Celebrate St Andrew’s Day in Style: How to Host a Brilliant Scottish-Themed Party

St Andrew’s Day on 30 November is a wonderful chance to bring people together for an evening of great food, lively music, and warm Scottish hospitality. 

Whether you have Scottish roots or simply love the country’s culture, hosting a St Andrew’s Day party is a fantastic way to celebrate the patron saint of Scotland and brighten up the dark evenings of late autumn.

Here’s how to create an unforgettable celebration at home.

Set the Scene with Scottish Style

To give your gathering an authentic feel, start with the décor. You don’t need to go overboard—just a few touches can transform the space:

• Tartan accents:

Introduce classic tartan tablecloths, napkins, bows, or bunting. A mix of reds, greens, and blues instantly adds warmth.

• The Saltire:

The Scottish flag makes a perfect centrepiece for your décor. Use small table flags or a larger hanging backdrop.

• Warm, cosy styling:

Fairy lights, candles, and soft throws help bring a Highland lodge vibe to your living room—perfect for a cold November night.

Serve a Proper Scottish Feast

Food is at the heart of any good celebration, and St Andrew’s Day offers the ideal excuse to serve traditional Scottish favourites.

Starters:

Cullen skink (a hearty smoked haddock soup)

Oatcakes with smoked salmon and cream cheese

A selection of Scottish cheeses

Main courses:

Haggis, neeps, and tatties (classic and crowd-pleasing)

Venison stew

A warming bowl of Scotch broth

Puddings:

Cranachan with raspberries, oats, and whisky cream

Sticky toffee pudding

Shortbread biscuits shaped like thistles, stags, or bagpipes

If you fancy adding a modern twist, there’s nothing wrong with Scottish-inspired sharing boards or a whisky-infused dessert.

Raise a Glass to Scotland

No St Andrew’s celebration is complete without a toast.

• Whisky tasting:

Offer a small selection—from Speyside smoothness to peaty Islay malts. Provide tasting cards with brief notes to make it fun and accessible.

• Scottish beers and ales:

BrewDog, Innis & Gunn, Harviestoun and smaller craft breweries have some lovely options.

• Irn-Bru mocktails:

Perfect for designated drivers or younger guests—try an Irn-Bru fizz with orange juice and soda.

Add Music, Dancing and Scottish Cheer

Entertainment is essential for creating that festive atmosphere.

• Playlist:

Create a mix of traditional folk, bagpipe tunes, ceilidh music, and modern Scottish artists such as Runrig, Lulu, Lewis Capaldi, or The Proclaimers.

• Mini ceilidh:

Teach guests a few simple ceilidh dances like the Gay Gordons or Strip the Willow. It’s guaranteed laughter and a brilliant ice-breaker.

• Scottish quiz:

Add a friendly competition with questions about Scottish history, landmarks, food, and famous faces.

Dress the Part—If You Fancy

Encourage guests to embrace the theme with tartan scarves, kilts, blue-and-white accessories, or even St Andrew’s flag face paint. It’s all part of the fun and makes for great photos.

Share the Story of St Andrew

Many people know the date but not the history. A short introduction—such as why St Andrew is the patron saint, the links to early Scottish history, or the traditions that shaped the celebration—adds meaning to the evening.

A Warm, Welcoming Night for Everyone

Hosting a St Andrew’s Day party is all about celebrating friendship, good food, and the spirit of Scotland. With a few thoughtful touches and a relaxed, cheerful atmosphere, your gathering will be a highlight of the season.

If you do want to share the story of St Andrew here is a short biography:-

Who Was St Andrew?

St Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the brother of St Peter. Born in the first century in Bethsaida, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, Andrew was originally a fisherman before becoming one of the earliest followers of Christ.

Tradition says that Andrew travelled widely after the resurrection, spreading Christianity through Greece, Asia Minor, and Eastern Europe. He was eventually martyred in the city of Patras around AD 60. According to legend, he requested to be crucified on a diagonal cross, feeling unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus. This X-shaped cross later became the iconic symbol of Scotland, forming the basis of the Saltire flag.

