Lunchtime at Our School 

At Grasmere, lunchtime is an integral part of the day, an opportunity to nourish young minds with delicious, balanced meals prepared fresh in our own kitchen. Under the expert direction of our Executive Chef Sergio, and Head chef Terry, the team creates meals that are both wholesome and exciting, crafted with care from seasonal, often locally sourced ingredients. 

Each day begins with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread or focaccia, accompanied by a colourful assortment of salads bar and a refreshing fruit medley. Our students look forward to favourites such as cinnamon whirl and our ever popular, authentically made Italian pizza. 

We place a strong emphasis on sustainability and quality, choosing organic produce whenever available. Our kitchen is proudly nut-free, and we cater daily to gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets, ensuring every child has access to food that suits their needs. 

Our Food Ethos 

Head Chef Terry and his passionate team are committed to serving meals that go beyond basic nutrition, they believe in creating a dining experience that is engaging, inclusive, and joyfully diverse. 

• Cooked from Scratch: Whenever possible, meals are prepared in-house using fresh, minimally processed ingredients. 
• Taste and Variety: Our menus reflect a wide range of flavours and culinary influences, sparking curiosity and delight at the lunch table. 
• Fresh Fish Weekly: We incorporate fresh fish into the menu each week, contributing to a balanced and nutrient-rich diet. 
• Listening to children: We actively engage with children about their food, what they enjoy, what they are curious about helping them build a confident relationship with mealtime. 
• Adapting the Menu: Our menus are never static. They evolve regularly, shaped by student feedback and the seasonal availability of ingredients from trusted local suppliers. 

Our overarching goal is simple: to make school meals something children look forward to, while nurturing positive attitudes toward food and wellness. We deliver full food education programme that ensures children understand where their food is from, the importance of sustainable food production and reduction of food waste to help protect our mutual future.  Our children all attend the Hackney school of Food for lessons in cooking and sustainable food production.  

Executive Chef Sergio leads ongoing reviews and updates to our menus, ensuring they remain responsive to student tastes, dietary needs, and the freshest ingredients available. This dynamic approach helps keep school lunches exciting, nutritious, and inclusive for everyone.