Food Trends

80% of steaks sold in the foodservice sector are imported, according to Allen

‘Stop imported steak culture’ urges supplier

By Nicholas Robinson

Pub chefs must source more British meat and use alternative and more profitable cuts to ensure animal protein does not become an overpriced luxury, a leading supplier has urged.

Make more effort to support British produce, British Food Fortnight organisers say

Top chef urges others to ‘buy British’

By Nicholas Robinson

A top chef has joined forces with royalty and government ministers to urge food businesses to be more supportive of local produce by displaying the provenance of the food on their menus during British Food Fortnight.

North Walsham's White Lion tells customers to 'bring your own food'

Food trends

Licensee tells shocked customers 'bring your own food'

By Emily Sutherland

Food is increasingly big business for pubs - but one Norfolk licensee has flown in the face of standard advice and told customers to ‘bring their own food’ when they come in for a pint.

Focus on game menus: shoot to grill...

Menu Focus

Focus on game menus: shoot to grill...

By Fred A'Court

The days when grouse, pheasant, partridge and venison were reserved for fine-dining establishments are well and truly over. In addition to being an enticing prospect for pub diners these days, game bought at the right time of the season can be great for...

Trend watch: deep sea treats...

Trend Watch

Trend watch: deep sea treats...

By Noli Dinkovski

When chef Brett Redman reopened Hackney bar the Richmond in March, he decided to include a happy hour with a difference. 

Healthy eating in pubs not yet mainstream

Food trends

Healthy eating in pubs not yet mainstream

By Mark Wingett, M&C Allegra Foodservice

Analysis of menus across leading pub and restaurant operators by M&C Allegra Foodservice has shown that healthier eating has yet to become mainstream with only 36% of brands providing full calorie information on menus.

Custard: smoothly does it

TREND WATCH

Custard: smoothly does it

By Noli Dinkovski

If the experience at one newly-opened east London pub is anything to go by, the lumpy gloop that used to land on our dinner-plates at school has matured into something special.

Trend watch: make it snappy...

Trend Watch

Trend watch: make it snappy...

By Daniel Woolfson

Lobster is one of “those” dishes, the kind that would have graced plates at only the highest echelons of pub dining in the past.

Trend watch: slaw goes zero to hero...

Trend watch

Trend watch: slaw goes zero to hero...

By Daniel Woolfson

It may be tempting to think of coleslaw or 'slaw' as an afterthought to a meal, a side dish often left uneaten.

Trend watch: meat and whiskey pairings

Trend Watch

Trend watch: meat and whiskey pairings

By Jo Bruce

When it comes to barbecues, beer and wine are typical accompaniments, but whiskey is increasingly taking a slice of this dining occasion.

Meal deals 'may have peaked'

Report

Meal deals 'may have peaked'

By M&C Allegra FS

The importance of meal deals may have reached a plateau with research showing growth slowing while meal occasions not driven by deals grew.

Winner of London bun fight crowned

Trends

Winner of London bun fight crowned

By Jo Bruce

Adam Rawson from Peruvian inspired Pachamama bar/restaurant in Marylebone, has been crowned winner of the 2015 Slider Decider.

Trend watch: slow-cooked dishes are still popular with customers

Time ripe for new menu ideas

By Jo Bruce

A combination of quality home-grown produce and low food inflation means the time is right for operators to trial new dishes and menu ideas, advises a leading buying specialist.

Trend watch: fit for a king?

Trend watch

Trend watch: fit for a king?

By Daniel Woolfson

Over the last few years the line between pubs and restaurants has begun to blur. 

Focus on breakfast and brunch: rise and shine?

Menu focus

Focus on breakfast and brunch: rise and shine?

By Noli Dinkovski

The first meal of the day is proving to be one of the fastest growing eating out occasions for those running UK pubs. Noli Dinkovski explores the subject of brekkie and brunch  

Trend watch: spice up your life?

Trend watch

Trend watch: spice up your life?

By Daniel Woolfson

Jerk chicken may be the public face of Caribbean food, but dig past it and you’ll find a diverse cooking style steeped in tradition… and smothered in spice.

Trend watch: asparagus springs to life

TREND WATCH

Trend watch: asparagus springs to life

By Daniel Woolfson

Daniel Woolfson takes a look at how the highly-versatile spring vegetable is being brought to life on pub menus.

UK food trend 2015 edible insects bugging out?

Trend Watch

Trend watch: buggin' out?

By Daniel Woolfson

Imagine sitting down to eat in a restaurant and being served a plate of locusts...

Food trends croquettes tapas pubs food pub menus snacks

Trend Watch

Trend watch: croquette me not?

By Daniel Woolfson

Customers' appetites for croquettes are virtually universal. From Spanish ham and béchamel croquettes, which are a staple on any traditional tapas menu, to Korea where they are filled with spicy kimchi, pork and bulgogi, croquettes are consumed in...

Focus on bakery: wanted bread or alive

Menu focus

Focus on bakery: wanted bread or alive

By Daniel Woolfson

With the rise of food-led pubs, baked bread and similar products are becoming increasingly popular amongst customers and operators are finding innovative ways to capitalise on hunger for the starchy staple.

UK food trend bone broth 2015 London pop ups The Grocer

Trend watch

Trend watch: bone appétit?

By Daniel Woolfson

Bone broth may not sound like a particularly appetising concept. However, the dish is being touted as having immense health benefits and is making a stir in the foodie scene.

Trend watch: cruising for a fusing?

Trend watch

Trend watch: cruising for a fusing?

By Daniel Woolfson

Say “fusion” and people usually cringe. Briefly popular in the nineties, combining seemingly mismatched concepts and cuisines was written off as unnecessary and extravagant by many.

Trend watch: could secret menus crack the UK?

Trend watch

Trend watch: could secret menus crack the UK?

By Daniel Woolfson

It may sound ridiculous, but creating outrageous dishes that you don’t actually tell anyone about could help create brand loyalty and drive profits.

Trend watch: 'nduja or don't cha?

Trend watch

Trend watch: 'nduja or don't cha?

By Daniel Woolfson

Spreadable Italian sausage 'Nduja (pronounced in-du-ya) is set to be a big hitter in food trends this year. 

Stew & Oyster in Leeds offers stews served with a chunk of bread

MENU IDEAS

Trend Watch: Stew - causing a stir

By Noli Dinkovski

With the increasing trend towards affordable cuts of meat and slow cooking, it was perhaps inevitable that stews would come back into fashion.

Chef Colin McGurran offers pork wellington

MENU IDEAS

Trend Watch: Wellington - fit for a Duke

By Noli Dinkovski

Some claim it is named after the famous Duke, others believe it was invented for a civic reception in the New Zealand city, while a third set of people are adamant that it’s an American creation.

Counterfeit drinks: Are they poison?

Advice: counterfeit food and drink

By Andrew Don

An offer that is too good to be true usually is, says Andrew Don, who has investigated the scourge of counterfeit food and drinks.

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