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Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals Colorectal Nursing Team Wins Patient Safety Improvement Award

The colorectal nursing team at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals has won the Patient Safety Improvement Award at the 2025 Nursing Times Awards for their innovative, nurse-led approach to colorectal surgery.

The colorectal nursing team at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been recognised nationally after winning the Patient Safety Improvement Award at the 2025 Nursing Times Awards, held in London on Wednesday 22 October.

The award was given in recognition of the team’s development of an early optimisation and ultra-enhanced recovery pathway in elective colorectal surgery. The nurse-led initiative takes a comprehensive approach to patient care, focusing on proactive pre-assessment, early medical optimisation, and streamlined recovery processes.

The initiative aims to improve outcomes by identifying and addressing medical risks before diagnosis, reducing procedural delays, and enhancing patient experience through earlier interventions. This is achieved through a combination of innovative joint clinics and the use of a virtual ward system designed to support patients remotely throughout their recovery.

As a result, the programme has led to measurable improvements in 62-day cancer treatment targets, reduced same-day cancellations, shorter hospital stays, and lower readmission rates, all while maintaining high levels of patient satisfaction.

Judges at the Nursing Times Awards commended the team for their “innovative approach to reviewing the entire pathway” and for adopting a learning-based model that placed safety and efficiency at its core. They described the team as “passionate and proactive,” highlighting their collaborative approach and continued commitment to improving standards of care.

The project was recognised as a significant redesign of the entire colorectal surgery led and implemented by nursing staff — that integrates patient safety, timeliness, and quality outcomes as default standards of care.

Rana Madani, Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon, Colorectal Cancer and Enhanced Recovery Lead at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals, praised the team’s dedication and innovation. “I am immensely proud of our colorectal nurses, whose hard work has been recognised through this outstanding achievement,” he said.

“Winning the prestigious Nursing Times Award, especially when up against exceptional teams from across the country, is a true reflection of their nursing excellence. They have gone above and beyond, worked collaboratively, and made a significant improvement to our patients’ care. An amazing achievement and a truly well-deserved award.”

Chief Nurse Jay Dungeni also commended the team’s efforts, noting the wide-reaching collaboration behind the project. “I’d like to extend huge congratulations to the team on this outstanding achievement,” he said.

“It’s a testament to the innovation, commitment, and collaborative work of our senior specialist nurses, the entire colorectal team, and the supporting administrative and management staff. This initiative has made a meaningful difference to patient care, and it’s wonderful to see that impact recognised so widely.”

The Nursing Times Awards celebrate excellence across the nursing profession, recognising individuals and teams who demonstrate innovation, leadership, and improved patient outcomes across healthcare services in the UK.

Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides care for more than 410,000 people across Runnymede, Spelthorne, Woking, and parts of Elmbridge, Hounslow, and Surrey Heath. The Trust employs around 4,400 staff and operates from Ashford Hospital and St Peter’s Hospital, with some services delivered at Woking Community Hospital and other local sites.

In 2024/25, the Trust’s teams saw more than 120,000 patients in the Emergency Department, carried out over 54,000 inpatient and day case procedures, and delivered more than 2,700 babies. The Trust is also home to Surrey’s leading Level 3 neonatal intensive care unit and a nationally recognised Centre for Endometriosis and Minimally Invasive Gynaecology.

Tate Modern throw victim achieves goal of running, jumping and swimming again

The boy thrown from the Tate Modern has reached his goal of running, jumping and swimming again, his family confirm.

The family of the boy who was severely injured after being thrown from the 10th floor of London’s Tate Modern art gallery have said he has reached his goal of being able to run, jump and swim again.

The French boy was six years old when he was attacked by teenager Jonty Bravery in August 2019. He fell around 100ft (30m) from a balcony and sustained life-threatening injuries, including a bleed on the brain and multiple broken bones. Bravery, who was 17 at the time, was convicted of attempted murder in 2020 and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 15 years.

