Tea, Cakes and Creativity: Celebrating National Day of Arts in Care Homes

The National Day of Arts in Care Homes on September 24th is a wonderful opportunity to bring creativity, culture, and connection into residential and nursing homes across the UK. 

This annual celebration highlights the importance of the arts in supporting wellbeing, sparking joy, and nurturing community spirit among residents, staff, families and visitors.

And what better way to celebrate than with a classic British pairing—tea and cakes?

Why the Arts Matter in Care Homes

Art has the power to uplift, inspire, and connect us. For older people, especially those in care, creative activities such as painting, music, storytelling, and drama can boost self-esteem, improve memory, and encourage social interaction. The National Day of Arts in Care Homes reminds us that everyone deserves the chance to explore their creativity, no matter their age or circumstances.

Adding Tea and Cakes to the Celebration

A simple tea and cake gathering can transform an arts-based event into something even more special. Here are a few ideas:

Art Gallery Tea – Display residents’ artwork around the home and invite families to view the exhibition while enjoying a slice of sponge and a pot of tea.

Poetry and Pastries – Combine poetry readings with trays of scones, biscuits, or fairy cakes. Residents could recite their own poems or favourite classics.

Musical Memories with Afternoon Tea – Host a sing-along or live music session, paired with a traditional afternoon tea service featuring finger sandwiches, Victoria sponge, and shortbread.

Decorate Your Own Cupcake – A fun hands-on activity where residents can ice and decorate cupcakes with colourful toppings, connecting both art and food.

Creating a Warm and Inclusive Atmosphere

The act of sharing tea and cake creates a sense of comfort and community. It encourages conversations, laughter, and connection—something that goes hand in hand with creative expression. Involving local schools, volunteers, or community groups can make the event even richer and help build bridges between generations.

A Lasting Impact

The National Day of Arts in Care Homes isn’t just about one day. It’s about recognising the value of creativity in care settings every day of the year. Whether through painting, music, writing, or dance, these activities enrich lives. Adding tea and cake helps ensure the day feels like a true celebration—uplifting, memorable, and inclusive.

So, as you mark this year’s National Day of Arts in Care Homes, pop the kettle on, set out the teapots, and don’t forget the cakes. After all, art and afternoon tea might just be the perfect combination for joy and connection.

Recreating the Meals and Dishes Seen in Famous Artworks: A Feast Through Time and Canvas

Have you ever looked at a painting and felt your stomach rumble?

From sumptuous still lifes to humble peasant meals, art has long offered a window into the culinary past. 

Recreating dishes from famous artworks isn't just a creative kitchen challenge, it’s a delicious way to explore history, culture and the lives of people who came before us.

Whether you're an art lover, a foodie, or simply enjoy trying something new, here’s how to bring the meals from masterpieces to your modern-day table.

Feasting on the Past: Why Art and Food Are So Closely Linked

Throughout history, artists have used food as a powerful symbol—representing abundance, mortality, celebration, class, and even faith. Still life paintings in particular captured the rich textures and colours of fruit, meats, and breads, often with incredible realism.

The foods depicted weren’t always just symbolic; many were accurate portrayals of what people really ate at the time. This makes them an incredible resource for historical food enthusiasts and experimental chefs alike.

Famous Art-Inspired Meals You Can Recreate

"Still Life with Cheese" – Floris van Dyck (1615)

Dutch Golden Age paintings are a treasure trove of food detail. In this work, you’ll find wheels of cheese, crusty bread, nuts and figs—an ideal inspiration for a rustic Dutch-style cheeseboard.

Recreate it with:

Aged Gouda, Edam and Leyden

Sourdough or rye bread

Fresh figs, walnuts, and a drizzle of local honey

A glass of chilled white wine or ale

"The Wedding Feast at Cana" – Paolo Veronese (1563)

This enormous painting captures a lavish banquet complete with roast meats, fruit, and wine. While recreating the entire feast might be ambitious, a Venetian-inspired dish like roast duck with cherry sauce or risotto with saffron and shellfish would evoke the spirit.

Pair with: A bold Italian red wine and fresh fruit platters.

"The Potato Eaters" – Vincent van Gogh (1885)

This sombre and powerful piece shows a family sharing a simple meal of potatoes and coffee. A nod to humble Dutch peasant fare, this is a great opportunity to experiment with traditional rural recipes.

Try making:

Dutch Stamppot (mashed potatoes with kale or endive)

Pan-fried potatoes with onions and smoked sausage

Brewed chicory coffee for an authentic touch

"Campbell’s Soup Cans" – Andy Warhol (1962)

Pop art meets convenience food. Recreate this iconic image by hosting a retro American diner-style lunch: think tomato soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, and soda floats.

Add flair by: Serving in vintage bowls and using Warhol-inspired colour schemes for your table setting.

"Still Life with Lemons, Oranges and a Rose" – Francisco de Zurbarán (1633)

This Spanish still life is both stark and elegant, showcasing citrus fruits and water. It's a great prompt for a zesty Andalusian meal.

