Why Clean, Smart Uniforms Matter in Your Catering Establishment

In the fast-paced world of catering, where first impressions are everything and hygiene is paramount, the importance of staff uniforms can’t be overstated. 

Whether you’re running a fine dining restaurant, a mobile food van, or a busy events company, clean and smart uniforms are more than just a dress code—they’re a critical part of your brand, operations, and customer trust.

1. Professionalism and Brand Image

Uniforms are often the first thing your customers notice. Crisp, well-maintained attire projects professionalism and shows that your business takes pride in its standards. 

It also reinforces your brand identity. Matching, smart uniforms in your brand colours or featuring your logo help cement your business in the minds of your clients and give your establishment a cohesive, polished look.

Imagine being greeted by front-of-house staff in stained or wrinkled clothing—would you feel confident in the cleanliness of the kitchen or the quality of the food? A smart appearance sets the tone for the entire customer experience.

2. Hygiene and Food Safety Compliance

In the UK, food safety regulations require that anyone handling food maintains high levels of personal hygiene—and uniforms are a vital part of this. Clean clothing reduces the risk of contamination and helps ensure compliance with food hygiene regulations, such as those enforced by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Chefs and kitchen staff should wear protective and laundered garments that are changed regularly. Front-of-house staff, while not handling food directly, also represent your hygiene standards to the public.

3. Staff Confidence and Team Morale

Providing staff with high-quality, smart uniforms can have a surprising impact on morale. When employees look the part, they feel the part. Clean, well-fitting uniforms can boost confidence, instil pride in their role, and promote a sense of unity across the team. It removes ambiguity around what is or isn't appropriate to wear, and helps ensure everyone is on the same page—especially in busy or high-pressure environments.

4. Customer Trust and Satisfaction

Customers are more likely to trust a catering business where staff look clean, tidy, and professional. In an age where social media reviews can make or break a business, maintaining visible hygiene standards through uniforms helps reassure guests that your establishment is trustworthy and well-run.

Positive visual cues—such as neat uniforms, name badges, or aprons—signal attention to detail and respect for the customer, both of which can influence whether they return or recommend your service to others.

5. Health and Safety

In kitchens, uniforms often serve a functional role. Chef jackets, aprons, non-slip shoes, and hair coverings aren’t just aesthetic—they’re designed to protect both the wearer and the food. Smart uniform policies should include guidance on footwear, sleeve lengths, and protective items to reduce the risk of accidents and burns.

Clean, smart uniforms are a small detail with a big impact. They contribute to hygiene, brand identity, team unity, and customer satisfaction. 

By investing in good-quality uniforms and ensuring they’re worn with care, you’re sending a clear message: your business values professionalism, quality, and the experience of every guest who walks through the door.

That’s Food and Drink and That’s Christmas Are Looking for Sponsors That Fit Into the Ethos of Our Blogs

At That’s Food and Drink and That’s Christmas, we’re passionate about sharing the stories, flavours, and experiences that bring people together – whether around the table for a delicious meal or beside a twinkling tree with mulled wine in hand. 

Our blogs celebrate seasonal living, British food and drink culture, and festive joy all year round.

As we continue to grow our readership and expand our content, we’re now inviting brand sponsors and collaborators who share our values and our audience’s interests.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking partnerships with brands, producers, and organisations that:

Champion quality – whether it’s gourmet treats, lovingly crafted beverages, artisanal gifts, or thoughtful food innovations.

Support British producers and small businesses – from farm shops to festive markets, regional delicacies to family-owned distilleries.

Embrace the festive spirit – sustainable Christmas products, unique decorations, heartwarming traditions, or anything that brings extra sparkle to the season.

Align with our ethos – community-minded, joyful, inclusive, and always flavourful.

Why Partner With Us?

Our blogs are growing communities where readers come for inspiration, honest recommendations, and seasonal cheer. Here’s what we offer to sponsors:

Engaging, SEO-optimised sponsored content that reflects your brand voice.

Authentic reviews and features that resonate with our loyal readers.

Creative campaigns – from recipe collaborations and giveaways to festive roundups and social media spotlights.

Year-round visibility for Christmas-focused brands on That’s Christmas, and continuous seasonal lifestyle coverage on That’s Food and Drink.

