Celebrate The UK’s Culinary National Days At Coral Island

The United Kingdom has long been a land rich with tradition and an incredible passion for food and drink. To this end, the UK calendar is packed with special days to celebrate our gastronomic delights.

No matter whether you’re someone who simply enjoys good food or you’re a devoted foodie, you can always find a ‘National Day’ to provide just the excuse you need to indulge in some truly iconic culinary treats.

We wanted to take a look at some of the best of these celebrated days, from National Pizza Day to National Fish and Chips Day and invite you to join us in celebrating at Coral Island.

February 9th – National Pizza Day

Getting started on our culinary tour is National Pizza Day on 9 February. Okay, it might not be a traditional British dish, but who doesn’t love pizza? National Pizza Day is dedicated to celebrating the art of pizza-making - from the perfect thin crust to the mouth-watering array of toppings that can cater to every taste.

The many pizzerias of the UK will be taking centre stage on this day, and of course, Coral Harbour Kitchen & Bar, where pizza is not just a food but a crafted, artisan experience, will be joining the celebrations. Our skilled chefs combine fresh, locally sourced ingredients with traditional Italian techniques to create pizzas that are both innovative and comforting.

Whether you're a fan of classic Margherita or desire a pizza topped with seasonal British produce, National Pizza Day is the perfect time to explore and indulge.

Beyond Coral Harbour, the spirit of National Pizza Day can be found in many towns and cities across the country. It’s a day that brings people together, celebrating not only the universal love for pizza but also the creativity and cultural exchange that have helped shape the British culinary scene over the years.

March 3rd – 9th - British Pie Week

March might mark the beginning of spring, but you never know if you can expect sunshine or showers, blizzards and freezing temperatures. It’s the perfect time of year to indulge in hearty, comforting fare, and British Pie Week, held from 3 - 9 March, is a testament to that tradition.

This week is all about celebrating the quintessential British pie, a dish that has warmed hearts and filled bellies for generations.

If pastry-encased delights float your gravy boat during British Pie Week, then a visit to The Buccaneer Family Bar & Restaurant is a must to tuck into our scrumptious Beef and Mushroom Pie. This pie is a tribute to the classic British recipe: tender chunks of beef, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, savoury gravy, all encased in a flaky pastry. The Buccaneer has earned a reputation for perfecting this dish, offering a slice of culinary history with every bite.

British Pie Week is a reminder of the country's deep-rooted culinary traditions. Pubs and restaurants across the UK participate in this celebration, each putting their unique twist on the classic pie. Whether it’s a hearty meat pie, a delicate chicken and leek variation, or even a vegetarian option brimming with fresh, seasonal vegetables, there’s something for everyone during this festive week.

March 14th – National Chips Day

Merely a day after the conclusion of British Pie Week, the UK begins a celebration of another beloved culinary delight - the humble chip!

National Chip Day on 14 March celebrates this Britsh staple - none of your French fries, but a good chunky chip cut from Maris Piper spuds, served with a generous helping of salt, vinegar, or even a dash of gravy or curry.

On National Chips Day, chippys and kitchens across the country work overtime to perfect the art of chip-making. Crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, the perfect chip is a culinary delight that transcends simple, fast food status.

Many local eateries and fish and chip shops may even join in the celebration by offering special deals and signature recipes that elevate this humble dish to an art form. And, of course, you can find the perfect chips at Coral Island, with a choice of eat-in or takeaway at The Big Fish Trading Co, The Traditional Chippy, or the Prom Chippy.

For those who are nostalgic for the traditional experience, a visit to your local chippy is a must. Here, the sound of sizzling oil and the inviting aroma of freshly fried chips remind us of simpler times - a comforting culinary tradition that has been a part of British life for decades.

March 17th – St. Patrick’s Day

We might be stretching the definition of UK National Days to include Ireland with St. Patrick’s Day, but the patron saint of the Emerald Isle has long been celebrated across the British Isles and across the world on 17 March for many years as pubs and bars transform into lively hubs of celebration, with Irish music, dancing, and, of course, pints of Guinness flowing freely.

St. Patrick’s Day in the UK is a festive occasion where the lines between cultural celebration and pure enjoyment blur. Pubs proudly serve Guinness in all their establishments, inviting patrons to raise a glass in honour of Irish heritage and the enduring spirit of community.

This is a day when everyone, regardless of their background, can join in the fun, experiencing the warmth and camaraderie that only a great pint of Guinness can offer, and you can be sure of a pint of the delicious black stuff in all of Coral Island’s bars and restaurants!

Whether you’re heading to a traditional Irish pub or a modern bar, St. Patrick’s Day is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in a celebration that is both cultural and incredibly enjoyable. The festive décor, live music, and friendly chatter make it a day to remember.

