“VATS THE PROBLEM”: The movement to help save our favourite hospitality venues
“VATS THE PROBLEM”: The movement to help save our favourite hospitality venues
- Germany: 7% VAT
- France, Spain, and Italy: 10% VAT
- Securing a stronger future for the cafes and pubs that keep our high streets alive.
- Protecting thousands of local jobs, especially for young people starting out in the workforce.
- Keeping the places we love affordable, ensuring they remain welcoming social hubs for everyone.
Little Italy Brings Authentic Italian Flavour to Worcester
Little Italy Brings Authentic Italian Flavour to Worcester
Did you know that a true taste of Italy can be found in the heart of Worcester? Little Italy, an independent café and deli located on The Foregate at the opening of The Hopmarket, has been delighting customers since opening at the end of August 2025.
Owned by Francesco Tripodi, Little Italy offers a warm and welcoming experience inspired by traditional Italian food culture. In just a few short months, it has quickly become a go-to destination for those seeking quality ingredients, great coffee and a relaxed atmosphere.
Visitors can enjoy a range of café favourites including freshly made sandwiches, focaccia and hot lunch options, alongside expertly brewed coffee and indulgent cakes. A standout highlight is the recently introduced ILLYCREMA, a creamy, refreshing iced coffee made with premium ILLY beans that is already proving popular with customers.
Beyond the café, the deli offers a carefully curated selection of authentic Italian produce, perfect for taking a little piece of Italy home. From premium cheeses, sausages, and cured meats to cupboard essentials, customers can find everything they need to elevate their home cooking. The range includes high-quality products such as Rustichella d’Abruzzo pasta, Mutti sauces, premium tinned fish, pesto, dried goods, and more.
Little Italy also caters to a variety of dietary needs, with both gluten-free and vegan options available to take away.
Located at 16 The Foregate, WR1 3QD, Little Italy is open Tuesday to Thursday from 9am to 5pm, Friday and Saturday from 9am to 5:30pm, and Sunday from 11am to 3:30pm.
With its focus on quality ingredients and a genuine passion for Italian food, Little Italy is already making its mark on Worcester’s food scene. With something exciting set to launch later this year, it is certainly one to watch.
Pop in and say hello to Francesco for a true taste of Italy.
Burger Shop | 20% Off
20% OFF FOOD
MONDAY TO FRIDAY – 12-4PM
Food only. Dine in only. Guest must present a BID card to redeem. Offer is available for the card holder only. Discount not available in conjunction with any other discount, promotion or voucher. Management have the right to withdraw the offer at any time.
AVAILABLE AT
Arch 46 Cherry Tree Walk, Worcester WR1 3BH England
ELGAR FESTIVAL
Set against the iconic backdrop of ‘Elgar Country’, the Elgar Festival is a highlight of the West Midlands cultural calendar, this year taking place across the scenic destinations of Worcester, Malvern, and Pershore from 23 – 31 May 2026. The festival celebrates the enduring legacy of Worcester-born composer Sir Edward Elgar (1857–1934), through a diverse programme featuring world-class artists and accessible performing experiences, talks, exhibitions and guided walks designed to attract the broadest audience.
GALA CONCERT IN WORCESTER CATHEDRAL
Amongst highlights this year is a Gala Concert in Worcester Cathedral on Saturday 30 May which features a performance of the rarely-heard Cello Concerto by Elgar in the version for Viola prepared by Lionel Tertis and premiered under Elgar’s baton in 1930. The work is to be performed by one of today’s leading performers and educationalists, Rosalind Ventris, with the English Symphony Orchestra (ESO) under their Principal Conductor Kenneth Woods. For the second half, the ESO will be joined by the Elgar Festival Chorus for another Elgar rarity; the composer’s early ‘symphony for chorus and orchestra’, ‘The Black Knight’.
‘GREAT BRITISH TONE POEMS’
There will be a further opportunity to hear the English Symphony Orchestra – as Orchestra-in-Residence at the Elgar Festival – on Friday 29 May at Worcester Cathedral in a rousing ‘Great British Tone Poems’ programme, to include Elgar’s ebullient ‘Falstaff’, Bax’s evocative ‘Tintagel’ and Holst’s ever-popular ‘The Planets’ Suite.
STRING GREATS AND NEW DISCOVERIES
On Thursday 28 May, the ESO Strings perform at Great Malvern Priory in a programme of masterpieces from the string repertoire; popular works by Elgar alongside ‘Rakastava’ by Sibelius, and Schoenberg’s ‘Verklarte Nacht’ (‘Transfigured Night’), both haunting and powerful. The final work is ‘Night Windows’ by Thea Musgrave; a five-movement chamber work inspired by a painting of that name by Edward Hopper.
