Instead of overthinking it or feeling pressured to make grand gestures, why not mark the day with something simple, heartfelt, and brilliantly down-to-earth: proper conversations, warm drinks, good food, and the kind of relaxed atmosphere where people genuinely open up.
That's Food and Drink featured International Men's Day last November. The last year has flown by, hasn't it?
Here are a few easy, meaningful ways to celebrate International Men’s Day at your local pub, café, or even at home.
Raise a Pint and Have a Real Conversation
Pubs have long been the heart of community life, and there’s something wonderfully grounding about sitting side-by-side with a pint and a chat. This isn’t about drinking for the sake of it—it’s about sharing space, catching up properly, and giving people room to say how they’re really doing.
You might talk about work, family, hobbies, or the football—but you’ll often find that, once the conversation starts rolling, the chat turns surprisingly honest. International Men’s Day is the perfect excuse to check in with the men who’d never dream of scheduling a “wellbeing conversation” but will happily open up over a beer.
Or Keep It Cuppa-Simple
If beer isn’t your thing, a mug of tea works wonders too. A pot shared between friends can break down barriers every bit as effectively as a pint.
There’s a gentle ritual to it—pouring the tea, dunking a biscuit, settling into a comfy chair—that encourages people to slow down. Sometimes, the smallest setting feels the safest.
Cake, Biscuits, and Honest Talk
Cake is a universal ice-breaker. Whether you fancy a Victoria sponge, a slice of lemon drizzle, or a plate of biscuits, food has a way of softening the edges of a conversation.
Use International Men’s Day as a time to celebrate the hobbies, stories, quirks, and achievements of the men in your life. Let it be about connection, laughter, nostalgia, and hearing one another properly—things that often get lost in the busy swirl of daily life.
Support Local: Eat at a Nearby Café or Pub
A meal down the local is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to mark the day.
Choose a cosy pub or a family-run café and make an occasion of it. Whether it’s a hearty breakfast, a Sunday roast, a curry night, or a simple burger and chips, sitting around a table together creates space for conversation that doesn’t feel forced.
You’ll also be supporting small businesses, many of whom appreciate the November trade more than you might realise.
Why It Matters
International Men’s Day isn’t about competition with any other awareness day. It’s about recognising that men have challenges, emotions, pressures, and vulnerabilities too—sometimes ones they struggle to articulate. Encouraging relaxed, low-key chats can make a real difference.
There’s no need for speeches or formal events. A pint, a cuppa, a slice of cake, or a comforting meal shared with friends or family is more than enough. What matters is the connection.
Celebrate the Men in Your Life, Your Way
Go for something simple, personal, and heartfelt. Invite a mate for a chat. Treat your dad to a pub lunch. Settle in with your brother over a pot of tea. Enjoy some cake with your partner. Or gather a small group of friends for a warm, grounding night out.
International Men’s Day is all about appreciation, conversation, and community—and there’s no better place to enjoy all three than your local.
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