St Andrew became associated with Scotland centuries later through a mixture of legend, relics, and devotion. His remains were said to have been brought to the east coast of Fife, inspiring the town now known as St Andrews. By the Middle Ages, he had become firmly established as Scotland’s patron saint, celebrated for qualities such as courage, humility, and hospitality.

Today, St Andrew’s Day on 30 November is marked with national pride, music, dancing, and a celebration of Scottish identity.

Kimbo, the ambassador of Neapolitan coffee excellence in the world, at HostMilano 2025 with new products and its time-honored blends

Kimbo, a Neapolitan heritage of high‑quality coffee actually available in 100 countries worldwide, once again captivated the audience at Host Milano 2025, the global hospitality hub, with its brand new and longstanding coffee lines, a full range of business solutions for the "out-of-home" settings, from professional whole‑bean coffees to single‑serving formats. 

Events, talks, and tastings focused not only on Kimbo's classics but also on its new 2025 products, also designed for the international market.

It is no coincidence that Kimbo's exhibition stand, designed to share more than sixty years of family and business history, was divided into four stylistically very different thematic areas which, in dialogue with each other, brought the entire Kimbo world to visitors' attention.

In the first area, dedicated to tasting the Premium Line of coffee beans and complementary coffee products, Kimbo's new visual identity for the out-of-home market found its maximum expression with the story of Kimbo's roots and its three talents: selection, blending, and roasting.

The Specialty area was dedicated to the new "Sapiente" line, handcrafted by Kimbo Neapolitan Master Roasters in the brand-new microroastery opened within the historic Melito di Napoli plant.

With Sapiente, Kimbo has revolutionized the world of Specialty coffee with two major innovations: the first is that the line is composed exclusively of blends from different origins, showcasing the quintessential Italian art of blending different components to achieve a balance of flavors that a single origin can hardly provide, especially when brewed as an espresso. 

The second is the use of not only Specialty Arabica but also Fine Robusta, the excellence of the Canephora botanical species, with the goal of enhancing the latter and finally giving "equal dignity" to the two botanical species. 

The Sapiente line comprises three products: "Incanto," 100% Specialty Arabica, "Stupore," 100% Fine Robusta, and "Mistero," 50% each. These blends offer extraordinary flavor experiences depending on the coffee extraction methods used, including V60, Chemex, Neapolitan cuccuma, and more.

The Single-Portion area confirmed the success of the “Le Meraviglie del Gusto” line - which has its peak value in the Compostable Pod - and the rise of the line of Nespresso®* Compatible Aluminum Capsules, which offers a true “barista-like” extraction.

A fourth area, called Casa Rubino, conceived as a cultural hub, hosted several talk shows aimed at disseminating news and topics related to the world of coffee. The Rubino family and Kimbo management treated the space like a living room, with the savoir faire that has always distinguished the ancient and proverbial Neapolitan cult of hospitality.

But it doesn't end there. A second stand, almost a new format for fine dining, the "Bar Rubino"—just as the small pastry shop founded in the 1950s in the heart of the Rione Sanità district was called—exploded the strong theme of local tradition, a corporate value and family heritage that has always been central to Kimbo. The bar's undisputed star was the new line—perfect in moka pots, cuccuma pots, and espresso—"Kimbo Antica Miscela dal 1963," which, after its launch in large-scale retail outlets, also debuted at Host in a new bean-to-cup version for the Ho.Re.Ca. sector, offering Kimbo fans around the world an immersive experience in Neapolitan tradition.

“Bringing new life to our old and precious Antica Miscela, the first created by brothers Elio, Francesco and Gerardo Rubino, founders of our company, has been a truly surprising discovery. Not only because it was obtained, already in 1963, from a blend of only Arabica varieties, but also because it has brought us back to the loving pursuit of quality that has always distinguished our company, which still remains a family business, where every resource is ‘family’” says Mario Rubino, Chairman of Kimbo S.p.A. “In Kimbo, we extend the value of care to both our business partners and customers, a value which reflects the spirit we strive to pass on in every Kimbo coffee experience.”

