The Pathfinder: The Best Non-Alc Tipples for your Dad this Father's Day

Fermented and distilled, this hemp-based elixir transforms your booze-free concoction with its bold flavours and Old West mystique 

This Father's Day, elevate your cocktails to revolutionary new heights with The Pathfinder Hemp and Root, the cult non-alcoholic spirit that has taken the US by storm. 

Inspired by the mysteries of Old West apothecaries, alternative medicine and the supernatural, The Pathfinder “lifts the veil of illusion” with its bold flavours and distinctive character – an ingenious elixir for a sunny-day serve that takes a step away from the ordinary.

While its exact formulation remains a closely guarded secret, The Pathfinder Hemp and Root is crafted with a methodical three-step process: the fermentation of naturally harvested hemp seed into a powerful elixir; distillation in 16th-century-style copper pot stills; the artful blending together of angelica root, wormwood, ginger, sage, juniper, saffron, orange peel and wild-crafted Douglas-fir, as well as natural terpenes.

The result is an aroma of sweet citrus and fresh pine followed by heavier botanical bitters. On the palate, relish the flavours of herbs, citrus, hemp and bitter extracts with an aftertaste of characterful complexity. (This means "Yes! It is the most delicious drink we have tried, alcoholic or otherwise in several years!") 

Whether sipped solo, taken as a shot, served on the rocks or used to add aromatic intensity to your favourite classic cocktail concoction, The Pathfinder’s versatility makes it a fervently delicious ingredient for any occasion – from sun-drenched afternoon reveries to leisurely sundowners. Or for reflecting sipping as you hide from a British thunderstorm in your conservatory, which happened today.)

This wild and enigmatic liquid always travels well in its signature spritz, with a simple splash of citrus and a rush of bubbles. Or discover The Pathfinder’s own harmonious marriage of distillates, extracts, tinctures and oils in these spring and summer serves: 

Summer Highball 

2 oz The Pathfinder Hemp & Root Spirit

½ oz lemon juice 

Top with seltzer 

Muddled cucumber and mint 

Lemon wedge garnish 

Serve over the rocks in a drinking glass

The Pathfinder Espresso Cola

Recipe developed by Caffe Vita 

1 oz The Pathfinder Hemp & Root Spirit 

16 oz cup of ice 

1 oz black tea concentrate 

2 oz espresso

4 oz seltzer water 

¼ teaspoon citric acid 

Lime wedge garnish 

Serve in a drinking glass and top with ice 

My wife and I like it with Schweppes soda water or some chilled lemonade.  

A bottle should cost £34.00.

Are PR Companies Paying for Fake 5-Star Restaurant Reviews? Here's How to Spot Them

I recently received a WhatsApp message asking me if I wanted to make some 5-star reviews on certain restaurants. I wouldn't have to visit the restaurants, just make Google reviews and I would be paid for my time. 

I am an official Google reviewer and I value my status as a Google reviewer and would do nothing to jeopardise this by making fake paid for reviews. I blocked the PR firm concerned. But this got me thinking about the entire fake reviews industry which made me decide to write this blogpost about this issue.

In today’s digital age, the star rating next to a restaurant’s name can make or break its success. With Google, Trustpilot, Yelp, and TripAdvisor shaping public perception, many consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. But what happens when those glowing reviews are not genuine?

The uncomfortable truth is that some PR agencies and marketing firms are paying for fake 5-star reviews to boost a restaurant's reputation. Whether it's a brand-new bistro trying to build credibility fast or an established chain attempting to drown out negative feedback, fake reviews are more common than many realise. And this doesn’t just hurt competitors — it misleads diners and undermines trust in the entire review system.

Why Would PR Firms Pay for Fake Reviews?

PR and marketing agencies are hired to generate positive buzz — and in a competitive food industry, pressure to deliver quick, measurable results can tempt some firms to cross ethical lines. Instead of focusing solely on authentic coverage, some resort to purchasing fake reviews through review farms, incentivising “customers” with discounts or freebies in exchange for positive feedback, or even writing the reviews themselves using fake profiles.

