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.
Silver's Bakehouse is finally here, and it's just as fabulous as we'd hoped.
Just when you thought Leeds’ favourite sandwich spot couldn't get any better, they go and open a bakery.
Silver's Bakehouse has opened its beautiful pastel green doors today over in Farsley to queues of excited fans eager to get their first taste.
So, what's on offer at Silver's Bakehouse?
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Well, as masterminds of the almighty sandwich you'll be happy to know you can still get one here. However, their iconic sub sarnies have had an Italian makeover and are now served in fresh, springy sourdough which is baked onsite.
Elsewhere on the menu you'll find brown butter buttermilk brownies (try saying that three times), a range of delicious cookies, sausage rolls, soft amaretti biscuits and Dark Arts tiramisu.
There's also a fab selection of Italian drinks on offer in a swanky new fridge, as well as a coffee menu so you can pick a brew to go hand in hand with your chosen baked good.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The interior is just as gorgeous, complete with yellow walls, red tiles and a mirror hanging above the baker's table so you can really see all the magic happen.
And trust us, it is magic.
There's a couple of benches outside so you can plonk yourself in the sunshine to enjoy your sarnie, which is what we'll be doing in this glorious bank holiday sunshine.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can really tell this is a proper labour of love, and Chris and the team have done a cracking job of keeping that Silver's spirit in there.
Go and say hello to congratulate them on this fabulous new opening, it's a great addition to Farsley and the Leeds foodie scene.
The beautiful West Yorkshire valley walk that ends at a top gastropub
Daisy Jackson
If your idea of a perfect Sunday doesn't involve a stroll in the countryside followed by lunch in a country pub - we can't be friends.
And if that does sound like your idea of a very nice day out, we've found a pretty spectacular walk-roast combo for you, right here in West Yorkshire.
You can start your day by strolling through surprisingly varied and very green countryside, with stunning valley views, before resting your weary legs beneath the table of an award-winning gastropub.
If you haven't guessed it yet - we're off to the Shibden Valley, just outside Halifax, where your gentle hike will lead you straight to the warm embrace of the Shibden Mill Inn.
The walk begins in the car park beside the pub, but don't get tempted in for a pint just yet.
There's an easy-moderate 5.6km circular that will lead you along a country lane, dropping down to cross a brook, then heading back up a gentle incline towards the top of the valley.
The views along the Shibden Valley from here are beautiful - lush green fields dotted with trees as far as the eye can see.
Then the route takes you along some wide open fields, with plenty of wildlife to spot along the way, before heading into peaceful woodlands.
You can take a break here to paddle in the stream before continuing on through farmland, with friendly horses to say hello to.
Views along the Shibden Valley Circular. Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Then you'll find yourself back at the Shibden Mill Inn, a pub that's consistently finding itself in the prestigious Top 50 Gastropubs list.
Dating back to the 17th century, it's a pretty white building converted from a former mill, with ivy climbing all up its walls.
There's a sizeable beer garden - with a live musician playing when we popped in - but it's hard to resist the cosy charm of the pub's interior, where staff have to duck beneath the low ceiling beams and no surface feels totally straight.
The Shibden Mill Inn's Sunday roast offering does a set menu, with two courses for £40 or three for £45, changing seasonally.
You'll find pub classics on the starters, like chicken liver parfait and homemade soup, before delving into the main event - the Sunday roast.
We love a pub that gives you both mashed AND roasted potatoes, which the Shibden Mill Inn does, along with roast seasonal veg and a towering Yorkshire pudding.
The Sunday roast at the Shibden Mill InnChicken liver parfait, and soup Chocolate fondant with torched marshmallowInside the Shibden Mill Inn
There's roasted salt-aged sirloin of beef, cooked perfectly pink (though they're happy to give it a bit longer if you prefer your meat to not be blushing); or an excellent wedge of belly pork with crispy crackling.
And on the side, a portion of cauliflower cheese that is actually more cheese than cauliflower. Perfect.
Puddings are a nice mix of heavy winter favourites and lighter, fruitier desserts - but we go full stodge, with a chocolate fondant dessert topped with torched marshmallow, salted caramel, and sugared pecans, and have no regrets.
If you want to replicate this Sunday walk and roast, you can see the full circular route here.
Emily Sergeant -
11th April 2023 
