Sam Grainger News Today

Poppy and Sam (Season 1 Episode 1 of 10): Chefs compete to make the best alfresco dishes. Ainsley's National Trust Cook Off airs on ITV1 London +1 at 6:10 AM, Monday 20 May. Chefs compete to make the best alfresco dishes

Poppy and Sam (Season 1 Episode 1 of 10): Chefs compete to make the best alfresco dishes. Ainsley's National Trust Cook Off airs on ITV1 London at 7:30 AM, Sunday 19 May. Chefs compete to make the best alfresco dishes

Poppy and Sam (Season 1 Episode 1 of 10): Chefs compete to make the best alfresco dishes. Ainsley's National Trust Cook Off airs on ITV1 London +1 at 8:30 AM, Sunday 19 May. Chefs compete to make the best alfresco dishes

Poppy and Sam (Season 1 Episode 1 of 10): Chefs compete to make the best alfresco dishes. Ainsley's National Trust Cook Off airs on ITV1 London at 11:40 AM, Saturday 18 May. Chefs compete to make the best alfresco dishes

Poppy and Sam (Season 1 Episode 1 of 10): Chefs compete to make the best alfresco dishes. Ainsley's National Trust Cook Off airs on ITV1 London +1 at 12:40 PM, Saturday 18 May. Chefs compete to make the best alfresco dishes

Lord Of The Rings stars Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom, Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd surprised the owner of a popular Liverpool restaurant.

Lord Of The Rings actors took staff by surprise when they called into Liverpool restaurant Belzan.

Serving good things all day long, this smart Manchester canteen is a welcome haven for one and all. By Jay Rayner

Celebration doughnuts and an elite cheese snack, tiny drinks and hyper-regional Malaysian food, decision-free dining and dessert trolleys – these are the Observer Food Monthly’s favourite people, places and things for the year

Greater Manchester Night Time Economy Advisor Sacha Lord, WhatsOn site Manchester's Finest and a host of chef/operators are also calling for government help for sector.