How to Choose the Right Music for Your Dinner Party

Create the perfect atmosphere with a well-curated playlist

Hosting a dinner party? Discover how to choose the right background music to enhance the mood, match your menu, and make your evening unforgettable.

How to Choose the Right Music for Your Dinner Party

Planning the perfect dinner party isn’t just about food and drink—though we’ll never downplay the importance of a well-balanced menu and an expertly paired wine. 

But there’s another element that plays a quietly powerful role in shaping the evening: music.

Get it right, and your soundtrack will lift the energy, soothe nerves, and make conversations flow as easily as the wine. Get it wrong, and you might unintentionally derail the relaxed, inviting atmosphere you're aiming for.

Here’s our guide to choosing music that will complement your dinner party just as well as the dessert complements the starter.

1. Set the Role: Music as a Background Guest

Dinner party music isn’t meant to take centre stage—it’s there to enhance, not distract. Think of it as a guest who knows how to stay just involved enough to keep the atmosphere warm and sociable, without dominating the conversation.

A good rule of thumb? If people are leaning in to hear one another, it’s too loud.

2. Pair Music with Your Menu

Just as you’d pair wine with your main course, try pairing your playlist with your cuisine. Serving Italian? Opt for soft classical guitar or elegant opera arias. Mediterranean mezze? Go for upbeat Greek or Spanish instrumentals. Hosting a modern British supper? Some indie folk or lo-fi jazz might hit the right note.

Your food and music should complement each other—never clash.

3. Time the Tempo

Start the evening with slower, softer tracks that create a welcoming ambience. As dinner progresses, especially once the main course is over, feel free to subtly lift the tempo to keep energy levels up.

Avoid anything too dramatic or sudden. Think progression, not party playlist.

4. Keep It (Mostly) Instrumental

Lyrics can compete with conversation, especially in smaller dining spaces. While a few well-chosen vocal tracks can work, instrumentals are generally your best bet.

Top dinner-friendly genres include:

Jazz (Miles Davis, Chet Baker)

Acoustic guitar

Chillhop/lo-fi

Classical or minimalist piano (Ludovico Einaudi is a crowd-pleaser)

5. Curate or Stream with Care

If you’re a music enthusiast, create your own playlist to match your vibe—just make sure it’s long enough to last the evening (around 2–3 hours minimum). Avoid abrupt tempo shifts or playlist gaps.

Not in the mood to DJ? Streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music have excellent themed playlists:

“Dinner Party Jazz”

“Evening Acoustic”

“Classy Dinner”

Tip: Always test your playlist before the event. The last thing you want is a surprise drum and bass drop in the middle of the soup course.

6. Volume Matters

Whether you’re using a Bluetooth speaker or a whole-home sound system, volume is key. Set it just loud enough to notice, but not so much that it interferes with conversation. Place speakers in corners for a warm, even spread—avoid blasting music from one direction.

7. Genres to Use Sparingly (or Not at All)

Unless your party is themed or your guests expect it, try to steer clear of:

Heavy rock or metal

High-BPM dance tracks

Distracting novelty songs

Anything lyrically intense or emotionally heavy

Dinner parties are all about connection, comfort, and creating an easy-going flow. Save the rave for another night.

Final Thought

The right playlist helps bring your dinner party together, adding personality and polish to an already thoughtfully planned evening. Just like the food on the table and the drinks in hand, the music should feel intentional—even if it’s subtly in the background.

Try it out at your next gathering and let us know what worked. And if you’ve already got a go-to dinner party playlist, we’d love to hear it! Tag us @thatsfoodanddrink or leave a comment below.

#DinnerPartyVibes

#DinnerPartyPlaylist

#DinnerPartyInspo

#EntertainingAtHome

#DinnerPartyIdeas

#HostWithStyle

#DinnerPartyMood

#DinnerPlaylist

#DiningWithMusic

#SetTheMood

Food & Lifestyle Hashtags

#FoodAndDrinkBlog

#FoodLoversUK

#ThatsFoodAndDrink

#HomeEntertaining

#DinnerPartySeason

#FoodieUK

#UKFoodBloggers

#HomeDining

#TableTalk

Food & Lifestyle Hashtags

#FoodAndDrinkBlog

#FoodLoversUK

#ThatsFoodAndDrink

#HomeEntertaining

#DinnerPartySeason

#FoodieUK

#UKFoodBloggers

#HomeDining

#TableTalk

How to Fairly Share Cooking Duties with Your Other Half (Without Starting WW3)

Let’s be honest—nothing tests a relationship quite like figuring out whose turn it is to make dinner after a long day. 