The synthesis of the two stands once again highlights to Host guests how Kimbo offers a unique and authentically glocal proposal, inspired by the territory and dedicated to the world, as demonstrated by the K-Cups and Cold Brew products, dedicated to one of the most dynamic coffee markets, the United States of America.

How Your Pub Can Host a Mini Beer Festival Featuring Small Local Brewers

Running a mini beer festival is one of the most rewarding ways for a pub to boost footfall, strengthen community ties, and showcase the brilliant brewing talent on its doorstep. 

With interest in local, small-batch and independent beer growing year on year, your pub can become a hub for discovery—without the logistical pressure of hosting a large-scale event.

Here’s how to plan and run a successful mini beer festival that your customers (and local breweries) will love.

Celebrate Local Brewing Talent

Small independent breweries are often the beating heart of a region’s food and drink scene. A mini beer festival gives them a platform to share seasonal ales, limited-edition brews, or experimental batches that might not otherwise reach a wider audience.

By inviting two to six breweries from your area, you keep the focus on quality over quantity, ensuring visitors enjoy a curated, meaningful tasting experience.

Plan the Perfect Format

A mini beer festival doesn’t need to take over your whole pub or garden. You can:

Dedicate one bar area or a single function room

Set up pop-up bars in your beer garden

Run brewery “takeover hours” throughout the day

Offer a flight board featuring all guest beers

Small breweries will often bring their own staff, pump clips, and equipment, which makes setting up much easier for you.

Offer Tasting Flights and Festival Cards

Customers love the chance to sample several beers without committing to a full pint. Create:

£5–£10 tasting flights with 1/3-pint measures

Festival passports or punch cards, encouraging visitors to try beers from each brewery

Feedback cards, allowing customers to vote for their favourite local brew

This encourages longer dwell time and increases sales across the board.

Boost Your Food Offer

Pairing food with beer elevates the whole experience. Consider:

Local cheese boards

Gourmet burgers

Slow-cooked pub classics

Seasonal sharing platters

You can even collaborate with brewers on special dishes made with their beer—think stout-glazed sausages or ale-infused pies.

Promote Your Event Across All Channels

To maximise turnout, promote the festival at least four weeks in advance via:

Posters in the pub and around your town

Social media teasers highlighting each brewery

Listing the event on local tourism and community websites

Featuring the brewers in short video interviews

Linking to your online menu or booking page

Small breweries will usually promote their involvement too, giving you valuable shared exposure.

Add Entertainment and Extras

A mini beer festival is more than just beer. To create atmosphere, you could include:

Live acoustic music

Pub quizzes

Meet-the-brewer chats

Mini masterclasses about hops, malts, or brewing styles

Local craft stalls or food producers

These touches turn your festival into a full-day experience, not just a tasting session.

Make It an Annual Tradition

Once you run your first mini beer festival, you may find customers asking for it to become part of your seasonal calendar. Whether you choose a summer garden event or an autumn harvest-themed festival, making it a recurring fixture gives your pub a unique identity and something special to shout about.

A well-run mini beer festival can bring your community together, boost revenue, support independent brewers, and give your pub a memorable signature event. With a little organisation and a few enthusiastic local breweries, you can host a fantastic day that celebrates everything brilliant about your area’s beer scene.

If you want That's Food and Drink to give your beer festival some publicity, please tell us in the comments below.

From Pints to Power: Inside the Recycling Deal Between Wetherspoon and Veolia

If you’ve ever spent a busy evening in a Wetherspoon pub, you’ll know just how many plates, pints and coffee cups pass across the bar. 

Multiply that across hundreds of pubs every day of the year and you begin to see the scale of the waste challenge.

