How to crack open the big Easter opportunity

Good Friday favourites, sharers and showstoppers – here are three ways to sweeten the long weekend!

Egg-cellent desserts

Round off the long weekend with desserts that appeal to both adults and kids. Think hot cross bun bread and butter pudding, chocolate egg-topped cheesecakes or carrot cake with cream cheese icing. Add seasonal bakes to your display or takeaway counter to tempt last-minute buyers – mini egg blondies are easy wins. If your menu is more premium, try a chocolate hazelnut torte or lemon meringue pie. For family venues, keep things fun with a DIY dessert board or a ‘decorate your own cupcake’ station to get little ones involved.

Good Friday fish suppers

Lean into tradition with a Good Friday fish special. Classic fish and chips will always pull a crowd, but premium upgrades can add margin and theatre. Try whole baked salmon served for the table with lemon herb butter, an enticing side of crushed peas and new potatoes. Or how about beer-battered haddock and triple-cooked chips, paired with a local craft brew? Offer lighter choices too, like fish tacos or crispy calamari for the bar. Keep service simple with pre-prepped sauces and sides, and remember to promote your menu in advance as a limited Easter weekend offer to encourage early bookings.

Easter Sunday sharing platters

Make Easter Sunday a celebration of togetherness with large, help-yourself platters designed for sharing. Serve roast lamb or glazed ham with spring vegetables, Yorkshire puddings and rosemary roast potatoes – perfect for creating that at-home feel. Present dishes in a help yourself family-style down the centre of the table, with gravy jugs and optional add-ons like cauliflower cheese for indulgence. Promote it as a relaxed, family feast that encourages groups to linger longer over dessert. Why not add a Sunday Spritz menu to pair with sharing boards? Then upsell prosecco, mocktails and light cocktails to complete the experience.

Celebrate Easter with care

Bring the spirit of Easter into your care home with comforting menus, cheerful activities and thoughtful touches that make residents feel valued and included.

Fortified favourites

Add richness and nutrition where it matters most by fortifying dishes with cream, cheese or milk powder. Familiar sides such as buttery mash or cauliflower cheese offer comfort and nourishment in every bite, while a hint of nutmeg or chive can lift flavour and presentation.

Sweet simplicity

Serve desserts that evoke fond memories, like an egg custard tart, lemon syllabub or rice pudding with stewed rhubarb. They’re light, nostalgic and easy to eat, making them perfect for all appetites.

Gentle activities

Mark the occasion with uplifting, easy-going activities. Try egg painting, nest making or a chocolate-tasting afternoon. These moments spark conversation, encourage social interaction and fill the dining room with colour and joy.