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Summer Solstice: Seasonal Menu Inspiration for Your Kitchen
19th June 2026
Today marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year! It’s the perfect moment to celebrate produce at its very best.
As many in foodservice know, choosing seasonal ingredients ensures exceptional quality, flavour and longevity. Working with ingredients at their peak means your dishes consistently deliver on taste, appearance and overall appeal.
Whether your menu features small plates, grab-and-go options or hearty dishes for diners to indulge in, seasonal ingredients help make every dish irresistibly fresh and vibrant.
To inspire your summer menus, we’ve selected key ingredients that are at their best right now, paired with delicious menu ideas that showcase a variety of styles across the industry.
Poached Salmon with Asparagus, Jersey Royals and Hollandaise Sauce
Salmon, asparagus, chives and Jersey Royal potatoes are all in season, making this a beautifully classic summer dish. Our Signature Hollandaise Sauce finishes it perfectly, adding a rich, buttery and creamy touch.
British strawberries are famed for their sweet, juicy flavour, making them the perfect addition to this vibrant brunch option. This recipe is highly versatile, you can easily incorporate other seasonal fruits such as cherries, kiwi and grapefruit. Our Crème Anglaise forms a smooth, indulgent base that complements the fruit perfectly.
Cod, Mussels and Lobster Sauce
With cod and lobster in peak season, this dish delivers on both flavour and quality. Chives add a fresh seasonal lift, while the rich sauce is created using our Lobster Sauce Base, combined with mussel liquor and cream for a luxurious finish.
Part of our ‘A Collection of Small Plates’ concept, this dish showcases beef brisket alongside seasonal carrots and rosemary. Our Signature Beef Jus and Street Food Chef American BBQ Seasoning come together to create a sticky, glossy glaze that coats the brisket beautifully.
This Indian-inspired dish features seasonal ingredients including minced beef, spring onions and coriander. It’s brought together with our Curry Onion Sauce, Indian Inspired Tikka Seasoning and Street Food Chef Bombay BBQ Sauce for a bold, vibrant flavour profile.
Pork Saltimbocca with a Sage Jus
Pork, asparagus and sage, three standout seasonal ingredients, form the foundation of this dish. Finished with our Premier Veal Jus infused with sage, it delivers a well-balanced and flavourful plate.
More Seasonal Ingredients to Explore:
Meat / Fish / Seafood:
Lamb, Wood Pigeon, Chicken, Crab, Gurnard, Herring, John Dory, Plaice, Sardines, Sea Trout, Conger Eel, Dab, Langoustine, Pollack, Prawns, Shrimp, Whelks, Whitebait
Vegetables & Herbs:
Asparagus, Aubergine, Carrots, Jersey Royal New Potatoes, New Potatoes, Radishes, Rocket, Spinach, Watercress, Basil, Dill, Elderflowers, Mint, Nasturtium, Parsley (Curly), Parsley (Flat-Leaf), Sorrel, Tarragon
Championing British Seasonal Produce:
At this time of year, British farms and growers are producing an abundance of exceptional ingredients. By prioritising seasonal UK produce on your menu, you not only enhance flavour and quality but also reduce food miles and support more sustainable sourcing.
We’re proud to support organisations such as Love British Food, who work to celebrate and champion the very best of British produce. Their work helps raise awareness of the benefits of sourcing locally and highlights the incredible network of farmers and producers behind the ingredients we use every day.
Making the Most of Summer Flavours:
Summer is all about vibrancy, freshness and bold, bright flavours. Longer days and lighter dining occasions create the perfect opportunity to showcase colourful ingredients, refreshing combinations and globally inspired dishes.
By embracing what’s in season, chefs can create menus that feel relevant, exciting and full of life, delivering dishes that capture the true essence of summer on every plate.
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