By this point in lockdown, we are all used to the standard Zoom quiz or get together in place of what we would usually do in the evenings.

But there was a Zoom party with a difference earlier this month, when the founder of a hospitality awards ceremony set up a Mexican night - featuring a live cook along and entertainment.

Jay Dodds, the brains behind the Universal Food Awards, teamed up with fellow chef Emma Thomas and host Sophie Quinton Jones to host the Zoom party on January 16, which saw 64 families and 182 people come together.

There was even a live band provided by 5 Star Entertainment, which provided entertainment streamed live on Zoom from a studio.

Jay, a sound engineer who found himself out of work when the Covid pandemic hit, said: “There is no need to be out having parties during a lockdown. We want to come out of this as soon as possible and we want to come out of this together."

Attendee Bria Sanderson said: “We had the best night we had our families who we have not seen for months.

"We were all able to come together and take part to an event that was not cancelled due to Covid.

"From a mental health perspective this was a real pick me up for many people I think."

All those attending, including from across Hampshire, Berkshire, Scotland, Wales and South Africa, were sent a recipe card and ingredients list to allow them to join in.

The free event saw 182 people join in, with future events planned.

In February, the team will host a Valen-Thai night on Saturday 13, whilst a Spanish tapas night will be held on February 27.

More details can be found at www.universalfoodawards.com/events.

The Gazette reported last month how Jay was touring the world as part of the crew behind the musical We Will Rock You earlier this year, but found that paused after the coronavirus pandemic closed theatres.

Out of work, he ventured to France to work on a wine qualification, which saw him discover a passion for food and drink.

Jay then decided to launch the Universal Food Awards for hospitality businesses across Hampshire and Berkshire to enter to "celebrate all the good that this sector has to offer".