Could Vitamin D Supplements Help You Live Three Years Longer? Here's What the Latest Research Says

There’s long been buzz around the health benefits of vitamin D — from supporting immune function to keeping bones strong. 

But now, recent reports suggest that taking vitamin D supplements could actually help extend your life by up to three years. 

That’s a bold claim — so what’s behind it, and should we all be reaching for the supplements?

What the Research Found

A new review of clinical studies and long-term health data has found that individuals with adequate levels of vitamin D — whether naturally or through supplementation — may have a lower risk of premature death. The researchers found a significant correlation between higher vitamin D levels and increased life expectancy, particularly in older adults.

In fact, the most eye-catching finding from the report is that regular vitamin D supplementation could potentially extend lifespan by around three years. While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, the vitamin appears to play a key role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers — all of which impact longevity.

Why Is Vitamin D So Important?

Often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D is unique in that our bodies produce it when exposed to sunlight. It helps regulate calcium and phosphate in the body — essential for healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. But research increasingly shows its influence goes beyond just skeletal health. Low vitamin D levels have been linked to:

Weakened immune response

Increased inflammation

Higher risk of respiratory illnesses

Depression and cognitive decline

As we age, our ability to synthesise vitamin D from sunlight diminishes, and modern lifestyles — more time indoors, more sunscreen use — mean deficiency is becoming more common, even in younger populations.

Should You Start Taking Supplements?

If you live in the UK, you may already be familiar with NHS guidance recommending vitamin D supplements during the autumn and winter months, when sunlight exposure is limited. The general recommendation is 10 micrograms (400 IU) per day for most people.

However, before starting any new supplement regimen, it’s best to speak with your GP or a pharmacist — especially if you have underlying health conditions or take other medications. Too much vitamin D can lead to side effects like nausea, kidney problems, or calcium build-up.

Natural Ways to Boost Vitamin D

If you're not keen on popping pills, there are other ways to boost your levels naturally:

Get outside: Aim for short periods of sun exposure (15–30 minutes) on your face and arms a few times a week, ideally between April and September in the UK.

Eat vitamin D-rich foods: Fatty fish (like salmon and mackerel), egg yolks, liver, and fortified foods (such as cereals and plant-based milks) are good dietary sources.

Check your levels: If you're concerned, a simple blood test can measure your vitamin D levels. Your GP can advise on testing and whether supplementation is necessary.

The Bottom Line

While the idea of extending your life by three years with a simple daily supplement sounds too good to be true, there’s growing evidence that maintaining healthy vitamin D levels could indeed be one of the keys to a longer, healthier life.

More research is needed to confirm the exact impact, but for now, ensuring you’re not deficient in vitamin D seems like a wise — and easy — step towards better health and longevity.

Have you had your vitamin D levels checked recently? Do you take supplements or prefer natural sources? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Celebrate National BBQ Week: Fire Up the Grill for Summer Fun

Nothing says the start of British summer quite like the smoky aroma of a sizzling barbecue. National BBQ Week is here, and it's the perfect excuse to gather your friends, fire up the grill, and enjoy delicious food in the great outdoors. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a barbecue beginner, this week is all about embracing alfresco dining and making the most of the sunshine.

When is National BBQ Week?

National BBQ Week 2025 runs from 26 May to 1 June, kicking off the summer season with a celebration of all things barbecued. First launched in 1997, the event aims to encourage people across the UK to embrace healthier, more adventurous BBQ cooking and enjoy outdoor entertaining.

How to Celebrate National BBQ Week

1. Host a Garden BBQ Party

Invite friends, family, or neighbours over for a relaxed barbecue gathering. Keep it simple with a few classics — think burgers, sausages, and veggie skewers — or go all-out with marinated ribs, grilled halloumi, or seafood platters.

2. Try Something New on the Grill

Move beyond bangers and burgers by experimenting with marinades, rubs, and international BBQ styles. Korean-style bulgogi, Jamaican jerk chicken, and Mediterranean grilled vegetables are all crowd-pleasers.