Rather than sending all that waste to landfill, J D Wetherspoon has teamed up with Veolia to turn food scraps, empty bottles and general rubbish into new resources. 

It’s a partnership that shows how large hospitality brands can rethink waste – and it offers useful lessons for smaller pubs, restaurants and cafés too.

Who’s Involved? Wetherspoon and Veolia in a Nutshell

J D Wetherspoon is one of the most recognisable pub chains in the UK and Ireland, serving millions of customers annually. With such a high turnover of food and drink, large volumes of waste are inevitable.

Veolia is a leading UK resource-management company that specialises in recycling, energy recovery and waste services. Since 2018, Veolia has been Wetherspoon’s main waste partner, handling the majority of the chain’s pub waste streams.

What Does the Recycling Deal Actually Do?

At first glance, it’s a waste collection service. In reality, it’s a full resource-management partnership covering:

Food waste

Glass bottles and jars

Paper, cardboard, tins and cans

Certain plastics

Waste cooking oil

General non-recyclable waste

Some electrical items

The shared goal is to divert as much as possible away from landfill and turn it into something useful instead.

Turning Food Waste into Green Energy

Food waste from Wetherspoon pubs is taken to anaerobic digestion plants, where it is broken down to produce renewable biogas. In a recent 12-month period, almost 10,000 tonnes of Wetherspoon food waste helped generate enough green electricity to power around 1,000 homes.

This not only prevents methane emissions from landfill but also puts waste to work producing clean energy.

Giving Glass a Second Life

Glass from the bar is collected and processed into high-quality recycled material known as “cullet”. This can be used in manufacturing new products, including insulation materials and new glass items. Using recycled glass significantly reduces energy use and carbon emissions compared with using raw materials.

Smarter Systems and Data

The partnership is data-driven. Veolia provides:

Pub-by-pub waste and recycling data

Route optimisation to cut vehicle emissions

A central monitoring hub for Wetherspoon’s estate

This helps managers spot where waste is high, where recycling could improve, and where training might be needed.

What Has the Partnership Achieved?

The standout achievement is this: for the waste streams Veolia manages directly, Wetherspoon now sends zero operational waste to landfill.

Key Figures from a Recent Financial Year

59,377 tonnes of waste managed

Nearly 50% recycled (glass, cardboard, tins, plastics, cooking oil, WEEE)

Around 17% treated via anaerobic digestion (food waste and coffee grounds)

Approximately 33% used for waste-to-energy power generation

0% of Veolia-managed waste sent to landfill

In one year alone, treatment of Wetherspoon’s glass and food waste avoided over 16,000 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions compared with landfill.

Why This Matters for Hospitality

The partnership shows what’s possible when waste is treated as a resource rather than a nuisance.

For hospitality businesses, the message is clear:

Zero landfill is achievable

Food waste can become green energy

Glass and packaging have real value when recycled

Data-led decisions improve performance site by site

Practical Lessons for Smaller Pubs and Restaurants

Even without a national network, smaller venues can borrow ideas from the Wetherspoon–Veolia model:

Start with a simple waste audit

Track what’s going into each bin for a week.

Separate the basics

Keep food waste, glass and recycling apart from general rubbish.

Speak to your waste contractor

Ask about food-waste collections, glass recycling and local processing options.

Train your team

Quick refreshers help keep standards consistent, especially during busy periods.

Tell your customers

Adding a note to menus or table-cards about your recycling efforts builds goodwill.

What Customers Can Do

Customers have their part to play:

Use the correct bins where separation is offered

Avoid unnecessary waste by ordering appropriately

Support venues that are transparent about sustainability efforts

Looking Ahead

The Wetherspoon–Veolia partnership reflects a broader shift in the industry from simple “waste disposal” to “resource management”. Every bottle, scrap of food and cardboard box has value when handled correctly.

Challenges remain, particularly around reducing waste at source and tackling complex packaging. But the results so far – thousands of tonnes recycled, zero landfill for core waste streams, and major emissions reductions – show how far hospitality can go with the right partnerships in place.