You’re both tired, both hungry, and both eyeing the microwave meal like it’s a lifeline. 

But fear not! With a bit of planning, a touch of humour, and a healthy dose of passive-aggressive fridge notes, you can share cooking duties fairly—and maybe even enjoy it.

Here’s how to avoid a domestic drama that would put EastEnders to shame.

1. Have "The Chat" (Brace Yourself)

Not that chat. The other dreaded one: “What’s for dinner?” Instead of lobbing it back and forth like a hot potato, sit down (ideally not when you’re both hangry) and talk about how you can split the work. Be honest. Be kind. Try not to mention that one time they set fire to a jacket potato.

2. Consider Your Schedules (and Energy Levels)

Maybe you’re the early riser with energy to roast a chicken before work, while your partner’s idea of a morning starts with hitting snooze five times. Or maybe one of you commutes and the other works from home (which definitely doesn’t mean they’ve got time to prep a five-course feast between Zoom calls).

Look at your week realistically. If Monday is curry-in-a-hurry night and Friday is officially “Let’s just get a chippy” night, plan around that.

3. Play to Your Strengths (or At Least Avoid Your Weaknesses)

Are you the Queen or King of a slow cooker? Can you poach an egg without it looking like a jellyfish crime scene? Brilliant. Own your skills. Meanwhile, if your partner once tried to grill toast and set off the fire alarm, maybe they’re better off on salad duty. Or just making the tea. We all have our place.

4. Do a Weekly Meal Plan Like the Organised Couple You Pretend to Be

It’s not glamorous, but it stops you from staring into the fridge at 6pm wondering if half a cucumber, a questionable block of cheddar, and three eggs constitute a meal (spoiler: they don’t).

Use a whiteboard, a meal planner pad, or the notes app that you both definitely forget to check. Plan meals, assign who’s cooking what, and leave space for leftovers or a cheeky takeaway.

5. Divide the Whole Process (Yes, That Includes Washing Up)

Cooking isn’t just the actual cooking. There’s chopping, stirring, timing, shouting “Where’s the bloody colander?” and cleaning up the chaos afterwards. Maybe one of you cooks, the other washes up. Or one does the main and the other handles sides or dessert (read: scoops ice cream into bowls while trying not to eat it all en route).

6. Make It a Team Effort (Or a Competitive Sport)

Cooking together can be fun—pop on some music, pour a glass of wine, and pretend you're in the M&S advert. Or take turns and rate each other’s meals like a low-stakes version of Come Dine With Me. Bonus points for presentation. Points deducted for forgetting to defrost the mince. Again.

7. Accept That Sometimes, Beans on Toast Is Fine

Not every night needs to be a culinary masterpiece. If you’re both knackered, it’s perfectly valid to declare “tonight’s dinner is toast” and be done with it. Slap on some Marmite, call it rustic, and move on.

8. Keep the Peace—It’s Not a Scoreboard

Resist the urge to start keeping track of who’s done what. “Well I cooked Tuesday and Thursday and did the roast on Sunday” is a slippery slope to resentment (and probably a dinner of cold shoulder).

Instead, focus on what feels fair overall. If one of you’s been slammed with work, the other can pick up the slack. And next week, it might switch. That’s the joy of teamwork (and marriage, apparently).

Final Thoughts: It's All About Balance (and Not Burning the Garlic Bread)

Sharing cooking duties with your other half isn’t just about divvying up chores. It’s about communicating, compromising, and understanding that sometimes, the best thing for your relationship is a night off and a Tesco Finest ready meal.

Remember: it’s not about perfection—it’s about partnership. And maybe, just maybe, having a few emergency fish fingers in the freezer.

Ice Cream Layer Cake with Crushed Digestive Biscuits

A while back I was opening the freezer in our kitchen, took out an ice cream layer cake but before I could serve it, I woke up! A sad, but true story. But this set me thinking. 

An ice cream layer cake would be absolutely delicious. 

So after much research and work, here is a blogpost on this very subject. 

