Light up your Bonfire Night and Diwali!

Sizzling food, warming drinks and cracking entertainment ideas to help your venue make the most of these events

Bonfire night

Big bowls, big comfort

Keep queues moving and customers toasty with big-batch bowl food. Chilli, curry or pulled pork with loaded jacket potatoes or Yorkshire pudding wraps are always crowd-pleasers. Add hearty veggie options too, like smoky bean stew or mac and cheese. Serve in compostable containers with toppings on the side for speed. These bowls can be prepped ahead, hold their heat well and plate up fast – making them ideal for busy outdoor service on cold autumn nights.

Flame-fired favourites

If you’ve got the outdoor space, fire up the grill. Burgers, sausages and skewers are Bonfire Night staples. For your veggie and vegan crowd, try halloumi burgers, spiced bean patties or plant-based hot dogs. Add a DIY toppings bar with pickles, sauces and crispy onions to give guests control. Toasted buns and wraps keep it tidy and warm. Want a premium pick? Go for maple-glazed pork belly with apple slaw, or grilled lamb kofta flatbreads.

Soup and a side of warmth

Soups are ideal for outdoor events – budget-friendly, filling and easy to prep, portion and keep warm. Offer go-tos like spiced lentil, tomato and basil or curried parsnip (great for vegan and gluten-free diets). Serve in insulated cups with warm rolls or seeded bread and add toppings like croutons or a swirl of oat cream. Want to upsell? Try jerk sweet potato with cornbread or pumpkin and sage with cheesy focaccia.

Click here for the Spicy Jerk Sweet Potato Soup recipe.

Bonfire bakes and s’more

Put on a show with sweet and sparkling desserts. Firework biscuits with colourful icing, traditional parkin, or gooey brownies are easy to prep and perfect for takeaway. Go for something extra special like warm churros or a spiced toffee apple tart. Offer boxed-up treats for kids, or create sharing platters with hot drinks to increase spend. For extra fun, why not run a ‘decorate your own biscuit’ station – perfect for families.

Toast the night

Hot drinks are your showstoppers on chilly Bonfire Nights. Offer fun hot chocolate flavours like chilli, orange-spiced or mint. Pile high with cream, sauces, marshmallows and sparkly toppings. For grown-ups, add Baileys, amaretto or bourbon. Serve in takeaway mugs for extra value. Add variety with mulled cider, hot buttered rum or spiced pear toddies. These drinks are cosy, theatrical and made for Instagram – great for giving guests a reason to stay (and sip) longer.

Try this Bonfire Night Irish Coffee.

Click here for the Texan Steak House Burger recipe.

Keep it safe

If you’re planning a fireworks display, stick to these steps to stay safe:

• Use only category 1–3 fireworks, not professional-grade (category 4)

• Keep fireworks well away from bars and food areas

• Set clear safety zones between fireworks and guests

• Appoint a trained person to call emergency services if needed

• Never relight a firework that hasn’t gone off

• Store fireworks securely in a cool, dry place.

For full guidance visit: gov.uk/fireworks-the-law

Diwali

Bollywood beats

Set the tone for your Diwali celebration with a joyful Bollywood playlist. Think feel-good classics from artists like Arijit Singh, Neha Kakkar or Badshah. Tracks like London Thumakda, Gallan Goodiyan or Jai Ho never fail to get people smiling. If budget allows, a live sitar player or upbeat fusion act can add even more sparkle and turn background music into a real moment. Finish the setting with tea lights and colourful lanterns for a warm, glowing space.

Henna magic

Henna, also known as mehndi, is a beautiful and meaningful part of Diwali tradition. It’s applied to hands as a symbol of joy and good luck. Hiring a henna artist adds a cultural flourish to your event and gives guests a memorable takeaway. It’s especially popular with families and groups celebrating together. Set up a small, cosy corner to create a peaceful space that feels special – and very shareable.

Sweeten the celebration

Diwali is a time for sharing, and food makes the perfect gift. Offer pre-order boxes of Indian sweets like barfi, laddoo or gulab jamun, ready to take away. Package them in bright, festive boxes with clear allergen labels. They’re ideal for gifting to friends, family or colleagues. Promote ahead of time via posters, socials or menus and take pre-orders at the bar to manage stock. It’s a simple, high-margin add-on that feels thoughtful and festive.