Marks & Spencer launches its largest ever festive food range in Ireland.

press release

Marks & Spencer has launched its largest ever festive food range in Ireland.

More than 35 Christmas products now available in stores earlier than ever before due to strong customer demand.

The range includes several new seasonal innovations across party food and festive food-to-go, such as the Festive Turkey Dipper, Gingerbread Blondie Cookie Cup Pies and new additions to the popular sandwich lineup. All party food is freezable, making it convenient for shoppers preparing for the season ahead.

This year also marks the sixth consecutive year of M&S partnering with Focus Ireland, with 5% of sales from the festive food-to-go range supporting the charity’s work.

CHRISTMAS OFFICIALLY STARTS NOW! FESTIVE SANDWICHES AND PARTY FOOD HIT SHELVES EARLIER THAN EVER BEFORE… M&S is kicking off Ireland’s Christmas bits and bites season now, launching its biggest and best range of party food and festive sambos yet.
M&S Food lands biggest Christmas launch day yet, with OVER 35 festive faves hitting stores NOW! The ‘Home of Christmas Bits and Bites’ introduces 8 new, seriously sensational party food must-haves (with more to come this month!), including a mini version of our best-selling Christmas Café ICON! Kicking off the Christmas season sooner than ever, festive food to go is back with 8 BRAND NEW additions joining our returning Christmas classics, including our first EVER festive breakfast pot! M&S are proud to be partnering with Focus Ireland for the 6th festive season in a row. 5%* of sales from each item sold in our festive food on the move range will be given to Focus Ireland, the housing and homeless charity. With MORE seasonal STUNNERS now available which are set to be social SENSATIONS, say hello to our Gingerbread Blondie Cookie Cup Pies and Fully Loaded Peppermint and Double Chocolate Ice Cream.
M&S Food is making Christmas dreams come true… launching festive favourites such as sandwiches AND party food on the SAME day, earlier than EVER before due to customer demand. It’s official… we’re all ready for the festive season to begin!   The M&S experts have worked for over a year to perfect our biggest and best party food range yet, with market-leading innovation set to send shoppers (and social) wild. Festive favourites with a twist include festive turkey dippers (yep!), while Turkey Feast Sandwiches (inspired by our in-store Café social stars) pack all the flavours of Christmas. And what’s more, all our party food is freezable, so you can get ahead by popping it away (in the freezer), for the big day!   In our festive food to go range, our iconic Turkey Feast is back. Plus, breakfast, sides and drinks are aplenty, including Gingerbread Overnight Oats and Festive Turkey Dippers that are sure to be a social star!   And if that wasn’t enough, M&S Food is making sure this is the BIGGEST Christmas launch day yet, with more than 35 festive faves landing into the Foodhall, including our Gingerbread Blondie Cookie Cup Pies and Fully Loaded Peppermint and Double Chocolate Ice Cream… YES PLEASE!
IN THE MOOD FOR PARTY FOOD
NEW Hash Brown Topple Tower, €7.50, 530g Golden, crispy potato hashbrown fingers paired with a tangy virgin tomato dip.     NEW Collection Paella Bites, €10, 184g
Party Food Menu 4 for €3 (available instore now)
