Warburtons has unleashed its latest bakery innovation to the world, and a lot of people aren't convinced.
We all know that the crumpet is a truly iconic British snack, right? And Warburton's best-selling version of the crumpet is one of the most beloved there is – with a whopping 155 million baked and distributed across the UK each year.
But now, alongside the original crumpets and the Giant Crumpets launched back in 2015, Warburtons has decided to “expand and diversify” its crumpet offering even further with the new Crumpet Thins.
Crumpet Thins are, according to Warburtons, produced with the same high-quality ingredients as the original crumpets, so you still get that “delicious taste in every bite”, but with only 61 calories in each, they are said to perfect for those wanting “a lighter breakfast or snack option”.
🎉 BAKING NEWS 🎉 We’ve been working on a little somethin’ new for the breakfast table. Introducing…Crumpet Thins 🤩🧡 pic.twitter.com/nPWDbtT43f
Warburtons’ Chairman, Jonathan Warburton, says the company decided to create the new Crumpet Thins are they “found a need for lighter options which still delivered on great taste”.
“Consumers are always looking for new ways to enjoy our products,” he explained.
“Our existing Thins and Thin Bagel ranges have been booming since their launch… and we know crumpets are the top snack for many people across the UK, whether that’s for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, so it was a no brainer for us to have some fun with our signature recipe and bring the nation Crumpet Thins.”
The new crumpet invention is now in store at Morrisons, and is soon to arrive on the shelves at other supermarket chains across the UK – including Tesco, Asda, Co-op, and Iceland – on different dates throughout this month.
The company says it hopes people are as excited for what it’s calling a “modern take on a British cult classic” as it is.
But it seems not everyone is convinced.
A post about the new Crumpet Thins shared on Instagram by the massively-popular food blogger and reviewer, New Foods UK, a couple of days ago has now amassed over 4,000 likes and hundreds of comments from foodie fans sharing their mixed reactions to the new creation – with some going as far as to calling them a “game-changer”, while others branded them “criminal”.
“Why would you make a delicious crumpet thin? If there’s a crumpet to be had, I want MORE CRUMPET,” one passionate crumpet fan commented.
“I can’t think of any reason why I would want to eat a thinner crumpet,” another said.
A third questioned: “Why make them thinner? To save on ingredients but still charge the consumer the same or more? Crumpets are fine the way the are”, while a fourth added: “Why oh why? The whole point in a crumpet is that is thick and tasty.”
“Who’s asking for LESS crumpet? That’s criminal,” one fan comically questioned, while another claimed: “No one asked for thinner crumpets.”
Many on social media also pointed to the fact that the new Crumpet Thins resemble pikelets – which are regionally-known thinner and more pancake-like griddle breads.
“Are these not just pikelets rebranded?,” one person questioned.
You know the venue, and you know the operators behind it, but things are looking a little different over on Sovereign Street.
Leeds' very own Kirkstall Brewery has teamed up with street food legends Little Bao Boy to totally reinvent the city centre taproom formerly known as North Taproom.
At the all-new The City Taproom, you'll find a way cosier space alongside their sun-soaked terrace, as they aim to reimagine a traditional city centre pub.
Across 16 tap lines there are loads of Kirkstall Brewery classics, like Kirkstall Pilsner, Virtuous and Judicious, plus a rotating selection of guest beers from top British breweries - and Guinness, of course.
The City Taproom will also feature two new cask lines: one serving Three Swords as a staple, and the other on rotation starting this month with Golden Hour.
There's a bigger kitchen for Little Bao Boy too, which means an even larger menu of bao and Asian street food, like loaded fries, noodles, and rice bowls.
Little Bao Boy was founded 10 years ago by James Ooi, specialising in home-made bao buns and traditional Asian street food with a contemporary western twist.
Kirkstall have injected the huge space with the traditional essence of a proper Kirkstall establishment, with that kind of cosy atmosphere you know them for at the brewery's other sites.
Little Bao Boy at City TaproomKirkstall Brewery pints and cocktails
This is yet another of the local brewery's openings in the city centre, joining their recent renovation of The Victoria & Commercial in partnership with Whitelocks, plus their stewardship of the historic Tetley brewery building.
James Ooi, founder of Little Bao Boy said: "We have been part of this venue since day one, through COVID, outside seating, and new owners, and we are so excited for this refurb.
"On the food side, expect more collaborations, faster service, and a better overall customer experience. We are extremely grateful Kirkstall saw the value in this refurb and can't wait to get back open."
Steve Holt, founder of Kirkstall Brewery, said: "We're delighted to unveil a new presentation for the Taproom on Sovereign Street.
"It has been named The City Taproom after a famous but long-gone Leeds pub known as ‘The City’, which was situated where the statue of the Dortmund Brewer now stands. Images of the original City pub are a feature in the new look City Taproom, which can best be described as a 're-imagination' of a traditional city-centre pub.
"The City Taproom celebrates Leeds and its rich pub and brewing heritage. We hope that it will become a popular addition to the amazing and diverse venues that make Leeds such a vibrant City for hospitality and entertainment."
It's all the bits you loved before, just a little bigger and a whole lot better.
The City Taproom opens at 3 Sovereign Street on Thursday 23 April.
Much-loved West Yorkshire cafe announces closure after heartbreaking health diagnosis
Daisy Jackson
A popular cafe and bake house in West Yorkshire has announced it will close at the end of the month, after its founder received a devastating diagnosis.
Lucy's Little Bake House in Halifax has shared the 'very difficult news' that it will be closing its doors in just a few weeks' time.
Founder Lucy Chapple told followers that she has sadly been diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer.
She now plans to step away from the business so that she can 'focus all of my time and energy on treatment and being with my beautiful family'.
Lucy's Little Bake House has been flooded with messages of support ever since sharing the news this week.
Lucy wrote that she will 'always be deeply grateful for every order, every visit, and every kind word' received since launching the cafe.
She was first diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer a little over a year ago, and ever since has been sharing symptoms and warning signs to raise awareness, encouraging people not to ignore any signs that don't feel right.
Announcing the imminent closure of Lucy's Little Bake House, she wrote: "Hi everyone, After a lot of thought, I need to share some very difficult news. News which I never wanted to share.
"Lucy's Little Bake House will be closing its doors at the end of April. This is because I've recently been diagnosed with stage 4 bowel c-ancer
"I need to step away from the business and focus all of my time and energy on treatment and being with my beautiful family.
"Our last day will be Thursday 30th April. Before then we are open as usual so please come and see us. I would love to see you!
"Running this business and serving our Gorgeous customers for the past 7 years has meant the world to me. Your support, kindness, and loyalty over the years have helped make Lucy's Little Bake House so special, and I will always be deeply grateful for every order, every visit, and ever kind word.
"Thank you for supporting my small business and for being part of this incredible journey. With so much love and gratitude, Lucy XXX
"P.S. Please please share this post so I can reach as many customers as possible"
We've got a few weeks left before Lucy's Little Bake House closes for good, so head over to Dean Clough and show them some support.
Emily Sergeant -
11th April 2023 