May 28th – National Burger Day

As spring slowly heads towards summer, the UK’s culinary calendar heats up again with National Burger Day on 28 May. Burgers have come a long way from their fast-food origins, evolving into gourmet creations that are celebrated in trendsetting restaurants and cosy local eateries alike.

On National Burger Day, food enthusiasts across the country flock to venues that pride themselves on their innovative burger recipes. From classic beef patties to creative vegetarian and vegan alternatives, the burger scene in the UK is vibrant and diverse. Many restaurants offer special menus on this day, showcasing burgers made with locally sourced ingredients, unique sauces, and artisanal buns that take this humble sandwich to a whole new level.

Whatever your preference for burgers might be, we’ve got you covered at Coral Island. You can find traditional 6oz beef burgers at The Buccaneer, sumptuous stacker burgers at Captain Jack’s, or mouth-watering smash burgers at Coral Harbour Kitchen & Bar - and all of our burgers are made with 100 per cent British beef!

National Burger Day is not just about the food - it’s about the experience. It’s a day when friends and families gather to share a meal, enjoy lively conversations, and create lasting memories over something as simple yet satisfying as a well-made burger.

June 15th – National Beer Day

Another day for the grownups as we reach early summer in the UK, and we raise a glass to National Beer Day on 15 June.

Beer has long been an integral part of British culture, with a rich history that dates back centuries. From the traditional ales and bitters served in historic pubs to the craft beers that are now a staple in modern tap rooms, beer holds a special place in the hearts of the British.

National Beer Day is celebrated in pubs, breweries, and bars all across the country. It’s a day dedicated to appreciating the art of brewing and the hard work of those who craft the perfect pint. Special events, tastings, and brewery tours are common on this day, giving beer lovers an opportunity to explore the diversity of British beer.

Many establishments offer exclusive brews or discounted pints, inviting patrons to savour the flavours that have defined British brewing for generations. Whether you prefer a robust stout, a crisp lager, or an experimental craft brew, National Beer Day is the perfect occasion to explore the breadth of the UK's beer culture.

August 8th – International Beer Day

While National Beer Day in June celebrates British brews, International Beer Day on 8 August says ‘cheers!’ to the beverage that unites beer lovers around the world. In the UK, this day is marked by festivals, pub crawls, and community gatherings that transcend national boundaries, celebrating beer in all its international glory, from Indian Pale Ales to American Amber Ales.

On International Beer Day, the emphasis is on camaraderie, cultural exchange, and the joy of sharing a good brew with friends old and new. Bars and pubs often feature international selections alongside local favourites, allowing patrons to experience a world of flavours in one pint. It’s a day that reminds us that while beer may have its roots in local traditions, it is a global language of enjoyment and relaxation.

For many, International Beer Day is a highlight of the summer - a time to relax, socialise, and appreciate the artistry that goes into every glass of beer, no matter where it comes from.

September 6th – National Fish and Chips Day

Our culinary journey comes full circle on September 6th with National Fish and Chips Day - a day to celebrate one of the UK’s most iconic dishes.

Fish and chips have been a beloved staple for generations, embodying the comforting flavours of crispy, golden batter and tender, flaky fish paired with hearty chips. On National Fish and Chips Day, local chippys, pubs, and restaurants across the UK pull out all the stops. And you can guarantee you’ll be getting award-winning fish and chips at Coral Island - pop into one of our many on-site chippys and discover for yourselves!

For many, a trip to the local fish and chip shop is a cherished ritual, a reminder of simpler times and the enduring love for a meal that has stood the test of time. Whether enjoyed by the seaside or in the heart of a bustling town, fish and chips remain a testament to the UK's rich culinary heritage.

A Year of Culinary Celebrations

These national days are more than just dates on a calendar - they are vibrant celebrations of the country’s diverse culinary landscape.

Each day offers an opportunity to not only enjoy fantastic food and drink but also to connect with friends, family, and the broader community. These celebrations remind us of the joy of sharing a meal, the excitement of discovering new flavours, and the importance of preserving culinary traditions for future generations.

From the savoury slices of pizza at Coral Harbour Kitchen and Bar on National Pizza Day to the mouth-watering pies at the Buccaneer during British Pie Week, every national day offers a unique glimpse into the heart and soul of British food culture. Whether you’re savouring a gourmet burger on National Burger Day or raising a glass on International Beer Day, these moments of culinary delight are a tribute to the passion and creativity that define the UK's food scene.

And don’t forget, Kids Eat FREE at Coral Island’s participating restaurants! Children under 10 can receive a free kids’ meal with each paid adult meal, making a visit to Coral Island incredible value for money. Terms and conditions apply, so please check our website for more information.

So, as you mark your calendars for these special days and take the time to explore, indulge, and celebrate. Embrace the tradition, enjoy the flavours, and join in the national festivities that make the UK a truly remarkable place to live, eat, and celebrate life.

Cheers to a year filled with incredible food, vibrant celebrations, and the shared joy of national culinary traditions!