This kind of manipulation might temporarily boost a restaurant's online reputation, but it can lead to long-term consequences, including:

Loss of consumer trust

Penalties from review platforms

Reputational damage when exposed

How to Spot Fake Restaurant Reviews

As a savvy consumer (or a fellow restaurateur), here’s how you can identify potentially fake reviews:

No customers but many 5-Star reviews?

1. Too Many 5-Star Reviews All at Once

If a restaurant suddenly gets dozens of five-star reviews within a few days — especially when it’s newly opened or recently received criticism — that’s a red flag.

2. Generic or Vague Language

Genuine reviews tend to reference specific dishes, staff interactions, or atmosphere. Fake reviews often use vague, overly enthusiastic phrases like “Absolutely amazing!” or “The best restaurant ever!” without providing meaningful details.

3. Reviewer Profiles with No History

Click through to a reviewer’s profile. If they’ve only ever posted one or two glowing reviews — or they’ve left similar praise for multiple unrelated businesses — they may not be legitimate.

4. Overuse of Keywords

PR-driven fake reviews often read like SEO content. Watch out for unnatural repetition of the restaurant name, menu items, or phrases like “best Italian restaurant in London”.

5. Inconsistent Language or Style

Fake reviews might be generated using AI tools or written by non-native speakers. If the writing style is inconsistent or awkward across several reviews, it may indicate they’re not genuine.

6. Lack of Negative Feedback

Even the best restaurants occasionally receive 3 or 4-star reviews. If a place only has glowing feedback and no constructive criticism, it could be suspicious.

What Review Platforms Are Doing About It

Platforms like Google, Trustpilot, and TripAdvisor are investing in AI and moderation teams to detect and remove fake reviews. Some even take legal action against businesses or agencies that engage in fraudulent behaviour.

However, enforcement isn’t perfect. The responsibility also lies with consumers and ethical PR professionals to report suspicious activity and support honest businesses.

What Can Restaurants Do Instead?

Ethical marketing wins in the long run. Here’s how restaurants can build trust the right way:

Encourage genuine customer reviews via in-store signage or follow-up emails.

Respond to reviews — both good and bad — showing that feedback is valued.

Work with PR agencies that prioritise transparency and integrity.

Final Thoughts

Fake reviews may offer a short-term boost, but they’re a risky gamble. As consumers become more discerning and platforms grow more sophisticated, honesty remains the most sustainable strategy.

So next time you're scrolling through five-star reviews, take a moment to dig a little deeper — your next great meal (or PR investment) might depend on it.

Bacon and Cockles — A Coastal Welsh Classic

Few dishes capture the spirit of Welsh coastal life like a plate of Bacon and Cockles. 

Simple, rustic, and brimming with salty-sweet contrast, it’s a dish born of land and sea — one that tells the story of seaside communities, cockle gatherers, and cast-iron frying pans sizzling with breakfast.

From the Sands to the Skillet

This dish finds its heart in places like Penclawdd on the Gower Peninsula, famous for its cockle industry. For generations, families harvested cockles from the estuary flats, selling them fresh at markets and to travellers across the UK.

The natural pairing? Back bacon, sizzling until crisp, and often a side of laverbread or fried bread, completing what’s affectionately called the “Welsh breakfast.”

What’s in the Dish?

At its simplest, Bacon and Cockles needs only:

Good-quality back bacon

Fresh or prepared cockles (steamed or pre-cooked)

Optional: Laverbread, fried bread, or boiled potatoes

A dab of butter or bacon fat for frying

When fried together, the bacon’s savoury richness perfectly balances the cockles’ briny sweetness.

Traditional and Modern Twists

Traditional Style: Fry bacon, then lightly sauté the cockles in the bacon fat. Serve with laverbread and a thick slice of buttered bread.

Contemporary Versions:

Serve atop toasted sourdough with a Welsh poached egg

Toss cockles through pasta with bacon lardons and leeks

Try a “surf and turf” Welsh breakfast stack with all the trimmings

A True Taste of Wales

You’ll often find Bacon and Cockles served at:

Welsh food festivals and seaside cafés

Farmer’s markets across South Wales

Hotels in Tenby, Aberystwyth, and Swansea, where they’re a highlight on breakfast menus

Recipe: Bacon and Cockles (Serves 2)

Ingredients:

6 rashers of thick-cut back bacon

150g cooked cockles (rinsed and drained if preserved in brine)

1 tsp butter or bacon drippings

Black pepper to taste

Optional: 2 tbsp laverbread, fried bread, or new potatoes

Method:

Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until golden and crisp. Remove and keep warm.