The boy’s family shared the latest update on a GoFundMe page, expressing pride at his ongoing recovery and determination. They said he had been able to progress with his movement goals ahead of his next operation.

“He can’t do it like other children his age, of course, but we can no longer describe what he does in any other way than by saying it’s running, jumping, and swimming,” the family wrote. “It’s different, only over a few metres or a very small height, but it’s an incredible achievement.”

Since the attack, the boy has spent months in intensive care and continues to undergo extensive rehabilitation. His family said he has made notable improvements in both physical and cognitive abilities, gaining endurance and functionality despite the lasting impact of his injuries.

They added that his memory remains limited but continues to improve. “He is acquiring a general knowledge at his own pace, which increasingly allows him to be included with other children,” they said.

According to the update, the boy is also learning to manage the physical aftereffects of his injuries. “He’s also maturing, and thanks to his work with the psychomotor therapist, he now allows himself to relax. Previously, to compensate for his weakness on the left side, he kept his right side constantly tense, which caused him pain. Today, our pre-teen has understood that he needs to give himself breaks; we need to remind him less.”

The family also shared a milestone moment achieved with his father, which they described as a long-term goal. “As we live a few kilometres from the sea, they had set their final goal of having a picnic at the beach and then returning,” they wrote. “After several progressive training sessions, they finally completed their 2.5-hour journey. They returned exhausted but delighted. Mission accomplished.”

The attack in 2019 drew widespread attention due to its shocking nature and the severity of the boy’s injuries. The Tate Modern, one of London’s most visited tourist sites, temporarily closed part of the building following the incident.

Bravery’s sentencing at the Old Bailey heard that he had planned the attack and selected his victim at random. The court was told he had been under the care of mental health services at the time.

Five years on, the boy’s recovery continues to be documented through updates from his family, who have used the GoFundMe page to share his progress and express gratitude for ongoing public support. They said his achievements mark a significant step in his long rehabilitation process and that he remains determined to continue improving his strength and independence.

Keith Andrews: “We have to be courageous. Liverpool are still a top, top side”

Brentford manager Keith Andrews insists his team will need courage, balance and belief when they face Liverpool at the G-Tech Community Stadium this weekend.

He knows exactly what his players are up against. Liverpool’s press and pace in transition remain among the most demanding challenges in the Premier League, and Andrews says his side will have to adapt without losing their identity.

“We know what Liverpool bring, their intensity, their press, and the speed they attack with are right up there with the very best,” he says. “Of course we’ll have to adapt at times, but it’s always a balancing act. You can’t come into a game like this just trying to survive. We’ll have to earn the right to play, to impose our own game, and that takes courage.”

That idea of courage has been at the heart of Brentford’s approach since Andrews took charge. The manager speaks with conviction about the belief within his squad and the confidence that has been building across the club.

“The players are in a really good place,” he says. “No new injury concerns, confidence in the building, and the squad and club are in a good place right now.”

He acknowledges that there will be moments when his side have to dig in. “We may have to suffer. That’s part of football at this level, especially against a side with their individual and collective quality. But we’ll look to play to our strengths and make it uncomfortable for teams coming to the G-Tech. We won’t just sit on a lead and invite pressure. We’ll keep playing and pushing to win.”

Liverpool’s midweek result and the questions surrounding their current form have not changed the way Andrews views the challenge. He dismisses any suggestion that this is an opportune time to face them.

“It’s dangerous to think Liverpool are anything but a very high-level team,” he says. “They’ve still got world-class individuals. We can relate to a team in transition, it’s not easy, but they’re still operating at a very high standard. We’ll have to be at our best, no question.”

Andrews and his staff have prepared for a range of scenarios after Liverpool made some changes to their system during the week. “They made some tweaks in midweek and we’ve prepared for that,” he explains. “We’ll think carefully about who starts for us and how we can use the bench. That will be important.”

