It’s a question we’ve all heard before, it’s an age old debate amongst the British public, and at this point, in 2022, it’s an answer that we just can’t seem to agree or settle on, no matter how hard we try.
Jaffa Cakes are an iconic sweet treat that were first introduced by snack food brand McVitie’s all the way back in 1927.
They are named after jaffa oranges, contain a simple combination of sugar and tangerine oil to form the sealed layer of jam in the middle, and for the last 95 years, have regularly been voted among Britain’s favourite biscuits or cakes.
But also for last 95 years, people have been debating what they actually are.
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The debate has generated opinion from pretty much everyone who’s ever tasted the treat, but now, the official Jaffa Cakes Twitter account has decided to wade in and attempt to end the conversation once and for all.
In response to a curious fan this week who simply asked on Twitter this week: “Is a Jaffa Cake a Cake or a biscuit?”, Jaffa Cakes officially confirmed that it’s “cake all the way”.
Although this definitive answer may seem like the end of the debate, it may not actually be what is seems, as this isn’t the first time McVitie’s has tried to argue the cake label.
In 1991, McVitie’s successfully managed to argue that the sweet treat are in fact cakes and therefore exempt from VAT, but a later tribunal then determined that, while certain characteristics of the Jaffa Cake were cake-like, including the ingredients and texture, it was also the size and shape of a biscuit, and packaged and sold alongside biscuits.
This means that it’s presented to be eaten with your fingers, and not with a fork like cakes are generally consumed.
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So honestly, who really knows anymore?
Jaffa Cakes were first introduced by snack food brand McVitie’s all the way back in 1927 / Credit: McVitie’s
The brand’s latest Twitter response comes after it launched a variation on the British classic last May known as a ‘Jonut’ – a doughnut-shaped ring of sponge with the staple orange-flavoured filling and a dark chocolate coating that McVitie’s bosses expected would “spark further conversation”.
When a confectionary fan went directly to the verified official Jaffa Cake Facebook page and simply asked “What side of the Jaffa is the bottom?”, the company’s response was: “Our Jaffa Cakes go through a reservoir of chocolate, so the chocolate is on the bottom.”
Featured Image – Flickr
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Space NK to give away hundreds of free goody bags at opening of new Trafford Centre store
Emily Sergeant
Space NK is set to open its new store in the Trafford Centre this weekend, and hundreds of shoppers are expected to turn out.
As the leading beauty retailer – which also recently just opened a swanky new store in Manchester Arndale – prepares to welcome cosmetics fans through the doors of its newest Greater Manchester home this weekend, customers are being told they’re in for a real treat, as the brand has now confirmed some exciting launch day plans.
The first 300 people to visit the new Trafford Centre store on Saturday (21 September) when it opens at 10am will receive an exclusive Space NK goody bag filled with items from some of the world’s best beauty brands.
Not only that, but the first 200 shoppers to spend £150 in store will also receive a goody bag that’s worth an incredible £300.
Known and loved by millions of shoppers all across the country for offering a wide range of products, including skincare, cosmetics, and even beauty ‘gadgets’ too, Space NK stocks more than 130 world-renowned brands.
Drunk Elephant, Nars, Charlotte Tilbury, and Diptyque are just some of the big names the retailer is known to stock, alongside a whole host of exclusive products.
The new Trafford Centre store will feature 18 makeup ‘gondolas’, more than 300 shelves of the most in-demand brands, and dedicated areas for customers to try products at their leisure.
Space NK is opening a new store in the Trafford Centre this weekend / Credit: Space NK (via Facebook)
To make sure no launch-day customer walks away empty handed, Space NK branded tote bags will be handed out to Trafford Centre shoppers, alongside a selection of different beauty samples for anyone joining the queue.
Across the opening weekend, on both Saturday and Sunday, any customer who makes a purchase in-store will also get the chance to play the ‘Spin to Win’ wheel game, and there’s loads of amazing prizes set to be won – including a much-coveted Space NK advent calendar, just in time for the festive season.
DJs will be blasting tunes to entertain shoppers all weekend long, and there’ll also be an exclusive set from TikTok sensation, the Altego twins, as well as complementary croissants and cookies for the first customers in the queue.
Space NK will be located on Lower Peel Avenue in the Trafford Centre, and it officially opens for business from 10am on Saturday 21 September.
Featured Image – Supplied
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A popular Manchester bar is giving away hundreds of FREE beers next week
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s most popular city centre bars is set to give away hundreds of free beers for just two days only.
And it’s all to celebrate the long-awaited return of Oktoberfest.
In case you hadn’t heard, Manchester is gearing up for a two-week “Bavarian extravaganza” starting at the end of this month, as popular city centre hangout, Albert’s Schloss, unveiled its programme of Oktoberfest-themed events a couple of weeks back, and it’s packed with plenty of bier-fuelled fun, foodie classics, and round-the-clock revelry.
The much-loved venue has become “the ultimate purveyor of Bavarian bliss” in Manchester over the years, and 2024 is expected to be absolutely no different.
Revellers are invited to head on down to Schloss for a whirlwind of celebrations.
Throughout the 16-day event, which is kicking off from next Thursday 26 September, you can get stuck into everything from ‘Keg Tapping’, and sipping specially-selected beers, to experiencing must-see “eclectic” entertainment, a live Oompah brass band, best dressed competitions, and a whole host of other games and activities.
But it wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without the beer, right? Or should we say, ‘bier’.
Luckily, Albert’s Schloss will be serving Munich’s ‘Big Six’, making it the only venue in Manchester to serve all six of the legitimate Oktoberfest beers synonymous with the festival this year.
Annual Oktoberfest celebrations are returning to Manchester with a two-week ‘Bavarian extravaganza’ / Credit: Supplied
To celebrate the festivities in true Bavarian style too, Schloss will be giving away 100 free biers to the first 100 guests through the door on both Thursday 26 September and Thursday 3 October.
Eager bier-lovers will need to be ready to enter the venue from 5pm on both Thursdays if they want be in with the chance of getting to sip on a pint of Höfbrauhaus, Löwenbräu, Augustinerbräu, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, or Spaten-Franziskaner from the classic lineup, all without having to spend a single penny.
Schloss’ beloved Cook Haus will also be offering Oktoberfest classics too, like crispy Bavarian Schweinshaxe pork knuckle, and a whole section dedicated to Schnitzels and the traditional Bratwurst.
Oktoberfest 2024 is running at Albert’s Schloss Manchester from Saturday 21 September – Sunday 6 October, and you can find out more on the venue’s website here.
Emily Sergeant -
9th February 2022 