When summer hits, the last thing anyone wants is to turn on the oven. That’s why no-bake desserts are an absolute saviour – and this Ice Cream Layer Cake with Crushed Digestive Biscuits is the ultimate showstopper. W

ith layers of creamy, dreamy ice cream and buttery crushed biscuits, it’s nostalgic, simple, and endlessly adaptable.

Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, planning a birthday celebration, or just fancy something sweet on a sunny day, this frozen treat ticks all the boxes.

🧁 Ingredients

For the base and biscuit layers:

300g digestive biscuits, crushed (broken pieces and fine crumbs both welcome!)

100g unsalted butter, melted

For the ice cream layers (choose your favourites):

1 litre vanilla ice cream

1 litre chocolate ice cream

1 litre strawberry or raspberry ripple ice cream

Feel free to swap for salted caramel, mint choc chip, or anything else you fancy.

Optional toppings:

Chocolate sauce or ganache

Chopped nuts or crushed honeycomb

Fresh berries or maraschino cherries

Whipped cream

Instructions

1. Prepare your tin

Line a 20cm (8-inch) springform cake tin with cling film or baking parchment, leaving some overhang to help lift the cake out later.

2. Make the biscuit base

Mix two-thirds of the crushed digestive biscuits with the melted butter until well combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the tin to form the base. Chill in the freezer for 20 minutes.

3. Layer the ice cream

Take your first flavour of ice cream out of the freezer and let it soften for 5–10 minutes. Spoon it over the biscuit base and smooth it out with a spatula. Return the tin to the freezer for 30–45 minutes, or until firm.

4. Add more biscuit crumbs

Sprinkle a layer of the remaining crushed digestive biscuits over the first layer of ice cream. Press lightly to help it stick.

5. Repeat with other ice cream layers

Repeat the softening, layering, and freezing process with your second and third flavours of ice cream, adding a thin layer of biscuit crumbs between each. You should finish with an ice cream layer on top.

6. Freeze until solid

Once all layers are complete, freeze the entire cake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to ensure it’s solid and sliceable.

Serving Suggestions

Before serving, remove the cake from the tin and transfer to a plate. Let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly for easier slicing. Top with whipped cream, drizzle with chocolate sauce, or scatter some fresh berries for an extra flourish.

Tips & Variations

Biscuit swap: Try Hobnobs, ginger nuts, peanut flavour, or even chocolate chip cookies for a different crunch and flavour.

Add-ins: Stir chopped chocolate, caramel swirls, or crushed sweets into your ice cream layers before freezing.

Mini versions: Make individual ice cream cakes using silicone muffin moulds or ramekins – perfect for parties!

Make-Ahead & Storage

This ice cream cake can be made up to a week in advance – just wrap it tightly in cling film or foil to prevent freezer burn. Leftovers can be kept frozen for up to 2 weeks.

Final Thoughts

This ice cream layer cake with digestive biscuits is a brilliant British twist on a classic frozen dessert. With just a handful of ingredients and zero oven time, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to all summer long.

Have you tried making your own version? Let me know what flavour combos you used – or tag me in your creations on socials!

The All Natural, Non Alcoholic Honey Wine That's a Refreshingly Different Summer Sipper

As the buzz around mindful drinking continues to rise, Bemuse offers an intriguingly different choice for health-conscious drinkers looking to soak up the summer without the compromising effects of an alcoholic drink. 

Blended using only a handful of nature's own ingredients — Bemuse has a base of raw (British) honey, fermented with yeast and water and then infused with a diverse array of all natural botanicals and flavourings. 

It's a refreshing choice for consumers who are following a clean diet, in an era when the benefits of avoiding ultra-processed foods are recognised and transparency around ingredients used has become an expected norm. 

These drinks are lightly effervescent and bone dry; offering a curious surprise to those expecting sweetness from a honey-based drink. The natural fermentation process creates a bright acidity, alongside a subtle earthiness that's more akin to a naturally sparkling wine than anything sugary or soft.

Co-founder Anna Chalov explains the intriguingly different taste: “Customers are often surprised to discover that our drinks are dry, and even a little tangy — with an acidic edge. It's that acidity that gives Bemuse its grown-up profile and the complexity to serve with food, offering a real alternative to an alcoholic drink.” 