When the conversation turns to Mohamed Salah, Andrews is clear that nothing changes in their preparation despite talk of a dip in form from the Egyptian forward.

“Not in the slightest,” he says. “It’s Mo Salah, one of the best in the world. You don’t prepare differently because he’s had a quieter spell. He’s forming new relationships in that front line and he’ll hit top form again. We prepare the same way because he’s still a huge threat.”

For Andrews, what happens behind the scenes at Brentford is just as important as what happens on the pitch. The culture he has tried to build within the squad is based on attitude and character as much as talent.

“The type of person we bring into the building is just as important as the player,” he says. “Good values, the right demeanour, that’s non-negotiable. Thiago epitomises it. You have to drag him off the pitch sometimes. That’s the standard. That’s what drives the culture here.”

It is that collective spirit, he believes, that gives Brentford their edge. “We’ll have to balance being smart with being brave,” he says. “We’ll respect Liverpool’s strengths, but we’ll look to impose our own game. That’s who we are.”

Burton Manufacturer Supplies Bespoke Roof Tiles for Southern Affordable Housing Refurbishment

Burton-based manufacturer Russell Roof Tiles has helped deliver a major reroofing project for one of the UK’s largest housing associations, providing high-quality tiles that perfectly match the heritage aesthetic of a 1930s London estate.

The company, which operates from two Burton sites on Wetmore Lane and Nicolson Way, supplies roof systems to leading UK housebuilders, as well as major social housing and commercial projects nationwide. Known for its focus on sustainability and eco-friendly innovation, Russell Roof Tiles continues to expand its presence in the South through product development tailored to regional housing needs.

Its latest success came through collaboration with contractors Chas Berger and Ashton Roofing, working on behalf of Southern Housing to refurbish three large apartment blocks at the Stamford Hill Estate in Hackney. Some of the roofs on the estate, dating back up to 90 years, required full replacement.

Originally constructed in 1932 by The Guinness Partnership—one of England’s oldest and most respected affordable housing providers—the buildings demanded a roofing solution that would preserve their historical character while meeting modern performance standards.

To achieve this, Russell Roof Tiles supplied its Double Roman tiles, designed to replicate the original roof’s look and texture while complementing surrounding properties.

James Pendleton, Regional Sales Director at Russell Roof Tiles, explained: “At Russell Roof Tiles, we are committed to supporting each project’s unique requirements. With our wide-ranging colour offering, we ensure that new roofing not only meets the design vision but also preserves the character and heritage of the buildings.

“Throughout the project, we faced unique challenges due to the age of the properties and the complexity of the build. By collaborating closely with Ashton Roofing & Maintenance Ltd and the main contractor Chas Berger Ltd, we enabled completion of all three buildings to an exceptionally high standard, meeting quality, regulatory and energy efficiency needs.”

Jackie Prime, Senior Contracts Manager at Chas Berger Ltd, added: “We have been greatly impressed with Russell Roof Tiles and their ability to deliver a high-quality product that meets our specific aesthetic requirements.”

Russell Roof Tiles is a leading independent concrete roof tile manufacturer producing hundreds of thousands of tiles and accessories each week. Its products are used on pitched roofing projects across the UK, supporting everything from national housing developments to bespoke refurbishment schemes.

Josh Dasilva signs new Brentford contract and targets return after long injury battle

Josh Dasilva has signed a new Brentford contract that keeps him at the club until the end of the season, with the option of a further year. The midfielder’s previous deal expired in the summer, but he has continued his rehabilitation at the Robert Rowan Performance Centre after suffering a serious knee ligament injury in February 2024.

The new deal marks the latest chapter in a long and challenging journey for the 27-year-old, who has faced a series of setbacks over the past two seasons. Despite the uncertainty, Brentford have kept faith in the midfielder, ensuring that he remains part of the club as he continues his recovery.

