A Wiltshire company has helped to create the first fine-dining experience in the UK for people with eating, swallowing, and drinking difficulties (known as dysphagia).
Wiltshire Farm Foods, based in Trowbridge, joined forces with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) to host this unique event on September 4.
The event - at Kapara Soho in London - offered a chance for people with dysphagia to enjoy a texture-modified meal out with their loved ones, friends, and carers.
RCSLT president Nick Hewer, who was among the diners, said: "Dysphagia affects people of all ages and speech and language therapists play a key role in identifying and managing the condition.
"Swallowing difficulties often occur with other health issues such as dementia, stroke, and head and neck cancer.
"They can affect a person’s quality of life, including their ability to socialise with others.
"So many of our daily interactions with friends and family revolve around food and drink and this can be challenging for people with dysphagia.
"That’s why today’s event is so special."
The diners were treated to a free lunchtime meal prepared by Wiltshire Farm Foods’ chefs Phil Rimmer and Jethro Lawrence, the latter being a quarter-finalist on BBC MasterChef: The Professionals and finalist in National Chef of the Year.
The menu included a variety of puréed meals such as pork in apple gravy, salmon in butter sauce, chocolate cake, and sticky toffee pudding.
Phil Rimmer, head development chef at Wiltshire Farm Foods, said: "It’s been a privilege to work on the development of our Softer Foods range over 16 years, which enhances the quality of life for so many of our customers living with dysphagia.
"Our puréed meals have been created using quality ingredients and state-of-the-art technology, which ensures consistent smoothness and a safe texture that requires no chewing."
Among the diners was 99-year-old Olivia Shephard, who said: "This pop-up is a fantastic idea.
"To be invited to an event of this kind is such a treat as I never eat out anymore and it’s been invaluable for me to understand more about the fantastic work that speech and language therapists and Wiltshire Farm Foods are doing to help those with dysphagia."
Wiltshire Farm Foods' Softer Foods meals have been awarded a Queen’s Award for innovation in recognition of their puréed range. The chefs work closely with registered dieticians to create nutritious meals that are safe to eat for people with dysphagia.
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