3. Support Local Butchers and Producers

Celebrate the best of British produce by sourcing your meat, fish, and veg from local farmers' markets and butchers. Many offer BBQ-ready options that are perfect for a quick but tasty meal.

4. Make it Plant-Based

BBQs aren’t just for meat-eaters. Grill portobello mushrooms, corn on the cob, aubergine, tofu, or even watermelon slices. Serve with vibrant salads and dips like chimichurri or harissa hummus.

5. Get the Kids Involved

Let little hands help with safe prep jobs, such as assembling veggie kebabs or mixing marinades. Turn it into a garden picnic with BBQ-friendly finger foods.

6. Don’t Forget the Drinks

Pair your BBQ dishes with refreshing drinks — think Pimm’s, craft beer, iced tea, or homemade lemonade. Or set up a DIY drinks station with fruit-infused water and spritzers.

BBQ Safety Tips

Always keep an eye on the grill and ensure it’s placed on a flat, stable surface.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure everything is cooked safely.

Keep raw meat separate from cooked items and salads.

Have a bucket of water or sand nearby just in case.

Share the Sizzle

If you're celebrating BBQ Week, share your photos and recipes on social media with the hashtag #NationalBBQWeek. It’s a great way to connect with fellow foodies and get inspired by what others are cooking up.

Whether it’s a laid-back weekend grill or a midweek cookout, National BBQ Week is your cue to dust off the tongs and enjoy one of the best parts of British summertime. So grab your apron, light the charcoal, and make it a week to remember.

Near 40,000 emergency food parcels provided across Bristol and South Glos as need remains high

38,700 emergency food parcels provided to people facing hunger by Bristol and South Glos Foodbanks in the past 12 months.

Worryingly over 14,400 of the parcels were provided for children in the last year.

This come as new annual figures from Trussell show that 2,885,086 food parcels were given out across the UK.

Anti-poverty charity Trussell, says this must be a 'wake-up call’ for our UK government to strengthen the social security system and re-think cuts to welfare that risk forcing more people to rely on food banks.

Over 38,700 emergency food parcels were provided to people facing hardship between April 2024 and March 2025, with 14,400 of these provided for children, according to new figures from North Bristol & South Glos Foodbank released today.

The three Trussell food banks operating across Bristol and South Gloucestershire have together seen a 4% slight decrease in the number of emergency food parcels distributed compared to last year. Despite this slight dip, the area has seen persistently high levels of food bank need over the last five years, and a 62% increase when compared with the same period in 2019 - 2020.

Ellen Wood, Manager of North Bristol & South Glos Foodbank, Told That's Food and Drink: “We've seen a slight dip in food parcels this year, which shows our collective efforts are making a difference. 

"But many people across Bristol and South Glos still face hunger. Behind these numbers are real people - parents who have to skip meals so their children can eat, elderly people in cold homes, and working families who can't stretch their wages far enough.

"We're actively developing access to advice and services that will help people move away from needing emergency food, but we're concerned that upcoming changes to disabled benefits will increase pressure on food banks and reverse our progress. We need both immediate community support through donations and long-term policy changes that ensure everyone has enough money for life's essentials.”

NBSG Foodbank is part of the Trussell community of food banks, which has reported persistently high levels of need in the last year with nearly 3 million (2,885,086) emergency food parcels provided to people facing hardship across the UK between April 2024 and March 2025. Over a million of these parcels were provided for children.

NBSG Foodbank believes everybody should have enough money in their pockets to put food on the table and is calling on the community to play their part to help end the need for emergency food in the UK. 

Until then, the public can help make sure NBSG Foodbank continues to provide warm, compassionate, practical support and advice in the year ahead by donating food or funds at nbsg.foodbank.org.uk.

Emma Revie, Trussell's CEO, added: “Far too many children, families, disabled people, working people, and elderly people from across Bristol and South Glos needed to access food banks for emergency food in the past year. This should be a wake-up call to government and a stark reminder of their responsibilities to the people of Bristol and South Glos.

