Led by Signature Dining founder and director Paul Robottom, Nostalgic Nosh aims to evoke cherished memories through the power of traditional British cuisine, fostering emotional connections, social engagement and cognitive well-being for care home residents.
By offering themed menus featuring beloved dishes from yesteryear, Nostalgic Nosh helps residents relive fond memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. Research has shown that food-related nostalgia can improve both emotional and cognitive health, especially for older individuals.
The theme days include:
- Sunday Roast Revival: A traditional roast dinner event that brings back the flavours of family Sunday lunches.
- Afternoon Tea Party: A nostalgic journey to the tea rooms of the past, featuring scones, clotted cream and fine china.
- Seaside Fish & Chips: A fun, themed day recreating the joy of British seaside trips with fish and chips served in traditional paper wrappings.
- Wartime Kitchen: A look at the resilience of wartime Britain with recipes inspired by rationing and make-do-and-mend culture.
Speaking about the initiative, Robottom said: “Food has the power to transport us to a different time and place, and that’s especially important for older residents in care homes. With Nostalgic Nosh, we want to create dining experiences that not only nourish the body but also nourish the soul by sparking memories and encouraging social interaction.
“Nostalgic food can unlock long-forgotten memories and provide comfort in a familiar, joyful way. We believe in the power of food to enhance the well-being of residents, and Nostalgic Nosh is our way of making mealtimes more meaningful and engaging.”