Legal

Cookie Policy

Last updated: 1 June 2026

This Cookie Policy explains how thedinner ("we", "us", or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit thedinner.com. By continuing to use our site, you consent to our use of cookies as described below.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device by a website when you visit it. They help the site recognise your device on future visits, remember your preferences, and collect data about how you interact with the site. Cookies cannot run programs or deliver viruses to your device.

We also use similar technologies such as web beacons, pixels, and local storage that function in a comparable way to cookies.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the website to function. They cannot be switched off. They are typically set in response to actions you take, such as setting your privacy preferences or logging in.

Session management and security tokens
Cookie consent preferences
Load balancing and server routing

Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with thedinner — which recipes are most popular, how long readers stay, and where they come from. All data is aggregated and anonymised.

Google Analytics (_ga, _gid, _gat) — measures page views, sessions, and traffic sources
Hotjar (_hjSession) — records scroll depth and heatmaps to improve page layouts

Marketing & Advertising Cookies

These cookies track your browsing activity so that relevant advertisements can be shown to you across the web. They also limit how often you see an ad and help us measure campaign effectiveness.

Google Ads (IDE, _gcl_au) — conversion tracking and remarketing
Meta Pixel (_fbp) — audience building and social ad performance
Pinterest Tag — recipe promotion on Pinterest

3. Why We Use Cookies

To ensure the site loads correctly and securely on your device
To remember your preferences (e.g. servings calculator units, saved recipes)
To analyse which content and recipes our readers find most useful
To show you relevant food-related content and advertisements
To measure the effectiveness of our editorial and marketing efforts

4. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies on thedinner are placed by third-party services we use. These providers have their own privacy and cookie policies, which we encourage you to review:

Google — analytics.google.com/analytics/privacypolicy
Meta (Facebook) — facebook.com/privacy/policy
Hotjar — hotjar.com/legal/privacy
Pinterest — policy.pinterest.com/en/privacy-policy

We do not control third-party cookies and are not responsible for the data practices of these companies.

5. How to Manage & Disable Cookies

You have the right to accept or reject non-essential cookies at any time. You can manage your preferences in the following ways:

Cookie consent banner — use the settings panel shown when you first visit thedinner to accept or decline cookie categories.
Browser settings — most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies via their privacy or security settings (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
Google Analytics opt-out — install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on available at tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.
Interest-based ad opt-out — visit YourAdChoices (youradchoices.com) or the NAI opt-out tool.

Please note: disabling strictly necessary cookies may prevent parts of thedinner from functioning correctly, such as saving recipes or submitting the newsletter sign-up form.

6. Your Consent

When you first visit thedinner, we display a cookie consent banner. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to all cookie categories described above. By clicking "Manage Preferences", you can enable only the categories you choose. Strictly necessary cookies are always active and do not require consent.

You may withdraw or change your consent at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in our site footer.

7. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our practices. When we make significant changes, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page and, where appropriate, display a notice on the site. We encourage you to review this page periodically.

Questions About This Policy?

If you have any questions or concerns about our use of cookies, please contact us:

Email: [email protected]
Address: thedinner Editorial Team, 14 Harvest Lane, London, EC1A 1BB, United Kingdom