Duck Spring Rolls Indian Snack Selection Brie and Cranberry Tarts Hash Brown Jenga Halloumi Fries Breaded Prawns Tempura Prawn and Ponzu Dip Mini Beef Encrt  Wrapped Prawns Chicken Tikka Naans Mini Pies Patata Barvas Hot Smoked Salmon Potato Rosti BBQ Pork Belly Squares Pad Thai Spring Roll Halloumi in a Basket Cheese & Onion/Bacon & Cheese Tarts Vegetable Fritters Mushroom Vol au Vent Pancake Bacon Stacks Filled Yorkshire Cheesy Scone with Ham Hock Tortillas Chorizo & Manchego Goats Cheese & Onion Tarts Vegetable Tacos
SENSATIONAL SEASONAL SANDWICHES AND SNACKS
NEW Festive Turkey Dipper, €3.50, 80g                                                                                                                                                          A creamy turkey gravy dip, made with Irish Turkey and topped with a cranberry and stuffing crumb and crispy onions with salted pretzels for dipping.   Turkey Feast Sandwich, €5.50                                                                                                                                            The returning favourite and boy it doesn’t disappoint. Irish roast turkey with Irish pork, sage & onion stuffing, onion mayonnaise, sweet cranberry chutney, and smoked bacon on malted bread – yep, Christmas is officially here!   In stores now
NEW High Protein Gingerbread Overnight Oats, €3.50, 200g                                                                                                                 Packed with 21g of protein! Warming and creamy overnight oats topped with a buttery gingerbread biscuit crumble.   Mini Colin the Caterpillar, €2.75, 50g                                                                                                                           Our classic chocolate sponge mini roll filled with chocolate buttercream, smothered in milk chocolate, and dressed in a festive hat.     In stores now
Made Without Turkey Feast, €6.00
Full Festive Food to Go Menu
NEW Gingerbread Overnight Oats (V) NEW Festive Turkey Dipper NEW Extreme Ridge Spicy Prawn Cocktail Crisps (V) NEW Roast Turkey Crisps Turkey Feast Sandwich Pigs in Blankets Sandwich Christmas Club Sandwich Brie & Cranberry Sandwich (V) Made Without Turkey Feast Sandwich (GF) Turkey, Bacon & Cranberry Sausage Roll Mini Colin the Caterpillar (V) 14 Quarter Festive Platter Diet Cloudy Lemonade King Prawn Dip   M&S are proud to be partnering with Focus Ireland for the 6th festive season in a row. We're giving* 5% of sales from each item sold in our festive food on the move range to Focus Ireland.
NEW FESTIVE FINDS
Gingerbread Blondie Cookie Cup Pies, €5, 160g Chocolate chip and ginger cookie pastry filled with a fudgy white chocolate blondie with a festive gingerbread character topping (almost too cute to eat!)   In stores now
			Fully Loaded Peppermint and Double Chocolate Ice Cream, €6.50, 500ml Creamy peppermint flavoured ice cream with a rich dark chocolate sauce, dark chocolate curls, and crunchy red sugar pieces.   In stores now
ENDS     For further information please contact: john@fuzion.ie   Prices may vary in selected stores. * 5% of all proceeds from this initiative will be donated to Focus Ireland, supporting their mission to prevent homelessness and help people secure a place they can call home. Focus Ireland is a registered charity in Ireland (CHY 7220), working to provide housing, support services, and advocacy for individuals and families at risk.   Follow us on Instagram: @marksandspencerireland  Did you know we are on TikTok too? Follow @marksandspencerirl today to find out the latest news! #ThisIsNotJust #MyMarksFave