Head coach Keith Andrews praised both Dasilva’s character and his influence within the squad. “I’ve been keen to get this done and had discussions with Phil Giles around it, stressing the importance of Josh to the group,” Andrews explained. “He’s someone that I’ve involved a lot around the next chapter of where we’re going with the club and the steps we need to make. Josh really understands Brentford Football Club — he’s an intelligent young man who cares deeply about the club. But ultimately, we want to get him back on the grass because, if we get him back to the level he was at, he’s going to be a major asset for us.”

Dasilva joined Brentford in August 2018 after spending 12 years in Arsenal’s Academy, signing his first four-year contract at just 19. His breakthrough came during the 2019/20 Championship campaign, when he became a key figure in midfield. That season, he featured in nearly every game, scoring 10 goals and helping Brentford reach the Championship play-off final, where they narrowly missed out on promotion after defeat to Fulham at Wembley.

Injuries have been a recurring theme in Dasilva’s career. A hip problem sidelined him for almost a year from March 2021, but he returned stronger for the 2022/23 season, playing 36 of Brentford’s 38 Premier League matches. Unfortunately, his momentum was halted again by a hamstring injury in the first game of the following season. After returning for only four more appearances, he ruptured his ACL in training in February 2024, ruling him out for the rest of the campaign.

Speaking for the first time since signing his new Brentford contract, Dasilva reflected on his recovery and what lies ahead. “It’s been a long journey, but I can’t thank the club enough for giving me this opportunity,” he said. “I don’t know how many clubs would have given a player this chance to carry on. It’s been hard, but I’m very thankful for it, and I just can’t wait to be out there enjoying my football with the boys and putting on the shirt again.”

Explaining the extent of his injury, Dasilva revealed: “I did my ACL, MCL and meniscus in early February 2024, and then I had to have another operation six months later, and then another operation eight months later. That’s why it’s been a while since I’ve been on the pitch. It’s been hard, obviously with a lot of uncertainty, but the club have helped me tremendously — and, of course, my faith, friends and family as well. It’s been hard, but I’ve enjoyed it.”

Dasilva’s last appearance for the Bees came in a 3–2 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on 31 January 2024 — more than 600 days ago. However, the midfielder is finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel and is optimistic about returning to full training soon. “Right now, I’m just doing rehab outside, doing ball work and running. I’ve been doing that for quite a few weeks now, so hopefully, within the next month or so, I can start training with the team,” he said. “I try not to look too far ahead because I’ve got today and tomorrow to focus on. I’m just taking every milestone as it comes. My next milestone is to integrate with the team, which will hopefully come around the next international break.”

As Dasilva celebrates his 27th birthday and signs on for an eighth season in west London, both he and the club are hopeful that his long spell of injuries is finally behind him. If he can return to the form that made him one of the most dynamic midfielders in Brentford’s rise through the divisions, his comeback could prove a major boost for Keith Andrews’ side.

For now, the focus remains on patience and progress — but with his determination, experience, and deep connection to the club, Josh Dasilva’s renewed Brentford contract feels like more than a formality. It’s a statement of faith, resilience, and unfinished business.

Council U-turns and overzealous green rules plaguing London

Across London, a growing trend of overzealous environmental fines by local councils is drawing criticism from residents, politicians and campaigners alike.

A series of recent cases, including that of a woman fined for pouring coffee down a drain and a couple penalised for wind-blown recycling, has reignited debate over whether environmental enforcement in the capital has tipped from sensible deterrence into heavy-handed bureaucracy.

The latest controversy emerged in south-west London when Richmond-Upon-Thames Council fined Kew resident Burcu Yesilyurt £150 under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 for what she described as “just a tiny little bit” of coffee poured into a road gully near Richmond station.

Ms Yesilyurt said she had been about to board a bus and wanted to avoid spilling her drink, assuming that disposing of the small amount of liquid down a drain was the responsible option.

“As soon as I turned around, I noticed three men, enforcement officers, chasing me,” she said. “They stopped me immediately. It was quite a shock.”