Whether you’re part of the trade or simply a regular pub-goer, it’s a powerful reminder that what happens behind the bins can be just as important as what happens behind the bar.

Why Eating Dairy Can Be Good for Your Health

Dairy has long been a regular part of many balanced diets, and for good reason. 

From calcium-packed milk to protein-rich yoghurt and flavourful cheeses, dairy products offer a wide range of nutrients that support everyday wellbeing. 

While dietary trends come and go, the benefits of including moderate amounts of dairy in your meals remain well supported by research and nutrition guidance.

A Natural Source of Key Nutrients

One of the most recognised benefits of dairy is its high calcium content. Calcium plays a vital role in maintaining strong bones and healthy teeth. 

Many dairy products also provide vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium effectively. Together, these nutrients support long-term bone health and may help lower the risk of osteoporosis as we age.

Dairy foods also contain high-quality protein, which helps the body repair tissues, maintain muscle mass and stay energised throughout the day. Cottage cheese, Greek yoghurt and skimmed milk are particularly good options if you're looking for lean, high-protein choices.

Supports Healthy Gut Function

Fermented dairy products—such as live yoghurt, kefir and cultured buttermilk—contain beneficial bacteria that can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome. 

A balanced gut can support digestion, reduce bloating and contribute to overall digestive comfort. Increasingly, people are turning to fermented dairy as a simple, tasty way to incorporate natural probiotics into their daily routine.

Helps to Maintain a Balanced Diet

Dairy products can play a helpful role in weight management. The combination of protein, healthy fats and slow-release carbohydrates can help you feel fuller for longer, reducing the temptation to snack between meals. Options such as yoghurt with fruit, a small piece of cheese with oatcakes or a latte made with semi-skimmed milk can all be satisfying choices that fit well within a balanced approach to eating.

Heart Health Benefits

Although some dairy products contain saturated fat, moderate consumption—especially when choosing lower-fat varieties—can be part of a heart-friendly diet. Milk, yoghurt and certain cheeses provide potassium, a mineral that can help regulate blood pressure. Some studies also suggest that fermented dairy foods may have a positive impact on heart health when enjoyed as part of an overall nutritious diet.

Rich in B Vitamins

Dairy products are a natural source of several B vitamins, including B2 (riboflavin) and B12. These nutrients help the body convert food into energy, support red blood cell formation and keep the nervous system functioning normally. This makes dairy particularly useful for people who need steady energy throughout the day.

Versatile, Convenient and Enjoyable

One of the biggest advantages of dairy is just how versatile it is. Whether you prefer a simple bowl of yoghurt, a warming mug of hot chocolate made with milk, or a sprinkling of cheese melted over vegetables, dairy fits easily into countless meals and snacks. This makes it an accessible and enjoyable way to boost your nutrient intake without complicated planning.

Final Dairy Thoughts

Including dairy in your diet can offer a range of health benefits, from supporting strong bones to contributing to good gut health. As with any food group, balance is key. Choosing a mix of milk, yoghurt and cheese, preferably with a focus on lower-fat or fermented options, can help you enjoy the nutritional advantages while keeping your diet varied and wholesome.

If you’re exploring ways to build healthier habits, adding a few well-chosen dairy products to your daily routine can be a simple, delicious step in the right direction.

Celebrating National Milk Day – Raising a Glass to a True Kitchen Essential

National Milk Day is the perfect moment to shine a light on one of the most versatile and cherished staples in British kitchens. 

Whether you splash it into your morning brew, pour it over your cereal, whisk it into a silky white sauce, or steam it for an indulgent hot chocolate, milk plays a quiet but vital role in our everyday cooking and comfort.

Today, we’re celebrating this humble hero in all its forms.

Why Milk Deserves Its Own Day

Milk’s importance goes far beyond being simply something you grab from the fridge. It’s an ingredient woven into our food traditions, family rituals, and daily routines. From creamy custards to hearty mash, Yorkshire puddings to rice pudding, many much-loved dishes wouldn’t be the same without it.

