Food and drink

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Football’s weirdest pre-match meals including Jamie Vardy’s omelette, Gareth Bale’s baked beans and Paul Scholes

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE legends have served up fireworks on the pitch – and choose some real bangers when it comes to odd pre-match meals.You might think Jamie Vardy going from skittles and Vodka to Red Bulls, double espresso and omelette would take some beating…
      Gareth Bale believed in a ‘mountain of baked beans’Credit: YouTube @ SKS Tube Sports
      Paul Scholes added a couple of Turkish Delights to his beansCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Jamie Vardy went from Skittles and Vodka to loads of Red BullCredit: PA
      And you’d be right!
      But Gareth Bale, Paul Scholes, Pascal Gross and Andy Carroll are juicy contenders for top honours in our list of munching madness.
      It also appears many of football’s stylists believe a good old-fashioned British favourite gets them blazing out of the blocks early doors.
      To amend a childhood proverb, their motto seems to be: “Baked beans are good for your art – the more you eat the better you start.”
      READ MORE TOP FOOTBALL
      JAMIE VARDY
      The late-developing Leicester striker, 37, who went on to win 26 England caps, is undoubtedly the one to beat at the top of the dining table.
      And it’s hard to say it better than Vardy himself when describing how his pre-match routine graduated from Skittles, Vodka and a penchant for drinking Port from a Lucozade bottle.
      He said: “Three Red Bulls, a double espresso and a cheese and ham omelette is what makes me run around like a nut-job on a match day.”
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Most read in Football
      And if you are not quite convinced that combination would meet the approval of a  sports nutritionist, then how about Vardy’s meticulous timetable for consuming it all on match-day….
      The 2016 Prem winner explained: “I wake up in the morning and then [have a] Red Bull. 
      “Literally I get out of bed, get the kids up and downstairs, get their breakfast sorted and then I’m straight into the Red Bull.
      “After that we meet at the stadium for pre-match and while I’m getting changed I’ll have a coffee – it’s better than taking ProPlus. 
      “Red Bull, coffee and then when we get over to the pre-match lounge, I’ll have my cheese and ham omelette with another can of Red Bull.”
      GARETH BALE
      The Wales legend raised eyebrows at Tottenham with his eating habits ahead of kick-off.
      The now-retired winger is one of the few players Real Madrid stars have compared favourably to Cristiano Ronaldo for pure athleticism.
      So perhaps his choice of “cuisine” is not to be scoffed at.
      Former Spurs team-mate Jermaine Jenas revealed the golf-crazy star’s ample eating.
      Jenas told TNT Sports: “The only meal I remember looking at and thinking why and how was Gareth Bale.
      “He used to have like five slices of toast and a mountain of baked beans.”
      PAUL SCHOLES
      The Manchester United legend added a strange twist to traditional nosh.
      The ex-England midfielder, now a pundit, went from box to box with his all-round skills.
      But before kick-off he’d go from chocs to chocs in a curious mix of sweet and savoury food.
      Appearing on the Back of the Net podcast, Scholes told presenter Gabby Logan: “Beans on toast, always, try to have it all the time. 
      “I always had a Turkish Delight as well, the night before the game.
      “It was a bit of a superstition, weird that. Two Turkish Delights and a cup of tea, but I’d always buy a packet of three and leave one.”
      ANDY CARROLL
      The giant frontman, 35, has been accused of having no nutritional nous at Newcastle – when he tucked into Yorkshire puddings and gravy before matches.
      The ex-Liverpool and England ace who is now with Amiens, admitted horrifying a Toon fans’ favourite with his heavyweight pre-loading.
      Andy Carroll’s pre-match roast horrified Newcastle team-mate Kevin NolanCredit: Graham Hughes – The Times
      Carroll said: “This one time Kevin Nolan rang me up and said, ‘Will you pick me up cos my car’s not working… where are you?’ 
      “I said I’m just having a Sunday roast and he went mental, screamed at me on the phone, ‘Are you joking?’ and I told him I’d done that forever.”
      PASCAL GROSS
      Brighton’s ex-Tottenham full-back Pascal Gross is one of those players who in one sense eats quite normally… until you discover how he puts all the ingredients together.
      The four-cap German, 32, limbers up conventionally with rice, chicken and olive oil – only to turn bizarre by topping off the combo with Weetabix”
      WAYNE ROONEY
      The Man Utd and England icon is chewing over his managerial future after being sacked by Birmingham.
      So perhaps he might return to the high-carb comfort food he used to down before playing matches.
      The Everton all-time great, 38, once told FourFourTwo his pre-match ritual included Coco Pops and a banana.
      GARY NEVILLE
      The pundit has become a successful pundit and entrepreneur since his days at right-back for the Red Devils and the Three Lions.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      But despite his sophisticated credentials, Nev gives Rooney a run for his money in terms of his simple intake before matches.
      The recent Dragons’ Den debutant made “spaghetti with sauce, yoghurt and Ribena” his pre-match cuisine.
      Ex-Man Utd and England team-mates Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney both had what might be considered child-like eating habits before gameCredit: Reuters More