THEA MUSGRAVE CELEBRATED AS FEATURED COMPOSER
The distinguished 97-year-old Scottish-American composer, Thea Musgrave, is featured composer this year at the Elgar Festival and her work is being showcased in performances throughout the event. These include her rich and evocative orchestral work ‘The Seasons’– a work offering a profound yet joyful commentary on the cycles of life through the lens of the changing seasons, and which is to be performed at the Gala concert by the English Symphony Orchestra.
GUEST ARTISTS
Guest artists include oboist Nicholas Daniel and composer and pianist Huw Watkins. I Fagiolini, the British solo voice ensemble and Director Robert Hollingworth will be making a special visit as part of their 40th anniversary tour. Already fully booked is an evening with cellists Julian and Jiaxin Lloyd Webber, while leading record producer Andrew Keener will be reminiscing on his work in the studio with some of the most renowned Elgar conductors and instrumentalists from the 1980s to the present day.
In recital, soprano April Fredrick who, as ESO Affiliate Artist, is well-known to audiences for her many fine performances and recordings, will be joined by acclaimed composer-pianist Eric McElroy and guests Grace Shepherd, violin, and narrator Joseph Campbell Powell, to explore the World War I experiences in words and music of regional luminaries including composers Ivor Gurney, George Butterworth, Arthur Bliss, and Ralph Vaughan Williams.
BEST-LOVED ENSEMBLES
Offering FREE admittance is a popular programme given by Worcestershire Symphony Orchestra, the orchestra co-founded by Sir Edward Elgar, providing an opportunity for families to experience the thrill of live orchestral music. Choral and song repertoire is to be performed by the region’s best-loved ensembles including The Elgar Chorale, and The Jenny Lind Singers who celebrate the works of women composers past and present.
An exciting new collaboration is to be led by Malvern-based multi-disciplinary artist Nakisha Swatton who is working with local amateur and professional musicians to create new musical portraits inspired by Elgar’s ‘Enigma Variations’. International competition winner Roman Kosyakov brings the 2026 festival to a close in virtuosic style with a piano transcription of Elgar’s ‘Enigma Variations’.
PARTICIPATORY EVENTS FOR MUSICIANS OF ALL AGES
At Malvern College, a ‘Come and Play Elgar’ day invites amateur musicians to perform alongside members of the English Symphony Orchestra in two of Elgar’s most challenging overtures as part of a collaborative workshop.
The ‘Elgar for Everyone’ Family Concert is hosted by ESO Youth’s patron, Classic FM broadcaster, composer and author Zeb Soanes, and provides an introduction to the orchestra for music lovers of all ages. Over 100 young musicians from across Elgar Country will play alongside their teachers and ESO mentors for a performance following rehearsals and workshops. A highlight of the program includes the premiere of the winning entries from the 2026 Young Composers Competition.
Participants from the Elgar Festival/Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Young Performer Showcase Programme will perform works for string quartet by Elgar and Rebecca Clarke at the Church of St Mary Magdalene, NT Croome Court.
FREE AND INFORMAL EVENTS
All concerts at the Elgar Festival offer free entry for under 18s accompanied by full-paying adults. Many other events are free-of-charge including relaxed concerts, talks, film and an exhibition.
‘ELGAR FOR EVERYONE’ – BACKGROUND TO THE ELGAR FESTIVAL
Since its inception in 2018, the annual Elgar Festival has grown from a weekend to a 9-day celebration of the life and music of Worcester’s most famous son and Britain’s great composer, Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934), held at a number of integral venues of both historic interest and personal significance to the composer including Worcester Cathedral and Great Malvern Priory. The Elgar Festival was The Guardian’s Crtic’s Pick in 2018 and in 2022 featured as one of the top 20 Jubilee events. https://elgarfestival.org/about/
FURTHER INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS
Elgar Festival 23 – 31 May 2026
Patron: Julian Lloyd Webber
Artistic Director: Kenneth Woods
Orchestra-in-Residence: English Symphony Orchestra
Programme information and ticket sales
Online: www.elgarfestival.org
Email: elgar@elgarfestival.org
Telephone: 01905 611 427
In person: Worcester Theatres, Huntingdon Hall Box Office, CrownGate, Worcester WR1 3LD
HOW TO SUPPORT THE ELGAR FESTIVAL
The Elgar Festival is raising money to help deliver its 2026 iteration and to continue the development of its range of events for people of all ages, interests, and lifestyles. Funding continues to be a huge challenge across all arts organisations and donations are valuable in helping to continue the legacy of one of England’s most revered composers, contributing towards costs for relaxed concerts, artist’s fees and instrument and venue hire, and keeping the Free events free for all. https://elgarfestival.org/support/
CÔTE BRASSERIE LAUNCHES NEW ‘DISH OF THE DAY’ MENU - WITH ICONIC PLATES FOR JUST £10
Côte Brasserie is set to launch an irresistible new dining offer next week, bringing a rotation of much-loved French dishes plus some new additions, all for just £10 per plate. Available Monday to Friday, the new Dish of the Day menu showcases a signature plate each day at an unbelievable price.
