireland". The group sees the US as an "enormous opportunity" but also a "challenge in terms of scaling to that size", he said. "Obviously, as a business that is focused on sustainability, there's probably different ways in which we can set the business plan to serve the US market. So that's a case of we will do it at some point, and we'll just wait until the time is right and really try to do it well." "UK's Canned Wine Group to seek further funding" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Epoch Times
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
The ‘Shortest' Way to Learn About the History of France
If you are planning a vacation to France, you can take its history with you in your carry-on. In fact, for ladies, you can put it in your purse. Whether or not you are actually planning to visit France or simply wish to learn about its history in a very timely manner, Colin Jones's recent 'The Shortest History of France: From Roman Gaul to Revolution and Cultural Radiance—A Global Story for Our Times' is an ideal work. Around 300 pages, Jones has stuffed approximately 2,000 years of history into a readable, insightful, and entertaining book. Perhaps 'stuffed' is not the correct term, because it is not stuffy, nor do the topics feel squashed together. Amazingly, the historical eras—from the reign of Clovis and the rise of the Franks to the military and ideological struggle between French Christendom and the surge of Islam to the Revolutionary and Napoleonic times to the modern era of the 20th and 21st centuries—flow quite seamlessly from one to the other. The author discusses in his introduction the idea of France as a melting pot of ideas, cultures, and people. He then proceeds to demonstrate how exactly, over the millennia, the country became such. It was not always a clash of arms or the introduction of ideas through its philosophers and kings that caused France to change, but, as Jones indicates early on, the climatic changes and spread of diseases often forced the country to change and adjust. From the Little Ice Ages to the Black Death, Jones provides enough detail to ensure readers can grasp the impact and severity of such moments. Regarding those clashes of arms, though, one can hardly think of France without the institution of war. War and Religion Charlemagne instructing his son, Louis the Pious. Public Domain Jones guides the reader through the stability of the singular reign of Clovis and the resulting instability after his death when his Frankish kingdom was split among his four sons, culminating in Austrasia, Neustria, Burgundy, and Aquitaine. It would not be the last time the kingdom would split. Louis the Pious, son of Charlemagne, split his kingdom among his three surviving sons: Lothair, Louis the German, and Charles the Bald. As aforementioned, religion played a hugely significant role in the birth and growth of France, specifically Christianity. As is necessary for the history of France, Jones weaves the importance of religion throughout the narrative. From the defeat of the Umayyad army at Tours to convincing the Vikings to convert to Christianity to the religious wars between the Catholics and Protestants during the 16th century to the overthrow and restoration of Catholicism in the 19th century, religion rightfully has its place in 'The Shortest History of France.' Related Stories 5/10/2025 9/19/2023 Just like its religious affiliation, France today cannot be understood without understanding the influence of the French Revolution and its, at times, violent push toward republicanism. From 1789 onward, Jones notes the political changing of the guard from monarchy to republic to empire to monarchy to republic to monarchy to finally the Third, Fourth and today's Fifth Republic (with the split Vichy and 'Free' France thrown in during World War II). France is truly an interesting study of national politics and domestic policies, as well as foreign policies, with its colonial and postcolonial eras. Exceptional Writing and Design Jones covers so much, including cultural items, such as the philosophies of the French Enlightenment and the landscape altering artistic creations. Through all of these subjects, the author remains balanced. He does not follow the rather French style of going to extremes. 'The Shortest History of France' presents history as it should be presented, in a dispassionate, though highly entertaining way. Certainly, for the many centuries it covers, one would expect to breeze through the years with each page, but that doesn't always account for a quick and easy read. Jones accomplishes this by making his book consistently fascinating, proving why he, although a Brit, is one of the leading scholars on French history. Additionally, the design team for the book should be commended. The maps and graphics are clear and very helpful, making the read even more impactful. The use of photos throughout was also a nice touch. It is obvious the designers have become well-versed in the organization of such a book, as there are 20 'Shortest' works thus far by The Experiment Publishing. If 'The Shortest History of France' is any indication, then one can only assume they are all worth reading. It certainly appears to be the 'shortest' way to get more knowledgeable about many historical subjects. ' By Colin Jones The Experiment Publishing, April 15, 2025 Paperback: 304 pages What arts and culture topics would you like us to cover? Please email ideas or feedback to
Irish Examiner
16-05-2025
- Climate
- Irish Examiner
Wine with Leslie: It's a myth that red wine has to be room temperature — here's how to chill it
Dare we dream that the sunny weather might last into June? Let's hope so. I presume you had the barbecue out over the bank holiday weekend, I certainly did. Marinated spicy pork chops and ribs were the main course I cooked and they worked well with light red wines served chilled. I served two of the wines featured below, the Ciello Rosso and the Il Casolare, both fine examples of juicy organic wine and both of which I served lightly chilled. Not at fridge temperature of 5 degrees which would be a little too cold and would dull the flavours, but somewhere closer to 9 or 10 degrees. The cooler temperature brought out the dark fruit notes and allowed the wine to cope better with the chilli peppers and paprika in my marinade. I know some people reading this will think surely red wine should always be served at room temperature but this is in fact a myth that dates from a time before central heating. Certainly most fine red wines should be served at somewhere around 16˚C (some prefer closer to 18˚C), but no wine should be served at 23 or 25 degrees, which is the temperature of many of our houses these days. Natural wines made with zero or low sulphur are best served cool or even chilled, and many natural wine bars will