The officers were unable to explain about any signs warning that pouring liquids into drains was an offence.

“I think the fine is extreme. It’s not proportionate.”

Richmond Council later reversed the penalty after reviewing body-worn footage and concluding the alleged contravention was “minor”.

In an email seen by the BBC, the council wrote: “I can advise that on review the Fixed Penalty Notice has been cancelled. Please accept my apologies for any upset or inconvenience this has caused you.”

The council added that it was “likely” Ms Yesilyurt’s appeal would have been successful had it been pursued formally.

Ms Yesilyurt said she was “quite happy the council recognised the sensitivity of this situation and they’ve reconsidered”. She noted that public reaction to the story had been “huge” and hoped it would prompt clearer guidance.

“I’ve not met anyone who knows it’s a criminal offence,” she said, calling for signs near bins and bus stops to make the law more obvious.

The case has become emblematic of what critics are calling overzealous environmental fining by London councils, with some arguing that minor, accidental infractions are being treated as serious offences. This risks undermining public support for legitimate environmental enforcement by penalising residents who are acting in good faith.

Another recent example occurred in September. In Haringey, north London, a couple were issued a £600 fine after a piece of cardboard with their address on it was found blowing about near their home.

The letter, which arrived a few days after the recycling collection, accused the couple of “failing in their duty of securing their waste”.

Resident Francesca Poncetta said she was stunned to receive the fine. “I’ve done all of my duties as a citizen, to dispose of my waste in my household. This does not feel fair at all,” she said.

Her partner, Pierce Rosamond, described the penalty as “not something we can just pay in a month and think ‘oh that’s fine,’” highlighting the financial strain such fines can cause for ordinary Londoners.

Haringey Council later admitted the notice had been issued incorrectly and cancelled the fine after reviewing the evidence.

A council spokesperson said: “There are occasions when notices are issued incorrectly, and residents can challenge the decision as was the case here. After considering the information provided, we will be cancelling this fixed penalty notice.”

Together, the two incidents illustrate the growing tension between environmental protection and public trust in local authorities.

Critics say councils, under pressure to boost revenue or meet environmental targets, are increasingly relying on enforcement firms and fixed penalty notices for even the most trivial actions.

This overzealous environmental fining by London councils risks criminalising everyday behaviour rather than fostering genuine environmental responsibility.

Pouring away a drink, or an item of recycling blown loose by the wind, may technically breach regulations, but many see the response as disproportionate to the harm caused.

While supporters of stricter enforcement maintain that such rules are essential to prevent pollution and protect public infrastructure, it is more than arguable that proportionate, educative approaches would avoid alienating residents who genuinely want to do the right thing.

In both Richmond and Haringey, the councils ultimately backed down, acknowledging that the cases did not warrant financial penalties. Still, the damage to public confidence may prove harder to reverse.

As Ms Yesilyurt put it, “It feels quite unfair.”

Are hot cocktails the drink of the season? We definitely think so!

There’s no doubt that the weather has taken a turn for the worst.

With the Autumn season rolling in, the days are definitely becoming colder, and people are brushing the dust from their thick coats, hats, scarves and umbrellas, to prepare.

These can feel like miserable months – where we lose our positivity when our feet get wet and our hands get cold – but this can also be the very best time of the year – where we can get ourselves all comfy… Embrace the wooly blankets, smell the spicy fragrances that fill the air, and enjoy the cosy movie nights in. And how better to do it, than with a warming drink?

We know – a warming, ALCOHOLIC drink!

The Thames Gazette have just been sent some delicious hot cocktail recipes, which promise to bring the heat (in different ways) in your evening tipple.

We know what you’re thinking – a hot cocktail? But trust us, it really does work.

From creations including apples, berries and chocolate – you are sure to find your new favourite drink with these recipes. And better yet, they are easy to make yourself at home, where they can be enjoyed by the fire… and of course, the tele.