Add a small knob of butter or bacon drippings to the pan.

Add the cockles and toss gently in the hot fat for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.

Serve the bacon and cockles together, with laverbread or fried bread on the side if desired.

Finish with a twist of black pepper and a wedge of lemon if you fancy.

From Tide to Table

Whether served with seaweed and soda bread or reinvented as a chic brunch dish, Bacon and Cockles remains a true culinary bridge between Welsh land and sea — humble, flavourful, and proudly rooted in tradition.

Next up: Leek Soup with Oats — The Farmer’s Bowl.

Beat the Heat: Food, Drinks and Supplements to Ward Off Cramps in Hot Weather

When the temperature rises your body has to work overtime to keep cool. 

Sweating may help regulate your body temperature, but it also means losing vital fluids and electrolytes—which can lead to those dreaded muscle cramps. 

Whether you’re working outdoors, hitting the gym, or simply trying to enjoy a sunny day, what you eat and drink can make all the difference.

Here’s your summer-ready guide to foods, drinks and supplements that help prevent cramps and keep you feeling your best when the weather turns scorching.

Why Do Cramps Happen in Hot Weather?

In hot conditions, your body loses fluids faster than usual. This includes electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium—minerals essential for muscle function. A lack of these can result in involuntary muscle spasms and painful cramps, especially during or after physical activity.

Hydration Is Key: What to Drink

1. Water – with a twist

Plain water is a good start, but when you’re sweating heavily, water alone may not be enough. Add a pinch of sea salt and a splash of fresh citrus juice (like lemon or orange) to make a simple homemade electrolyte drink.

2. Coconut Water

Naturally rich in potassium and moderate in sodium, coconut water is a great low-sugar alternative to commercial sports drinks.

3. Electrolyte Tablets or Powders

Look for sugar-free or low-sugar options that include a full spectrum of electrolytes, especially magnesium and calcium. These can be added to your water bottle for all-day sipping.

4. Herbal Teas (Chilled or Warm)

Peppermint, chamomile, or rooibos teas served cold are hydrating and caffeine-free. Rooibos also contains magnesium and calcium—ideal for cramp prevention.

Foods That Help Prevent Cramps

1. Bananas

A classic for good reason. Rich in potassium, bananas support proper muscle function and recovery.

2. Leafy Greens

Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are full of magnesium and calcium. Use them in salads, smoothies or light sautés.

3. Sweet Potatoes

These summer-friendly root veg are potassium powerhouses and also contain a good amount of magnesium.

4. Yoghurt

A cooling snack that offers calcium, potassium, and sodium—perfect after a workout or as a mid-afternoon bite.

5. Watermelon and Cucumber

Hydrating and refreshing, both contain natural sugars, water and a trace of magnesium and potassium. Ideal for snacking during hot days.

6. Avocado

One of the best food sources of magnesium and potassium—spread on toast or add to salads.

Supplements Worth Considering

1. Magnesium Citrate or Glycinate

If you’re prone to cramps, a magnesium supplement can help. Citrate is well absorbed, while glycinate is gentle on the stomach and good for sleep too.

2. Calcium and Vitamin D

Low calcium levels can contribute to muscle cramps. If your diet lacks dairy or fortified foods, consider a combined calcium and vitamin D supplement to support absorption.

3. Electrolyte Blends

Look for supplements specifically designed for athletes or high-heat environments. These usually combine sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium in optimal ratios.

Practical Tips to Keep Cramps at Bay

Drink consistently rather than gulping water only when you feel thirsty.

Snack smart: Choose fruit and salty snacks if you’ve been sweating a lot.

Don’t overdo caffeine or alcohol, as both can contribute to dehydration.

Stretch regularly, especially if you're physically active or standing for long periods.

Cool your environment where possible—fans, light clothing, and shade make a difference.