The line-up includes classics such as their Steak Frites, Moules Marinière and Confit Pork Belly, and the return of the beloved Breton Fish Stew. Following the overwhelming success of Côte’s Beef Bourguignon Burger, first introduced as a special for National Butcher’s Week this year, the dish now earns a permanent place on the weekly rotation.
Diners can elevate their experience by upgrading to a three-course set for just £10 extra. This includes Côte’s famed French Onion Soup (usually £9) and the Pistachio Crème Brûlée (usually £9), offering guests a saving of £8.
The offer will be redeemable to all guests, there are no terms and conditions, so everyone can enjoy a dish of the day at an exceptional price.
Steve Allen, Executive Chef at Côte Brasserie said: “French classics should be for everyone – some of the best moments in life are shared over simple and comforting dishes. Our dish of the day menu makes those moments even easier to enjoy – French classics, cooked with care, at a price everyone can feel good about.”
Dish of the Day – £10 (available on designated days):
- Monday: Steak Frites (usually from £19)
- Tuesday: Beef Bourguignon Burger (usually £17)
- Wednesday: Breton Fish Stew (usually £19)
- Thursday: Confit Pork Belly (usually from £20.95)
- Friday: Moules Marinière (usually from £17)
Vegetarian and vegan guests will also find indulgent favourites on offer, including creamy Pistou Gnocchi (usually from £16.50), the Vegan Fable Burger with truffle mayo and caramelised onions (usually from £17.50), and Grilled Tempeh with free-flowing frites (usually from £16).
New Italian deli and wine shop brings authentic taste of Italy to Worcester
A new independent Italian deli and wine shop is now open in the heart of Worcester, offering a carefully curated selection of artisan produce, specialist wines, and a truly personal approach to hospitality.
Rizzo Deli & Wine Club, at 3 King Street, is the latest venture from Gianluca Austin-Rizzo, a respected figure in Worcester’s hospitality scene with nearly 30 years of experience in fine dining, wine, and restaurant management.
The deli will showcase a handpicked range of Italian wines, alongside artisan ingredients sourced directly from trusted producers across Italy. Customers can also expect seasonal hampers and tailored recommendations designed to elevate everyday meals as well as special occasions.
Gianluca, who currently manages Benedictos Italian Restaurant, says the concept is about more than just retail:
“This is not just a shop; it’s an experience. I want people to come in, talk about what they’re cooking or planning, and leave inspired—with the right wine, the right ingredients, and the confidence to create something special at home.” 
Before establishing his career in Worcester, Gianluca trained at the renowned Waterside Inn under the guidance of Michel Roux, Alain Roux, and Diego Masciaga—one of Britain’s most celebrated fine dining institutions. He later spent over five years as General Manager at Simpsons Restaurant, further building his reputation within the industry.
Locally, he has also developed a loyal following through the Rizzo Wine Club, which now counts over 700 members and regularly hosts sold-out wine dinners across Worcester and the UK.
Alongside the deli, Gianluca will continue his role at Benedictos while supporting wider hospitality projects in the city, with further developments already in the pipeline.
The new venture is also expected to create new jobs as it grows, contributing to Worcester’s thriving independent food and drink scene.
“Worcester has given me so much over the years. This is my way of giving something back—creating a space that is authentic, welcoming, and built around quality, experience, and community.”
Rizzo Deli & Wine Club is now open, bringing a fresh and distinctive addition to Worcester city centre.
OTTO | 10% Off Food
10% OFF FOOD
T&C’s: Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers or meal deals. Available for dine in or takeaway only.