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      I played with Gareth Bale at Tottenham and couldn’t believe his pre-match meal… I tried it once and it did not go well

      by

      JERMAINE JENAS has revealed Gareth Bale stunned Tottenham team-mates with his choice of pre-match meal.And the pundit explained why trying it himself backfired.
      Gareth Bale was no ‘has-bean’ in his first spell at Tottenham – but perhaps his pre-match meal should have been, according to Jermaine JenasCredit: Getty
      Ex-Spurs, Newcastle and England ace Jenas ‘struggled’ with what to eatCredit: Getty
      Jenas bemused many viewers during TNT Sports’ coverage of Brighton’s 0-0 draw with Wolves by discussing food habits.
      And Bale’s choice remains his most memorable match-day munching moment – for all sorts of reasons.
      Brighton’s ex-Spurs full-back Pascal Gross sparked the conversation before kick-off on Monday night with his own revelation to the broadcaster about his pre-game eating.
      Gross said he opts for rice, chicken and olive oil …. topped off by Weetabix!
      READ MROE TOP STORIES
      TNT commentator Adam Summerton called that “quite the combination” as the pundits returned to the debate at half-time.
      Jenas suggested: “I bet that’s just a superstition as well.
      “There would have been one day where he had a bit of Weetabix as an extra and prob scored two goals and got an assist and thought that’s it, he has the formula.”
      And when Summerton asked for the ex-England midfielder’s own selections back in the day, he replied: “I always struggled to eat.
      Most read in Football
      Bale and Jenas were Spurs’ team-mates from 2007-13Credit: AP:Associated Press
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      “I just had a big bowl of cereal and just drank a lot of Lucozade I think. Night games was a lot easier pasta and chicken.”
      Then came Jenas’ Bale tale.
      He explained: “The only meal I remember looking at and thinking why and how was Gareth Bale used to have like five slices of toast and a mountain of baked beans. 
      “I tried it once, it didn’t go well for me.”
      But viewers seemed to think the main “cereal” offender was Jenas – for talking about food rather than football.
      One claimed: “Discussing how many baked beans Gareth Bale used to eat has to be an all time low.”
      Another posted: “Jenas talking about liking cereal, absolutely amazing commentary once again.”
      And a third viewer admitted just how surprised he was by the conversation.
      He said: “Well, learning about Gareth Bale liking baked beans on toast wasn’t in my commentary bingo card.” More

    • 163 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal fans left fuming after club’s bar charges eye-watering price for a sandwich