As well as pairing beautifully with food, Bemuse's acidity also makes for a versatile cocktail base — lending structure and balance to low-ABV creations as well as alcoholic serves. Indeed, these drinks have captured the attention of mixologists at prestigious hospitality venues the Sheraton Grand hotel (Mayfair), Dalloway Terrace and The Coral Room at the Bloomsbury Hotel, amongst others. 

Adding further appeal, Bemuse's acidic nature makes it a brilliant replacement for fresh citrus in cocktails; reducing food waste and the need for fruits that can often go unused.

Bemuse is available in four flavour-forward, multi-award winning blends:  

● Origo — spring wildflower honey blended with citra and ekuanot hops; zesty, sharp and aromatic 

● Pomona — apple blossom honey infused with cardamom and ginger; dry with a lively, citrusy tang 

● Calluna — raw heather honey with tarragon and Thai basil; earthy and herbaceous 

● Fiora — rosé blend of English meadow borage honey with wild raspberry; delicately floral and refreshingly crisp.

Anna, who is something of a nature lover, told That's Food and Drink: "We wanted to create drinks that were kind to the body, and kind to the planet too. Honey-based drinks have a lower environmental footprint than more 'traditional' wines, requiring no additional irrigation or pesticides. Bees are a vital part of the biodiversity underpinning the entire food chain, and by investing in honey cultivation we can also play a role in helping to boost the dwindling bee population.” 

There's little doubt that these drinks have nature at their beating heart. So as we head into the season of bank holidays, BBQs, staycations and summer parties — consumers can savour every sip in the knowledge that the contents of their glass are delicious, guilt-free and planet friendly too. Surely that makes for a refreshingly different choice this summer?

bemusedrinks.com

Another Course of Top Chefs Announced for Festival of Food and Drink

Following the recent announcement of Saturday's guest chefs—Simon Rimmer, Rosemary Shrager, and Paul A Young—the Festival of Food and Drink at Thoresby Park has just turned up the heat. Joining the line-up on Sunday 21st September are culinary stars John Torode, Francesco Mattana, and Chris Baber, completing a delicious weekend of foodie entertainment.

A hugely popular and influential figure on the UK culinary circuit, John Torode MBE is best known as the straight-talking co-host presenter and judge of MasterChef and Celebrity MasterChef (the world's most successful cookery TV format). A regular guest chef on This Morning, John also appears with his wife Lisa Faulkner co-hosting John & Lisa's Weekend Kitchen on ITV, a hugely successful series, now in its 9th series.

John was awarded an MBE in 2022 for services to Food, Broadcast & Charity. His cookery books and writings have received huge critical acclaim, including the bestselling My Kind of Food, and Sydney to Seoul. His new book entitled John & Lisa's Kitchen was published in 2024.

Leading Italian chef, Francesco Mattana, also takes to the stage on the Sunday. Francesco has built a loyal following on his social media platforms, with over 1.3M followers across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube. Francesco is an advocate for eating sustainably, reducing food waste and following the seasons, something that he's learnt from his Sardinian upbringing.  

In 2018, he turned to teaching full-time and was the Head Teaching Chef at Jamie Oliver's Cookery School in London. He's also worked and collaborated with Eataly - La Scuola, Emilia's Pasta, Food at 52, The Pasta Academy run by Pasta Evangelists and Bread Ahead Baking School. He is currently writing his own book, due to be published in 2026.

Also appearing on the Sunday is Chris Baber who began working under critically acclaimed Michelin-starred chef Atul Kocchar. Partnered with his background in athletics and passion for fitness, Chris has developed a unique approach to eating well and has just had his second Men's Fitness cover and recipe series, blending his passion for food and fitness. 

Chris began his career winning BBC1s 'Yes Chef' in 2016 and has since cooked on Saturday Kitchen, was the resident Chef on ITV's 'Cooking with the Stars Extra Helpings' and has recently filmed with Robson Green for the highest rating BBC documentary show 'Weekend Escapes' and is subsequently working on his own concept with ITV. 

Chris' debut cookbook 'Easy' quickly climbed to number 1 on Amazon. Chris is in talks with his publisher for his second book. With over 250,000 engaged followers across social media Chris has a solid platform that continues to grow.

As well as a first-class line-up of guest chefs, there will be over 160 stalls showcasing a variety of food and drink products, gift, crafts, and homewares.

There's plenty of entertainment for the kids with the Kid's Cookery School, Circus School and arts and crafts and more.