“A whole generation has now grown up in Bristol and South Glos where sustained high levels of food bank need feels like the norm. The community has teachers, doctors, and healthcare professionals now routinely referring people to food banks as part of their day-to-day jobs, showing how emergency food has sadly become a fixture. If you can, please play your part and help change this.”

Visit nbsg.foodbank.org.uk to find out how you can help today.

You can find out how many emergency food parcels were provided to people facing hardship in your local area on the Trussell website: nbsg.foodbank.org.uk/postcode

Oato makes a wonderful Father's Day gift and more, besides

Oato oat milk is delicious British made Oat Milk. is available via milk rounds for a 6 month or 12 month subscription for a daily delivery of fresh, delicious oaty goodness.

The full Oato range (Barista Whole; Chocoloato; Strawberry Oatshake; Caffe Latte) is available fresh to your doorstep via the many milk rounds they have partnered with, Modern Milkman, Milk & More, etc! 

My wife and I have our favourites. I love the Strawberry Oatshake (I can taste the real strawberry flavour) and my wife absolutely adores the Caffe Latte flavour, which she describes as the "best Caffe Latte I have tried in years!"

So, organise a Father's Day gift of daily Oato deliveries direct to his doorstep. However, you'll probably have to order more of the delicious Oato milks for everyone else in the house. And here's another great point in the favour of Oato: Oato actually comes in real glass milk bottles!

To learn more or to sort out your orders please visit them here https://www.oato.co.uk.

Incidentally Oato is also now available at over 700 Sainsbury stores all over the UK in 1 litre cartons.

Ueshima Coffee. Japan's top coffee, now available here

The Ueshima Coffee Company, created by Japan’s ‘Father of Coffee’ Tadao Ueshima, has the ideal Father’s Day gifts for the one who values quality, consistency and craftsmanship above all else. 

Known for its distinctive, delicious flavours, Ueshima Coffee refuses to compromise on quality, with generation after generation dedicating meticulous attention to detail to strike the perfect balance of heritage and progress, and skill and spirit. 

Most importantly, the unique Japanese practice of Takumi, the pursuit of perfection without compromise, is distilled into every single cup. 

This means that with Ueshima you’re not only giving them the gift of delicious coffee created under the watchful eye of Japanese coffee masters, you’re also introducing them to Japanese coffee culture.

Whether he’s a seasoned coffee connoisseur or he simply just wants to enjoy his morning brew before facing each day, Ueshima will ensure he has just what he needs to help him in his pursuit of coffee perfection.

The Gift That Keeps On Giving 

From £7.65 per month Coffee Subscriptions 

Give them a gift that lasts far beyond Father’s Day with a Ueshima coffee subscription. This way, you can deliver exceptional coffee and a flavour of Japan to his door every month (or however often he needs), ensuring he never runs out of his beloved caffeine fix. Thoughtful, unique and delicious, Ueshima’s coffee subscriptions are also flexible, allowing you to change your quantity, flavours or frequency, and skip, pause or cancel at any time.

An Authentic Taste of Japan

Expand their horizons with Ueshima’s coffee beans, ground coffee and pods. Each expertly blended, and precision roasted this is the perfect opportunity for them to try all three distinctive blends – Tokyo Roast (notes of citrus and milk chocolate flavours), House Blend (notes of caramel, granola and dark chocolate) and Fuji Mountain (notes of deep flavours of cocoa, roasted nuts and brown sugar). Each blend is characteristically smooth, bold in flavour and low in acidity. The coffee is beautifully packaged with subtle nods to its deep heritage, while also ensuring your coffee stays fresher for longer and is more environmentally friendly.

For those coffee fanatics who crave the unparalleled taste of Ueshima without the caffeine, Fairtrade decaf coffee beans are also available to purchase.

Gift Cards From £10

Not sure which of the above he needs or wants the most? Allow them to choose for themselves with an e-gift card from as little as £10. Delivered straight to their inbox, the gift card can be used towards any products including the coffee subscription so that they can try it for themselves!

