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Fred Garratt-Stanley

@fred-gs.bsky.social
403 followers 357 following 133 posts

Freelance writer published in The Guardian, NME, GQ, Pellicle, Ferment, Time Out etc. | #ncfc fan, music lover, pub & beer enthusiast | blog: stanchion.me linktr.ee/fredgarrattstanley

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Reposted by Fred Garratt-Stanley
The Lead @theleaduk.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Andy Burnham has spoken repeatedly about the importance of the UK 'reindustrialising'. But what would this actually look like, and is it even possible? New from @fred-gs.bsky.social
national.thelead.uk
The Lead Untangles: What would reindustrialisation actually mean for the UK?
Andy Burnham has spoken repeatedly about the importance of the UK 'reindustrialising'. But what would this actually look like, and is it even possible?
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Jazz & grime music aren’t obvious bedfellows, but there are rich threads connecting the two sounds, stretching back years. In this piece I explored those underappreciated ties fredgarrattstanley.substack.com/p/wot-do-u-c...
fredgarrattstanley.substack.com
Wot Do U Call It, J-Grime?
Jazz and grime music aren't obvious bedfellows, but there are deep threads running between the two sounds
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Writing this piece made me absolutely desperate to get back to Sicily. For Ferment, I spoke to farmers, chefs & writers about the unique role citrus fruit has played in shaping the history, culture, and cuisine of Sicily. This island holds some amazing stories... www.beer52.com/ferment/arti...
beer52.com
Sicilian Citrus: The Fruit That Shaped Sicily's Identity
Discover how Sicilian citrus, from Etna's blood oranges to fragrant lemons, has shaped the island's food, history and culture for centuries.
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Thanks Phil, glad you enjoyed it! Tried to add a touch of nuance to the debate…
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Reposted by Fred Garratt-Stanley
Phil Mellows @philmellows.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Finally caught up with this excellent piece in Ferment magazine by @fred-gs.bsky.social on the sparkler (thanks to the @britbeerwriters.bsky.social members work monthly roundup) #CONTROVERSYKLAXON www.beer52.com/ferment/arti...
beer52.com
Cask Beer Sparkler: The History Behind the Debate
Discover the history of the cask beer sparkler, from its Victorian invention to Yorkshire traditions and the debate over how ale should be served.
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
It's New Music Friday & one of the best things out is the debut album from Californian producer Dahi, of Kendrick/Drake/SZA fame. For @musictech.com I spoke to Dahi about going solo, moving from sampling to live instrumentation & the impact of AI on music production musictech.com/features/int...
musictech.com
Reintroducing Dahi: “As a producer, you’re servicing other artists and helping uplift their ideas. This was the time for me to do that myself”
After culture-defining collabs with the likes of Kendrick Lamar and 21 Savage, Dahi is making his own artistic statement – read the cover story
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Reposted by Fred Garratt-Stanley
Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Farage has won his silly little by-election, but Binface getting nearly 10,000 votes is huge. There's clearly appetite for change in Clacton - as I found on the ground with @theleaduk.bsky.social www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGK9...
youtube.com
Nigel Farage's broken by-election in Clacton
YouTube video by The Lead
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Farage has won his silly little by-election, but Binface getting nearly 10,000 votes is huge. There's clearly appetite for change in Clacton - as I found on the ground with @theleaduk.bsky.social www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGK9...
youtube.com
Nigel Farage's broken by-election in Clacton
YouTube video by The Lead
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
I think Jaywick was the most interesting place we visited. You only ever hear the negative side of the story & of course income/work opportunities are very limited, but it’s an area that’s so rich in community & spirit
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Really great insight Sarah. Apologies for adding to the media frenzy, but I recently made this short documentary with @theleaduk.bsky.social where we tried to dig a bit deeper & properly listen to local concerns. Would appreciate if you can watch & share! www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGK9...
youtube.com
Nigel Farage's broken by-election in Clacton
YouTube video by The Lead
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Reposted by Fred Garratt-Stanley
The Lead @theleaduk.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
See our full dispatch from Clacton by @fred-gs.bsky.social
national.thelead.uk
Beaches, blue skies, and bins: What we found out on the streets of Clacton-on-Sea
Ahead of a contentious by-election forced by Nigel Farage's resignation as MP, the Essex seaside town is weighing up Reform's leader against Count Binface and a vast array of other fringe candidates
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Reposted by Fred Garratt-Stanley
The Lead @theleaduk.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
What does Clacton think of Nigel Farage? A by-election was triggered by the Reform leader's resignation as an MP, as he continues to face increasing questions over a £5million donation from a crypto billionaire. What do people in Clacton think?
youtube.com
What does Clacton think of Nigel Farage?