The Cookery Theatre will once again have presenter Chris Bavin at the helm – renowned for his lively and interactive chat with the guest chefs, you are guaranteed a fun time in the 500-seater cookery theatre.

Tickets from just £12 can be purchased via the festival website. VIP tickets, children and family ticket options are also available, and under six years go free.

https://festivaloffoodanddrink.com/

Devon's Voyager Coffee Introduces New Single Origin: Sitio São Lourenço

Voyager Coffee, Devon's leading specialty roaster, has announced its latest single origin release: Sitio São Lourenço, a Brazilian coffee from the southern region of Minas Gerais. Grown by fifth-generation producer Antônio Afonso de Oliveira, this delicious coffee brings a smooth, full-bodied cup with rich tasting notes of baker's chocolate, walnut, and stewed plum.

Sourced from Santana da Vargem, famed for its lush valleys, rich soil, and ideal coffee-growing conditions, this single origin showcases a creamy body, mellow acidity and slight sweetness. The gentle roasting helps maintain its balanced profile, ensuring it works beautifully for both espresso and filter.

Antônio farms using sustainable, regenerative practices, and is a founding member of Coopasv, a small cooperative dedicated to supporting local producers with fair pricing, shared infrastructure and agronomic support. Antônio describes his coffee simply, “I drink it and I think it's a sweet, clean coffee -the best coffee in the world for me. It's a product of my work, my family's work, and our history.”

In September 2024, Voyager's Head Roaster, Gabriel Fill, visited Sitio São Lourenço with export partner Volcafe. There, he met Antônio and witnessed the resilience behind the cup: following a devastating frost in 2021, Antônio lost a significant portion of his crop and turned to honey production to sustain the farm while replanting new coffee trees. Coopasv stepped in with seedlings, logistical support, and market access - a testament to the strength of community-based sourcing.

Gabriel comments, “Meeting Antônio and seeing firsthand how a small farm like his survives and thrives was incredibly humbling and reinforced the importance of seeing the producers behind every bean. This coffee is not only delicious, it's a story of perseverance and partnership. Sitio São Lourenço represents the kind of meaningful relationship we aim to build with every origin we work with.Behind every cup is a family, a farm, and a community working tirelessly to bring us the coffee we love.”

Voyager's Sitio São Lourenço is available now at voyagercoffee.co.uk, in three sizes (227g, £10.50 / 500g, £21.00 / 1kg, £35.00). It's suitable for all brewing methods, including filter, stovetop, domestic espresso, cafetiere, and AeroPress.

Get Ready for Summer With Codorníu Spritz

For those looking for non-alcoholic options, enjoy a single serving of their beloved alcohol-free cava, Codorníu Zero.

Codorníu is Spain's oldest winery and has established an exceptional reputation for high quality yet affordable cava. 

Its canned collection transforms their signature sparkling wine into single serves with a fruity twist and are perfect for summertime celebrations on the go.

Codorníu Spritz cans are available in orange, lemon and raspberry. Combining natural summer fruits with hints of exotic and hibiscus spices, married with light effervescent bubbles. These sparkling cans are fresh with a spicy finish. 

For anyone looking for a non-alcoholic option, the delicious white and rosé in the Codorníu Zero range is now also available in can format. Available on Amazon for £35 for 12 cans.

Codorníu Zero Sparkling White

Punchy, fresh and cheerful, bask in tropical fruit aromas with zesty notes and delicate white flavours. Enjoy fine and elegant bubbles, making this the perfect aperitif on the go.

Available from Amazon for £28.80 for 12 cans.

Codorníu Zero Sparkling Rosé

For those looking to toast to the season with a non-alcohol alternative, this well balanced option is perfect for everyone. A delicate cherry colour and strawberry tones balance the aromas of red fruit, strawberries, cherries and woodland fruits with hints of green apple.

Available from Amazon for £28.90 for 12 cans.

https://www.codorniu.com/en

Give the Gift of British Hamper Company This Father's Day

As a family-run business passionate about celebrating Britain's best food artisans, The British Hamper Company brings together exceptional flavours, expert craftsmanship, and the finest quality ingredients in all its collections. 

With a focus on authentic British produce, The British Hamper Company is proud to present a wide selection of exclusive delights, crafted by Britain's most skilled artisans. 