Plus, milk is an affordable nutritional powerhouse. Naturally rich in protein, calcium, and B vitamins, it remains one of the easiest ways to add nourishment to meals and snacks without fuss.

The Many Ways to Enjoy It

National Milk Day is a great excuse to explore all the delicious ways this classic ingredient can be used. Here are some simple ideas to inspire your celebration:

1. Make a Proper Creamy Mug of Tea

There’s something very British about a strong brew finished with a dash of milk. Celebrate with a favourite tea blend and enjoy the comfort it brings.

2. Whip Up a Batch of Homemade Rice Pudding

Slow-cooked, fragrant, and nostalgic—rice pudding is a superb showcase for the richness of milk. Add nutmeg or cinnamon for a warm twist.

3. Enjoy a Frothy Coffee at Home

A homemade latte or cappuccino feels like such a treat. A small milk frother can help create café-style cups without leaving the house.

4. Try New Dairy Recipes

Think creamy soups, cauliflower cheese, béchamel-based pasta bakes, or even homemade paneer (surprisingly easy!).

5. Celebrate with Milkshakes

From classic vanilla to indulgent chocolate brownie, a thick, cold milkshake is a celebratory treat whatever the weather.

A Nod to Our British Dairy Farmers

Behind every pint on the table is a hardworking network of UK dairy farmers. National Milk Day is a great opportunity to raise awareness of their dedication, especially in supporting sustainable practices and animal welfare.

Buying British dairy not only supports local producers but reduces food miles too.

Alternative Milks Have Their Place Too

While traditional dairy is the focus of the day, many people now include plant-based milks in their diets. Almond, oat, soy, coconut, and pea milks all offer unique flavours and textures. National Milk Day can be a chance to explore substitutes in baking, hot drinks, or cereal—handy for those with allergies, intolerances, or dietary preferences.

Fun Milk-Themed Ideas for Families

If you’re looking to turn the day into a bit of fun:

Hold a milk tasting session – try whole, semi-skimmed, organic, flavoured, or plant-based alternatives.

Make homemade hot chocolate with marshmallows and whipped cream.

Bake a tray of brownies or sponge cake using milk for that soft crumb.

Create milk art – a classic kids’ activity using food colouring and washing-up liquid for swirling rainbow patterns.

Milk: One Ingredient, Endless Possibilities

National Milk Day is a chance to celebrate the comfort, versatility, and nourishing goodness that milk brings to our kitchens. Whether you’re cooking, baking, making hot drinks, or simply pouring a cold glass, it remains one of the most familiar flavours of home.

So raise a glass (or a mug) today—and enjoy this creamy celebration.

How to Celebrate World Hello Day with Parties and Plenty of Fun

World Hello Day, marked every year on 21 November, is a wonderfully simple idea: say “hello” to at least ten people as a gesture of peace, friendliness, and goodwill. 

It’s a small action with a surprisingly powerful message. But you don’t need to stop at greetings in the street, you can turn the whole day into a celebration of connection, kindness, and community.

If you fancy making World Hello Day a bit more festive, here are some cheerful ways to celebrate with parties, gatherings, and fun activities that bring people together.

Host a “Hello Party” at Home

A themed get-together is a brilliant way to turn the day into something memorable. Keep it relaxed and welcoming — that’s the whole spirit of the day.

Ideas for your gathering:

Hello badges: Give guests personalised name badges so everyone can greet one another easily.

Multi-language welcome signs: Decorate your space with “hello” written in different languages, from “hola” to “hallo” to “namaste” or "helo."

Conversation-starter bowls: Pop slips of paper with ice-breaker questions in bowls around the room.

Simple comfort food: A pot of tea, some biscuits, homemade sandwiches, or a slow-cooker stew keeps things friendly and low-pressure.

