July seasonal update
July in the UK is all about abundance.
Summer produce is now in full flow. Tomatoes are at their sweetest, courgettes are incredibly versatile, and British shellfish is at its finest. Cherries, berries and currants bring brightness to menus, while ingredients like herbs, citrus and coastal vegetables help keep dishes fresh and balanced.
This is a month where chefs can let the quality of the produce do the talking. Cooking becomes lighter, bolder and more colourful, with an emphasis on simple techniques and vibrant flavours.
We have collaborated with some exceptional chefs to bring you seasonal ideas and recipes as inspiration for your menus this month.
Special thanks this month to Luke Larsson (Khao Bird), Jad Youssef (Lebnani), Aaron Costen (Pomus), Jason Wright (Lost Shore Surf Resort), Jun Tanaka (The Ninth), Ben Harrison (Counter Culture), Ethan Pack (Three Sheets Bar), Matthew Beardmore (Legare), Yassir Chair (Tagine & Grill), Lawrence Barrow (The Sea, The Sea), Francesco Ascrizzi (Sotto) and Lloyd Morse (The Palmerston) for their recipe contributions.
Hero Produce – July 2026
• Tomatoes – At their sweetest and perfect for salads, sauces and preserving.
• Courgettes – Exceptionally versatile, from flowers to fritti.
• Cherries – Sweet, sharp and ideal for both desserts and savoury dishes.
• Lobster – British lobster is in superb condition throughout summer.
• Mackerel – Rich, sustainable and packed with flavour.
Game in July
• In season: Rabbit, wood pigeon
Game remains limited during the summer months, with rabbit and wood pigeon providing lighter seasonal options.
UK Seafood in July
• In season: Lobster, mackerel, plaice, bass, gurnard, crab.
Recipe links:
Barbecued lobster tail, lobster bisque, fermented tomato, fennel jam by Aaron Costen, head at Pomus in Margate
Lobster linguine with courgette & cherry tomatoes by Jason Wright, chef and consultant at Lost Shore Surf Resort in Edinburgh
Lobster and octopus roll by Lawrence Barrow, resident chef at The Sea, The Sea
Saffron-spiced mackerel with charred herb chermoula & citrus olive couscous by Yassir Chair, chef patron at Tagine & Grill
Seasonal Fruit & Vegetables
• Summer vegetables: Tomatoes, courgettes, cucumbers, peppers, French beans, runner beans
• Fruit: Cherries, strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants
• Herbs: Basil, mint, dill, parsley, wild fennel
Recipe links:
Heritage tomato salad with fromage blanc, fresh strawberry and tomato consommé by Jun Tanaka, chef owner at Michelin-starred The Ninth (photo at top of article)
Tomatoes, aji verde, toast by Ethan Pack, head chef at Three Sheets Bar in Soho
Tagliatelle, roast tomato sauce, crème fraîche and mint by Lloyd Morse, chef patron at The Palmerston in Edinburgh
Kibbet Banadoura and Mana’eesh Banadoura by Jad Youssef, chef and author of Lebnani
Cured watermelon salad with fish sauce caramel, chicken and shrimp floss by Luke Larsson, head chef at Khao Bird
While watermelon is not a UK seasonal ingredient, it reaches its best quality during the European summer and works well in fresh, savoury July dishes.
Courgettes in July
Courgettes are one of the most versatile ingredients of the summer, whether grilled, fried, stuffed or served raw. Both the fruit and flowers are at their best this month.
Recipe links:
Courgettes, goat’s curd stuffed flowers, goat’s cheese dumplings, wild garlic caper vierge by Ben Harrison, chef patron at Counter Culture
Grilled courgettes, green goddess dressing and dukkah by Lloyd Morse, chef patron at The Palmerston
Courgette fritti with chilli, lemon and parmesan by Matt Beardmore, executive chef at Legare in London
Seasonal Cheese & Dairy
Fresh dairy comes into its own during the summer months, bringing richness without heaviness.
• Burrata
• Fromage blanc
• Fresh goat’s curd
• Young sheep’s milk cheeses
Wild & Foraged Ingredients
• In season: Samphire, sea beet, wild fennel, elderberries, coastal herbs.
These ingredients pair naturally with seafood, tomatoes and lighter summer dishes.
Preservation Ideas
• Tomato confit
• Courgette pickles
• Cherry compote
• Herb oils
• Fermented tomatoes
Baking & Desserts with Seasonal Fruit
Summer fruit is at its best, with cherries continuing to dominate while berries and currants bring acidity, colour and freshness.
Recipe links:
Torte alle visciole by Francesco Ascrizzi, head chef at Sotto in Edinburgh
July Market Insight
• Tomatoes reach peak flavour and consistency during July.
• Lobster and mackerel continue to offer excellent seasonal quality.
• Courgettes and tomatoes provide exceptional versatility across every section of the menu.
• Summer fruit is plentiful, allowing chefs to showcase lighter, fruit-led desserts.
Are you using any seasonal ingredients in your menus this month?
Upload your pics and recipes to our website, tag us on Instagram @thestaffcanteen, or email recipes to [email protected] for a chance to be featured in our next seasonal update!
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