Apple Mulled Cider 

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 120ml Whisky
  • 280ml Jazz Apple juice (4-5 large apples depending on the size)
  • 100ml Lemon Juice
  • 80ml Honey
  • 2 Cinnamon Sticks
  • 1 tbsp Cloves
  • 1 orange peel
  • 1 thumb of ginger (peeled and sliced)

Method:

  1. Add all the ingredients to a saucepan and warm through on a low heat for 3-4 minutes.
  2. Strain into the glass.
  3. Glass: Mug or strong rocks glass
  4. Garnish: Cinnamon stick

Santa’s Cocoa Cheer

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Brunette Cold Brew Liqueur
  • 1 cup Goslings Rum or Karisimbi Rum (light or spiced)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate syrup (or 100g melted dark chocolate for richness)
  • 4 cups milk (increased from 2 to avoid curdling when heated with alcohol — whole or semi-skim works best)
  • Optional: 1 cup single cream for extra indulgence

Method (Hob or Slow Cooker):

  1. Heat the milk (and cream, if using) gently in a saucepan or slow cooker on low heat — do not let it boil.
  2. Stir in the chocolate syrup until fully blended and smooth.
  3. Once hot (but not simmering), add the rum and cold brew liqueur.
  4. Keep on low heat to warm through — avoid boiling once alcohol is added as it may evaporate or split.
  5. To serve: Ladle into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows or a dusting of cocoa/cinnamon.

Keep Warm Tip:
Ideal in a slow cooker on ‘keep warm’ mode for serving over a few hours — give it a stir now and then.

WRITER’S PICK: If you’re a fan of a Mocha – this is absolutely the cocktail for you! This offers a creamy balance of chocolate and coffee.

We recently tried out the Brunette Cold Brew Liqueur, and must admit that it is exceptional. Read more now.

Jazzy Mulled Wine

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle of Red wine
  • 280ml JAZZ™ Apple juice (approx. 4-5 large apples)
  • 100ml Lemon Juice
  • 2 tbsp Honey
  • 2 Cinnamon Sticks
  • 6-8 Cloves
  • 1 star anise
  • Sliced lemons, apples and clementine’s

Method:

  1. Add all the ingredients to a saucepan and warm through on a low heat for 15 minutes.
  2. Too high or too long and you will lose the alcohol.
  3. Strain into the glass and add a few of the fruit chunks.
  4. Glass: Mug
  5. Garnish: Clementine segment

Zignum Mezcal Hot Chocolate

Serves 1 – plus additional toasted marshmallow syrup

 Ingredients:

  • 30ml Zignum Anejo Mezcal
  • 250ml milk
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder
  • Zest of ½ orange
  • 1 tbsp toasted marshmallow syrup (alternatively use simple syrup)
  • 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp chilli flakes
  • Pinch sea salt
  • Miniature marshmallows, to garnish

For the marshmallow syrup:

  • 250ml water
  • 200g sugar
  • 60g miniature marshmallows
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch salt

Method:

To make the toasted marshmallow syrup:

  1. To make the toasted marshmallow syrup, place the marshmallows on a foil-lined baking tray and place under a hot grill until well toasted.
  2. Remove from the grill and set aside.
  3. Add the water and sugar to a pan, bring to a boil then simmer, whisking occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the liquid begins to thicken.
  4. Once thickened, add the marshmallows to the pan and stir until the marshmallows are melted and smooth.
  5. Leave to cool slightly and avoid stirring, to prevent separating the mixture.
  6. Once cooled, strain through a fine mesh sieve, whisk in the vanilla extract and a small pinch of salt, then store in an airtight container, in the fridge, for up to 2 weeks.