YouTube video by The Lead
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
I was joined by Sam Day Thomson, who put together this excellent video documenting our trip. It's 8 minutes of proper, nuanced reporting, in an age of clickbait journalism & shit vox pops — so please do watch & share if you have the time! www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGK9...
youtube.com
Nigel Farage's broken by-election in Clacton
YouTube video by The Lead
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
The energy in Clacton has been febrile lately, as residents gear up for a much-hyped by-election where Reform leader Nigel Farage's main challenger is Count Binface. @theleaduk.bsky.social sent me down to Clacton-on-Sea & the surrounding villages to find out how local people are feeling about it...
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Reposted by Fred Garratt-Stanley
The Lead @theleaduk.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
The Lead has been in Clacton-on-Sea speaking to local residents and candidates ahead of the by-election triggered by Nigel Farage’s resignation as MP.
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Given how much energy has been given to the cask beer sparkler debate, it's remarkable how little we know about these devices & why they took root in certain parts of the country My latest Ferment story unpacks the sparkler's history in a little more detail www.beer52.com/ferment/arti...
beer52.com
Cask Beer Sparkler: The History Behind the Debate
Discover the history of the cask beer sparkler, from its Victorian invention to Yorkshire traditions and the debate over how ale should be served.
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
The key change guitar solo for England at the Azteca, the timing of Haaland's drum, the sequence of Argentine chops vs Spain, Yamal's cheeky faces - this is a thing of absolute beauty
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
I’m not denying there are lots of deluded & conspiratorial club fans but the fact you have to go to Reddit - rather than the chat being baked into every level of the media discourse & pushed by casual fans - just proves my point. And anyone who thinks the FA is as corrupt as FIFA has lost the plot
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
It’s not the same though because the levels of distrust toward FIFA far outweigh anything felt towards the FA/PL, plus the Argentina conspiracy theory for example is being peddled by casual fans/neutrals/people with little skin in the game
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Great to speak to @okwonga.bsky.social and lots of other interesting voices for this piece!
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
At the 2026 World Cup, fans, players & coaches are throwing their toys out the pram and crying "foul play" at every opportunity. Why? My latest newsletter explores where this intense climate of conspiracy came from and why it matters fredgarrattstanley.substack.com/p/fouls-fixe...
fredgarrattstanley.substack.com
Fouls, fixes & FIFA Peace Prizes: How 2026 became the conspiracy theory World Cup
At the 2026 World Cup, fans, players, and coaches are throwing their toys out the pram and crying "foul play" at every opportunity. Where has this come from?
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Reposted by Fred Garratt-Stanley
Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
The tiny East Sussex village of Glynde really shouldn't have one of the UK's best rural beer scenes. 8 years ago, it didn't even have a pub. But now, it's one of the region's most popular beer destinations In my latest @pelliclemag.com story, I explore what's happened 📷 @clairembullen.bsky.social
pelliclemag.com
A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats — How a Fresh Beer Scene Emerged in Glynde, East Sussex — Pellicle
On a clear day in Glynde, staff at The Trevor Arms can look to the peak of nearby Mount Caburn—the crowning point of a well-trodden path for South Downs walkers setting off from the town of Lewes—and ...
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Reposted by Fred Garratt-Stanley
Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
I recently visited Dover to do some reporting for a @theleaduk.bsky.social series on the 10th anniversary of Brexit I explored how coastal towns swung that vote, how they've since gravitated to Reform, and why Dover's place in our national story is so crucial national.thelead.uk/p/brexit-eu-...
national.thelead.uk
Coastal towns swung Brexit, now they may again hold the balance for Reform
A decade on from the UK's vote to leave the EU, we explore how the political landscape has evolved in Dover, a town that's shaping the national conversation more than any other
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Reposted by Fred Garratt-Stanley
Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Stranger Things actor Finn Wolfhard is known for being on screen, but he's also been dropping music for years. For @dazeddigital.com we spoke about his new album Fire From The Hip, his weird adolescence, British influences & why rock music should be funnier www.dazeddigital.com/music/articl...