Let’s Make Magic Together

We’re especially keen to hear from:

Food and drink producers

Kitchenware and cookware brands

Event organisers and venues

Christmas crafters, designers and makers

Ethical and sustainable brands

Regional tourism boards and heritage venues

Publishers of cookbooks and festive titles

Whether you’re planning ahead for the festive rush or want to get your summer launch in front of enthusiastic home cooks, party planners and food lovers – we’d love to chat.

Get in Touch

To learn more please email us at: afj_uk@yahoo.com

Together, let’s create something truly special for our readers.

Why You Should Regularly Service Your Cooker Hoods and Kitchen Extractor Systems

Whether you’re managing a bustling commercial kitchen or cooking for your family at home, keeping your cooker hood and extractor system in top condition is not just a matter of hygiene—it’s a matter of safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

What Does a Cooker Hood or Extractor Fan Do?

Cooker hoods and extractor fans are designed to remove airborne grease, smoke, odours, and steam produced during cooking. 

They help maintain air quality and reduce the build-up of moisture and contaminants in your kitchen. But these hardworking appliances only function properly if they are regularly cleaned and maintained.

Why Regular Servicing Is Essential

1. Fire Safety

Grease and oil build up quickly inside extractor systems, especially in commercial kitchens where cooking is constant. This build-up can become a serious fire hazard. Regular servicing ensures that these residues are removed before they reach dangerous levels.

2. Improved Air Quality

Blocked or dirty filters reduce the efficiency of extraction, leaving smoke, odours and even harmful airborne particles lingering in your kitchen. Clean filters and a well-maintained system help keep the air fresh and breathable.

3. Better Energy Efficiency

When filters are clogged or the system is struggling to perform, it must work harder—using more energy and increasing your utility bills. A clean, well-functioning extractor is more efficient and environmentally friendly.

4. Extended Appliance Life

Just like any mechanical system, regular maintenance helps prevent wear and tear. Neglecting to clean and service your extractor can lead to expensive repairs or the need for a full replacement much sooner than expected.

5. Hygiene Compliance in Commercial Kitchens

For food businesses, keeping extractor systems clean is a legal requirement under health and safety regulations. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines, forced closures, or failing hygiene inspections. Regular servicing and proper documentation are essential for compliance.

How Often Should You Service and Change Filters?

Domestic Kitchens: Replace or clean filters every 3–6 months, depending on usage. A full service is recommended annually.

Commercial Kitchens: Filters should be cleaned weekly or monthly, and professional servicing should be carried out at least every 6 months—more frequently if you operate a high-volume kitchen.

Signs Your System Needs Attention

Reduced suction power or poor odour control

Excessive noise or rattling

Visible grease build-up

Smell of burning or overheating

Lights or control panels not functioning correctly

Final Thoughts

Your cooker hood and extractor system are not ‘fit and forget’ appliances. They require regular attention to function effectively and safely. Whether you're at home or in a commercial environment, staying on top of maintenance will save you money, reduce risk, and ensure a healthier kitchen for everyone.

Bonus Tip: Keep a Maintenance Log

In commercial settings, maintaining a log of filter changes and servicing dates helps demonstrate due diligence to health inspectors and insurance providers.

Crowdie makes a comeback for delicious cheesy summer spreads

Highland Fine Cheeses in Tain, Scotland is set to deliver something fresh to the feasting table this summer, with its vibrant and zesty Skinny Crowdie.

 As Scotland’s most traditional cheese, and the product that started the Stone family’s journey into cheesemaking, this lactic curd cheese is steeped in a rich heritage and brings a light and creamy reduced fat dairy option for those long sunny days.

Made using milk from free-roaming cows in the Scottish Highlands, Skinny Crowdie gets its name from its origin as a biproduct in the butter-making process, when the fat is removed from milk. The remaining curds are hung in a muslin, having previously been hung in stockings or pillowcases, and the result is a soft and crumbly spreadable cheese.

Light and creamy with a hint of lemon, Skinny Crowdie can be simply spread on an oatcake, folded into a pate, topped with berries and drizzled with honey, or even dolloped onto a hot scone with jam. 

To top off the summer spread, it pairs really well with a chilled white wine, such as Viogner or Chenin Blanc.