Also, treat yourself, too! 

https://www.ueshimacoffeecompany.com

Côte Brasserie Introduces Apéro Hour with Champagne by the glass for just £7.50

Côte Brasserie is reimagining weekday evenings with the launch of its Apéro Hour, an early-evening experience inspired by the cherished French tradition of the apéritif. 

Running from 5pm to 7pm, Monday to Friday, this nationwide offering invites guests to slow down, savour the moment, and enjoy a perfectly poured drink before the evening unfolds.

At the heart of the Apéro menu is something special – Champagne by the glass. Usually reserved for full bottles, this premium French cuvée is now available for just £7.50 during Apéro Hour only, for the very first time.

The new launch is an elevated everyday indulgence, designed for those who want to toast the end of the workday in true French style.

The drinks list also features crisp house Anciens Temps wines starting at £5, a low/no alcohol Kisumé rosé from Aubert & Mathieu at £5, and a rotating selection of spritz cocktails for £10, including French twists on classic aperitifs. 

Fans of the hop rather than the grape can enjoy specially imported French lager from £4.50, and Côte’s signature Crémant de Bourgogne, one of France’s best-kept secrets, is now offered at just £5.50 a glass, a sparkling alternative to Prosecco with more character and finesse.

Whether guests are unwinding on a sunlit terrace, discovering a hidden courtyard garden, or settling into a bistro-style booth with colleagues, Apéro Hour brings a new dimension to Côte’s already stylish atmosphere.

A spokesperson for Côte Brasserie, told That's Food and Drink: “We’re genuinely thrilled  to launch Apéro just ahead of summer. 

"It’s a real opportunity to bring a little more pleasure to the start of the evening, whether you’re heading out, catching up with friends or just treating yourself. 

"There’s something very French about that important pause between work and dinner, and we’ve created a menu that makes it feel just as special whether you’re in Sloane Square, Shrewsbury or Solihull. 

"The chance to enjoy a glass of Champagne for £7.50 is a real moment, it’s indulgent but still accessible, and that’s what Côte is all about.”

The launch of Apéro Hour arrives alongside Côte’s Spring Specials menu, curated by their Executive Chef Steve Allen, formerly of Gordon Ramsay Restaurants. 

Inspired by the freshness of the French market, the menu features seasonal stars like Wye Valley asparagus, wild garlic, and Gariguette strawberries. 

Guests can enjoy dishes like beetroot-cured smoked salmon, wild garlic French toast, and a slow-cooked lamb shank Navarin, finished with a light Gariguette strawberry trifle, a sweet homage to spring. These are available on Côte’s Market Menu, with three small plates for just £20.95.

For those hosting at home, Côte’s delivery service Côte at Home offers the same level of culinary craft, with a luxurious spring menu featuring lamb rump with dauphinoise, truffled corn velouté, and a delicate tarte aux fraises, all delivered chilled and ready to serve.

FACTFILE:-

Since 2007, Côte Brasserie has brought the best of French cuisine to more than 70 locations across the UK. With seasonally inspired menus, thoughtful hospitality, and a stylish setting in every location, Côte offers an elegant yet accessible way to experience great French food and drink, at the table and beyond.

To book a table, visit www.cote.co.uk

To explore Côte at Home, visit www.coteathome.co.uk

Want to know the secret to a healthy smile? It's on the tip of your tongue!

Dental Expert Dr James Goolnik, founder of Optimal Dental Health, London, explains how and why the secret to a healthy smile is, genuinely, on the tip of your tongue. Or can be, if you follow some simple advice from Dr Goolnilk.

He told That's Food and Drink: “Do you want one simple habit to get a healthier smile? 

"Chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol, after meals, is scientifically proven to reduce cavities, neutralise harmful acids, and keep your breath fresh – and my go-to gum is Peppersmith Gum. 

"Why xylitol? It’s a natural sugar alternative that bacteria simply can't digest, meaning it actively fights against tooth decay. 

"It stops bacteria from sticking to your teeth, lowering plaque build-up and reducing the risk of cavities and bad breath. Xylitol also helps to neutralise acid and strengthen enamel. Every time you eat, acids from food and drinks attack your teeth. 