Final Thoughts

Summer should be about fun, not muscle cramps. With a few simple tweaks to your diet and hydration habits, you can stay cool, energised, and cramp-free—even in the hottest weather. Keep a water bottle handy, enjoy nature’s hydrating foods, and stock up on the right supplements if needed.

Got a go-to summer snack or homemade electrolyte drink you swear by? Let us know in the comments!

Welsh Griddle Bread — A Pan-Baked Heritage Loaf

Before modern ovens became a kitchen staple, Welsh homes relied on the griddle (or bakestone) — a flat, cast-iron plate set over the fire. 

It’s where classics like Welsh cakes and crempogau were born. But nestled among them is a lesser-known gem: Welsh Griddle Bread — a pan-baked loaf with a soft crumb, golden crust, and the unmistakable touch of tradition.

Bread Born of Simplicity

Griddle bread (sometimes called bara llestri in Welsh) is a rustic, round loaf made without yeast or elaborate proofing. It rises with baking powder or bicarbonate of soda and cooks low and slow on the stovetop or fire-heated griddle.

What makes it magical is the crackling crust from direct heat and the steam-trapped softness within — a texture somewhere between a scone and soda bread, with just the right density for buttering.

A Baker’s Legacy

Griddle bread has long been associated with:

Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, where it was commonly eaten with soup or stew

Slate mining families in Snowdonia, where quick breads were preferred over long-fermented loaves

Chapel teas, often served split, buttered, and layered with jam or cheese

Simple Ingredients, Honest Flavour

Most traditional recipes include:

Plain or strong white flour

A rising agent (baking powder or bicarb)

Salt

Buttermilk or sour milk

Lard, butter, or a mix of both

Optional enrichments include oats, wholemeal flour, or even mashed potato in some rural recipes.

How to Serve Welsh Griddle Bread

Warm with salted butter and a pot of tea

Toasted with Caerphilly cheese and chutney

With soup or stew, particularly cawl

Split and filled like a bap with bacon or laverbread

This is a bread made for comfort, not show — the kind of food that fills your kitchen with the scent of home.

Recipe: Welsh Griddle Bread

Ingredients:

400g plain flour

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

1 tsp salt

50g lard or unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

250ml buttermilk or sour milk (more if needed)

Method:

Sift the flour, bicarb, and salt into a large bowl.

Rub in the lard or butter until the mix resembles breadcrumbs.

Stir in the buttermilk gradually to form a soft, but not sticky, dough.

Roll into a thick round about 2–3cm thick.

Heat a griddle or heavy pan over medium-low heat and dust lightly with flour.

Place the dough round on the griddle. Cook gently for 10–12 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through (use a cake tester if unsure).

Cool on a rack and slice while still warm.

The Hearth in a Loaf

Welsh Griddle Bread is a reminder of how our ancestors baked with what they had, not what they lacked. No oven? No problem. Just a hot griddle, some flour, and a little love.

It's ideal for reconnecting with Welsh heritage in your own kitchen, one pan-baked slice at a time.

Next up: Bacon and Cockles — A Coastal Welsh Classic.

Crunch Time: Planet Farms Is the First Vertically-Farmed Product Stocked by Waitrose, Available Now

Thanks to a unique, cutting edge, fully automated growing system, the leaves move from harvest to bag in under a minute. 

Also,  the carefully designed clean-room growing conditions and root-only irrigation system leads to a dry and crispy leaf with no need to wash. Eat straight from the bag, and if you listen carefully, there is a crunch you can actually hear! 

By virtue of the fact the leaves have never been touched or washed, they stay fresh and crispy in the fridge for at least 8 days. There is no chemical residue, less waste and maximum freshness. The process also offers a new benchmark in sustainable food production with 95% less water used, a 93% reduction in soil occupancy and 96% less fertiliser than in traditional agriculture. 

Currently based in Italy, this is the first time Planet Farms products are available in the UK, and a major expansion is on the way. In April 2025 Planet Farms announced an investment  in excess of £25m into a UK-based facility that will supply Waitrose directly. At 20,000 sqm of growing capacity, it will be one of the largest vertical farms in the entire world. 

