Gousto are launching a bid to bring one million people together over a virtual dinner party, hosted by Nick Grimshaw on Friday 22 May at 8pm.
The initiative comes as over three-quarters of Brits (78 per cent) believe that cooking food and sharing meals brings people together, no matter what’s going on in the world.
For one night only, the Table for 1 Million dinner party - which may be the UK's biggest ever virtual dinner party - is free for everyone to attend.
Joining from the comfort of their own kitchens, the four dinner guests - Nick Grimshaw, Nick Grimshaw, Paloma Faith, David Haye, and Katherine Ryan- will serve-up an unmissable evening of entertainment over delicious food.
People joining from home will be able to ask them questions, participate in group photos, and get involved in a variety of unique interactive moments that bring everyone close together to celebrate community spirit.
In the lead-up to the event, people are able to book a seat at Table for 1 Million and access one of four delicious Gousto recipes to cook and enjoy at the dinner party.
The dishes range from a 'Garlicky Chicken Kiev with Green Beans' to 'Creamy two-mushroom Risotto'. There's also an official Spotify playlist featuring tracks selected by the celebrity dinner guests that diners can tune into on the night whilst they are cooking and eating.
Broadcaster Nick Grimshaw, and the host of Table for 1 Million, commented: “My love for food has grown to a whole new level during the lockdown.
"Tea time is the best time so I can’t wait to get thousands of people around the same virtual table at Table for 1 Million with my three dreamy guests, Paloma, Katherine, and David.”
The Table for 1 Million dinner is being announced following a study on lockdown habits by Gousto, which reveals that two-thirds of Britons say sharing food together is one of the most important things to keep their spirits up during the lockdown.
The research by Gousto found that dinnertime has become more of an occasion in lockdown for almost half of Brits (45 per cent). Playing games at the table, creating a themed evening, and dancing in the kitchen are some of the most popular ways to elevate dinnertime.
Almost another half (44 per cent) of people are making more of an effort to cook and eat with other members of the household. 36 per cent of people polled say that dinner time is something look forward to and 31 per cent say the mealtimes keep positivity up at home.
Video calling is now seen as a positive, with 83 per cent of people say they look forward to video calling with friends or family to lift their mood during the lockdown.
Timo Boldt, CEO, and founder of Gousto commented “Bringing inspiration to mealtimes is what we do best. Our Table for 1 Million event will provide the ultimate dinnertime inspiration as people join together to celebrate delicious food and be entertained by the brilliant lineup of celebrity guests.
"Using our data, we’re sharing recipes of the nation’s favourite dishes, so our guests can cook and enjoy the food they love most, with up to one million others eating the same meal. Food has always held a unique unifying power, so we’re incredibly excited to bring people together in this unique way.”
Boxing champion David Haye commented: “I must admit I do love good food, I’ve been doing more cooking during lockdown - it’s been a steep learning curve, but mealtimes are now a real moment in the day, a social occasion. I tend to put on some music and hope for the best!
"For me, Gousto’s Table for 1 Million is doing two great things: bringing people together across the country and raising donations for the Trussell Trust foodbank charity, which is so important during this time. I can’t wait to get around that virtual table with Nick, Katherine, Paloma, and celebrate great food with everybody in their homes.”
To join in, book your seat at Gousto’s Table for 1 Million virtual dinner party with your friends and family, and download four official Gousto recipes, visit the website.