 

Ummera Smokehouse Maintaining High Standards Under New Management!

Ummera Smokehouse Maintaining High Standards Under New Management!

Great to see Ummera Smokehouse back in business and great to taste that the products are as good as ever, the operation now under the previous Production Manager Sorin, who has been central to the business for the last number of years, and his wife Inna. 

The outgoing Anthony Creswell, also the founder, told me a few months back that he had great faith in the couple's ability to continue to provide the same high standards you'd expect from Ummera Smoke House. "With Sorin’s dominion over brine and flame and Inna’s grace and charm, I couldn’t think of a better pair for the job".

The proof is in the pudding as they say and when I saw their stall at the recent Cork Kerry Food Fest, I immediately bought two of my favourite products, smoked duck and chicken. Ummera, operating on the banks of the little river Adrigeen in Timoleague for close on forty years, is licensed to smoke both fish and meat and the products are exported worldwide. They smoke salmon, chicken, duck (I got an early taste of that beauty too a few years ago!), beef and bacon and you may buy them all and more online.

I must say that the duck is as flavoursome as I remember and so is the chicken, as we tried them (on separate occasions 😀😀😀), each time with a fairly simple salad. Next, I must get some of their fish! It's been a very impressive start for the couple and here's wishing them all the best for the coming years. More on Ummera, including online shop, here.

Discover the Captivating Bakestone: A Colourful and Culinary Delight in Cork!

Discover the Captivating Bakestone: A Culinary Delight in Cork!

Hot Nashville Chicken

Nestled in an old city centre building, now with a vibrant  mural greeting passersby, Bakestone Café is a must-visit destination on Perry Street! After twelve successful years in Carrigtwohill, Joe and Maura Carey have shared their beloved café, pantry, and bakery with the diners of the city in a building that once housed firkins for the Cork Butter Exchange and which now "hosts" that spectacular mural.

Step inside one of the largest dining rooms in Cork city, where the inviting atmosphere is steered by General Manager Neil Muscheidt. Bakestone is not just a café; it's a celebration of local produce! The menus are a tribute to the bounty of local farmers and growers, and their pantry is brimming with top-notch Irish goodies. You’ll find everything from artisanal jams to zesty sauces (and Christmas Hampers currently), all crafted with love and care.

Brunch Bliss! 🥞
Call in for breakfast which can include the famous Bakestone Brekkie! Choose from hearty porridge, award-winning granola, or a variety of egg dishes that will make your morning sparkle. Don’t miss out on the fluffy pancakes, or savoury sausage rolls. And let’s not forget  the exceptional coffee—roasted locally by Badger & Dodo in Fermoy - it's the perfect pick-me-up!

Lunchtime Delights!

Nashville Hot Chicken and decadent French Toast
When lunch rolls around, prepare to relax and enjoy! That’s just what we did a week oir two back. They had a few specials on the board but my pick came from the regular menu: Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich packed with delicious Southern style fried chicken in a Bakestone Brioche Bun, Baby gem lettuce, Bakestone Hot Sauce (not overly so!), Pickles & Mayo with Crispy Potato Bites.

Across the table, CL was enjoying her decadent French Toast: Pan-fried egg-soaked bread with a topping of Fresh Berries, Mascarpone and Berry Compote. Other topping choices were Smoked Streaky Bacon with Mable Syrup; Poached Pear, Salted Caramel and Mascarpone; and Banana, Maple Glazed Pecans and Mascarpone.

A few months back we also visited (again at lunchtime) and then CL indulged in a delicious quiche with Grilled Mediterranean Veg, served with a side of leaves and Bakestone House Dressing. She could have opted for ham and cheese instead. 

I like my bagels and Bakestone’s (loaded with Tender Grilled Chicken, Avocado, Jalapeño Mayo, Rocket, Tomato and Emmental Cheese) on the soft toasted bread is one of the best around.!

On this visit, we were so full that we gave the desserts a skip, even passing the massive display of cakes on the way out! Next time! Another lovely visit to Bakestone and the helpful friendly staff in Perry Street.

Bakestone Timeline

2013: founded by Joe and Maura Carey in Fota Retail Park (near Carrigtwohill).

2017: The pantry began with a small collection of items and has grown to feature over 150 Irish-made products, including their own jams, chutneys, and cakes, curated by general manager Neil Muscheidt.

2023: A brand-new scratch bakery was opened next door to the Carrigtwohill café, serving as a hub for pastries, breads, and occasion cakes.

2025: Bakestone opened its first city-centre location on Perry Street in May. The move created 18 new jobs and brought the the team total to 67.

Mural by David Shillinglaw, part of the Sounds from a Safe Harbour week last September, paints
donated by Pat MacDonnell. The mural won Best in Tourism & Arts at the Cork Better Buildings Awards. 

Ballymaloe Annual Craft Fair. Part Two next weekend!

Ballymaloe Craft Fair. Part Two next weekend!

After a well attended opening last weekend, the annual Ballymaloe Craft Fair has another two days of browsing and snacking coming up next Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd November.