"Chewing gum increases saliva flow, which helps wash away acid and protect your enamel. Finally, xylitol helps to freshen breath naturally; unlike sugary mints and gum that mask bad breath and contribute to cavities, xylitol gum reduces the bacteria that cause bad breath, giving you long-lasting freshness.”

James Goolnik BDS MSc, is a dentist who has a genuine and deep passion for nutrition. Previously President of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, he's now head judge of the Private Dentistry Awards and he lectures internationally on the mouth-body connection. 

Twice voted ‘the most influential person in dentistry in the UK’, James is the Founder of Optimal Dental Health in London (www.optimaldentalhealth.co.uk), a member of The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology and fully SMART certified.

Chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol after meals is scientifically proven to reduce cavities, neutralise harmful acids, and keep your breath minty fresh - and Peppersmith Gum is bursting with this tooth-loving hero. 

With proper British mint from a relatively tiny farm in Hampshire, Peppersmith’s sugar free Peppermint Gum and Spearmint Gum taste totally mintylicious, whilst also proactively cleaning your mouth.

Only the finest mint makes the cut, and once harvested, it’s distilled into the very best, pure mint oil. Fresh! Xylitol, a plant-based, natural sugar alternative, works to keep this freshness by reducing the harmful bacteria that cause plaque build-up, tooth decay and bad breath.

Like the rest of the Peppersmith range (yes, there’s more), Peppersmith chewing gum is approved by the Oral Health Foundation and recommended by a growing bank of dentists and dental health professionals across the country.

Not a fan of gum? Try Peppersmith’s award-winning Peppermint Mints or for extra punch, their Extra Strong Mints with explosive eucalyptus. There’s also deliciously zingy Lemon Mints and berry-tastic Strawberry Pastilles, both a huge hit with big and little kids alike.

Plus the Peppermint Mints and both flavours of Gum now come in Mighty Pouches – for freshness to the max, or sharing, and if you can’t decide which flavour to pick, there’s a totally tantalising mixed taster box bursting with all of them. The perfect way to taste what all the fuss is about.

And, of course, absolutely all Peppersmith products are sugar free, gluten free, vegan friendly, free from palm oil and nut free – and because they contain plant-based sweetener xylitol, they represent a healthier choice for your teeth, gums and smile.

Peppersmith Mints, Gum and Pastilles cost from £1.35 (15g gum, Ocado) and are available from health shops and supermarkets nationwide, including Holland & Barrett, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and now Starbucks and all WHSmith’s Travel Outlets.

The all-new Mighty Pouches of gum and mints cost from £3 (50g Ocado), and the

mixed taster boxes cost £17.99 and are available from Peppersmith direct, via www.peppersmith.co.uk.

Get Fired Up for Father’s Day as MEATER carves 20% off its range of Smart Meat Thermometers

MEATER, the wizards behind the creation of the world’s first and best-selling smart meat thermometer, is serving up a sizzling 20% discount exclusively for this Father’s Day. 

If you Dad's a bit of a dab hand at the BBQ grill, please don’t miss the chance to give your Dad (or the Father figure in your life) a gift that really raises the steaks (Sorry. Dad joke, there!) with prices carved across MEATER’s popular wireless meat thermometer range.

For grill masters, BBQ kings, or the Sunday roast champions, gift the confidence to cook up meaty perfection. Dads can enjoy levelling up their cooking skills as they let MEATER take the guess work out of cooking awesome, succulent cuts of meat to wow friends and family.

Simply connect a MEATER to any smartphone or tablet and enjoy learning the estimated cooking times, meat being monitored whilst it is cooking, and alerts and notifications transmitted when meat is cooked to personal taste and importantly, safe to serve.

The free MEATER app has the perfect cook settings for a full repertoire of meat and fish, no matter which cooking method Dad chooses, and even includes the MEATER Master Class™ for when they might want some expert cooking method advice or meaty recipe ideas.

