Too Many Lemons: Singles Edition
After the success (and chaos) of our first Too Many Lemons supper club, I knew I wanted the second one to feel even smoother — and maybe a little more social. By this point, I’d met Andrea while freelancing at Social Pantry, and I immediately knew she was someone I could trust in the kitchen. With her by my side, I finally had the freedom to spend more time front of house — chatting, connecting, and soaking up the atmosphere I’d worked so hard to create.
I’ve come to realise that not everyone shares my obsession with low-waste cooking — and that’s okay. We can’t all care about the same things. So for this round, I decided to focus on something everyone can get behind: meeting new people. Let’s be honest — apps like Hinge and Bumble are starting to feel more like admin than romance. I wanted to bring back the excitement of real-life connection, over food that makes people smile.
The Singles Edition sold out (again!) with a waitlist to boot. We partnered with Discarded Drinks for the welcome cocktail — a refreshing mix of banana peel rum and ginger ale — which set the tone for the night perfectly.
The room looked beautiful, with place names and a clever little rotation system that meant guests sat next to someone new for every course. It kept the energy flowing and the conversations lively.
For the main, we served preserved lemon chicken, using lemons I’d saved and preserved from our first event — a full-circle moment that felt true to the Too Many Lemons ethos. And for dessert, guests mingled with teacups in hand, enjoying a no-waste apple crumble that disappeared fast.
One of my favourite touches was the disposable cameras on every table — a nostalgic little addition that kept people off their phones and in the moment. The photos that came back were pure joy: laughter, messy plates, and new friendships forming.
Nearly half the room had dietary restrictions or allergies, which was a logistical challenge, but we were ready. Planning carefully ahead meant everyone could relax and enjoy the night without worry — and seeing it all come together was deeply rewarding.
The atmosphere was phenomenal — truly buzzing — and the Too Many Lemons team and I were talking about the energy for weeks afterwards. The feedback reflected everything we’d worked on: smoother service, better flow, and a real sense of connection.
Too Many Lemons: Episode Two reminded me why I started this in the first place. Food brings people together — whether it’s over shared values or just a shared laugh — and that’s something worth preserving.