NEWS FROM THE FOOD NETWORK

Airing weekdays (Double Bill), at 12.30pm & 6.30pm from Monday 26th September
Watch cheeky UK chef Andy Bates delve into the history of Britain’s most famous dishes and give them a modern ‘street food’ interpretation.

Andy Bates Street Feasts follows Andy as he travels the UK, stopping off at some of the nation’s most vibrant food destinations. In each location he zones in on popular local markets, food festivals, events or speciality food producers, cooking with some of the people he meets who share his passion for traditional British fare.

Classic treats such as Scotch Eggs, Chicken and Ham Christmas Pie, Baked Custard and Black Pudding, are all given a contemporary sparkle. Take pride in British food and tuck in, as Andy shows you how to rediscover these true classics.

Andy Bates
Andy Bates is known for his hearty, traditional British street food. Starting work in kitchens at 14 (before getting the chance at 17 to work in a Michelin-starred restaurant), Andy went on to study at a catering college in Canterbury. He then headed to France to hone his skills in French cuisine. Now, his company, Eat My Pies, produces classic Scotch eggs, pies and tarts which are sold on his stand at Whitecross street market.

NEWS FROM GROLSCH

Harmony Korine, Jan Kwiecinski and Alexei Fedorchenko shoot new film
London September 22, 2011 – GROLSCH FILM WORKS today announces a trilogy of international directors brought together to shoot a unique, experimental feature film.

Each director will film a 30-minute short in their home nation - Harmony Korine in the US, Alexsei Fedorchenko in Russia and Jan Kwiecinski in Poland.

This is the first film to come from Grolsch Film Works, which launched in April 2011 as a studio to champion film talent worldwide and help bring creative, independent cinema to a wider audience. Grolsch Film Works is funded by the Dutch beer Grolsch and this feature film is created in collaboration with VICE Films.

Each film-maker will follow the same brief designed by project director Eddy Moretti, executive director of VICE, best known for his film Heavy Metal in Baghdad. Moretti will oversee the continuity of the three-part film.

Moretti said: “Grolsch is serious and sincere about supporting film art. They want to add something to the global film community, something far beyond sponsorship which is why we wanted to get involved.

“The mandate of the project is to create cinematic experiences with filmmakers that have truly unique approaches to character and story-telling. I created a weird and wonderful brief that tasks each director to create riveting characters that inhabit supra-normal worlds.

“At the heart of the brief is the notion of the ‘Fourth Dimension’. Each director was asked to explore what a ‘Fourth Dimension’ might be. What is it? Where is it? What does it look and sound like?

“What we got back from the filmmakers was in turns intense, hilarious, poignant and completely without precedent.”

Korine, whose credits include Kids, Gummo and Mister Lonely, is the first to shoot with Val Kilmer taking the lead role of a motivational speaker at the fictional ‘Lotus Community Centre’, set in Nashville.

Fedorchenko, who’s Silent Souls showed at the Toronto and Venice Film Festivals last year – scooping three jury prizes at the Lido - will start shooting in Eekaterinburg after he completes judging on the 2011 Venice Film Festival jury.

Kwiecinski is best known for his short-film Incident which won awards in festivals across Poland (e.g. New Horizons International Film Festival, Polish Film Festival) and attracted international attention when it screened around the world. Kwiecinski will shoot in Parysow, near Warsaw. This will be the first time he has directed on a full feature project.

Thomas Kamphuis, who heads up the Grolsch Film Works programme, said: “Grolsch Film Works supports all directors who are bold, standby their creative beliefs and bring to cinema audiences the opportunity to choose interesting films to sit back and enjoy.

“We want to work with film makers who create the sort of work that transports viewers somewhere new and original.

“The director’s involved in this project have had full creative licence to realise their vision of the brief. It’s an equal bold move from us to handover the controlling reigns of this project to their unique interpretations.
“We’re delighted to be working with three brilliant directors on our first feature film and are looking forward to showing the results of the debut project from Grolsch Film Works to the world.”

The currently untitled film is scheduled for release in the early part of 2012 and will be screened in each of the director’s countries and other territories globally.
Director Harmony Korine added: "I'm really excited to make a film with Grolsch Film Works. It's a great chance to experiment and make something amazing.