Again, there will be over 200 exhibitors (not necessarily the same as last weekend) across the two days  made up of Irish design, craft and food, the perfect event to support local business and producers and also to get ahead of your Christmas shopping! See the pics below for a hint of what you can expect.

The Ballymaloe Craft Fair is just as much about atmosphere as it is about shopping. A stroll through the stalls is accompanied by festive music, the scent of mulled wine and mead, and the sight of families and friends enjoying time together. 

The food offering is a highlight every year, with a careful selection of delicious and warming treats — hot chocolate, baked and savoury delights, and a line-up of interesting and exciting food trucks. All the details here. 

Deidre of Jim-Jams displaying a range of beautiful organic cotton ladies pyjamas and bathrobes

Various Christmas puddings around the fair but
I always enjoy my annual favourite from Barnabrow House

High and dry. Doggie comforts!

In the sculpture room, a Tree by Glenn Gibson 

No shortage of food trucks here!

Lots of vintage to choose from, including this
Royal Albert Country Roses set.

Santa's transport department

Matthew Brownlie of the
Skibbereen Food Company
and his range of tasty snacks.

Just for Dogz!

Graham Herterich, aka The Cupcake Bloke, had a busy time of it, 

Irresistible!

For the birds (above) and, below, for the kids (small and big!)

Cork University Press presents: The Irish Pub Invention and re-invention

Cork University Press presents:

The Irish Pub
Invention and re-invention

Edited by Moonyoung Hong and Perry Share

Local craft beer at Castlebar's Bar One

Immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural significance of the Irish pub, from its humble beginnings in the 17th century, to its modern incarnation as a global phenomenon

Available now

 

When and how was the Irish pub invented? Or indeed the ‘Irish pub’ – now to be found in thousands of places across the world. How has the pub evolved to become a global symbol of Irishness and how has it come to occupy a central position in our drama, poetry, novels, art and design? Does the pub remain a crucial place in the Irish community, or has it been usurped by the coffee shop and the gym? Does this matter? Often labelled an institution ‘in crisis’, what indeed does the future hold for the Irish pub in Ireland and internationally?

This is the first book-length academic study of this celebrated institution. Academic and field experts across history, literature, sociology, psychology, music, architecture and the field of food and drink studies interrogate the many ways the Irish pub has been invented and reinvented over the centuries. It offers hidden histories, inside stories, new perspectives and perceptive analyses, such as the role of female publicans, gay social life in early 20th century, diasporic Irish pubs and interviews from pub-owners and goers. From Dublin’s Long Hall to Oliver’s Place in Lapland, it draws on the experiences of hundreds of Irish pubs, both celebrated and obscure, to provide a complex picture of this global phenomenon.

O'Dowd's Connemara. Food is now an important part of the pub offering

As ever in its history, the Irish pub is changing and evolving. This fascinating and engaging volume will inspire some concerns, and some hope, about its future trajectory and place in the world.

The Irish Pub is edited by Moonyoung Hong and Perry Share. Moonyoung Hong is Assistant Professor in the School of English at the University of Hong Kong. She obtained her MPhil in Irish Writing and PhD in English at Trinity College Dublin. She is author of Tom Murphy’s Theatre of Everyday Space (Routledge, 2025) and has published in Irish Studies Review, Comparative Drama, Études Irlandaises, and Review of Irish Studies in Europe (RISE). She is on the executive committee for the Irish Society for Theatre Research (ISTR).

Perry Share is Head of School of Business and Social Sciences at Atlantic Technological University. He is a sociologist with a broad range of interests, from technology to education to food and eating. He is co-author of A Sociology of Ireland (4th edition, 2012) and of a number of publications in the sociology of food and drink. He is an Editorial Board member of the European Journal of Food, Drink and Society and was formerly external examiner on the MA in Gastronomy and Food Studies, Technological University Dublin.

October 2025 | 9781782050667 | €59  £55  $65 | Hardback | 170 x 240mm | 400 pages | Full colour | Available now

 Press release