      by

      MIKEL Arteta’s Arsenal have been given a thrashing by supporters for charging £27 for a sarnie, chips and drink.A fuming fan posted a snap of what looked like miniature slices of bread inside a cardboard tray served up in the Emirates.
      Arsenal supporters were shocked after one fan said that a steak sandwich with chips and onion rings cost £27 with a drinkCredit: Supplied
      They wrote: “Steak sandwich with chips and onion rings at Arsenal. £27 with a drink…”
      It left others gobsmacked, with one hitting out: “If that steak ain’t a grass-fed ribeye, then it ain’t worth it.”
      Another asked: “Does it come topped with gold leaf?”
      One raged: “That symbolises all that’s wrong with the game.”
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      A steak sandwich alone at the Premier League club’s Royal Oak bar will set fans back £17 — and a small portion of chips costs another £4.50.
      Some chewed over the choice of food, with one saying: “I’d rather have a pint and a pie instead… Football belongs to the working-class people.”
      Two seasons ago Gunners fans were cheesed off after being rinsed for £19.95 for a pizza, and £18.05 for a burger and chips.
      And things will only get dearer.
      Most read in Football
      Last week it was forecast that the price of a pint at a Premier League ground is set to hit £13 by 2030.
      The average across all 20 Prem teams this season is £5.76. But researchers reckon it will reach £9.57 in a few years — with £13.12 the highest.
      Arsenal and West Ham are the clubs tipped to top the table for beer prices.
      The Sun contacted Arsenal FC for comment. 
      Arsenal is also one of the clubs tipped to top the table for beer prices at a Premier League groundCredit: Getty More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Manchester United on hunt for food safety officer after serving 30 guests raw chicken

      by

      MANCHESTER United are on the hunt for a food safety officer just weeks after 30 guests were served raw chicken at Old Trafford.The club was handed a 1 out of 5 food rating after dozens consumed food not fit for human consumption at an event on November 21 last year.
      Manchester United are on the hunt for a food safety officer after serving 30 guests raw chickenCredit: Getty
      The dangerous food was served after 300 pieces of chicken were cooked for the event, but only three trays – each of which had around 15 pieces of chicken – were probed to check they were cooked properly.
      That meant 17 trays containing around 255 pieces of chicken – were not checked and the temperature was not recorded as required before they were served.
      United, which described it as an “isolated incident”, is now trying to hire a food safety officer on a 12-month contract.
      The job ad states the successful candidate will be expected to “elevate the standards and exceed expectations in a bustling department”.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      It adds: “Your role goes beyond routine tasks – you’ll be a crucial player in ensuring the safety and excellence of our culinary offerings during high-profile conference events and lively match day business.”
      Responding to the club’s food hygiene rating being downgraded in December, a spokesperson said: “Manchester United has one of the largest and most experienced food and beverage operations in world sport, with more than 250,000 people dining at the stadium restaurants and over 300 external events successfully delivered each year.
      “Everyone at the club is determined to regain our 5-star food hygiene status as quickly as possible.
      “To support that objective, we are conducting an independent food audit to identify any further opportunities for improvement.”
      Most read in Football More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Wolves Women’s team wiped out with ‘food poisoning’ with derby clash against West Brom called off

