COLUMN: Tweeting while eating is a chance to converse

Whether you Tweet tea, Instagram dinner or pin your gin - you're one of hundreds of Sheffielders who are getting social with their food.

But despite this growing trend, there’s a strong wave of people who find it all a bit uncouth. Which, as a food and drink blogger/tweeter/instagrammer, is something I’ve had to get over.

Now I wouldn’t say I’m addicted to posting pictures of my food, but it’s certainly something I enjoy. My photography skills, although not anything to write home about, have improved and it’s great watching the number of ‘likes’ increase on my Instagram posts. But, above all else, it’s the social aspect I really enjoy. Sure, tweeting whilst you’re eating ain’t acceptable, but taking a quick snap to post at a later time can’t hurt.

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After all, food is something we all have in common - whether you like to eat out, enjoy cooking at home, eat a nutritious diet or prefer to go vegan, food plays an important part in our lives and, for many, it’s more than a fuel to get us through the day. Which is why every food post is an opportunity for conversation.And I think these conversations are important.

We can be bigging up a new independent cafe in town, sharing cooking tips and recipes or discussing the ins and outs of animal welfare and provenance - these conversations make people think about what’s on their plate. Which can only be a good thing when it comes to supporting our Sheffield food producers, retailers, restaurants and bars.

We’ve witnessed far too many small businesses close and it’s mostly thanks to the big supermarkets and chain bars and restaurants that our high streets look so bland. Times have been hard and the focus has been on saving a couple of quid rather than thinking about the impact our money has - it’s absolutely true that small businesses feel and benefit from your regular shop, drink or meal. However, things are changing and we’re fed up of average customer service, duff quality and being duped by confusing offers. We’re starting to look to independents - local places that we can trust, run by local people who have families to support.

Of course I’m not saying that the turnaround in our eating and shopping habits are down to a few food pictures on twitter, but I do think our conversations have an impact. And, whether these conversations happen in real life or on social media, who cares, as long as they happen?! Feel free to join in the conversation at @FeastAndGlory.