At Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, performance is everywhere – not just in the gym or on the pitch, but also in offices, labs, meeting rooms, creative studios, and classrooms. It’s a place where athletes train alongside researchers, entrepreneurs, educators, and innovators. 

To support this unique environment, Scarborough Group International has delivered the purpose-built café and brand-new coworking lounge within Steel City Stadium, appointing Sheffield-based Food Fusion to operate the café. Together, they’re making performance-focused nutrition accessible not only to Stadium Workspace members and 3G pitch users, but also to neighbouring businesses and the wider community.

We caught up with Dan and Steven – two of Food Fusion’s founding trio, which also includes Dan’s partner, Lisa – to explore the nutritional science behind their delicious food and drinks, and why they believe the right fuel can boost performance whether you’re on a track or at a desk.

Food Fusion is on a mission to prove that good nutrition fuels better performance, no matter what your day involves.

“Whether you’re training for a competition, running a business, teaching or carrying out complex research, your brain and body rely on the same principles of fuel, recovery and balance,” says Steven, co-founder of Food Fusion. “Eating nutrient-rich meals and snacks throughout the day isn’t just for athletes – it’s key to preventing fatigue, stabilising energy, and supporting long-term health for everyone.”

Their philosophy is simple: food should help you feel better and do better, and healthy choices should be accessible and delicious. Food Fusion design meals for flavour and function – balanced in protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats and essential vitamins.

“We focus on nutrient-dense meals packed with fibre, whole grains and vegetables. These support sustained energy without the mid-afternoon slump – and sugar cravings – whether you’ve just done a workout or been in back-to-back meetings.”

What food is fuel?

So what actually counts as “performance-fuelling” food? It’s not about restriction, the team says — it’s about making smart, informed choices.

“There’s a common misconception that carbs are bad for you. If you think carbs are preventing you from losing weight you’re probably eating the wrong ones, for example simple carbs or highly processed food which lack nutrients and won’t keep you full throughout the day. Replace these with complex carbs; think oats, wholewheat pasta, sweet potato, grains. They give you lasting energy and help prevent blood sugar dips. For many athletes, complex carbs are used as their primary energy source.”

Protein is another essential food group, supporting not just muscle recovery and growth, but hormone regulation too.

“Pairing protein with complex carbs after exercise helps with muscle repair. But it’s just as important for people doing mentally demanding work, preventing blood sugar spikes, avoiding ‘crashes’ and therefore aiding focus and concentration.”

Add in healthy fats, iron, calcium, magnesium, antioxidants from colourful fruits and vegetables, and you’ve got a meal that supports everything from brain function to bone health.

Hydration, hydration, hydration

Nutrition isn’t just what’s on your plate, hydration is also key to keeping a clear, sharp mind throughout the day.

“Dehydration affects both physical and cognitive performance. For athletes, it impacts endurance, aerobic respiration and reaction time. It can also decrease cognitive function – affecting thinking and concentration. Plus, it helps with nutrient transport and body temperature regulation, so staying hydrated is important for an overall feeling of wellness.”

That’s why it’s important to consider not only how much water you drink, but also the quality of your beverages. “We serve matcha, for example, because it delivers a slow-release caffeine boost without the crash, and it’s rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidants.” 

Beyond what you drink, hydrating foods like cucumber and watermelon can also support fluid balance, and for those engaged in sport, electrolyte supplements help replenish the minerals lost through sweat.

Healthy habits, made simple

For those working or studying at the Park, making positive changes doesn’t have to be complicated.

“A good rule of thumb is to aim for balance in every meal. Swap white carbs for complex carbs like wholewheat pasta and sweet potato, add a protein source, get some colour on your plate with vegetables or fruit. And try to reduce your intake of ultra-processed foods, saturated fats and refined sugar.”

Even small tweaks like choosing a protein-packed breakfast smoothie over your usual pastry, or opting for a veggie-rich lunch, can make a big difference in daily energy and long-term wellbeing.

Food Fusion in action

For the team at Food Fusion, designing the café’s menu has involved collaboration with tenants at the Park. They’re listening to feedback from the community to build a menu that reflects the diversity of organisations and roles at the Park. Co-founder, Dan, explains,

“It’s essential to have a good well-balanced menu that has something to offer for all diets and requirements. We use a standard macronutrient approach – the right mix of carbs, fats and protein – which works for most people, whether you’re counting calories or just trying to eat more mindfully.”

As the café grows, they’re strengthening existing relationships in the sports world as well as building deeper links with schools to spread the message of nutrition education.

“Being based at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park means we’re surrounded by people who are already thinking about performance and wellbeing. Our new location supports the connections we have with the teams and individuals at the English Institute of Sport Sheffield, iceSheffield and the Canon Medical Arena. Plus, we’re reaching out to the schools in the area to make young people more aware of nutrition and how it affects every aspect of their lives.”

And the team has already noticed some trends in the community.

“We’ve definitely seen an increase in demand for gluten-free options, whether that be an intolerance or a dietary choice. So far, people definitely seem to like having the option to eat better whilst at work or training, whether that be a healthier breakfast, snack or lunch – and that’s a great place to start.

Come and see for yourself how Food Fusion combines flavour and function, the cafe at Steel City Stadium is open daily from 8.00am to 4.00pm, and during evenings and weekends whenever the pitch is in use.