Celebrating VE Day with Classic British Food and Drink

Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day, marks the formal end of World War II in Europe on 8 May 1945. It’s a day of remembrance, gratitude, and celebration—a moment to reflect on the resilience of a generation and the joy that followed years of hardship. 

One way we can honour this occasion today is by recreating the flavours of that time, paying tribute to the foods that brought comfort and community to wartime Britain.

Wartime Cooking: Making Do and Mucking In

During the war, rationing defined everyday meals. Ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and meat were in short supply, leading home cooks to get creative with limited resources. Communities pulled together to grow vegetables in "Victory Gardens", and recipes were adjusted to stretch rations and reduce waste.

Traditional VE Day Foods to Try at Home

Recreating a VE Day spread offers a tasty nod to history, blending nostalgia with simple, comforting flavours. Here are some traditional dishes and drinks that capture the spirit of the time:

Woolton Pie

Named after Lord Woolton, the Minister of Food, this hearty vegetable pie became a symbol of wartime ingenuity. Made with root vegetables, a white sauce, and topped with a mashed potato crust, it’s still a delicious meat-free option today.

National Loaf

This government-mandated wholemeal bread replaced white bread during the war, as it was more nutritious and used less refined flour. It’s dense, filling, and ideal for serving with a good wedge of cheese or jam.

Eggless Sponge Cake

With fresh eggs scarce, bakers turned to clever substitutes. Vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, and dried egg powder made it possible to still enjoy a slice of sponge cake. Add a dollop of jam and you’ve got a classic treat.

Carrot Bicuits

These naturally sweet biscuits used grated carrots to replace sugar. Surprisingly tasty and easy to make, they’re a nod to how creative wartime bakers became.

Drinks of the Era

Beer

While many luxuries were hard to come by, beer was never rationed and remained a symbol of celebration. Raise a pint of traditional British bitter or mild ale to toast the end of war in Europe.

A Proper Cuppa

Tea was vital to morale, and despite rationing, it was carefully managed to ensure everyone could enjoy their daily brew. Whether black or with a splash of milk, a warm cuppa was—and remains—a national comfort.

Hosting a Modern VE Day Tea Party

Why not bring friends and family together for a VE Day garden party or afternoon tea? Hang up some bunting, put on a playlist of 1940s hits, and serve a spread of wartime-inspired treats. It’s a chance to honour the past while enjoying the simple pleasures of good food and good company.

Final Thoughts

VE Day is more than a date in the history books—it’s a celebration of resilience, togetherness, and hope. Through the food and drink of the time, we can connect with those who lived through it and reflect on how far we’ve come.

Have you tried any wartime recipes or hosted your own VE Day celebration? Share your stories and photos in the comments or tag us on social media!