      by

      WOLVES WOMEN’s Challenge Cup clash with West Brom has been postponed due to an outbreak of food poisoning.Dan McNamara’s troops were set to take on the Baggies in the semi-final of the tournament on Sunday afternoon.
      Wolves Women were due to take on West Brom in the semi-final of the Challenge Cup on SundayCredit: GETTY
      But the match has been called off after 11 Wolves players were struck down with food poisoningCredit: GETTY
      But the match has been postponed after 11 players were struck down with food poisoning.
      An excerpt of a club statement read: “Wolves Women’s Birmingham Challenge Cup semi-final with West Bromwich Albion on Sunday has been postponed due to illness within the Old Gold camp.
      “Dan McNamara’s side have been unable to train this week due to an outbreak which has affected the large majority of players and staff members.”
      Wolves’ academy manager of operations Laura Nicholls has blamed the outbreak on a dodgy meal they had after their match with Reading last Sunday.
      She said: “Unfortunately, following the FA Cup victory at Reading on Sunday, a high percentage of our squad have fallen ill which we’ve aligned to the post-match food they received because it’s also affected Reading.
      “14 of the playing staff and four of our coaching staff have been affected.
      “Unfortunately, we’ve not been able to train this week or complete any preparation.
      “We spoke with the County FA to get some support to cancel the game because we need to put the health of the players first.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Wolves have claimed post-match grub after their FA Cup win over Reading is to blame for the outbreakCredit: GETTY
      “We’re all really disappointed. Sunday was a fantastic victory for us and we wanted to take that momentum into another high-profile game – a Black Country derby in the semi-final of the Challenge Cup which we want to retain.
      “We won the competition last year and it’s something we’re keen to progress and do well in.”
      Members of staff have also been hit for six.
      Nicholls added: “Originally we had 10 or 11 who reported they were ill on Monday and Tuesday.
      “Then we had four or five more since then across the players and staff.
      “We’ve even had some today and I know Reading are in a similar situation where it’s taking a bit of time for some people to see the effects and some of the effects have been quite dangerous so it’s important we put the health of the players first.”
      Both teams are currently in discussions over a new date for the fixture.
      Nicholls said: “We’ll work with West Brom to find a date that works for both of us alongside our league fixtures.
      “It’s a really high-profile game and I know the fans of both clubs will be disappointed that they’ve not been able to come and support.
      “From our perspective, we’ll make sure we get a date agreed with West Brom as soon as possible, get that publicised and give everyone the chance to attend and cheers both teams on.”
      West Brom confirmed the postponement of the match on their website.
      Their statement read: “Albion Women’s Birmingham County FA Challenge Cup semi-final clash with Wolves has been postponed.
      “The fixture was due to be played at the New Bucks Head on Sunday, January 21 – but has now been postponed due to illness in the Wolves camp.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “A new date for the game will be announced in due course.”
      SunSport have contacted Reading for comment. More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Boxing

      Eddie Hearn undergoes brutal 72 hour fast that transformed UFC chief’s body as promoter unveils healthy diet plan

      by

      EDDIE HEARN underwent the same brutal 72 hour fast that transformed Dana White – before getting back to healthy eating. UFC president White last year went 86 hours without food, lasting with only water and claimed he felt like a “superhero”.
      Eddie Hearn underwent a brutal 72 hour fastCredit: David Venni / Men’s Health UK
      UFC president Dana White transformed his body
      Now boxing promoter Hearn – who recently featured on the cover of Men’s Health – has followed up with a three-day fast.
      He tracked his progress on Instagram before finally feasting at 7.30pm after living off just water and electrolytes.
      Hearn posted: “Job done! 72 hour fast complete. Feel good and was a good mental challenge!”
      The man behind Anthony Joshua’s career then shared his healthy diet plan.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      It consisted of 500ml detox drink, green veg in spinach and broccoli as well as sweet potato and avocado.
      Hearn also had some coconut protein balls, a protein shake, peri chicken, a chicken curry and a coconut banana cookie.
      The 44-year-old recently embarked on a demanding ten-week workout programme to get in shape and now feels better than ever.
      He told Men’s Health UK: “When I wake up in the morning, I go into the bathroom and I get a glimpse of myself and go, ‘F**king hell yeah,’ and that’s good enough.
      Most read in Boxing
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      “That makes me feel great for the day.”
      Hearn’s outlook has completely changed as he focuses on improving his fitness even further.
      He added: “Right now, physically, I feel better than I’ve ever felt in my life, and I’m 44 years old.
      “I’m excited to see what’s going to happen in six months, what’s going to happen in 12 months, what’s going to happen in three years.”

      Read about Eddie Hearn’s workouts on the new Men’s Health app, available to download now.

      Hearn featured on the cover of Men’s HealthCredit: David Venni / Men’s Health UK More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Thiago Silva’s wife shows off outrageous restaurant bill as Chelsea star takes Wag out to swanky London restaurant

