News in brief

John Benson-Smith, along with his brother Matthew, has opened a new restaurant, 1086, at Hazelwood Castle in Hazelwood, North Yorkshire.

Benson-Smith describes the cuisine in 1086, named after the first mention of the castle in the Domesday Book, as a "mangling of fine dining and brasserie".

Examples of dishes include bloody gazpacho with a splash of vodka and soft buckwheat pancake with caviare. Set menus start at £15. Telephone: 01937 535353.

The second Kingfisher National Curry Day, which helps raise money for charity, is set to take place on 10 November.

This year Indian restaurants across the UK will come together to support two charities - the Prince's Trust and Mother and Child, which helps women and children in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Last year more than 500 restaurants took part in fund-raising activities during the day, which also aims to increase awareness and appreciation of cooking styles from countries of the Indian subcontinent. For further information call 0171-736 6090.

Booker Advice Centre has brought out an information leaflet on kosher food. The leaflet describes which foods can be eaten and how best to prepare them.

For a free copy of the leaflet contact 0541 575757.

The Association of Pastry Chefs is inviting entries for its fourth annual Dessert of the Year competition to be held at the end of September. For further details and entry forms contact Russell Chappell on 0181-399 2623, leaving your name and address. Closing date for entries is 31 July.