Finally, flavour remains paramount and is underpinned by a partnership with the oldest three Michelin-starred restaurant in Italy; Da Vittorio. Known for their uncompromising culinary standards, the Cerea family (chefs and owners of Da Vittorio) bring challenge, innovation and a relentless pursuit of flavour via the mini-farm and R&D facility built on site to supply the restaurant in Brusaporto and to test new recipes. 

Planet Farms is a certified B Corp and has earned accolades across Europe for its commitment to quality, transparency, and planet-first thinking.

RRP £1.80 70g

Planet Farms Fresh Everleaf Delicate Mix

A delightfully sweet and irresistible blend of red and green lettuce, offering a light, airy crunch RRP £1.80 70g

Fresh Everleaf Iceberg Lettuce

Cool, crisp, and endlessly refreshing—these vibrant iceberg leaves deliver a bold crunch with every bite RRP £1.80 70g

Planet Farms Fresh Everleaf Vitality Mix

An energising mix of bold, peppery greens and red leaves—packed with character and a satisfyingly snappy texture RRP £1.80 70g

Planet Farms Fresh Everleaf Mixed Leaves

A rich, velvety medley of red and green salad leaves, layered with subtle sweetness and a complex, satisfying texture RRP £1.80 70

Daniele Benatoff, CEO and Co-Founder of Planet Farms, told That's Food and Drink:  “We hope people in the UK will love our pioneering Italian-grown salads, and experience crunchiness and freshness like never before. 

"This partnership represents our shared values of quality, sustainability, and innovation. We want to make sure that foods stay fresher on shelf, for longer, and contribute to reducing food waste. 

We believe that by combining technology with nature's wisdom, we can grow better food for everyone - delicious, fresh, and respectful of the planet.”

Planet Farms Fresh Everleaf is  available exclusively at Waitrose from now, on shelf and online. RRP £1.80

https://www.waitrose.com/ecom/shop/search?&searchTerm=Fresh%20Everleaf 

Planet Farms Fresh Everleaf is available exclusively at Waitrose.

https://www.planetfarms.ag/en 

Harehope Launches Its Hemp Nutritional Powerhouse Range to Support Health and Fitness Goals

Harehope Wholefoods has just launched a trio of award-winning plant-based products, all 100% British grown, including Hemp Protein Blend, Hemp Seed Hearts and Hemp Seed Oil.

Hemp Seed Oil is derived from the seeds of the hemp plant and is obtained by cold pressing the seeds. It has gained popularity for its nutritional value and potential health benefits in recent years.

Leading the trio is the Hemp Protein Blend, a complete plant-based protein source that offers great health benefits. 

High in protein 40% and Fibre 31%, all nine essential amino acids, easily digestible and packed with vitamins and minerals, it supports muscle repair, boosts energy levels and promotes heart health.

Hemp Seed Hearts are packed with nutrients that can enhance your fitness, wellbeing and overall energy levels. Whether you love exercise and are looking to boost your performance, or you're simply seeking a natural energy boost.

Hemp Seed Oil is a delicious alternative to olive oil, 40% less saturated fats and offers a whole lot more polyunsaturated fatty acids, including Omega 3 and 6. It's ideal for dipping bread, and perfect as a final drizzle on your favourite pasta, pizza or salad.

Hemp is good for the planet too. As it's fast growing, it absorbs large amount of C02 from the atmosphere while generating soil health. It requires no pesticides or Herbicides which helps promote wildlife and biodiversity.

Nurturing Nature, Nourishing You

https://harehope.com/

That's Christmas 365: Festive Summer Recipes with Christmas Flair: A Yul...

That's Christmas 365: Festive Summer Recipes with Christmas Flair: A Yul...: Just because the sun is shining and the barbecues are out doesn’t mean we have to put Christmas spirit on ice!  Whether you're celebrati...

Celebrating Pentecost with Feasting at Home and in Church

Pentecost, celebrated 50 days after Easter Sunday, marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and is often referred to as the “birthday of the Church.” 

For many Christians in the UK and around the world, it’s a joyful occasion symbolising unity, renewal, and divine inspiration. Traditionally observed with church services and processions, Pentecost can also be meaningfully celebrated with food and fellowship—whether at home or in the community.

A Feast of the Spirit: What Does Pentecost Symbolise?