To make Zignum Mezcal Hot Chocolate:

  1. Add the milk, cocoa powder, cinnamon, chilli flakes, salt and orange zest to a saucepan.
  2. Whisk to combine and heat on low until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
  3. Remove from the heat and froth the milk mixture until foamy.
  4. Add the Mezcal and toasted marshmallow syrup to a heatproof glass, then pour over the frothed hot chocolate.
  5. Stir gently to avoid aerating the drink, then garnish with miniature marshmallows.

These cocktails will not only be perfect on bonfire night, but will also be the perfect treat for many occasions on the run up to Christmas. From sipping on one whilst watching the fireworks, to producing party show-stoppers for all your friends and family, to simply enjoying them yourself on a cosy night in, why not give them a try?

Celebrate every festive moment with Costa Coffee’s NEW Christmas menu

It’s time to ‘jingle all the way’ to your local Costa Coffee this Friday (24th October), as they unwrap their new Christmas menu.

From pecan, mint, orange, pistachio and many more delights filling the menu, we couldn’t be more excited to try the Nation’s Favourite Coffee Shop’s new festive flavours this week.

Christmas in every cup

The star of this year’s festive drinks is the NEW Butter Pecan Cookie Latte – topped with light whip and butter pecan cookie pieces. It is sure to be a sugary celebration of Christmas in a cup!

Customers will also be able to rediscover their beloved festive favourites tomorrow, with the Mint Hot Chocolate, Terry’s Chocolate Orange® Hot Chocolate and the Black Forest Hot Chocolate making their return. Each promises to capture the magic of the season and evoke the comfort of a long-awaited hug.

Also returning is the Caramel Nutcracker Range – available as a Hot Chocolate, Latte and Iced Latte. This will be showcased alongside the classic Gingerbread Latte – which, together, bring a joyful nod to childhood festive memories.

If the sound of ‘gingerbread’ has excited you – the range does not end here. The Costa Coffee’s Barista Creations Gingerbread Latte Sachets bring a barista-quality, festive beverage straight to your mug at home or work and are available to purchase in major supermarkets. It couldn’t be easier!

You also don’t need to worry about missing out on these delights if you’re a busy and constantly on-the-move individual, as from Thursday 23rd October, the Caramel Nutcracker Range can be enjoyed at Costa Express machines nationwide, and the NEW Butter Pecan Cookie Latte, Hot Chocolate and Iced Latte are available exclusively at Costa Express machines in Shell service station locations.

To round off your in-store Costa Coffee experience, everyone is invited to embrace The Costa Christmas Catch Up with its limited-edition Christmas cups, available in all sizes in stores and in regular and large at Costa Express machines nationwide.

This year, the cups are made to celebrate connection, being wrapped in the signature Costa Coffee red, and adorned with charming outdoor wintry scenes. They are designed to bring a touch of seasonal cheer to every sip by reflecting the warmth of festive moments shared together.

Festive food for every mood

Costa Coffee’s festive food menu is also back – and looks like an absolute *sleigh – being packed with hearty toasties and irresistible sweet treats.

The three wise men (… or should we say in-house Costa team) are serving up returning festive favourites – such as the Turkey & Trimmings Toastie, Pigs & Blankets Toastie, Brie & Cranberry Toastie, Turkey Feast Sandwich, and the Brie, Bacon & Cranberry Panini – to fulfil lunchtime cravings.

There are also quality options for those with a sweet tooth, with Costa Coffee’s exciting new range! The Dubai Style Pistachio Tiffin will be available from Thursday 6th November – bringing a rich fusion of chocolate, pistachio and festive crunch to your lips – and the NEW Caramel Nutcracker Cookie Sandwich will also take to the stage – with layers of hazelnut frosting and caramel being placed between two dark chocolate cookies.

If that wasn’t enough, there is also the NEW Festive Spice Muffin coming our ways – packed with fruit and sticky toffee sauce for the ultimate seasonal bite. To make this even sweeter, for each purchase a 25p donation will go to the Costa Foundation – a charity with the aim of improving the life chances of children in coffee growing communities – through helping them access a safe, quality education.