AVAILABLE AT
4-5 College St, Worcester
Pack It In - Zero Waste Living | 10% Off
10% OFF RETAIL & CAFE
AVAILABLE AT
2 Cornmarket, Worcester, WR1 2DJ
All Bar One Worcester Reopens with a Stylish New Look
All Bar One Worcester is back—with a bold new look and energy to match. Freshly revamped and ready to take its spot as the town's ultimate social destination, it’s the place to brunch, sip, and celebrate in style. Whether it’s catching up over cocktails, winding down after work, or kicking off a night out, our sleek new space is where Worcester’s social scene comes alive.
As part of the refurbishment, the dining area has been expanded, allowing even more guests to take advantage of the incredible 2 for £17 brunch deal, which includes delicious options such as eggs Benedict, avocado on toast and the traditional all-day breakfast.
The bar area has also been upgraded with additional seating and a new look dedicated cocktail masterclass area, complete with a sleek new design perfect for group celebrations and hands-on mixology sessions.
Behind the scenes, the kitchen has also had a renovation, removing all gas appliances and installing a fully electric space, making it more sustainable in line with All Bar One’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and reducing its environmental impact.
Worcester’s favourite spot just got a glow-up. All Bar One’s sleek new makeover sets the stage for all-day sips, bold bites, and unbeatable vibes. From brunching with a live sax at their iconic Saxy Bottomless Brunch, to partying into the night with DJs every Saturday, this is your go-to for good times. The team can’t wait to welcome back familiar faces and new ones alike—come celebrate summer in style.
Speaking about the refurbishment, Amy Fernihough, general manager, said: “I’m so excited - we’ve breathed fresh life into the building with a stunning refurbishment, including enhancing our dining and drinking spaces and brightening the space up to create a welcoming atmosphere. This will allow us to elevate our guests' experiences with us, making us an even more perfect setting to celebrate and enjoy light bites, drinks with friends, brunches and more! We can't wait to welcome our guests - old and new!”
For more information about All Bar One Worcester, please visit All Bar One | All Bar One Worcester
Twisted Spoon in Town | 10% Off
10% OFF
10% off the bill across all our menus, be it brunch, lunch, afternoon tea or evening Smorgas boards!
AVAILABLE AT
12 Friar Street, Worcester
HANBAO release 15 NEW cocktails just in time for New Years!
Get ready to raise your glasses as HANBAO unveils its sensational new menu just in time for the New Year! With 15 exciting drink options, including 11 expertly crafted cocktails and 4 refreshing mocktails, there’s something to delight every palate. What better way to kick off the year than by gathering your friends and family for a memorable night out? Book your table now and toast to new beginnings with HANBAO’s irresistible creations!
NEW COCKTAILS
MATCHA DO ABOUT NOTHING
Eristoff, King’s Ginger, Mirin, Lemon, Watermelon, Matcha Foam
PEACH BLOSSOM SPRING
Beefeater, Giffard Pêche de Vigne, Ming River Baijiu, Pineapple, Lemon, Agave Syrup, Peychaud’s Bitters, Rose Petals
CHIFF KEEF
Koko Kanu, Mozart White Chocolate, Pandan, Lemon, Egg White, Matcha Foam
ROCKET FUEL
El Jimador Blanco, Velvet Falernum, Breakfast Tea Cold Brew, Lime, Soda, Grenadine
DR. ZAIUS
Jim Beam, Campari, Antica Formula, Banana, Banana Chips
POPPIN’ XANTE
Martell, Xante Pear, Velvet Falernum, Curaçao Bleu, Lemon, Popcorn
8 CHAMO-MILE
Chamomile Honey Infused Bourbon, Licor 43, Pineapple, Lemon, Agave Syrup, Angostura Bitters, M&M’s
SAIGON SILK
Stoli Vanilla, Advocaat, Kahlua, Cold Brew, Condensed Milk, Chocolate Dusting
PURPLE HAZE
Bayou White Rum, Giffard Violette, Pineapple, Cranberry, Lemon, Curaçao Bleu, Almond, Egg White
CLOUD NINE
Martell, Giffard Apricot, Lemon, Mango, White Chocolate, Egg White, Marshmallow
SOUR DIESEL
Bayou White Rum, Disaronno, Curaçao Bleu, Apple, Lime, Passion Fruit, Elderflower
MOCKTAILS
NO G SODA
Grape Soda, Elderflower, Apple, Cranberry, Lime
NOT SO PURPLE HAZE
Violette, Kiwi, Almond, Pineapple, Cranberry, Lime
THREE 6 MELON MAFIA
Pineapple Soda, Blueberry, Watermelon, Cranberry, Lime, Cucumber
RED RUNNER
Pandan, Almond, Pineapple, Lime, Soda, Cherry Kool-Aid
Book your table by pressing here.