Make sure Dad’s next cook is un-grill-ievable. Shop the discount at MEATER and Amazon. Prices will start from just £63.20 between 30th May and 12th June.

MEATER SE: CUT TO £63 (SRP £79)

Cook to temperature - not time, for less, with the exclusive to Amazon MEATER SE.

MEATER Plus: CUT TO £79 (SRP £99).

MEATER’s best-selling probe with over 33,000 5/5 star user review on Amazon

MEATER Pro: CUT TO £103 (RRP £129).

MEATER’s latest probe featuring a longer wireless range, slimmer design, higher temperature tolerance for open flame cooking, and waterproof design to allow deep frying and sous vide.

MEATER Block: CUT TO £175 (SRP £219).

Perfect for the cook and BBQ enthusiast, the MEATER Block stores and charges up to four MEATER Plus probes ready to cook and monitor four delicious meats or fish simultaneously. Boasts Standalone Mode – so if you don’t have Wi-Fi, no problem! A touch control screen allows you to cook easily, with built-in speakers providing audible notifications.

MEATER Pro XL: CUT TO £263 (SRP £329).

The ultimate digital sous chef, the MEATER Pro XL features four MEATER Pro probes delivering cooking XLence for multiple meats or fish. Level up your dad’s smart kitchen gadget arsenal so he can cook to individual preferences and create a meat feast to be crowned the ultimate at-home chef.

https://www.meater.com/

Hokan. The home of sustainable, stackable, stylish, stoneware bowls

Courtesy Hokan 

Are you looking for the perfect gift for the next Great British Chef in your family? Check out Hokan's innovative, sustainable, stackable stoneware bowls and lids. 

As beautiful as they are functional, the range, offered in Lemon Yellow, Sea Green Cobalt Blue, Pitch Black and Antique White, is oven, microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe. 

The bowls heat evenly and retain heat efficiently. Cooking and baking with the lid on keeps moisture in and the temperature stable. Taking the lid off allows the top surface area to crust or brown, so just perfect for the best Cauliflower Cheese you'll ever make.

At Christmas time you can prep all the veggies and pop into the Hokan bowls on the festive table to keep warm until the centrespread is ready to make an appearance.

The volume of each bowl is determined by its height, which keeps all of the lids the same size for each bowl, so there's absolutely no need to search through the kitchen for the correct lid, they all work. You can also use the lids as a side dish. Smart? Definitely! Actually, that was one of the first things my wife noticed when we unboxed them.

COOK, SERVE AND SAVE ALL IN ONE PLACE

Who is the genius behind Hokan? Hokan was established by film producer Alistair Donald. As a father of two sons, it quickly became apparent to him that he needed to be more efficient in the kitchen to avoid unnecessary food waste. 

So he took the decision to swap the leaning towers of cling-filmed plastic bowls and tubs for a practical, plastic-free solution that was easily stackable and could be used to cook, bake and serve, and then store and also save, food.

Our first culinary use for our Hokan bowls was a beef brisket casserole which cooked to utter perfection and serving direct from the bowl was an absolute joy. My wife was very proud of the result as the brisket, although it had seemed a little tough before cooking was melt-in-the- mouth wonderful when cooked in our Hokan.

SAY GOODBYE TO PLASTICS

For a sustainable, BPA-free household, Hokan offers a unique alternative to storage solutions with potential harmful pollutants. Stoneware is dense pottery fired at high temperatures making it non-porous and, consequently, odour and stain free. Which can’t be said of plastic alternatives.

Also, as they are naturally glazed and not coated with non-sick chemical compounds they are perfectly safe for people with asthma to use and owners of pet parrots and other birds need not worry as the glaze is, unlike non-stick cooking containers which are deadly toxic to birds. 

Hokan Bowls, RRP £80 for a set of three or individually:

• Small: 400ml, RRP £24

• Medium: 600ml, RRP £27

• Large: 1000ml, RRP £30

Available from hokanbowls.com

@hokanbowls | #hokanbowls

Interestingly, Hokan are proud to partner with The Felix Project who help to feed local communities in London by rescuing surplus food from suppliers and redistributing it to over 1,000 frontline charities and schools.