“The idea of these three films working together under one central idea is great. I think it's gonna turn out really nice. I'm very excited about it.”

His leading-man Val Kilmer, who will next be seen in Francis Ford Coppola’s Twixt, added: “I've never been more nervous during a comedy, and I've truly never been treated with more respect and pure love.”

Russian director Alexsei Fedorchenko, commented: “It has been a long time since I wanted to make a short-length film but the concept of the project seemed appealing because of how risque and cheeky, in a good way, it was.

“That was why I was excited to join this project. I wish luck to all film-directors on this project, its producers and the bold Grolsch company!”

Directing the Polish chapter of the film, Jan Kwiecinski, added: “Grolsch Film Works' first film brings together three directors from three totally different parts of the world and will give us access to the private lives of people and places we have never seen before.

“For me as a director there is nothing more exciting than that.”



For further information, images of the directors and pictures from the set of Harmony Korine and Val Kilmer’s film please contact grolsch@frankpr.it or call on 0207 6936999.

NEWS FROM ALTON TOWERS

Alton Towers Resort have this week unveiled a select group of ‘Coaster Cuties’ as the official faces of ultimate rollercoaster TH13TEEN. Launched in June by Celebrity Big Brother and TOWIE star Amy Childs, the nationwide ‘Coaster Cuties’ search attracted nearly 1,000 entries from young women with a thirst for thrills and the chosen girls now feature in the unique thirteen month calendar, which is downloadable from www.altontowers.com

Having impressed the panel, the final 18 girls were invited to Britain’s Greatest Escape for the calendar photoshoot on board the world’s first freefall drop coaster. Having been put through their paces on the ultimate ride, the ‘Coaster Cuties’ feature in a variety of images for the official TH13TEEN calendar.

Katherine Duckworth, Head of Consumer Marketing at the Alton Towers Resort: “The ‘Coaster Cuties’ search generated an impressive array of entries from thrill seeking females across the country. TH13TEEN is certainly not for the fainthearted so it’s great to discover such an array of adrenaline junkies that are flying the flag for all female rollercoaster fans out there!”

The ultimate rollercoaster, THI3TEEN takes riders on a gruelling journey through The Dark Forest while being put through a series of twists and turns before plummeting into the unknown. If you dare, log onto www.altontowers.com for ticket and pricing information to experience the thrills of TH13TEEN for yourself!

NEWS FROM ALTON TOWERS

The Alton Towers Resort has today launched ‘Extreme Apple Bobbing’ – a Halloween attraction with a difference that will see guests bob for apples in a shark tank. The unique attraction will be available at this year’s Scarefest event taking place from 15th – 31st October hosted at the Resort’s aquarium, Sharkbait Reef by SEALIFE, with resident sharks for company!

A first of its kind and available on request, guests visiting the Resort over Scarefest will have the opportunity to face their fears whilst plunging into the shark-infested waters for a selection of apples. A scary slant on the traditional Halloween favorite, the attraction is one of many interactive events taking place at Britain’s Greatest Escape this Halloween.

Guaranteed to be the most spooktacular yet, featuring favourites such as the Boiler House, Carnival of Screams and the infamous Terror of the Towers, guests will also be able to experience the theme park’s adrenaline pumping rides and family attractions until 9pm every night.

Katherine Duckworth, Head of Consumer Marketing at the Alton Towers Resort: “With Halloween preparations now well underway, we wanted to offer thrill-seeking families something bigger and better this year – so what better than old favourite apple bobbing, with a twist! For those too spooked to take to the shark-infested waters, we’ve also got a range of haunting horrors that cater for all ages this October.”

For more information about the Alton Towers Resort’s annual Scarefest or to book tickets and hotel packages, log onto www.altontowers.com.

NEWS FROM PINKBERRY

Pinkberry debut their designer collection in celebration of London Fashion Week




It’s long been Hollywood’s most desirable fashion accessory, so in anticipation of London Fashion Week Pinkberry, the capital’s hottest new resident, introduces three delicious frozen yoghurts inspired by fashion greats.