dazeddigital.com
Finn Wolfhard: ‘I’m not just making music to be cool’
Ahead of the release his sophomore album, Fire from the Hip, the musician and actor talks moving on from Stranger Things, forging a new path, and why rock music should be funnier
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Stranger Things actor Finn Wolfhard is known for being on screen, but he's also been dropping music for years. For @dazeddigital.com we spoke about his new album Fire From The Hip, his weird adolescence, British influences & why rock music should be funnier www.dazeddigital.com/music/articl...
dazeddigital.com
Finn Wolfhard: ‘I’m not just making music to be cool’
Ahead of the release his sophomore album, Fire from the Hip, the musician and actor talks moving on from Stranger Things, forging a new path, and why rock music should be funnier
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
I recently visited Dover to do some reporting for a @theleaduk.bsky.social series on the 10th anniversary of Brexit I explored how coastal towns swung that vote, how they've since gravitated to Reform, and why Dover's place in our national story is so crucial national.thelead.uk/p/brexit-eu-...
national.thelead.uk
Coastal towns swung Brexit, now they may again hold the balance for Reform
A decade on from the UK's vote to leave the EU, we explore how the political landscape has evolved in Dover, a town that's shaping the national conversation more than any other
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
If you get a chance to go back it’s well worth it!
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
The tiny East Sussex village of Glynde really shouldn't have one of the UK's best rural beer scenes. 8 years ago, it didn't even have a pub. But now, it's one of the region's most popular beer destinations In my latest @pelliclemag.com story, I explore what's happened 📷 @clairembullen.bsky.social
pelliclemag.com
A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats — How a Fresh Beer Scene Emerged in Glynde, East Sussex — Pellicle
On a clear day in Glynde, staff at The Trevor Arms can look to the peak of nearby Mount Caburn—the crowning point of a well-trodden path for South Downs walkers setting off from the town of Lewes—and ...
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
Yeah hard to argue with that! Unlike Qatar in 22 they were at least decent in the groups - but makes you realise how average their group was
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
This South Africa vs Canada game is perhaps the most damning indictment of a 48-team World Cup we’ve seen so far. Both these teams deserve to be getting drubbed in the knockouts
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
The V&A East's new exhibition on the history of Black British movements like 2-tone, jungle & grime is a must-visit for any UK music nerd. I wrote about it for the US Observer, and spoke to curator Jacqueline Springer - a serious player in the music reporting game! observer.com/2026/06/art-...
observer.com
The V&A East Opens With an Exhibition That Reconsiders Britain’s Musical History
A landmark show at the Victoria and Albert Museum’s new East London offshoot traces the emergence of eight genres of Black British music—from lovers rock and Brit funk to grime—while rooting …
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Reposted by Fred Garratt-Stanley
David Desi Pubs Dason @davidjesudason.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Published today: a joyous exploration of what was once the UK's best desi pub davidjesudason.substack.com/p/glassy-jun...
davidjesudason.substack.com
Glassy Junction, Southall: the definitive history of ‘London’s first Indian pub’
Let’s go for a glassy
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Love that Ferment has started publishing articles online. My latest for the magazine is for its Mexico issue: a deep dive into Corona, exploring how it became the world's best-selling lager not by making good beer, but by selling a very particular image www.beer52.com/ferment/arti...
beer52.com
Corona beer: why the lime, and how it took over the world
Why do people put lime in Corona, and how did a Mexican macro lager become the world's most valuable beer brand? The unlikely story explained.
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Very few rappers on earth could authentically muster the kind of enthralling punk rock energy Vince Staples unleashes on his new album Cry Baby. One of my fav albums of the year so far My review for @nme.com www.nme.com/reviews/albu...
nme.com
Vince Staples – 'Cry Baby' review: authentic punk outpouring from an energised hip-hop storyteller
Freed from his Def Jam obligations, Vince Staples delivers his most passionately political release to date with 'Cry Baby'.
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Reposted by Fred Garratt-Stanley
David Desi Pubs Dason @davidjesudason.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
I hope this important post makes people reconsider the dangers of gambling, seek help if needed and question why pubs have these betting machines davidjesudason.substack.com/p/pubs-gambl...
A graphic of a pint and a roulette wheel "There's only so much drugs or alcohol you can take before it gets too much," Harj says. "Gambling keeps you conscious with cliff-hangers all the time and rather than spending £100 [on booze] you can spend £100 in seconds."We don't gamble as much as white ethnicities but the South Asian ones that do are five times more likely to suffer severe gambling-related harms,"
Harj says.
