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GULP is excited to present a trio of festive workshops celebrating cultural food heritage and ritual this holiday season. Nestled in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, GULP offers a unique and intimate space where food meets art, and where tradition and creativity collide.

Developed especially for GULP’s elegant dining room, these immersive, hands-on workshops offer inspiration and tuition by renowned artists and culinary experts with unique content that is not available anywhere else in the UK.

These workshops are a celebration of food, culture, and creativity, offering an unforgettable opportunity to explore culinary traditions from around the world. Whether you’re passionate about Italian sweets, Czech Christmas rituals, or botanical-inspired artistry, there’s something for everyone this festive season at GULP.

Italian Sweet Treats with Matt O’Callaghan
Saturday, 23rd November, 11am-2pm

Matt O’Callaghan- chef, gardener, writer- from Mangia Mangia will guide participants through a delicious workshop that explores Italy’s culinary traditions. You’ll hand-paint Sicilian marzipan fruit, create quince jellies set in antique moulds, and roll your own chocolate salume—each treat rich with history and flavour.

Matt O’Callaghan is a cook, grower, writer and teacher of food, specialising in traditional Italian and British recipes. Much of the food he cooks is grown on his own Birmingham allotment, demonstrating that you don’t have to live in Italy to grow Mediterranean food. His writing has received praise from Nigella Lawson, Rachel Roddy and Diana Henry.

(£60, includes all materials and refreshments – Book here)

Botanical Art & Sugar Biscuits with Luke Thrush
Saturday, 7th December, 2pm-4pm

Step into a world of botanical inspiration with artist Luke Thrush. Start by painting plant cuttings while learning about the cultural rituals and symbols behind various botanicals. Then, let your imagination run wild as you design hand-painted iced sugar biscuits with a mix of traditional and whimsical materials.

Luke Thrush specialises in branding, site-specific visuals, digital and print media, and art commissions for clients ranging from small independents to international corporations. Focussing on research, Luke creates interactive, socially conscious pieces that engage audiences. He co-founded Window Artists, a creative duo that enhances business environments with bespoke art to make corporate spaces more inviting. Currently, Luke is developing a collection of intricate, large-scale artworks for exhibition and honing his skills in etching, screen printing, digital art, and community projects.

(£45, includes all materials and refreshments – Book here)

FESTIVE DAYS:
Traditional Czech Christmas Biscuits with Tereza Busková
Sunday, 15th December, 2pm-5pm

Artist Tereza Busková invites you into a cosy workshop celebrating Czech Christmas traditions. Learn the art of making Linzer biscuits—soft, buttery, jam-filled delights that are a staple of Czech festive tables. Discover the cultural significance behind these delicious treats while creating your own.

Tereza Busková is a multidisciplinary artist born in Prague and now based in Birmingham. Her work explores and reinterprets British, European, and global cultural traditions through print, performance, and video. Known for her socially engaged practice, Tereza often collaborates with diverse communities, using food—particularly bread and baked goods—as a vehicle for connection and celebration. Tereza is currently exhibiting in the exhibition ‘Friends In Love and War’ @ikongallery in Birmingham, Oct 2024 – Feb 2025.

(£60, includes all materials and refreshments – Book here)

LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE GIFT?

FINGERS is part of the Expanded Intimacy series of glassware developed in collaboration with artist Nuala Clooney, designed to elevate the sensual pleasures of food and drink experiences.

In this image you can see our glasses used within an experimental dining experience- a satellite event for this year’s Frieze Art Fair, organised by Steinbeisser. Designed to enhance sensory experience, these ergonomic glassware’s transfer the temperature of the liquid (or food) to the palms and fingers of the user, resulting in a beautiful sensation often absent in contemporary glassware.

FINGERS have graced some incredible international events, including Steinbeisser’s Experimental Gastronomy Dinner in Amsterdam (July 2019), featuring a dish called Tamarillo ai-yu conceived by chef Andre Chiang. They were also used by 2 Michelin-star chef Alexandre Gauthier at Palais de Tokyo, Paris, during the opening of an exhibition by Tomas Saraceno, and again at Steinbeisser’s Experimental Gastronomy Dinner in Amsterdam (June 2018) with chef Gauthier. They have also been embraced by leading mixologists and are popular among curious diners, collectors, and experimental chefs alike.

They are also available for you to buy!! FINGERS is a striking glass design for the flamboyant drinker. If you want a unique gift, or to elevate your drinks experience, whether at a bar or dinner party, you truly need to get your hands on- and IN- these glasses.

Available to buy at £80 per glass + £15 delivery / £0 collection from the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Also available to hire. Nuala and I will also be holding a store at STEAMhouse Christmas Market, where you can come and try them for size! Email kayewinwood@gmail.com to find out more.

SUPPER CLUB ANYONE?
A Magical Pairing: Two turtle doves…

There’s no denying that some things work wonderfully in pairs—Cheese & Wine, Kermit & Miss Piggy, Rhubarb & Custard… Speaking of fabulous double acts, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be teaming up with Suzie Russell of Artisan Epicurean fame for some exciting new edible experiences! I first discovered Suzie’s gastronomic talents when I ordered a Mother’s Day afternoon tea as a treat for myself and my mom during lockdown—it was memorable for all the right reasons. Earlier this year, we collaborated on an Anti-Valentine’s event at GULP, which was delicious with a capital ‘D’.

I’m excited to share that we are gearing up for more collaborations, starting with a festive supper club at GULP. This delightful five-course tasting menu will take place at GULP on December 18th and 19th.

More details and tickets will be released soon.

For more information and to book tickets:
www.kayewinwood.com/events-gulp

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