A new free pop-up dining experience is launching this weekend – with a festive menu designed especially for people on medical weight loss journeys. The UK-first event was crafted by celebrity chef Jack Stein, and ‘reimagines’ the three course Christmas meal. It features portioned calorie-controlled dishes which are said to be designed to nourish and satisfy those on weight loss treatments or with reduced appetites.
The pop-up, named Season’s Eatings, is taking place at Icetank, London and features canape-size starter options including Cured Salmon, Yuzu Dressing and Wasabi Crumb. For the main course, guests can enjoy Poached Turkey Breast with Red Cabbage Purée, Charred Sprouts, Lemon-Sage Crumb, Roast Potatoes, Soy-Mustad Mushroom Gravy and Pomegranate.
The traditional Christmas pudding has also been given a makeover, swapping in Dark Chocolate Mousse and Burnt Orange Zest. While there are also vegan options available for each course, including Dark Chocolate Clementine Bites with Pistachio and Sea Salt.
Open this weekend only (14th and 15th November), the pop-up aims to help those on medical weight loss journeys or to help hosts rethink what festive indulgence looks like this year.
Jack Stein, who partnered with clinically supervised weight-management service CheqUp to create the event, said: “Food is meant to bring people together, not divide them. The real challenge is making sure everyone feels part of the meal, whatever they eat.”
He added: “For me, that’s where the fun begins – finding ways to make dishes full of flavour, colour, and generosity for every plate. Using things like black vinegar, soy, miso, or citrus to add depth and balance without relying on butter or cream.
“We’ve used ingredients like lean turkey, oily fish, cruciferous vegetables and citrus to help with satiety and digestion, while the smaller plates mean you can enjoy every flavour without overdoing it.
“Anyone hosting this Christmas can take a similar approach – focus on flavour, texture and balance rather than quantity, and your guests will still feel like they’ve had the full festive experience.”
It comes as research revealed more than 5.5 million Brits (11%) are expecting to host someone on weight loss medication this year, with 64% of users heading into their first Christmas on the treatment.
The poll of 2,000 adults – who celebrate Christmas and 500 who are on weight loss injections – found 58% of those on medication plan to adjust their food and drink habits this December.
The most common changes include smaller portions, reduced alcohol and lighter or lower-calorie dishes. Four in ten will opt for alternative desserts or snacks and nearly a third expect to skip certain dishes altogether.
But some festive staples remain non-negotiable, a fifth insist on keeping roast potatoes, and one in 10 refuse to give up pigs in blankets or chocolate and sweets.
Toby Nicol, chief executive at CheqUp, which has shared advice and recipes for those navigating or hosting people on weight-loss journeys this Christmas, added: “Christmas is a time to celebrate, but it can also be a challenging period for anyone on a medical weight-loss journey.
“We’re seeing a real shift in how people approach the festive season, showing festive joy and considered eating can coexist.
“We wanted to create a space where everyone can enjoy the festivities, delicious food and good company, without having to compromise their health journey.
“Season’s Eatings is designed to inspire hosts and guests with practical, joyful ways to celebrate the season.”
Dining and Cooking