      by

      THIAGO SILVA’S wife shared her shock at a huge restaurant bill as the couple celebrated Chelsea’s FA Cup joy – by posting a picture of it.And below her Instagram snap of the £900.30 bill, Isabelle da Silva wrote: “A simple family dinner” – adding an astonished emoji.
      Outspoken Isabelle da Silva and Thiago Silva enjoyed a costly meal out after Chelsea’s 4-0 third-round win over PrestonCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Isabelle showed her feelings as she shared a pic of the billCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Thiago Silva enjoyed scoring Chelsea’s second goal as they ran riot in the FA Cup after the interval against Championship side PrestonCredit: Getty
      Silva service doesn’t come cheap at the Novikov Restaurant in London’s Mayfair – but fellow football legends like Paul Pogba and Harry Kane can vouch it’s nothing personal.
      Wayne Rooney, Neymar, John Terry, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Robin van Persie and Alexis Sanchez have also dined there.
      Thiago won’t have minded too much – having scored as Chelsea feasted in the second half to thump Preston 4-0 earlier on Saturday and as he also earns over £100,000 a week.
      He and Isabelle appeared to be just as ravenous that evening – with a £95 King Crab leg and £85 Peking Duck part of their packed order.
      READ MORE TOP STORIES
      The restaurant, which has a “smart and elegant” dress code, offers both Italian and Asian menus.
      You could scrimp on a salad starter or pasta dishes –  starting for ‘only’ £20 – or opt for £130 “Novikov Royal Caviar” at the other end of the price list.
      And in fact the Italian lunch menu costs only £29 for three courses.
      Meanwhile, 39-year-old Thiago remains the key man in Chelsea’s defence.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      The 113-cap Brazilian even headed the Blues’ second goal against mid-table Championship side Huddersfield.
      So his manager Mauricio Pochettino might think Silva was entitled to pouch, or Poch, some top-notch posh nosh afterwards. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Former England manager Sam Allardyce labelled a ‘pioneer’ with pints of wine to hit ‘UK shelves for first time’

      by

      SAM ALLARDYCE was hailed a “pioneer” after pints of wine got the green light to go on sale in the UK for the first time in 50 years.As exclusively revealed by The Sun, the new legislation is set to come in next year.
      Sam Allardyce received plenty of praise after pints of wine were legalised in the UKCredit: PA

      It will see still and sparkling wine available to buy at supermarkets, pubs, clubs and restaurants in 568ml bottles.
      And that immediately prompted plenty of football fans to heap praise on Allardyce and credit him for the change.
      Big Sam was famously spotted drinking a pint of wine in undercover footage as part of the sting operation that saw the then-England boss get sacked in 2016.
      One supporter said: “Sam Allardyce is a pioneer.”
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      Another wrote: “Sam Allardyce walked so we could run / fall over.”
      A third added: “Sam Allardyce finally getting his way.”
      A fourth commented: “If his name was Sam Allardici we’d have started selling pints of wine 15 years ago.”
      A fifth quipped: “I’m not quite sure who wanted this in 2016 (apart from Big Sam obviously!) but there you go.”
      Most read in Football
      A sixth joked: “Big Sam just knee-slid through his kitchen.”
      And a final user replied: “Big day for Big Sam.”
      Allardyce, 69, had a record-breaking 30-day stint as Leeds boss last season but could not keep them in the Premier League and now remains without a club.
      Champagne in the imperial 568ml bottles was a favourite of Winston Churchill, who claimed it was “enough for two at lunch and one at dinner”.
      However, the champagne volume was outlawed in 1973 when Britain joined the European Common Market – while still wine has never before been sold in pint size in the UK.
      Now the Department for Business and Trade have confirmed the U-turn following Brexit – with the change providing extra choice for customers.
      Still wine will also become available in 200ml containers while sparkling wine can go in 500ml bottles – both new additions.
      And it means there will be just a 68ml difference between two of the sizes while regular full 750ml and half 375ml bottles continue.
      That is despite a consultation with 100,000 responses from 2022 showing 98.7 per cent favoured using metric units when buying or selling products, either as the primary unit of sale (as currently) or as the sole unit of sale (purely metric).
      The Government said: “The move to introduce the 568ml size would sit alongside the 200ml and 500ml measures already available, offering more flexibility and choice for customers.

      “The UK’s wine sector is set for the boost as part of the Government’s smarter regulation programme to ensure regulations are up to date and agile.”
      UK wine businesses produce around 12.2 million bottles of still and sparkling wine per year.
      The new measurements will see still and sparkling wine sold in 568ml bottlesCredit: Alamy More