Each product is made with dedication to taste and quality, offering the perfect gift for those who appreciate fine food and drink. 

All hampers are available for UK and international delivery, making it easy to show appreciation and sharing memorable moments, no matter the distance. 

Make it special this Father's Day with a thoughtful gift from The British Hamper Company—where every hamper tells a story of British craftsmanship and culinary excellence. 

To learn more about The British Hamper Company, visit www.britishhamper.com.  

Luxury hampers for Father's Day include:  

The Beer Festival Hamper – £50.00 

For the dad who loves his craft beers, The Beer Festival Hamper is a celebration of Britain's most passionate brewers. Packed with a selection of full-bodied, flavourful craft beers, this hamper brings the pub experience straight to his doorstep. Paired with hand-cooked cheddar biscuits, this gift is the ultimate indulgence for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

The Deli Box - £65.00

For foodie dads, look no further than The Deli Box, packed full of quintessentially British sweet and savoury flavours. Cherish unforgettable moments with a selection of artisan cheese, smoked salmon, charcuterie and savoury nibbles, all hand-selected from Britain's most passionate makers and bakers. 

Connoisseur Wine & Cheese Basket – £115.00 

If your dad prefers the finer things in life, the Connoisseur Wine & Cheese Basket delivers a luxurious gastronomic experience. Featuring Esporão Pe Tinto Red Wine, perfectly matched with Vintage Organic Cheddar and Cote Hill Red Cheese, this hamper is all about sophisticated flavours. Complemented by hand-cooked crisps and Milk Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Pearls, this basket makes for an unforgettable tasting journey. 

Love Your Liver: Simple Diet Changes and Supplements to Support Liver Health

Your liver is one of the hardest-working organs in your body. It filters toxins, helps digest food, stores energy, and plays a key role in over 500 vital functions. 

Yet, it’s often overlooked—until something goes wrong. That’s where Love Your Liver, a UK-based awareness campaign by the British Liver Trust, comes in.

This initiative shines a light on how we can protect our livers with simple, proactive steps. One of the most effective ways to start? Through what we eat and the lifestyle choices we make every day.

What Is the Love Your Liver Campaign?

Love Your Liver is the British Liver Trust’s national campaign to raise awareness of liver disease, which is on the rise in the UK. Worryingly, liver disease often has no symptoms in its early stages and three-quarters of people are currently diagnosed too late for effective treatment.

The campaign encourages the public to take a free online liver health screener, learn the key risk factors, and make liver-friendly lifestyle changes—especially around diet, alcohol, weight, and viral hepatitis prevention.

Signs Your Liver Might Need Some Support

While your liver is remarkably resilient, here are a few signs that may suggest it needs extra care:

Persistent fatigue

Digestive issues or bloating

Yellowing skin or eyes (jaundice)

Dark urine or pale stools

Unexplained weight gain or loss

If you're concerned, it's important to speak to your GP, especially if there's a family history of liver disease.

Diet Changes to Love Your Liver

Fortunately, making smart dietary choices can have a big impact. Here are five key changes to consider:

1. Cut Back on Alcohol

The number one step for many people. The NHS recommends no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, spread over three or more days. Having several alcohol-free days each week gives your liver a break and a chance to recover.

2. Reduce Processed Sugars and Refined Carbs

Too much sugar and white carbs (like white bread, pastries, and fizzy drinks) can contribute to fatty liver disease. Swap in complex carbs like oats, brown rice, sweet potatoes, and whole grains.

3. Eat More Fibre

Fibre helps regulate blood sugar and reduces the strain on your liver. Focus on fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Aim for the NHS-recommended 30g of fibre a day.

4. Incorporate Liver-Friendly Foods

Some foods are particularly good for liver health:

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts

Garlic, which may help activate liver detox enzymes

Coffee (in moderation), linked to lower risk of liver disease

Berries, which contain antioxidants that protect liver cells

5. Stay Hydrated

Water is crucial for helping the liver flush out toxins. Try infusing it with lemon or cucumber for extra flavour and a small boost of nutrients.

Supplements That May Support Liver Function

Supplements should never replace a healthy diet, but some have shown potential benefits for liver health. Always check with a healthcare provider before adding new supplements to your routine—especially if you’re taking medications or have an existing condition.

Milk Thistle (Silymarin): Traditionally used for liver support, milk thistle may help protect liver cells and aid regeneration.