Skinny Crowdie is priced at £5.25 for a 140g tub and can be purchased from hf-cheeses.com, along with Highland Fine Cheeses’ other award-winning cheeses and accompaniments, with delivery available across the UK. Highland Fine Cheeses’ range is also available in farm shops, delis, stores and supermarkets throughout the UK and Scotland. Cheese lovers can check their local stockist at hf-cheeses.com/pages/store-locator.

FACTFILE on Highland Fine Cheeses

Highland Fine Cheeses is based in Tain, which is in northeast Scotland, and produces a collection of artisan cheeses including Morangie Brie, Minger and Strathdon Blue. 

Taking inspiration from around the globe, second generation cheesemaker, Rory Stone remains true to the artisan processes  his parents implemented when Blarliath Farm was a smallholding of just 14 Shorthorn dairy cows, and a randy bull called Geordie.

The Highlands were traditionally referred to as cattle country, with every farm or croft having a house cow, to supplement their diet. 

After the cream had been ladled off the top of the milk to churn butter, the remaining milk’s cultures would slowly eat the lactose and multiply throughout, souring it by releasing lactic acid. 

Eventually the milk would set and form a curd, a bit like yogurt and the curd was scrambled like eggs and hung up in a pillowcase or a muslin to drain the whey. The final addition of salt resulted in Crowdie, a soft fresh cheese, traditional to Scotland.

Highland Fine Cheeses’ story began with the resurrection of Crowdie in the family bathtub, when Rory’s father, Reggie, complained that no-one was producing it anymore, and so his mother, Susannah, set about making it. 

Crowdie is still made by Highland Fine Cheeses, albeit not in the bathtub anymore, alongside its collection of award-winning mould ripened, blue and washed rind style cheeses.

It's good to note that Highland Fine Cheeses does not add Bovaer additive or supplements to the feeding requirements of its dairy farmers.

Website: hf-cheeses.com

The Buzz About Fake Honey: How to Spot the Real Deal

Honey has long been revered as a golden, natural gift—drizzled on toast, stirred into tea, or used in skincare and home remedies. 

But beneath the golden glow lies a growing problem that many consumers are unaware of: fake honey.

Supermarket shelves are increasingly stocked with adulterated honey products—some watered down with sugar syrups, others containing little to no real honey at all. So how can you tell what’s real and what’s not? Let’s take a look.

What Is Fake Honey?

Fake honey (or adulterated honey) is typically diluted with substances like:

Glucose syrup

High fructose corn syrup

Rice or beet syrup

In some cases, flavourings and colourants

It’s often done to cut costs and boost profits while making the product look and taste like genuine honey.

Why It’s a Problem

Deceptive labelling – Some products labelled as "pure honey" may contain undeclared additives.

Nutritional loss – Real honey is packed with antioxidants, enzymes, and trace minerals. Adulterated versions lack these benefits.

Damage to beekeepers – Honest beekeepers struggle to compete with cheap, fake imports.

Consumer trust – Food fraud erodes confidence in natural, healthy products.

How to Identify Fake Honey

While lab tests are the only definitive way to confirm purity, here are a few tricks consumers can use at home or when shopping:

Check the Label

Look for “100% raw honey” or “unfiltered honey.”

Avoid products listing glucose, fructose, or “honey blend” in the ingredients.

Country of origin: Some imported honey has been flagged for fraud—check where it comes from.

The Spoon Test

Dip a spoon into the honey and let it fall back into the jar. Real honey:

Falls in a thick stream

Doesn’t splatter or run like water

Settles into itself without separating

The Water Test

Drop a spoonful of honey into a glass of cold water:

Fake honey dissolves or disperses quickly

Real honey settles at the bottom in a blob

The Flame Test (use caution!)

Dip a cotton bud in the honey and try lighting it with a lighter:

Real honey may burn slightly

Adulterated honey often won’t ignite due to water content

Support Local Beekeepers

The best way to ensure you're buying authentic honey is to purchase from:

Local farmers’ markets

Beekeepers’ stalls

British honey producers with traceable, transparent supply chains

What’s Being Done?

Some UK supermarkets have pledged to improve their sourcing, and trading standards have begun cracking down on fraudulent imports. However, testing can be costly, and loopholes still exist.

As awareness grows, more consumers are demanding transparency—which is good news for ethical producers and honey-loving households alike.

