GULP is Birmingham’s hub for sensory dining and art experiences
and in the next few weeks we have a trio of activities coming up to whet your appetite and tickle your festive fancy.
Two hands-on workshops whisk together art, culture, and food into a delicious activity for those of you with a sweet tooth.
Our last event of the year is a festive supper club ‘Two Turtle Doves’ produced by myself and Suzie Russell of Artisan Epicurean – a one-off evening for curious minds and appetites.
Botanical Biscuits Workshop with artist LUKE THRUSH
Get creative in GULP’s private dining room with artist Luke Thrush as he guides you through the cultural stories and rituals behind festive botanicals. Discover their hidden meanings while designing and hand-painting exquisite iced sugar biscuits using both traditional and whimsical techniques. You’ll leave the workshop with a box of biscuits and an original illustration by Luke!
About your host:
Luke is a Birmingham-based botanical illustrator and window artist with over 10 years of experience in the field. He has collaborated with many notable organisations in the West Midlands, such as Birmingham’s IKON Gallery, the Herbert Gallery & Museum in Coventry, and Colmore Business District, to bring his unique designs to the public in both interior and outdoor spaces. Currently, some of Luke’s incredible illustrations can be viewed as part of the seasonal window display at MAC.
Having led sold-out classes in renowned institutions, like the Chelsea Physic Garden and South London Botanical Institute, this Jewellery Quarter based workshop is truly unique opportunity to work with Luke to create something spectacular and learn more about the symbols and rituals associated with botany.
This interactive workshop is perfect for creatives and/or foodies who are interested in bringing a new and memorable experience to their festive celebrations this December.
💰 Cost: £45 includes materials, inspiration, tuition and refreshments
📅 Date: Saturday 7th, 2-4pm
🔗 Book: Tickets & Info here
Celebrate Czech Christmas Traditions with Tereza Busková!
Step into the magical world of Czech festive traditions with a cosy Linzer biscuit-making workshop with renowned artist Tereza Busková. 🍪✨
Learn to craft Linzer biscuits—soft, buttery, jam-filled treats – that are the heart of every Czech Christmas festive tables. While you bake, Tereza will share the rich cultural significance of these delicious delights, offering an authentic taste of Czech heritage.
Waiting for your festive biscuits to bake, Tereza will treat you to two other sweet treats – Vánočka, a sweet plaited bread and also her delicious Walnut Crescents.
If that’s not enough to whet your appetite, you will take home a box of baked biscuits with a brand new set of biscuit cutters Tereza purchased in Prague especially for you!
About your host:
Tereza Busková is an acclaimed multidisciplinary artist from Prague, now based in Birmingham. Known for her work exploring cultural traditions through print, performance, and video, Tereza’s socially engaged practice uses food to connect people and celebrate community. Don’t miss her work in the current exhibition, ‘Friends in Love and War’ at Birmingham’s Ikon Gallery.
💰 Cost: £60 includes all materials, treats & refreshments
📅 Date: Sunday 15th December, 2-5pm
🔗 Book: Tickets & Info here
Two Turtle Doves – A festive supper club with GULP’s Kaye Winwood and Suzanne Russell of Artisan Epicurean
Join us to celebrate the story of the turtle dove—a symbol of love, faith, and eternal partnership cherished since ancient times. These beautiful birds, woven into myth and poetry, were celebrated by Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Poe, and were even said to pull the chariot of Aphrodite. They also served as sacred emblems to Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture and harvest. Despite their place in our festive carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” the UK turtle dove population has declined by 98% since 1967.
On 19th December we’ll toast to the turtle dove with a 5-course menu designed to honour their spirit and symbolism.
About your hosts:
Suzanne Russell, founder of Artisan Epicurean, is an experienced chef with a passion for food that began with her Italian grandmother, Anna, who still influences her cooking today. Her style fuses Modern British, Italian, and French cuisines, blending textures and nostalgic twists with a modern touch. With a career spanning over three decades in professional kitchens and leading restaurants, Suzanne brings a personal, bespoke, and unique touch for those seeking something truly special.
Kaye Winwood, founder of GULP – I fuse sensory design with visual arts and gastronomy to create meaningful dining experiences that captivate diners and audiences alike. With over 25 years as an Arts Professional, I opened GULP in 2022 as a unique meeting, dining, and creative space for those with a taste for the extraordinary. My practice invites you to engage, explore, and enjoy a ‘beyond-the-plate’ approach, transforming dining into a sensorial playground where food becomes art.
💰 Cost: £75 per person, includes a welcome drink and five courses
📅 Date: Thursday 19th December, 7pm-10pm
🔗 Book now: Tickets & Info here
Stuck for a gift?
If, like me, you are indecisive, then a voucher could be the perfect gift for foodie friends, family and colleagues.
Drop me an email to discuss your personalised voucher. Free postage.
Looking for a unique gift?
FINGERS glasswares are perfect for curious appetites and bon vivants. Unique and ergonomic in design, you will never hold another glass like it. Guaranteed.
Drop me an email to discuss your purchase.