In other words South Asians might not gamble as much but we do have huge problems when it comes to gambling addiction.Just ask the family of Inder Daggar.
The former captain for the Slough men's hockey team was jailed for six years after swindling about £3m from loved ones, friends and investors to fund his addiction.
"South Asians don't think it's a problem but there's a massive amount of secrecy, more so than in alcohol or drugs," Harj says. "It's sharam [a widely used Asian term for shamel because they fear being ostracised or being shunned. It happens a lot more than you think."
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
Absolutely spot on
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Along Come Norwich @alongcomenorwich.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
It isn't just football where Norwich comes out on top. Cameron Huggett takes us on a historical journey to comprehensively and objectively prove that the fine city is the pride of Anglia. #NCFC #ITFC
alongcomenorwich.com
East Anglian Rivalries: A History Through Yellow and Green Spectacles
It isn't just football where Norwich comes out on top. Cameron Huggett takes us on a historical journey to comprehensively and objectively prove that the fine city is the pride of Anglia.
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
“I’m not trying to compromise on the things I care about most for dopamine hits... I might suffer for it, but I don’t care.” One of many gems dropped by the inimitable Wesley Joseph in this chat. His debut album Forever Ends Someday is an absolute beauty. @nme.com www.nme.com/features/mus...
nme.com
Wesley Joseph’s cinematic leftfield R&B and rap finds beauty in overlooked places
Returning from a three-year hiatus with his debut album ‘Forever Ends Someday’, the Walsall-raised, London-based multi-hyphenate delivers a staggering lesson in how to master musical light and shade
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Seems likely that this wasn't an official visit - either way, I can only hope it permanently damages the reputation of this horrible little football club! 🤮
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Reposted by Fred Garratt-Stanley
Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Brits are flocking to Sri Lanka. But there’s a dark side to the tourism boom This story pieces together conversations with people whose beloved south coast has been transformed beyond recognition open.substack.com/pub/fredgarrattstanley/p/a-coast-transformed-part-one-neo?r=f0knr&utm_medium=ios
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Over the course of a month in Sri Lanka, it became clear that what’s happening to the south is a dark kind of neo-colonialism: land grabs, rent hikes, widespread cultural erasure and disrespect towards locals. I put a lot of effort into documenting this process - please read & share if you can 🇱🇰
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Brits are flocking to Sri Lanka. But there’s a dark side to the tourism boom This story pieces together conversations with people whose beloved south coast has been transformed beyond recognition open.substack.com/pub/fredgarrattstanley/p/a-coast-transformed-part-one-neo?r=f0knr&utm_medium=ios
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
Brewing independently in a country where 70% of people don’t drink is hugely challenging. But Malaysian brewery Paperkite are making it work. In this story, I speak to founder Alvin Lim about the massive cultural & economic obstacles they’re overcoming open.substack.com/pub/fredgarr...
open.substack.com
Alvin Lim’s mission to build an independent beer brand for Malaysia
The founder of Paperkite Brewery is flying the flag for beer in a country where most people don’t drink, and making serious progress
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
Spotify’s meagre artist royalties have caused controversy for a while, but recent AI military investments have caused the boycott of the streaming giant to grow For @mixmag.net I spoke to artists, fans & groups like @umaw.bsky.social about why this movement matters mixmag.net/feature/spot...
mixmag.net
Inside The Movement of Artists and Fans Boycotting Spotify
The meagre financial returns of streaming for artists has been a point of controversy since its inception. Now substantial investments in AI weaponry are causing musicians, labels, and consumers to fu...
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
That’s so nice to hear, it was great working with you on it
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
So pleased to be included on this list after another year of brilliant Pellicle stories. Thanks @katiematherkm.bsky.social for the incredibly lovely words!
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
Interesting piece, thanks for sharing!
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
Yeah it’s been brilliant so far. Should be plenty more dispatches to come
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
Yeah I was so impressed by that wide range - will definitely try and make it back!
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Fred Garratt-Stanley @fred-gs.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
Forget the semiconductors & geopolitical tensions for a sec; Taiwan should be making headlines for its ridiculously good veggie food scene My latest free-to-read Substack explores the many factors that created this thriving plant-based culture 🥦 open.substack.com/pub/fredgarr...
open.substack.com
Taiwan: Unsung Veggie Heaven
Forget the semiconductors and geopolitical tensions for a minute; Taiwan should be making headlines for its incredible plant-based food scene
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