Final Drizzle

If you’re serious about honey, don’t be fooled by a pretty label or a rock-bottom price. Knowing how to spot fake honey empowers you to make better, more sustainable choices.

Because when it comes to honey, you deserve the real thing.

Lynne Ingram, Chair of the Honey Authenticity Network UK, an international organisation fighting 'Fake honey' to help honey producers, consumers and bees told That's Food and Drink: “UK consumers have the right to make informed choices when purchasing honey. If a product is labelled as honey, it must be exactly that—genuine honey, naturally collected and ripened by bees.

" It should not be a factory-processed product, artificially dried or containing added syrups. Transparency is also essential when it comes to labelling. Vague statements like 'a blend of EU and non-EU honeys' are unhelpful and misleading. Consumers deserve clear information about the true country of origin. 

"We are calling on the authorities to take urgent action to stop the influx of cheap, adulterated honey into the UK. This includes robust testing and strong enforcement to protect both consumers and honest producers.”

Black Bee Honey's range of award-winning 100% British 'flower to jar' honeys are single source with the location and name of the beekeeper printed on every jar, so it's fully traceable.  Since 2020 they have been donating 2% of its turnover to the charity Plantlife for the creation of wildflower meadows, and so far have helped create over 25 acres of meadows. This work has enabled them to establish a circular business model where every jar bought creates wildflower meadows, which in turn helps bees to create honey. 

Black Bee Honey is currently listed with Ocado, Holland & Barrett, Abel & Cole and Harrods.  Their honeys are also available online at blackbeehoney.com.

Last-Minute Tasty Treats for Father’s Day Gifting

Forgot Father’s Day is this weekend? Don’t panic. No. Really don't panic. You've got this! Because there’s still time to surprise Dad with something delicious that doesn’t scream “last-minute panic buy.” 

Whether he’s a fan of savoury snacks, sweet bites, or a cheeky tipple, here’s your guide to easy, crowd-pleasing foodie gifts you can still source in time.

1. Local Deli or Farm Shop Hamper

Pop down to your nearest deli, butcher or farm shop and ask if they offer ready-made or build-your-own hampers. Think:

Artisan cheeses and cured meats

Pickles and chutneys

Small-batch chocolates or fudge

Craft beer or local cider bottles

Wrap it all up in a rustic box or reusable basket for a charming, low-effort present with high taste factor.

2. Craft Beer or Ale Selection

Skip the supermarket multipack and head to your local bottle shop for a hand-picked selection of craft beers, real ales, or even mushroom-infused stouts (a nod to emerging trends!). Many independent shops will box them up for you—some even offer same-day delivery.

Bonus idea: Pair it with a personalised pint glass or beer snacks like gourmet pork scratchings or spiced nuts.

3. Gourmet Subscription Box (With an Instant Printable Voucher)

Running truly out of time? Sign Dad up for a foodie subscription box—options include:

Cheese clubs

Bacon-of-the-month

Hot sauce tastings

Charcuterie boards

Chocolate artisan tasters

Most services offer instant e-gift vouchers you can print out and pop in a card. Sorted in under five minutes!

4. DIY Treat Jar or Snack Tackle Box

A fun one for kids to help with! Grab a large jar or sectioned lunchbox and fill it with Dad’s favourites:

Retro sweets

Mini whisky bottles

Fancy crisps or pretzels

Coffee sachets or tea pyramids

Jerky or biltong

Label it “Dad’s Emergency Snack Kit” for extra charm.

5. Bakeries & Dessert Counters – Grab and Go Goodies

Swing by your local bakery for:

Father’s Day cupcakes

Brownie boxes

Fruit pies

Doughnut bundles

Many supermarkets also stock limited-edition themed desserts if you're really cutting it fine. Pair with a fresh bag of ground coffee or a luxury hot chocolate tin for a complete mini-gift.

6. Cook-It-For-Him Hamper

If your dad is more of a homebody, how about gifting the ingredients for a Sunday feast—with you doing the cooking?

Ideas include:

Steak night kit (steaks, spice rub, sauce, beer)

Big breakfast bundle (eggs, bacon, hash browns, sourdough, beans)

BBQ-in-a-box (burgers, buns, condiments, corn on the cob)

It’s thoughtful, personalised—and delicious.