Cook up:

Orange and fennel salad

Lemon and garlic roast chicken

Serve with rosewater and citrus-infused desserts like Tarta de Santiago

Tips for Recreating Art-Inspired Meals at Home

Research the period and culture: Use the painting as a launchpad to dive deeper into traditional recipes from that era or region.

Look closely at the details: Note the foods, tableware, and setting, recreate the atmosphere as well as the dish.

Modernise with care: Some historical recipes might not appeal to modern palates. Don’t be afraid to adapt them slightly, keeping the spirit intact.

Make it an event: Invite friends over for an "Art Night Dinner" where each course is inspired by a different painting.

Combine with learning: Share a brief story about the painting and the dish’s history as you serve it.

Share Your Creations

Snap your art-inspired dish and post it on social media—tag your photo with #EdibleArt or #FromCanvasToKitchen to join a growing movement of culinary creatives blending food and fine art.

Make Your Venue Unforgettable: Commission Local Art to Elevate Your Space

In today’s competitive hospitality scene, it’s no longer enough to offer great food and drink, your visual identity and atmosphere matter just as much. 

Whether you run a laid-back coffee shop, a country pub, a bustling city bar or a high-end hotel restaurant, one powerful way to stand out from the crowd is by commissioning local artists to create original works for your premises.

Why Commission Local Art?

Art creates atmosphere. It sparks conversation. It gives your space personality. But beyond aesthetics, choosing to feature original artwork by local artists also tells a story — one of community, creativity, and character.

Benefits include:

A unique, memorable environment that customers want to return to

Support for the local creative economy

A talking point on social media and review sites

Potential for collaborative promotions with the artists themselves

Ideas for Artistic Additions

There are countless ways to integrate local creativity into your venue:

1. Feature Walls and Murals

Transform a blank wall into a stunning mural or hand-painted motif that captures your brand’s vibe, history or setting. A seaside bistro might feature a whimsical coastal mural, while a historic pub could host a mural depicting the town’s past.

2. Tabletop or Menu Artwork

Commission an artist to design bespoke illustrations for your menus, chalkboards or even directly onto tabletops. This works beautifully for seasonal dishes, cocktails, or tasting boards.

3. Sculpture and Installations

For hotels, larger restaurants, or garden seating areas, consider sculptures, hanging mobiles or mixed-media installations made from local or recycled materials.

4. Rotating Art Exhibitions

Give your walls a dynamic feel by hosting a monthly or quarterly rotating art display featuring local painters or photographers. You’ll freshen your space regularly and attract art-loving clientele.

How to Find the Right Artists

Connect with local art colleges and universities – emerging artists are often keen for exposure and commissions.

Visit art fairs, open studios, or local galleries – these are great places to meet artists in person and see their work.

Check out community Facebook groups, Instagram, or Etsy UK – many artists showcase their portfolios online.

Reach out to your local council or arts charity – they often have directories of local creatives.

Collaborate for a Win-Win

Many artists are open to collaboration beyond just creating art. They may help with:

Co-hosting launch events or live painting evenings

Promoting your venue on their social media channels

Offering exclusive merchandise or prints sold through your venue

Make sure to credit their work with signage and online mentions — it's a sign of respect and adds authenticity to the story behind your venue’s look.

Marketing Magic

Beautiful, original art makes your premises more Instagram-worthy, more shareable, and more likely to be remembered. Feature the creative process on your social media, introduce the artist, and use hashtags like:

#LocalArt

#SupportLocalArtists

#ArtInHospitality

#MadeIn[YourTown]

Encourage visitors to tag you when they snap a photo beside the artwork.

Final Thought

Art and hospitality have always gone hand in hand — from hand-painted pub signs to modern wall murals in artisan cafés. By bringing local talent into your décor, you’re doing more than decorating — you’re making your venue part of your area’s cultural identity.

Let your walls speak for you. Commission local art — and turn your space into a masterpiece.

Would you like me to generate an image of a stylish venue featuring unique local art or mural work? I can also draft a downloadable flyer or Instagram post for businesses to promote their new artwork.

Aqua Shard Unveils British Icons Cocktail Menu Celebrating Cultural Legends

The acclaimed contemporary British restaurant, Aqua Shard, which you will find on Level 31 of The Shard, proudly unveils its latest cocktail menu: British Icons.

Renowned for blending innovation with a reverence for British culinary heritage, Aqua Shard presents a striking collection of cocktails that are in celebration of the UK's most iconic figures who have shaped British culture. 

Aqua Shard offers a quintessentially British dining experience, combining the best of contemporary British cuisine with expansive views of London's iconic landmarks, including London Bridge, Tower Bridge and St Paul's Cathedral. 

The restaurant's dedication to British-inspired cuisine with the breathtaking views makes it the perfect destination for those seeking the ultimate English experience. 

Amongst the menu are new cocktail additions like the The Windsor Whisperer which pays homage to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, combining gin and champagne with floral hibiscus, rose liquor and a lemon foam to create a fruity, silky and unmistakably regal experience. 

Churchill's Vice reflects Sir Winston Churchill's bold legacy with a decadent mix of rum, fig liqueur and a chocolate cigar garnish, offering a deep and indulgent experience. 