offer this option. I know that L'Atitude 51, MacCurtain Wine Cellar and Franks in Dublin generally have at least one red chilled (all of them in the case of Franks). So, my suggestions this week are all relatively affordable and include the two Italians mentioned above and an Austrian red I have not featured before from Judith Beck, one of the women at the forefront of the natural and biodynamic movement in Austria (and thus the world). Cantine Rallo Ciello Rosso, Nero d'Avola, Sicily, €15 Ciello Rosso (and its peachy, zesty sister Ciello Bianco) is some of the best value organic wine in the country. This is from organic Nero d'Avola picked at night to ensure freshness and is perfumed and fruity with dark red berry fruits and touches of liquorice and chocolate. Serve cool. JJ O'Driscolls; L'Atitude 51; Green Man; World Wide Wines; Baggot St. Wines; Redmonds; Il Casolare Rosso Piceno, Fattoria San Lorenzo, Marche, €17 This was served at the MacCurtain St Long Table event last August and I tasted it again recently so felt I should remind you about it. Made from 50-50 Sangiovese-Montepulciano, organic and biodynamic with ripe strawberry fruits mixed with darker plum fruits and lovely purity. Once again, best served a little cool. MacCurtain Wine Cellar; Lettercollum Kitchen; Sheridans Galway and Dublin, Mitchells, Judith Beck INK, Burgenland, Austria, €21 Austrian reds are great for warm weather as they are lower in alcohol and work great served fresh. This is from a biodynamic vineyard and a blend of 80% Zweigelt and 20% St. Laurent; bright juicy and zippy with a supple texture and lots of plum and cooked strawberry fruits mingling with herbal freshness. Beer of the week: DOT Brew Cold IPA 4% ABV, 440ml, €2.49 DOT Brew's Shane Kelly described this as 'the point where lager meets American IPA' and this is a very fair description. Pouring a light gold with a touch of haze, this has floral citrus aromas, a bright crisp palate and lingering lemon and tangerine flavours with some bitter hop notes. Perfect for warm days. Aldi exclusive
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Hospice charity to shed jobs due to 'rising costs'
A hospice charity in Lincolnshire says it needs to shed jobs and cut costs to avoid going into deficit. St Barnabas Hospice is asking staff to consider "voluntary resignation" to address "growing financial pressures". Becky Franks, director of patient care, said the charity was "taking action now" to ensure "we're still here in 40 years". The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said it had "recently announced the largest investment in hospices in a generation". The charity provides services including palliative and end-of-life care and has two in-patient units, one in Lincoln and another in Grantham. It said 44% of funding came from the government and the rest through fundraising. But it warned that running costs had hit £40,000 a day, partly because of rises in energy costs, the Living Wage and National Insurance employer contributions. It said expenses were now outstripping income, though Ms Franks said she could not give exact figures. However, she said the rise in the Living Wage would cost the charity up to £350,000 more per year. "Times are tough, but we are still open for business and caring for patients and we want to continue doing that," she said. "Hospices provide outstanding care and if they're not funded properly they will be reducing their services." Ms Franks declined to comment on how many of the 300 staff could leave, but said each resignation offer would be "assessed on a case-by-case basis". In February, the charity was given a government grant of £236,000 to be spent on building upgrades and refurbishments as part of nationwide investment. The charity said that money could not be spent on staff or services directly. In a statement, DHSC said it had given hospices a £100m funding boost, of which £25m had "already gone to hospices" to improve facilities. "We are working to make sure the palliative and end-of-life care sector is sustainable in the long term, and this government is determined to shift more healthcare out of hospitals and into the community through our plan for change," the statement added. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Budget tax rise a 'hammer blow' - hospice boss Hospices in England to receive £100m funding boost Memorial parade lights up city's streets St Barnabas Hospice, Lincolnshire Department of Health and Social Care
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘This is my whole life': Frank ‘The Pizza King' closes its doors after 64 years in Englewood
DENVER (KDVR) — The iconic Englewood pizzeria officially closed its doors over the weekend after more than six decades on South Broadway. Frank 'The Pizza King' was a local spot that served up pies for 64 years, that is, until the building they rented was sold, and the new property owners made it clear they needed to leave. On Saturday, only a few months after the announcement, the pizzeria served up its last slices. NBA announcer: Gilgeous-Alexander to be presented with MVP in front of Jokic before Game 5 The establishment was beloved by many locals, with hundreds of comments flooding Frank 'The Pizza King' Facebook posts with goodbyes. Some people said it was a cherished spot, with families growing up going to the local joint, and others even having their wedding rehearsal dinner at the spot. 'This so sad. So many of us and our families grew up going to Franks. I loved running into old friends, classmates, and long time generational families of Englewood. Franks Pizza was and forever will be our very own diamond in the rough. To some it may not have looked like much. But to all of us…. it was perfect,' one user said on Facebook. The family posted videos on Facebook of their final goodbyes to the iconic spot. Bonfire Burritos to open 2 new locations in the Denver metro 'I love you all. I'm going to miss everybody so much. This is my whole life,' said Maria Krascek, a relative in the family-owned business, in a Facebook post. 'I can't tell you how much all of you mean to me and my family, and my mom and dad, I hope they've been proud of us all these years. I sure have tried to make them proud.' Matt Krascek, co-owner of the pizzeria, posted on Facebook on the final day. '64 years has been amazing. I wish I could have been part of all 64, but I've been part of 38. We love you all so much. We're so grateful for you guys. You're part of our family,' said Matt. The pizzeria closed its doors, but the family is hoping it's not for good. Matt said they're hoping to bring another Frank 'The Pizza King' into town, but he's not sure when that will happen. 'We hope to see you one time again soon,' said Walt Krascek, co-owner and son of Frank, the pizza king. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