Taking their place on the catwalk are three delectable new flavour combinations characterising some of the biggest names in the fashion industry:

The Anna: coconut with mango, strawberry and cap’n crunch – cool and crisp with a fantastic bite.
The Henry: watermelon with strawberry, pineapple and fruity pebbles – a real treat of a Pinkberry that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The Karl: original with blueberries – classically sophisticated with a tart and tangy edge; loved and imitated by many.

California-born Pinkberry is the original and number one frozen yoghurt brand, made with only non-fat yogurt and natural, non-fat milk for a light, refreshing, clean taste that’s truly covetable. It’s the frozen yoghurt of choice for style icons across the US, with a solid celebrity following including David Beckham, Lady Gaga, The Saturdays and JLS.

The Pinkberry fashion menu is available exclusively at Selfridges’ London Foodhall from 16th to 20th September, so bag your spot on the front row and pay homage to the fiercest of fashionistas with a swirl of the original frozen yoghurt.

Join us on Facebook.com/pinkberryUK and Twitter.com/pinkberryUK for all the latest news.

NEWS FROM SODASTREAM

SodaStream is getting fizz-ical this October in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

SodaStream is joining the fight for women’s survival and helping to raise significant funds for Breakthrough Breast Cancer this October, with the launch of a gorgeous limited edition Pink Fizz drinksmaker.

The baby pink drinksmaker will add the perfect pop of colour to brighten up any kitchen and has been specially designed with all-over pink packaging inspired by this worthy cause.

By making this must-have girly kitchen product top of your wish list, you can do you bit to help win the battle against breast cancer. For every Pink Fizz sold, SodaStream worldwide will donate 5% of the purchase price to charity, helping to fund vital research, campaigning and education.

Practical yet pretty, the Pink Fizz machine, with its patented in-built Fizz Chip™ technology and digital display indicates when the gas cylinder needs to be re-filled and means no fizz fans will be left feeling flat! As well as being a delightful asset to any fashionista’s party, you and the girls can rest assured that you will be helping a truly inspiring cause.

Fiona Hope; Managing Director of SodaStream UK said, “As the most commonly diagnosed cancer, affecting almost 48,000 women each year, it’s a cause that SodaStream are proud to support and that’s why we’ve made a global commitment to raise funds in the fight against



breast cancer. In getting your hands on one of these unique, baby-pink drinks makers, you are helping SodaStream UK raise money for a wonderful cause.”

SodaStream also helps to reduce bottle waste; its reusable carbonating bottle is estimated to save 2000 bottles and cans in 3 years. With SodaStream there are fewer empty bottles or cans to discard or recycle and less energy wasted by transporting billions of litres of ready-to-drink soft drinks. SodaStream offers over 30 flavours to choose from in their extensive flavor range; the only hard part will be choosing which one to try first!

The limited edition Pink Fizz SodaStream will be available from October at Harvey Nichols, other good independent retailers and on the SodaStream UK website (www.sodastream.co.uk), priced at £119.99.

NEWS FROM FOSTER'S

FOSTER’S AND THE FAST SHOW

Heineken UK is delighted to confirm that Foster’s, its leading lager brand, is commissioning a brand new series of The Fast Show which will take the series online for the first time.

The series that delivers quickfire sketches and a barrel of fast laughs will be available exclusively on www.fostersfunny.co.uk, the site that hosted the highly-acclaimed Mid Morning Matters with Alan Partridge and Vic & Bob’s Afternoon Delights.

Fast Show creators Paul Whitehouse and Charlie Higson say: "We are delighted to bring back the Fast Show not only for our old fans but also, we hope, for a whole generation of new ones. We'll be bringing back all our most popular characters from the show and we’ve managed to get the majority of the team back together, including Caroline Aherne. It’s also great to be sharing the Foster’s site with some of our comedy favourites like Vic n Bob and that other bloke who was in that thing with Rob Brydon."

Gayle Harrison, Marketing Manager - Foster’s at Heineken UK says: “The Fast Show is one of the best loved British shows and is famous for bringing innovative, fast-paced sketches to our screens with a speed and style that had never been seen before . We’re excited by our collaboration with the Fast Show team and we look forward to sharing more great new comedy via the fostersfunny website.”