Before diving into menus and table settings, it’s worth pausing to reflect on the meaning of Pentecost. The name itself comes from the Greek word Pentēkostē, meaning "fiftieth." It commemorates the moment when the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to speak in many languages, allowing them to share the Gospel with people from all nations. Because of this, Pentecost is associated with themes of inclusion, communication, and spiritual awakening.

Red is the liturgical colour for Pentecost, representing the flames of the Holy Spirit. This vibrant hue can also inspire decorations, foods, and drinks for your celebration.

Hosting a Pentecost Feast at Home

Bringing Pentecost into your household is a beautiful way to engage your family in the spirit of the season. Here are some ideas for a home-based celebration:

1. Decor Inspired by the Holy Spirit

Use red table linens, napkins, or candles.

Add dove and flame motifs as symbolic decorations.

Incorporate flowers like red geraniums or roses to brighten the table.

2. Spirit-Filled Menu Ideas

Choose dishes that represent unity, diversity, and harvest. Pentecost is historically linked with Shavuot, a Jewish harvest festival, so seasonal produce is especially appropriate.

Starter:

Roasted red pepper soup (symbolising the tongues of fire)

Main:

Mediterranean platter with flatbreads, hummus, grilled vegetables, olives, and lamb

Vegetarian paella or ratatouille—dishes with international flair and communal spirit

Dessert:

Strawberries and cream or a red velvet cake

Meringues with raspberry coulis—symbolising the Spirit’s lightness and power

Drinks:

Sparkling elderflower cordial

Sangria or pomegranate juice for a rich red touch

Encourage everyone at the table to share a story of spiritual renewal or something that has inspired them recently, echoing the storytelling spirit of the apostles.

Feasting and Fellowship in Church

Many churches host special Pentecost services featuring music, readings in multiple languages, and community meals. Here are ways churches can include feasting:

1. Post-Service Fellowship Lunch

Invite parishioners to bring a dish from their cultural background. A Pentecost potluck celebrates the international nature of the Church and encourages cultural sharing.

Suggestions for Church Gatherings:

Label dishes with the country of origin

Offer a “Pentecost punch” in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions

Include a bake sale or cake stall with red-themed baked goods

2. Outdoor Picnics or Garden Parties

If weather permits, hold the feast outdoors with red bunting, picnic blankets, and perhaps a dove release or symbolic activity involving fire (like lighting candles in a safe environment).

3. Pentecost Prayer Stations and Food

Set up different “stations” with themed snacks and reflective prompts:

Wind Station: Windmill biscuits and fans, with prayers about being guided by the Spirit

Fire Station: Spicy food samplers and reflections on boldness

Language Station: International snacks and a multilingual prayer wall

A Feast for the Soul and the Senses

Whether at home or in your local parish, celebrating Pentecost with food adds a sensory layer to the spiritual meaning of the day. It’s a chance to reflect, reconnect, and rejoice in the unity the Holy Spirit brings.

 Pentecost Activity Ideas for All Ages

1. Flame Craft: Tongues of Fire Headbands

Materials: Red, orange, and yellow construction paper, scissors, glue or stapler, headbands (or paper strips)

How to: Cut flame shapes from the paper and glue them to the headbands. These represent the tongues of fire that rested on the apostles.

Use at: Sunday school, home celebrations, or to wear during the church service.

2. Wind Mobile or Pinwheel Craft

Materials: Card, paper straws or sticks, string, hole punch, markers

How to: Make a mobile with flame, dove, and globe symbols to represent the Spirit. Alternatively, create pinwheels to represent the rushing wind of the Spirit.

Reflection prompt: “Where have I felt the Spirit guiding me?”

3. Languages of the World Game

Idea: Print simple greetings (“hello,” “peace be with you,” “thank you”) in various languages and hide them around the house or church hall.

Challenge: Have participants match the language with the country. Discuss how Pentecost shows that God's message is for everyone, everywhere.

4. Prayer Candle Station

Setup: Provide tea lights (real or LED), red tablecloths, and simple prayer cards.

Instructions: Light a candle and pray for someone who needs peace or guidance. A beautiful visual reminder of the Spirit’s light.