Returning favourites will also be back to delight – from the Iced Penguin Gingerbread Biscuits (available from the 6th November), Berry Red Velvet Mini Loaf, Chocolate & Caramel Nutcracker Cake, Gingernut Loaf Cake and Festive Bakewell Tart.

Costa Coffee’s Global Food and Beverage Innovation Director, Nishant Bhatia, has said: “This Christmas, we’re bringing festive moments to life with a menu full of joy and indulgence. From our brand-new Butter Pecan Cookie Latte and Dubai-Style Pistachio Tiffin to returning favourites like the Pigs in Blanket Toastie, every drink and bite is designed to make those Christmas catch-ups and family gathering feel extra special.”

The offerings do not end here though – as Costa Coffee are expanding their festive magic beyond food and drink – with this year’s merchandise and gifting range, absolutely perfect for coffee-lovers.

This year they are offering:

  • Festive Cups – From stainless steel and plastic travel cups to a classic ceramic design, perfect for sipping in style.
  • Cappuccino Gift Set – Complete with a stencil, mug, and duster – a thoughtful gift for budding baristas.
  • Costa Coffee Plushies – Cuddle up this Winter with branded plushies shaped like a Costa Coffee cup or a festive gingerbread character.

So, whether you’re dashing the halls for a caffeine fix, catching up with friends and family, looking for the perfect stocking filler, or simply craving a delicious taste of the season – Costa’s new festive menu is sure to scratch your Christmas itch.

Launching tomorrow – Friday 24th October!

Frankie & Benny’s Conjures Up a Spooktacular Feast of Savings This Halloween

With so much talk being populated with themes of Christmas already, it’s easy to forget that Halloween is only next week!

Luckily for us, Frankie & Benny’s – the much-loved New York-Italian family favourite – is celebrating the spookiest season of the year properly, with bone-chilling deals and spooky specials that are guaranteed to delight families without haunting their wallets.

Marking the restaurant’s 30th birthday, F&B’s are conjuring up some frighteningly good value-for-money treats which are sure to beat the current cost of living.

Since opening in 1995, F&B’s has been the go-to place for families, friends and celebrations – so this is the perfect time to transform their restaurants into haunted havens, where big plates, bold flavours and scary-good savings come together for a feast to remember.

So, are you in the mood for some freakishly good food?

Between 27th-31st October, restaurants will hold ‘Witching Hour’ between 4pm-5pm, where all mains (excluding Signature Grills) are priced at just £6.66 – a devilish-ly good deal for anyone grabbing a bite before trick-or-treating.

Following on from this, between 31st October-2nd November, anyone who is brave enough to arrive in costume, will be rewarded a treat of their own… A completely FREE portion of Spooky Skins (which usually cost £7.95).

And, to make things even more ghoulish, chefs have also summoned up a trio of limited-edition dishes, including the Hellfire Burger, Screamin’ Skins and the Eye Scream Sundae! The Werewolf of Wall Street cocktail will also be featured – ensuring that the whole family can tuck into something wickedly tasty.

No need to wait, however, as until the 31st October Kids Eat Free Monday to Friday – giving the perfect treat for little monsters during the spooky season.

Marketing Director at Frankie & Benny’s, Sarah Sculpher, has said: “Halloween should be about treats, not terrifying bills. That’s why we’ve brewed up a cauldron of offers that make celebrating with the whole family both fun and affordable. With savings big enough to raise the dead and a menu full of spooky surprises, we’re inviting everyone to feast, laugh and make memories without the fright of overspending.”

These Halloween offers and specials are available nationwide at Frankie & Benny’s throughout October, excluding airports and selected event venues.

So now’s the time… gather your ghouls, dress for the occasion, and get ready to sink your teeth into the spookiest savings of the season – because at Frankie & Benny’s this Halloween, the only thing scarier than the food is how little you’ll pay.

For more information, click here. 

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