-Ends-

September 2011


EDITORS’ NOTE:

Foster’s is the leading sponsor of comedy in the UK with a sponsorship portfolio that includes the Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards, the 2011 British Comedy Awards and over 100 hours of Original Comedy programming on Channel 4. The Foster’s- commissioned internet series Mid Morning Matters with Alan Partridge attracted over 3 million hits and universal acclaim, cementing the brand’s position at the cutting-edge of British comedy.
Foster’s recently announced plans to sponsor Foster’s Comedy Live, a series of live stand-up shows in Highlight comedy club venues across the country and Foster’s Funny Live , a new programme of stand-up comedy in pubs and clubs that will run throughout the UK until October.

NEWS FROM SODASTREAM

Research out today - 26th August - reveals over 10 million Brits are planning on celebrating the three-day weekend with parties, festivals and family get-togethers, predicted to result in over 40 million bin bags of rubbish.

Only a fifth of this will be recycled, and staggeringly half of the Britons surveyed in the study by Sodastream admit they do not feel guilty about it.

Furthermore 10% of this non-recycled rubbish will consist of plastic bottles with over a third of the nation admitting it hadn’t crossed their mind to try and reduce the number of plastic bottles they use, despite the impact it can have on the environment.

Brits top five bad habits this Bank Holiday are likely to include:
1. Throwing away food
2. Leaving lights on/wasting energy
3. Not recycling food packaging
4. Throwing away plastic bottles
5. Buying/using too many plastic bottles

The most wasteful cities in the UK when it comes to bottle waste are set to be Newcastle and Sheffield, with Brighton and Bristol the least wasteful.

The top five reasons cited for not recycling more in general were:
1. Local council do not provide enough facilities
2. It is easier to throw things in the bin
3. The bins the council provide are misleading
4. I am too busy to worry about it
5. I don’t know where to recycle

SodaStream research has revealed that Brits grossly underestimate the number of plastic bottles they use per week, with 60% believing they only use 1-4 plastic bottles, when the actual number is 15 each week.

SodaStream have commissioned the research to raise awareness of the practice of ‘pre-cycling’, reducing waste before there is any need for recycling. To illustrate the number of plastic bottles we waste in particular, SodaStream commissioned artist Bamber Hawes to create a ‘Bottle Family’ sculpture made up of 827 plastic bottles. This is the number of plastic carbonated bottles that an average family in the UK will use in a year; one SodaStream can help dramatically reduce all this bottle waste and more.

A spokesperson for SodaStream comments: “Looking at the Bank Holiday alone, it is staggering how much waste we will produce as a nation. With recycling so low on people’s agenda it makes the need for pre-cycling ever more pertinent so it is important to encourage people to reduce their everyday waste in the first place. SodaStream is the perfect alternative to other pre-packaged carbonated drinks.”

NEWS FROM PREMIER INN

To celebrate the impending opening of the brand new Premier Inn hotel in London Stratford, today [1st September 2011] 50 gymnasts broke a World Record for the most people on one bed.

The flexible folk spent several hours limbering up in preparation to contort themselves to eventually create a 7ft high formation on top of a King Size Premier Inn bed.

The World Record attempt took place in the most talked-about location for next Summer overlooking the spectacular backdrop of the Olympic Stadium. The record marked both the opening of the new site for the UK’s biggest budget hotel chain, but also the first of many for Stratford, with plenty more sporting world records sure to be broken next year.

Patrick Dempsey, spokesperson for Premier Inn says, ‘"We are delighted to be opening our latest Premier Inn in such a fantastic location which has great views of the Olympic Park and is in the heart of Westfield shopping centre."

Jon Walters General Manager for Premier Inn London Stratford says, “I’m really looking forward to opening the doors to the new hotel and welcoming guests and what better way to mark the opening than breaking a World Record!”

Premier Inn London Stratford opens its doors to the public on the 13th September 2011, marking a £25m investment into the area. It is the closest hotel to the Stratford International station, making it only minutes from Central London and just over two hours to Paris on the Eurostar so it is set to be one of the best connected hotels in the country. The hotel is also just minutes away from Europe’s largest indoor shopping centre, Westfield - ideal for those planning a shopping break.

Rooms are now available to book at www.premierinn.com