5. Holy Spirit Fruit Tree

Theme: Galatians 5:22–23 – the fruit of the Spirit

Materials: A tree poster or real branches in a vase, paper fruit shapes

Activity: Write fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.) on each fruit and hang them up as people name ways they’ve seen those fruits in action.

6. Storytelling Circle

Inspiration: Just like the apostles told stories in many tongues, create a circle where everyone shares a short story or moment of grace in their life.

Adaptation for kids: Read a Pentecost-themed picture book and ask questions like, “What would you do if you could speak every language?”

7. Bake and Share: Pentecost Biscuits

Recipe idea: Basic sugar biscuits or gingerbread in shapes like doves, flames, or globes. Let children decorate with red, yellow, and orange icing.

Community idea: Pack biscuits in small bags with a prayer card and deliver them to neighbours or congregation members unable to attend church.

8. Spirit Balloons

Materials: Red, orange, and yellow balloons, marker pens

Activity: Write one way you can share kindness or joy this week on a balloon. Display them around the house or hall.

May your Pentecost be filled with flavour, fellowship, and the fire of the Spirit.

Sweet Celebrations: How to Celebrate World Bee Day with Honey-Inspired Dishes and Bee-Friendly Actions

World Bee Day, celebrated every year on 20th May, is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a crucial reminder of the vital role bees play in our ecosystem. 

Bees are responsible for pollinating over 75% of the crops we eat, yet their populations are in decline due to habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change.

This World Bee Day, let’s show our appreciation with a twofold approach: cooking with nature’s golden treasure—honey—and taking simple but meaningful actions to help save our buzzing friends.

Celebrate with Honey-Inspired Dishes

Honey is a natural sweetener packed with flavour and history, with each variety reflecting the flowers visited by the bees. Here are a few delicious ways to make honey the star of your World Bee Day menu:

1. Honey-Glazed Roast Vegetables

Give your Sunday roast a floral twist. Toss carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes in a glaze made from local honey, olive oil, and a touch of mustard before roasting.

2. Lemon and Honey Chicken

A classic pairing—roast chicken drizzled with a lemon, garlic, and honey glaze for a sticky, tangy finish. Perfect for a light spring supper.

3. Honey and Yoghurt Panna Cotta

Swap out sugar for honey in this creamy dessert. Use wildflower honey to complement the richness of the panna cotta, and top with bee-friendly edible flowers like violets or calendula.

4. Breakfast Boost: Honey Porridge or Granola

Drizzle a spoonful of honey over warm porridge or mix it into homemade granola with oats, nuts, and dried fruit for a nourishing start to your day.

5. Baked Brie with Honey and Thyme

A crowd-pleasing appetiser: bake a wheel of Brie and top it with warm honey, fresh thyme, and chopped walnuts. Serve with crusty bread or crackers.

Top Tip: Always try to use local, raw honey. Not only does it support local beekeepers, but it’s also likely to contain beneficial enzymes and pollen.

How You Can Help Save the Bees

It doesn’t take much to make a big difference. Here are some bee-friendly actions you can start today:

Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers

Bees need nectar and pollen-rich plants to thrive. Grow varieties like lavender, foxglove, borage, and wild marjoram. Try planting a small wildflower patch or even a window box—every little helps.

Avoid Pesticides

Chemicals in pesticides and herbicides can be deadly to bees. Opt for organic gardening methods and encourage natural pest control like ladybirds and lacewings.

Create a Bee Hotel

Solitary bees like mason bees need places to nest. A bee hotel made from hollow stems or drilled wood is a great addition to any garden or balcony.

Leave Out Water

Bees need water, especially in hot weather. Place a shallow dish filled with water and pebbles for them to safely land and drink.

Support Local Beekeepers and Conservation Groups

Buy honey from local sources, support bee charities like the Bee Friendly Trust or the British Beekeepers Association, and raise awareness about bee protection on social media.

Bee the Change

World Bee Day is the perfect opportunity to blend pleasure with purpose. Whether you're baking with honey, planting wildflowers, or skipping the pesticides, every small action helps secure the future of bees—and our food system.

So grab a spoonful of honey, share a recipe, plant a flower, and help spread the buzz!