Hokan are justifiably proud to partner with The Felix Project who help to feed local communities in London by rescuing surplus food from suppliers and redistributing it to over 1,000 frontline charities and schools.

For every small bowl sold, Hokan donates 1.5 meals; for every medium bowl, 3 meals; for every large bowl, 4.5 meals; and for every set of three, 9 meals.

Raise Money for Charity by Hosting a Supper Club: A Delicious Way to Do Good

If you love cooking, entertaining, and supporting great causes, hosting a supper club might just be the perfect way to combine all three.

 Supper clubs are intimate, pop-up dining experiences, often held in someone’s home or a community space, where guests donate money in exchange for a carefully curated meal. 

But beyond the food and company, supper clubs can also be a fantastic way to raise funds for charity while fostering connection and community.

Here’s how you can start your own charity-focused supper club and make a real difference—one plate at a time.

1. Choose Your Cause

The first step is deciding which charity you want to support. Whether it's a local food bank, a health charity, an animal rescue, or an international aid organisation, make sure it’s a cause you feel passionate about. Reach out to the charity in advance—they might offer promotional support or materials to help you share their message on the night.

Tip: Look for charities that align with your supper club theme (e.g., a Mediterranean menu supporting refugee aid, or a vegetarian night raising funds for an animal sanctuary).

2. Plan the Supper Club Experience

Think about what kind of supper club you want to create. Will it be a cosy home-cooked meal around your dining table, or a garden feast under the stars? Keep the atmosphere relaxed and friendly—people are there to support a good cause and enjoy themselves.

Key elements to decide:

Number of guests: Start small (6–12 people) to keep it manageable.

Theme or cuisine: A consistent menu adds flair—think Italian trattoria, curry night, plant-based tasting menu, or seasonal British fare.

Date and location: Choose a time that gives you space to plan and promote.

3. Set a Donation Structure

Rather than charging for tickets, ask for a suggested donation. Let guests know all proceeds go to your chosen charity, and be clear about any costs you need to cover (though ideally, try to keep expenses low or find sponsors/donors to help offset them).

Ideas for handling donations:

Set up a JustGiving or GoFundMe page linked to the charity.

Use a QR code for easy digital donations on the night.

Offer a ‘pay what you feel’ model with a minimum suggested amount.

4. Create a Memorable Menu

Your food should be the star of the evening—so plan a menu that showcases your strengths, accommodates dietary needs, and suits the theme. A simple three-course meal or sharing platters can be just as impressive as fine dining if it’s made with care.

Menu planning tips:

Use seasonal, local ingredients to keep costs down and flavours fresh.

Offer a welcome drink or mocktail to start things off.

Include a printed menu card that features the charity and cause you're supporting.

5. Spread the Word

Promoting your supper club is key to getting bums on seats. Use social media, word of mouth, and local community boards to attract interest. Tell people what makes it special—home-cooked food, good company, and the chance to support a great cause.

Promotion ideas:

Create an event on Facebook or Eventbrite with all the details.

Post teaser photos of your test dishes or table setup.

Encourage guests to bring a friend or share the event online.

6. Add a Personal Touch

People love to know who’s behind the food and the fundraiser. Share your story on the night—why you chose this charity, what the cause means to you, and how their donations will help.

Consider including:

A short talk or video about the charity.

A printed leaflet or takeaway postcard with info and donation links.

A thank-you gift, like homemade biscuits or a recipe card.

7. Follow Up and Share Your Impact

After the supper club, thank your guests and share how much you raised. Post photos and updates online and tag the charity so they can see and share your support. This not only celebrates your success but builds momentum for the next one!

Hosting a supper club for charity is a beautiful way to turn your passion for food into tangible impact. Whether you raise £50 or £500, you’re making a difference—and chances are, your guests will leave feeling inspired, well-fed, and eager for the next invitation.

So roll up your sleeves, set the table, and cook for a cause—it’s one of the most rewarding meals you’ll ever make.