The group, which helps people learn new cooking skills while discovering vegan recipes from around the world, prepared an impressive spread of seasonal treats for friends, visitors, and the local community. The pop-up café event demonstrated the progress and confidence the Discovery Catering team has built throughout the year.

A Feast of Festive Flavours

The menu featured a tempting array of vegan delights, from indulgent chocolate brownies decorated with rainbow sprinkles to traditional mince pies and freshly baked muffins. The centrepiece was a beautifully plated Christmas dinner featuring roasted seasonal vegetables, flaky pastry parcels, and all the festive trimmings.

         

Teamwork and Skills in Action

Working together in the professional kitchen at Westgate Hall, the Discovery Catering team demonstrated everything they've learned - from food preparation and presentation to customer service and kitchen safety. The festive atmosphere was enhanced by the team's enthusiasm, with several members donning elf hats and Christmas jumpers as they served their guests.

       

Harry said, "I love Christmas and really enjoy coming to cook at Discovery Catering every week"

Building Confidence Through Cooking

Discovery Catering is part of bemix's wider programme, helping people develop practical skills, build confidence, and connect with their community. Through the group, participants work together to plan menus, source seasonal ingredients, cook fresh food, and run pop-up cafés at community events. This week, we were very grateful to some of our friends from the Abbey Physic Community Garden who volunteered on the day to support the group.

              

Louis not only got into the festive spirit with his outfit, but he was also busy welcoming guests with a huge smile, sweeping the paths, and making sure everyone was happy. 

"I'm off to get some more customers!"

...Louis announced as he bounded out of the Hall with enthusiasm and energy and his infectious smile.

One guest gleefully announced that

"I love coming to Discovery Catering's Pop up Cafe and try not to miss any. It's so uplifting and the food is so reasonably priced, too"

A Perfect Partnership

The event highlighted the strong partnership between bemix and Westgate Hall, the vibrant community venue in the heart of Canterbury city centre. Westgate Hall's professional kitchen and welcoming space provided the perfect setting for Discovery Catering to shine.

The Westgate Hall team stated, 

"bemix, Discovery Catering are part of the family, and we absolutely love having them here each week. We are looking forward to working more closely with bemix in 2026" 

The Christmas celebration was a testament to what can be achieved when people are given the opportunity to learn, work together, and share their talents with the community. Discovery Catering continues to meet regularly, welcoming anyone interested in learning new cooking skills and discovering the joy of plant-based cuisine.

Harry and Louis were busy all day, catering for the guests and with the rest of the team, helped raise over £150 for Discover Catering.

If you would like to support the team in continuing this wonderful Social Enterprise, please consider donating to our appeal.

Support us here 

Any amount will make a difference, thank you.

The team at bemix would like to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year ahead. 

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To find out more about Discovery Catering or to book a free taster session, visit www.bemix.org/discovery-catering-cooking

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For information about hiring Westgate Hall for community events, visit www.westgatehall.org

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