Final Tip: Presentation is Everything

Even the simplest foodie gift looks more impressive with nice wrapping or a hand-written tag. Use kraft paper, string, tissue, or a gift bag to elevate your last-minute marvel.

So don’t stress! Go delicious instead. With a little flavour and a lot of heart, your Father’s Day gift can still be the best thing he gets this year.

Future Trend to Watch: Real Ales Brewed with Superfoods (Yes, Including Mushrooms!)

Craft beer fans and real ale aficionados, brace yourselves: the next frontier in brewing is all about health-conscious hops. 

As the lines between wellness and indulgence continue to blur, a quietly bubbling trend is emerging: Real ales brewed with superfoods, including adaptogenic mushrooms.

It might sound like something from a sci-fi bar menu, but this is one to watch.

The Evolution of Real Ale

Real ale has long stood for tradition—natural fermentation, live yeast, and a devotion to quality ingredients. But even tradition adapts. As drinkers become more mindful of what they consume, brewers are responding with innovative recipes that promise not just taste, but potential health perks too.

Enter: the superfood pint.

What Are Superfoods Doing in Ale?

Superfoods like turmeric, goji berries, beetroot, and now medicinal mushrooms such as lion’s mane, reishi, and chaga are making their way into brew kettles. These ingredients are being chosen not just for their nutrient profiles but also for the earthy, herbal, or spicy notes they can bring to a beer’s flavour profile.

A few brewers have begun experimenting with:

Reishi Stouts – adding a slightly bitter, woodsy edge that complements roasted malts

Lion’s Mane Pale Ales – said to offer both a nootropic kick and a subtle umami depth

Chaga Porters – pairing antioxidant-rich fungi with rich, velvety body

Beetroot Amber Ales – boosting antioxidants and providing a shock of natural red hue

Wellness Meets Pub Culture?

While the idea of a “healthy beer” may sound somewhat contradictory, it taps into a broader shift. Today’s drinkers are looking for more than just alcohol: They want flavour, story, and something that aligns with their lifestyle. With the rise in alcohol-free and low-ABV beers, the idea of functional ales, those brewed with beneficial ingredients, is a natural next step.

Craft brewers know their audiences. A pint that’s both quirky and potentially good for your brain or your body? It’s the kind of niche product that could become the next taproom talking point.

Do the Benefits Hold Up?

Let’s be honest—no one’s claiming a reishi ale is going to cure anything. The amounts of these superfoods used in brewing are unlikely to replicate the effects of concentrated supplements. But what they do offer is a new way to explore flavour, sustainability, and storytelling around ingredients.

At the very least, it's a more wholesome twist than chucking in food colouring or novelty gimmicks.

The Bottom Line

Superfood ales won’t replace your greens, but they might just reframe how we think about what’s in our glass. As brewers push boundaries, expect to see more crossovers between the world of wellness and the world of real ale.

Would you try a mushroom pale ale or a turmeric wheat beer? Watch this space—your local might be serving one sooner than you think.

Superfood Mushrooms: Health Hype or Culinary Gold?

Mushrooms have long had a place on our plates, whether fried with breakfast or tossed into pasta, but lately, they're taking centre stage as “superfood” some would say supercool, ingredients in both kitchens and supplement aisles. 

From lion’s mane lattes to reishi capsules, these fungi are being hailed as everything from brain boosters to immunity warriors. But what’s the science behind the trend—and do they really work?

The Rise of the Functional Mushroom

Functional mushrooms—those thought to offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition—have seen a sharp rise in popularity. Food brands, cafés, and health stores are embracing these fungi not just for flavour but for their supposed medicinal benefits.

Here are a few of the stars of the movement:

Lion’s Mane – Known for its shaggy appearance, it’s linked to improved cognitive function, focus, and even nerve regeneration.

Reishi – A woody, bitter mushroom often used in teas or tinctures, it’s prized for calming properties and immune support.

Chaga – Often brewed as a tea, this mushroom is rich in antioxidants and touted for reducing inflammation.

Cordyceps – Once rare and found only in the Himalayas, it’s now cultivated and used to support energy and stamina.

Turkey Tail – Rich in polysaccharides, it’s been studied for its immune-boosting effects, especially during recovery from illness.