Plan a Community “Hello Walk”

If you enjoy the outdoors, organise a neighbourhood stroll where everyone says hello to people they pass. It’s light-hearted, good exercise, and encourages community spirit.

To make the walk more fun:

Wear bright “Hello!” stickers.

Bring along a flask of hot chocolate to share afterwards.

Encourage participants to say hello in as many languages as they know.

Hold a Workplace or School “Hello Hour”

World Hello Day works especially well in workplaces, cafés, libraries, and community centres.

Some easy activities:

A greeting board: Invite people to write “hello” in their native languages.

Friendly desk drops: Leave small notes or sweets with a handwritten greeting.

Tea break mingles: A short social break with hot drinks and biscuits encourages colleagues to mix and chat.

Host an International “Hello” Potluck

Invite friends, neighbours, or colleagues to bring snacks or dishes from their heritage, family traditions, or simply cuisines they enjoy. Alongside each dish, ask guests to add a little card showing how to say “hello” in that culture’s language.

It’s a great way to learn, taste something new, and celebrate diversity.

Run a Social Media “Say Hello” Challenge

Encourage your followers to say hello to ten people, post something positive, or share a short video greeting. It’s simple, cheerful, and spreads the message far beyond your immediate circle.

You could even create a hashtag for your town or group to join in.

Create a Hello Book or Memory Wall

Whether you’re planning a party or running a community event, a “Hello Wall” where guests write their name, where they’re from, and something they love can spark conversations and create a shared sense of belonging.

For a smaller gathering, a notebook works just as well — a lovely keepsake for next year.

Share the Joy with Neighbours

Sometimes the best celebrations are the smallest. Knock on a neighbour’s door to say hello, drop off a biscuit tin, or send a card with a friendly greeting. Small gestures mean a lot.

A Day That’s All About Connection

World Hello Day may be simple, but the idea behind it is powerful: greeting others helps build understanding, bridges divides, and adds a bit of warmth to the world.

Whether you choose a cosy afternoon tea, a lively party full of laughter, or a walk around the neighbourhood, celebrating the day with others is a lovely way to remind ourselves that kindness starts with something as small as a hello.

International Men’s Day: Celebrate with Good Company, Honest Chats, and Plenty of Comfort Food

International Men’s Day (19 November) is an ideal moment to pause, take stock, and appreciate the men in our lives, fathers, granddads, brothers, partners, sons, mates, and colleagues.

 Instead of overthinking it or feeling pressured to make grand gestures, why not mark the day with something simple, heartfelt, and brilliantly down-to-earth: proper conversations, warm drinks, good food, and the kind of relaxed atmosphere where people genuinely open up.

That's Food and Drink featured International Men's Day last November. The last year has flown by, hasn't it?

Here are a few easy, meaningful ways to celebrate International Men’s Day at your local pub, café, or even at home.

Raise a Pint and Have a Real Conversation

Pubs have long been the heart of community life, and there’s something wonderfully grounding about sitting side-by-side with a pint and a chat. This isn’t about drinking for the sake of it—it’s about sharing space, catching up properly, and giving people room to say how they’re really doing.

You might talk about work, family, hobbies, or the football—but you’ll often find that, once the conversation starts rolling, the chat turns surprisingly honest. International Men’s Day is the perfect excuse to check in with the men who’d never dream of scheduling a “wellbeing conversation” but will happily open up over a beer.

Or Keep It Cuppa-Simple

If beer isn’t your thing, a mug of tea works wonders too. A pot shared between friends can break down barriers every bit as effectively as a pint.

There’s a gentle ritual to it—pouring the tea, dunking a biscuit, settling into a comfy chair—that encourages people to slow down. Sometimes, the smallest setting feels the safest.

Cake, Biscuits, and Honest Talk

Cake is a universal ice-breaker. Whether you fancy a Victoria sponge, a slice of lemon drizzle, or a plate of biscuits, food has a way of softening the edges of a conversation.

