The Big Lunch is a nationwide event that takes place from June 7-8, and this year, it has embarked on a nationwide search to uncover hidden culinary gems and the stories behind them. The search is being led by celebrity chefs, including Gary Maclean, Ainsley Harriott, and Dame Prue Leith, in partnership with the Eden Project. The search aims to bolster people’s culinary skills and recipe ideas, following a YouGov poll that found:

• 14% of people never cook new recipes
• 24% said a lack of fresh ideas has prevented them from cooking new recipes
• 40% of UK adults said they are more likely to cook meals from scratch compared to five years ago
• 37% of UK adults agreed that eating food with others enhances its taste

This poll highlights the growing trend of people wanting to cook and share food with others. The Big Lunch is building on this momentum by launching a nationwide recipe search, which will be reviewed by the team behind the campaign. The search will feature home cooks who submit their recipes that bring people together, with the chance to be featured in the Big Lunch online cookbook, which will be shared at events up and down the UK in June. The Big Lunch online cookbook will be an excellent resource for home cooks, featuring a wide range of recipes that are perfect for sharing with others. The cookbook will be updated throughout the year, with new recipes and stories added regularly. Mr. Maclean’s Passion for Food
Gary Maclean, 53, is the first National Chef of Scotland. He was awarded the title in 2017, a year after he won the ninth series of MasterChef: The Professionals. As Scotland’s national chef, Mr. Maclean has seen firsthand the power of food to bring people together and create community spirit.

“In my experience, food has the ability to break down barriers and create connections between people. I’ve seen it firsthand in the kitchen, where people from all walks of life come together to share a meal and build relationships. That’s why I’m proud to support this year’s Big Lunch and I’m really looking forward to seeing the recipes and stories people share from across the country.”
— Gary Maclean, First National Chef of Scotland

Dame Prue’s Vision for the Big Lunch
Grainne McCloskey, Eden Project manager for Scotland, added: “The Big Lunch has always been about sharing food and making new connections – and with this new evidence confirming that people agree food tastes better when we share it together, we have the perfect excuse to get in the kitchen and make a dish to share. This recipe search is about finding new and inspiring dishes to try together, so add your dish to a growing recipe bank of shareable favourites and come together to feed community spirit with the Big Lunch on June 7-8.”
Ainsley Harriott, Big Lunch ambassador, said: “The Big Lunch recipe search is more than just a way of finding and rewarding the people behind the UK’s best home recipes. It is an invitation to people everywhere to join in with the Big Lunch and share food and friendship together. It is a chance to celebrate the recipes that we love sharing with others and the special role that food plays in strengthening relationships, celebrating who we are, our passions, culture, and traditions, and that sense of belonging where we live.”
Ainsley’s Love for Food
Ainsley Harriott, a long-time Big Lunch supporter and celebrity chef, said: “It’s all about hunting down hidden culinary gems. Recipes that hold a special place in people’s hearts – and stomachs. We want to hear about food that brings people together and is great for sharing. Throughout my life, I’ve been so influenced by my mother’s cooking, and I still make some of her recipes today, things like her wonderful red bean stew and fabulous BBQ chicken. I can’t wait to hear what’s cooking in the nation’s kitchens to tickle our taste buds and bring the whole country together over the Big Lunch weekend.”
The Big Lunch online cookbook will be an excellent resource for home cooks, featuring a wide range of recipes that are perfect for sharing with others.

1. Home cooks who submit their recipes which they feel bring people together have the chance to be featured in the Big Lunch online cookbook
2. Five finalists will be able to join a Big Lunch event in May
3. One home cook in with the chance to take home a hamper to help with their own event

The Big Lunch is a wonderful opportunity for people to come together and share food and friendship. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, there’s something for everyone at the Big Lunch. So, get cooking and join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #BigLunch. Get Involved
To get involved in the Big Lunch recipe search, simply visit the Big Lunch website and submit your recipe. Don’t be shy – share your favorite recipe that brings people together, and you could be featured in the Big Lunch online cookbook and win a prize. It’s a great way to meet new people, share your love of food, and be part of something special. The Big Lunch is a celebration of community and the power of food to bring people together. It’s a chance to connect with others, share your passion for food, and be part of a larger movement that values the importance of sharing meals and making new connections. So, mark your calendars for June 7-8 and get ready to join the Big Lunch celebration!

Recipe Search

The Big Lunch recipe search is now open, and we want to hear from you. Share your favorite recipe that brings people together, and you could be featured in the Big Lunch online cookbook. To get started, simply visit the Big Lunch website and submit your recipe. Don’t forget to include a story behind your recipe, and why it’s special to you.

* Recipe must be shared online or in person
* Recipe must be suitable for sharing with others
* Recipe must be submitted by June 8th

Eligible Recipes

Recipes that bring people together, or have a special story behind them

Recipes that are perfect for sharing with others, or are unique and special

Join the Big Lunch Conversation
Join the Big Lunch conversation on social media using the hashtag #BigLunch. Share your favorite recipe, and connect with other food lovers from across the UK. Get Ready for the Big Lunch
Get ready for the Big Lunch celebration on June 7-8. So, mark your calendars and get cooking!

Conclusion

The Big Lunch is a wonderful opportunity for people to come together and share food and friendship. It’s a celebration of community and the power of food to bring people together. So, get involved in the Big Lunch recipe search, and join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #BigLunch. Don’t miss out on the fun and games, and get ready to join the Big Lunch celebration on June 7-8!