The Penny Lane Punch captures the vibrant nostalgia of The Beatles and British street life, blending vodka, passion fruit wine, elderflower and vetiver for a charming, aromatic escape. 

Drawing inspiration from Manchester's '90s Britpop scene, Wonderwave offers a fresh twist on the Margarita, featuring Patron Silver, marigold infusion and aloe vera wine, a herbal hit for the free-spirited. 

Fleming's Remedy reimagines the classic Penicillin cocktail, honouring Sir Alexander Fleming with aged Scotch, truffle honey and ginger switchel delivering a spicy, tangy and medicinal experience. 

Girl in the Glass, inspired by Banksy and Britain's street art movement, fuses rum, sake, dragon fruit and lychee into a tropical, rebellious cocktail as daring as the art itself. 

Freddie's Love, a bold, floral and flamboyant alcohol-free option, channels the spirit of Freddie Mercury with rose, hibiscus and grapefruit.

The Earl's Negroni marries Italian aperitivo with British tea culture, combining gin, Campari, Amaro and Earl Grey, served from a teapot for the modern noble.

Zesty Ride, another alcohol-free tribute, honours cycling legend Sir Bradley Wiggins with a zesty blend of citrus and botanicals, offering a refreshing ride to greatness. 

Set against the panoramic backdrop of London's iconic skyline, this thoughtfully curated collection invites guests to toast to the nation's most celebrated national figures. Whether you're savouring a regal concoction inspired by Queen Elizabeth II or a vibrant mix echoing the spirit of Britpop, each cocktail offers a unique narrative and flavour profile. 

Guests can enjoy these distinctive drinks both at the bar and within the dining room, ensuring a traditional British experience throughout the venue. 

https://aquashard.co.uk/

The Science of Baking: An In-Depth Exploration

In common with my wife and I, most readers of That's Food and Drink bake at least sometimes. But what about the science behind the baking that we do?

Baking is a delightful blend of art and science. Whether you're crafting a fluffy Victoria sponge or a crusty loaf of sourdough, understanding the scientific principles behind baking can elevate your culinary creations to new heights. Let's explore the key elements that make baking a fascinating science.

Ingredients: The Building Blocks

Flour: The foundation of most baked goods, flour is primarily composed of starch and proteins, mainly glutenin and gliadin. When mixed with water, these proteins form gluten, a network that provides structure and elasticity to doughs and batters.

Sugar: Beyond its sweetening power, sugar plays multiple roles in baking. It caramelises upon heating, contributing to the golden-brown colour of baked goods. It also tenderises by slowing gluten formation and helps retain moisture.

Fats: Butter, lard, and oils add richness and flavour. They also create a tender crumb by coating flour particles, hindering gluten formation. In laminated pastries, solid fats create flaky layers by separating dough sheets during baking.

Eggs: Eggs bind ingredients, add moisture, and contribute to leavening. The proteins in eggs coagulate upon heating, providing structure, while fats in the yolk add richness.

Leavening Agents: Baking powder, baking soda, and yeast are responsible for the rise in baked goods. Baking powder and soda release carbon dioxide when combined with acidic ingredients or heat, while yeast ferments sugars to produce carbon dioxide and alcohol.

The Role of Temperature

Temperature control is crucial in baking. Here’s how it affects different stages:

Mixing: The temperature of ingredients, particularly fats and liquids, influences the consistency of the dough or batter. 

For instance, cold butter in pastry dough creates flaky layers, while room-temperature butter in cake batter ensures even mixing.

Proofing: Yeast activity is temperature-dependent. A warm environment (around 24-27°C) accelerates fermentation, while cooler temperatures slow it down. Overproofing can cause dough to collapse, while underproofing results in dense, heavy bread.

Baking: Oven temperature affects the rate of leavening and the development of the crust. Too hot, and the exterior may burn before the interior cooks; too cool, and the structure may not set properly, resulting in a dense texture.

Maillard Reaction and Caramelisation

Two key chemical reactions occur during baking:

Maillard Reaction: This complex reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars occurs at around 140-165°C, leading to the browning and development of rich flavours in baked goods.

Caramelisation: Sugar starts to caramelise at around 160°C, breaking down into new compounds that add depth of flavour and a golden colour to the crust.

Humidity and Its Impact

Humidity can significantly affect baking. In high humidity, flour absorbs more moisture, which can alter the dough’s consistency and the final product’s texture. Bakers often adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe to compensate for these variations.

Tips for Perfect Baking

Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour, as it can be easily compacted.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring ingredients like eggs and butter to room temperature for even mixing and better texture.

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can develop too much gluten, leading to tough baked goods. Mix just until ingredients are combined.

Preheat the Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature before baking. An oven thermometer can help verify this.

Know Your Oven: Oven temperatures can vary. It’s helpful to rotate your trays halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

Baking is a delightful journey of discovery where precision and creativity go hand in hand. By understanding the science behind the ingredients and processes, you can improve your baking skills and create consistently delicious results. Happy scientific baking!