Pride recipe ideas for summer celebrating with John Gregory-Smith

Celebrate all things Pride this summer with a party menu sure to please a crowd. We’ve partnered with John Gregory-Smith to bring you all the food and drinks you’ll need to fuel your Pride Month festivities, from sharing drinks to grazing platters.

Food Editor

Emily Lambe

Take part in Pride Month this summer with a celebration honouring the LGBTQ+ community. We’ve partnered with cookbook author and food writer John Gregory-Smith, to craft a menu of snacks, drinks, and desserts full of fresh and colourful ingredients. Dig into a side of sausage rolls, nibble on a grazing board, and sip on spicy cocktails. See how to make these tasty snacks and discover the must-have picks from the Foodhall to add to your spread.

Party food recipes

John’s recipe ideas for celebrating Pride

Known for using bold flavours and punchy spices, John’s recipes are sure to make an impression at your party. Kick things off with a simple starter and a cooling cocktail or non-alcoholic drink. Pick up a selection of your favourite picky bits and snacks from the Foodhall, and don’t forget a decadent dessert to finish off your feast.

Chilli Passion Fruit Margaritas

Nothing says summer like a citrussy margarita with a chilli kick. Shake fresh lime juice, a drizzle of Mango and Passionfruit Coulis, and tequila together and garnish with a slice of chilli and half a passion fruit. For a non-alcoholic version. Skip the tequila and top with our zingy Mexican Lime and Sicilian Soda.

Mix up a batch

Whipped Feta Dip and Roasted Beetroot

Make a velvety smooth dip with colourful, roasted beetroot and tangy whipped feta cheese. Then serve with your favourite picky bits from the deli section of the Foodhall, from plump and buttery Italian Queen Nocellara Olives to air-dried Italian Prosciutto.

Whip it up

Calabrian Sausage and Manchego Rolls

Take a classic party staple to the next level with a spicy, cheesy twist. Our Collection Master Grill Calabrian Spicy Sausages are the star of the show, sourced from premium pork that's outdoor bred on M&S Select Farms. Combine with nutty and flaky, golden-brown pastry.

Try the recipe

Pistachio Tiramisu

Round things off with an indulgent tiramisu, layered sky-high with silky mascarpone cream and coffee-soaked ladyfingers. This on-trend pistachio version is loaded with our Collection Pistachio Crème, crafted in a family-founded atelier in Lombardy, Northern Italy.

Dig in

John's top tips for hosting a Pride party

“When it comes to throwing a fabulous Pride party, the name of the game is to have as much fun as possible. Seriously, who wants to be stuck in the kitchen when there's celebrating to do?

My top tip is to get everything prepped and cooked way ahead of time. Stock up on loads of glorious picky bits from M&S and don’t be afraid to delegate out dessert to a willing friend.

And for the love of all things rainbow, make sure your cocktails are batch-mixed, and you've got a killer playlist ready to go,” says John.

Picky bits ideas

How to prep your party in advance

Keep it simple

John advises, “The trick to pulling off a relaxed get-together to feed a crowd is picking one simple dish that you can have wrapped up before anyone even knocks on your door. Think a big, bubbly pan of gooey mac and cheese that you prep, pop in the fridge, and then slide into the oven when guests arrive. Or how about a rich, slow-cooked ragu? That stuff gets even more delicious when it’s reheated and mixed with pasta."

Add a final flourish

"Salads can also be made and boxed up in advance if you choose lovely, crunchy veggies and nutty grains. Just make sure to keep your vinaigrette separate until the last minute. That way, all you have to do is give it a quick toss on the day, and it’s ready to rock.”

How to host a dinner party

John’s tips for attending a Pride festival

“Allow for time to glam up, because for Pride, more is absolutely more! Seriously, you can't have too many sparkles. Stay hydrated with one water for every drink (my mum's top tip!) and remember to line your stomach before you dive in.

Now go and enjoy every single minute and remember to be extra loud to amplify the voices of those who can't be heard.”

More summer inspiration

Celebrating Pride Month with M&S

At M&S, we’re proud of our colleagues. Our LGBTQ+ Network has more than 700 members, creating a safe space where our colleagues can connect. We’re also proud to be supporting akt, the national LGBTQ+ youth homeless charity. Throughout June, we’ll be doubling all akt Sparks donations. To support, simply update your chosen Sparks charity to akt and shop in store or online.

Update your Sparks charity

Published 6.24.2025