Use International Men’s Day as a time to celebrate the hobbies, stories, quirks, and achievements of the men in your life. Let it be about connection, laughter, nostalgia, and hearing one another properly—things that often get lost in the busy swirl of daily life.

Support Local: Eat at a Nearby Café or Pub

A meal down the local is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to mark the day.

Choose a cosy pub or a family-run café and make an occasion of it. Whether it’s a hearty breakfast, a Sunday roast, a curry night, or a simple burger and chips, sitting around a table together creates space for conversation that doesn’t feel forced.

You’ll also be supporting small businesses, many of whom appreciate the November trade more than you might realise.

Why It Matters

International Men’s Day isn’t about competition with any other awareness day. It’s about recognising that men have challenges, emotions, pressures, and vulnerabilities too—sometimes ones they struggle to articulate. Encouraging relaxed, low-key chats can make a real difference.

There’s no need for speeches or formal events. A pint, a cuppa, a slice of cake, or a comforting meal shared with friends or family is more than enough. What matters is the connection.

Celebrate the Men in Your Life, Your Way

Go for something simple, personal, and heartfelt. Invite a mate for a chat. Treat your dad to a pub lunch. Settle in with your brother over a pot of tea. Enjoy some cake with your partner. Or gather a small group of friends for a warm, grounding night out.

International Men’s Day is all about appreciation, conversation, and community—and there’s no better place to enjoy all three than your local.

Community Share Offer Launches to Save Historic Village Pub in Cornwall

Ponsanooth Community Benefit Society (PCBS) has announced the opening of its long-awaited community share offer, allowing both local residents and supporters of the village to invest in securing the future of The Stag Hunt Inn in Cornwall. 

From Thursday 20th November, the community-led initiative aims to raise a minimum of £300,000 to buy the village's last remaining pub's freehold and safeguard its future as a welcoming, traditional hub for generations to come.

The Stag Hunt dates back to the early 1800s and sits at the heart of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, closely linked to the village's Kennall Vale gunpowder works. For decades, it has served as a vital meeting point for neighbours, families, and social groups. Its closure would leave Ponsanooth without a communal space where residents of all ages can connect and support one another.

“The time to act is now,” said Sam Fitch, Chair of Ponsanooth Community Benefit Society. “Without community support, we risk losing The Stag Hunt Inn forever. This is our opportunity to reclaim a cherished piece of village history and create a thriving, inclusive space that strengthens Ponsanooth for decades to come for both locals and visitors alike.”

PCBS was formed by local volunteers after overwhelming support from a community survey and public meetings. The Society has already secured early grants, built a strong volunteer network, and commissioned an independent valuation confirming that the pub is at risk and currently trading far below its potential. 

With the pub on the market for 18 months and the vendors becoming “increasingly motivated sellers”, the team believes that demonstrating strong local backing will be key to negotiating a fair purchase price.

The share offer opens the door for anyone to support the future of the pub and represents a critical step in ensuring the success of the project.

To keep the offer accessible, the minimum investment has been set at £100, with every shareholder becoming a member of the Society and gaining an equal vote in how the pub is run. Investments will receive a competitive rate of interest, and may also qualify for substantial tax relief.

If successful, the community plans to restore The Stag Hunt as a cosy, traditional country pub with low ceilings, warm interiors, and space for classic pub activities such as quizzes and games. PCBS aims to deliver “more than a pub”: a warm space for isolated residents, a social café area for families and young people, and a venue where community groups can run events, workshops and activities throughout the year.

“Community ownership is becoming one of the few truly resilient models in today's hospitality landscape. The Stag Hunt Inn is a perfect example of a once-thriving pub that has been forced to close. By giving the community the chance to step in, we're not just saving a pub -  we're demonstrating a viable, sustainable future for rural hospitality at a time when the sector needs success stories more than ever,” David Miskin of Plunkett UK told That's Food and Drink.

Residents, supporters, and interested investors can access the full Share Offer Document and find more information at www.savethestag.co.uk

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