Turmeric (Curcumin): Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, curcumin could help reduce liver inflammation.

Vitamin E: May benefit people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), though high doses carry risks.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, these can reduce liver fat and inflammation.

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC): Supports the body’s production of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant used in liver detoxification.

Final Thoughts

Taking care of your liver is about more than avoiding excess alcohol—it's a holistic effort that includes good nutrition, hydration, regular exercise, and managing your weight. The Love Your Liver campaign reminds us that liver disease is largely preventable, and small changes can make a big difference.

Why not start today? Take the British Liver Trust’s Love Your Liver Health Screener and see where you stand. https://www.britishlivertrust.org.uk/love-your-liver-screener/

Have you made any changes to support your liver recently? Share your experiences in the comments or tag us on social media—let’s keep the conversation going and spread the love for our livers.

Nourishing the Mind: Foods and Supplements That Support Mental Wellbeing

Published for Mental Health Awareness Week on That’s Food and Drink.

When we talk about mental health, food might not be the first thing that comes to mind—but what we eat can have a powerful impact on how we feel. 

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re exploring how nutrition can play a supportive role in maintaining emotional wellbeing.

While therapy, counselling, and medication are often essential in treating mental health conditions, a nourishing diet and thoughtful supplementation can help support your mood, energy levels, and resilience.

Let’s take a closer look at how what’s on your plate (and in your cup) might give your mental health a gentle boost.

The Mind-Gut Connection

Your brain and your gut are in constant communication—so much so that your gut is sometimes called your "second brain". Around 90% of serotonin, the feel-good chemical that helps regulate mood, is actually produced in the gut.

This makes gut health and mental wellbeing more closely linked than we might expect. A happy gut can support a calmer, more balanced mind.

Foods That Feed the Mind

Here are some everyday foods that support mental wellness:

Oily Fish

Salmon, mackerel, sardines and anchovies are rich in omega-3s—essential fats that keep brain cells healthy. They’re also linked to lower levels of depression and anxiety.

Leafy Greens

Spinach, kale and rocket are packed with folate and magnesium, both of which support nervous system health and may help reduce low mood.

Whole Grains

Complex carbohydrates like oats, brown rice and wholegrain bread provide steady energy and support the production of serotonin.

Fermented Foods

Think live yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi. These support the gut microbiome, which is increasingly linked to better mood and cognitive function.

Berries

Berries are rich in antioxidants that help fight inflammation and oxidative stress—both of which may play a role in mental health conditions.

Nuts and Seeds

Especially walnuts, flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds. They’re rich in healthy fats, magnesium and tryptophan—the amino acid your body uses to make serotonin.

Dark Chocolate

In moderation, dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) contains flavonoids and compounds that can support mood and cognitive function. A little goes a long way!

Supplements That May Help

While we always recommend food first, some supplements may support mental wellness—particularly if you’re low in certain nutrients. Always speak to a healthcare professional before starting anything new, especially if you’re taking medication.

Vitamin D – Vital for mood, especially in the darker months.

Magnesium – Supports relaxation, stress regulation, and sleep.

B Vitamins (especially B6, B9 and B12) – Crucial for brain function and energy levels.

Omega-3 Fish Oil – A convenient option if you don’t eat oily fish.

Probiotics – Help support gut health, which may positively affect mood.

A Word of Balance

Let’s be clear: food and supplements are not a substitute for therapy, counselling, or medication. Mental illness is complex, and for many, professional support is absolutely essential.

However, a nutritious diet can provide a valuable foundation. It can help you feel more energised, more balanced, and better equipped to engage with the treatments and tools that work best for you.

Final Thoughts from That’s Food and Drink

As a food and lifestyle platform, we believe in the power of small, supportive habits—and that includes the meals we prepare and the moments we share them. Mental health is deeply personal, and what works for one person may not work for another. But nourishing your body is a gentle, grounding act of self-care.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, take a moment to check in with yourself. Whether that means reaching for a hearty home-cooked meal, booking a therapy session, or simply opening up to a friend—you deserve to feel supported.

UK Mental Health Resources

If you're struggling, help is available:

Mind https://www.mind.org.uk/

Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) https://www.samaritans.org/

Rethink Mental Illness https://www.rethink.org/

NHS Every Mind Matters https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week