Zizzi | 20% Off
20% OFF
20% OFF FOOD SUNDAY – THURSDAY
T&C’s: MAX TABLE SIZE: 6. OFFER NOT AVAILABLE FOR GROUPS LARGER THAN 6. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER DISCOUNT INC SET MENU, ZILLIONAIRE, TESCO, BLUE LIGHT, STUDENT BEANS & UNIDAYS DISCOUNT.
OFFER IS UNAVAILABLE ON VALENTINES DAY, MOTHER’S DAY, FATHER’S DAY, BANK HOLIDAYS AND DATES 19 DEC UNTIL 4 JAN.
AVAILABLE AT
106 High Street, Worcester
The King Charles House | 10% Off
10% OFF LUNCH
(Food only)
DURING LUNCH SERVICE | MON - THURS
AVAILABLE AT
The King Charles House, 29 New Street, Worcester
Impasto | 10% Off
10% OFF TOTAL BILL
Discount off the total bill from Tuesday to Thursday, not valid with any other offers.
AVAILABLE AT
6 Saint Swithin's Street, Worcester
The Olive Branch | 10% Off
10% OFF TOTAL BILL
Discount off the total bill from Tuesday to Thursday, not valid with any other offers.
AVAILABLE AT
6 Church Street, Worcester
Subway | 10% Off
10% OFF OR MEAL DEAL UPGRADE
Customers can redeem either a 10% discount off their purchase, or, redeem a free meal deal upgrade with the purchase of a sub or salad. This entitles the user to a free drink and a free cookie with the purchase of any Subway sandwich or salad.
AVAILABLE AT
20, The Cross, Worcester
Hanbao | 10% Off
10% OFF FOOD
Discount applies to Wednesday to Friday, 12-5 PM
AVAILABLE AT
4 Foregate Street, Worcester
Auntie Em's Tea Room | 10% Off
10% OFF FOOD & DRINK
Offer excludes milkshakes
AVAILABLE AT
6B, City Arcade, Worcester
The Cloister Café | 10% Off
10% OFF
Food & Drink, Tuesday - Thursday
AVAILABLE AT
Worcester Cathedral, Worcester
O'Neill's | 10% Off
10% OFF FOOD & DRINK
NOT TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER OFFER OR DISCOUNT.
AVAILABLE AT
6-8 Saint Nicholas St, Worcester
Mode Sports Bar and Grill | 20%
20% OFF
20% off the Sunday carvery!
Served 12-3PM, Sunday. Please present card to gain offer. ID may be required at time of purchase.
AVAILABLE AT
Angel Row, Worcester
Chester's | 10%
10% OFF
Value off total bill for the whole table, all week, Tuesday-Saturday
AVAILABLE AT
51 New Street, Worcester
Time to Eat | Special Offer
FREE Tea or Coffee!
When purchasing a breakfast
AVAILABLE AT
The Hopmarket, Worcester
Our Taste of Portugal | Special Offer
FREE Tea or Coffee!
When purchasing 2 (highly delicious) custard tarts
AVAILABLE AT
The Hopmarket, Worcester
Retroids Arcade Bar | 10% Off
10% OFF DRINKS
Off all drinks Monday-Thursday, all-day
AVAILABLE AT
8-9 College Street, Worcester
Pasta Di Piazza | 10% Off
10% OFF
Food Only, Sunday-Thursday
AVAILABLE AT
66 Broad Street, Worcester
Pizza Express | 10% Off
20% OFF
Sunday-Thursday, not in conjunction with any other promotion
AVAILABLE AT
1-3 College Street, Worcester
Paw & Co | 10% Off
10% OFF
Excludes Saturday. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer
AVAILABLE AT
22, Reindeer Court, Worcester
Starbucks |Cathedral Sq| 10% Off
10% OFF FOOD & DRINKS
OFFER DOES NOT INCLUDE BOTTLED DRINKS AND IMPULSE ITEMS
AVAILABLE AT
Cathedral Square, Worcester
Starbucks |The Cross| 10% Off
10% OFF EVERYTHING!
This deal includes merchandise and bottled beverages. This discount can also be used in conjunction with Starbucks Gold Rewards.
AVAILABLE AT
24-25, The Cross, Worcester
