An extended bank holiday in June to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee offers the perfect opportunity to capitalise on increased footfall and later opening times. The weekend, from Thursday June 2 to Sunday June 5 will feature an extensive programme of events that mix the “best of British ceremonial splendour and pageantry with cutting edge artistic and technological displays” according to the government.
Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive, UKHospitality, says: “As Britain’s longest reigning monarch, Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee is a rare and special event that millions of people across the UK will want to celebrate, and it will be extra-special for thousands of hospitality businesses hit by COVID-19, because it affords them a wonderful opportunity to recoup some of their pandemic losses.”
Several key events will be held over the Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday. On Thursday June 2, the Queen will be attending the Trooping the Colour. Over 1,400 soldiers, 1,000 dancers and musicians and 500 horses will gather at Buckingham Palace then proceed down The Mall to Horse Guard’s Parade, joined by members of the Royal family on horseback and in carriages. On Friday 3 June there will be a ‘Service of Thanksgiving’ at St Paul’s Cathedral, while on Saturday June 4 the Queen and members of her family will attend the Derby at Epsom. That evening the BBC will stage and broadcast a special live concert from Buckingham Palace that will bring together some of the world’s biggest entertainment stars to celebrate the most significant moments from The Queen’s seven decade reign.
The Big Jubilee Lunch takes place on the last day of the bank holiday weekend, Sunday June 5. This is the Eden Project’s initiative to encourage street parties across the nation. It offers the chance to engage with your local community by collaborating with residents to hold a street party.
Making the most of the celebrations
Special themed packages are a great idea for those offering overnight accommodation. As part of a two night stay for two, Dukes London Hotel is offering a Jubilee tea served in the drawing room and a Jubilee picnic to enjoy in the Royal parks in close proximity to Buckingham Palace. Paul Bayliss from Hotel Brooklyn, Manchester says the hotel will be appropriately dressed up with union jacks and a special menu of Royal dishes will be provided. This will include replicating the winning entry from the Platinum pudding competition. “We’re planning a social media competition where people who dress their dog up in platinum -themed outfits have the chance of winning a stay at the hotel,” he says.
Special dishes to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee will be good sellers. Annie Spaziano from Annie’s Burger Shack in Nottingham and Derby says “We’ve created special themed burgers. These are fun and larger than life. For the Golden Jubilee we had one with coronation chicken and gold ingredients as well as a radish crown. For the Platinum we’re looking at traditional English food such as a Suffolk cheddar or poached chicken breast braised in Fortnum and Mason tea. I’ve heard the Queen likes burgers, but that she eats them without the bun and with a cranberry chutney. Special burgers work well and we’re looking forward to celebrating the way our customers have come to expect.”
At the newly opened ‘For The Saints’ Espresso Bar, Cheltenham, a special afternoon tea and Jubilee cocktails are in the pipeline. Emily Redman says “This particular Jubilee will be a huge occasion in the UK. Brits love their traditions, so anything that’s regal and gives a nod to the Queen should be a hit.”
As we get nearer to the big event, we anticipate a wave of creativity coming from kitchens throughout the country. Cakes and puddings are likely to be a focal point of the celebrations, inspired by the Platinum Pudding Competition, so make sure you have plenty of ideas to satisfy customers hungry for an indulgent street party! Whatever you decide to do this June, your Country Range Group wholesaler is always on hand to supply you with plenty of ready-made frozen desserts, cakes, pastries and pies or ingredients to make your own sumptuous treats.
PULL OUT
If you are still in need of inspiration, there are plenty of recipes to explore including: Pineapple and Rum Sticky Toffee Pudding by The Hairy Bikers; Salted Banoffee Crunchie Eton Pie by Alex Hollywood, Jubilee Crown Meringue by Fiona Cairns and Jubilee Jammy Roll Cake by Rose Prince.
For inspiration, party ideas, how to hold a street party and how to get involved, visit