Culinary Cool Factor

Beyond powders and pills, chefs are embracing these fungi for their flavour, texture, and novelty. Lion’s mane can mimic lobster or crab when sautéed, making it a hit with vegans and foodies alike. Reishi and chaga are turning up in broths, hot chocolate blends, and even ice cream.

Some venues now offer mushroom-forward menus, tapping into interest in foraged and sustainable ingredients. Mushroom coffee and adaptogenic smoothies are becoming as common as matcha or turmeric lattes.

Do They Actually Work?

Here’s where it gets a little murky.

While some small studies and centuries of traditional use support the benefits of these mushrooms, the evidence in modern clinical research is still developing. Many of the claims come from animal studies or lab research rather than large-scale human trials.

That said, there’s growing scientific interest, and early studies are promising—especially for lion’s mane in cognitive decline, or reishi and turkey tail in supporting immunity. Still, dosage, preparation, and consistency matter, and not all products are created equal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re curious, incorporating supercool mushrooms into your diet is generally safe for most people and might offer benefits—plus, it adds variety and earthiness to your meals. However, they’re not miracle cures, and anyone with health conditions or on medication should consult a GP before diving into mushroom supplements.

Whether you sauté them in butter, sip them in your brew, or sprinkle them in your smoothie, these fungi are definitely more than just fungus—they’re a flavourful, fascinating trend worth watching.

How to Manage Food Allergies: Tips for Every Venue

1. Train Your Team Thoroughly

All staff—from kitchen porters to head chefs and front-of-house—should know:

What the 14 allergens are

How cross-contamination happens

What to do in an emergency

Regular refresher training is a must.

2. Label Clearly and Transparently

For chip shops, cafés and takeaways:

Use clear signage: “Please ask about allergens”

Have ingredient sheets or digital records easily accessible

Label pre-packed foods with full allergen info

For restaurants and hotels:

Include allergen info on menus or provide a separate allergen matrix

Waitstaff must be trained to answer questions accurately and check with the kitchen if unsure

3. Keep Cross-Contamination in Check

In smaller kitchens, it can be tricky—but not impossible. Best practices include:

Using separate utensils, boards and pans for allergen-free orders

Cleaning surfaces and hands thoroughly

Colour-coding tools and storage

Having clearly marked zones or times for preparing allergen-free dishes

4. Ask—Don’t Assume

Make it standard for staff to ask customers:

“Do you or anyone in your group have any allergies?”

This question signals that you care and helps avoid misunderstandings.

5. Have a Plan for Emergencies

Every venue should have:

A written allergy protocol

Staff who know how to recognise an allergic reaction (e.g. swelling, difficulty breathing)

A clear process for calling emergency services

6. Use Tech and Signage Wisely

Apps, QR codes, digital menus, and allergen kiosks are becoming more common in modern venues. But remember—technology must support human interaction, not replace it. Always back up digital info with trained staff.

A Safer, More Inclusive Experience

Customers with food allergies are loyal and appreciative of businesses that make the effort to keep them safe. A little care and preparation go a long way in building trust and ensuring positive reviews and repeat visits.

No matter your venue's size, style or price point, making your food allergy policy visible and robust is not just a legal duty — it’s an essential part of excellent hospitality.

Want to improve your allergen handling?

Consider accredited training schemes like:

FSA Allergen Training (Free Online) https://allergytraining.food.gov.uk

Allergy UK’s Allergy Aware Scheme

Level 2 Award in Food Allergen Awareness (CIEH, Highfield etc.)

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

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

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

Why Commission Local Art?

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

Benefits include:

A unique, memorable environment that customers want to return to

Support for the local creative economy

A talking point on social media and review sites

Potential for collaborative promotions with the artists themselves

Ideas for Artistic Additions

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

1. Feature Walls and Murals

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

2. Tabletop or Menu Artwork

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

3. Sculpture and Installations

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

4. Rotating Art Exhibitions

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

How to Find the Right Artists

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

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

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

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

Collaborate for a Win-Win

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

Co-hosting launch events or live painting evenings

Promoting your venue on their social media channels

Offering exclusive merchandise or prints sold through your venue

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

Marketing Magic

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

#LocalArt

#SupportLocalArtists

#ArtInHospitality

#MadeIn[YourTown]

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

Final Thought

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

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

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