Restaurant Trends
In this section you’ll find all the latest news and data on the UK restaurant market, including dining trends, food and beverage trends, eating-out spend, and restaurant marketing and technology trends.
Cold and wet April hits pub and restaurant sales
April proved to be a washout for the eating and drinking-out market as unusually cold and wet weather hit like-for-like sales, according to this month’s Coffer Peach Business Tracker.
Alain Roux on three Michelin stars: Things are never for life
Alain Roux took over as chef patron of Bray's The Waterside Inn in 2002 and as the restaurant nears its fortieth birthday BigHospitality caught up with him to talk about the pressure of holding three Michelin stars and his passion for nurturing talent.
René Redzepi reignites restaurant no-shows debate
Following last month’s restaurant no-shows podcast and follow-up news article, Noma's René Redzepi has told BigHospitality that it is still a ‘mega problem’ for the industry, and that diners should ‘respect a restaurant reservation like a trip to the dentist.'
Sustainability no longer a 'buzzword' but an 'insurance' for restaurants
Silla Bjerrum, the co-founder of Japanese restaurant and takeaway chain Feng Sushi and one of the restaurant industry's biggest sustainability champions, has told BigHospitality attitudes towards sustainability have changed beyond recognition in the last five years.
Restaurants leave customers playing the waiting game
More than half of UK diners believe that speed of payment is now a more important issue for a restaurant to address than the quality of food, with 89 per cent claiming that slow payment has ruined their evening.
Merseyside hotel doubles capacity using renewable energy specialist
Merseyside's Mere Brook House Hotel, near Thornton Hough in the Wirral, has opened a new cottage conversion with a design aided by a renewable energy specialist; doubling the capacity of the venue.
Manchester restaurateur behind Southern Eleven announces second concept
James Hitchen, the restaurateur behind Manchester's Southern Eleven restaurant, is to open a second concept, Neighbourhood, in the city's Spinningfields development less than a year after his first project.
Average price of three-course meal breaks £20 barrier
The average price of a three-course meal in a UK restaurant has risen by 7.1 per cent to £20.90 - up from £19.52 last year, while the average price of an individual dish has risen nearly 3 per cent year-on-year, from £6.19 to £6.41.
Branded chains and fast food concepts to lead eating out sector growth
The branded restaurant sector is to grow by more than 20 per cent in three years and fast food operators are to spearhead growth in the eating out industry, according to the Allegra Project Restaurant 2012 report from Allegra Strategies and Barclays.
Restaurants have ‘work cut out’ as discount voucher use still rising
Almost half of UK restaurant-goers – equating to some 15 million people - rate discount vouchers as ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ important when deciding where to dine out, with the number continuing to increase.
Light at the end of the tunnel for restaurants, says Horizons
The UK restaurant industry is weathering the financial storm, with increased consumer spend and on-going innovation in the foodservice market providing a solid foundation for post-recession recovery over the next 18 months.
World's 50 Best Restaurants Awards: What makes a restaurant world class?
In the ten years since the World's 50 Best Restaurants Awards was launched a wide variety of gastronomic and dining styles have been represented in the top 50 so as excitement builds for the 2012 list BigHospitality asked chefs and experts what makes a restaurant world class.
Restaurant no-shows: are booking websites to blame?
A number of high-end restaurateurs and industry experts have condemned the use of online reservation systems, claiming booking websites are contributing to the growing number of people booking tables and not showing up.
Food and drink matching trends: Spirits/Cocktails
As we have seen in previous parts of this feature, food and drink can be a marriage made in heaven for restaurants and pubs. But cocktails, apéritifs and spirits are not products that tend to be associated with food and they are rarely even advertised or upsold.
Byron and Union Jacks to open restaurants at Bluewater
Byron and Union Jacks are the latest restaurants to recognise the business potential of high-footfall shopping centre locations, with the opening of two new sites at Bluewater in the coming months.
Food and drink matching trends: Beer
When it comes to maximising drinks sales, beer has always stood in the shadow of higher GP wine and there has been little faith that diners would ever choose grape over grain. But, with a rise in the popularity of craft beers and a continuing surge in food-led pubs offering vast ranges of speciality brews, beer a food matching is an opportunity not to be missed.
Shopping centres emerge as must-have locations for expanding restaurant concepts
The intense competition for prime city-centre restaurant sites is spreading rapidly into shopping centres across the UK, as landlords, established food concepts and emerging brands are increasingly recognising the potential of such high-footfall locations.
Business Outlook 2012: What’s in store for hospitality?
Restaurants, hotels and pubs had mixed fortunes in 2011, with all three hospitality sectors suffering a decline in property prices. But there is hope on the horizon, with the potential for an increase in opportunities and transactions in 2012.
Pubs and restaurants see major sales boost after snowless December
Britain’s pubs and restaurants saw a major sales boost over the Christmas and New Year period, with like-for-like sales for December up 9.9 per cent from 2010.
Restaurant magazine’s 2012 predictions
With a year packed full of national and restaurant-related events, BigHospitality’s sister publication Restaurant magazine has published its own series of sage predictions for 2012. The crystal ball goes into overdrive: High-quality German sausage, grimy noodle bars, mid-market tasting menus and Polpetto's Florence Knight...
Food for Thought: Richard Vines leads discussion on key restaurant industry trends
A panel of restaurant industry experts headed up by renowned food critic Richard Vines have given their insights into key issues affecting the sector, shedding some light on current trends and fluctuations and what to expect in 2012.
Restaurants and pubs show resilience as UK consumers eat out more
In spite of the current economic crisis, UK consumers are going out to eat and drink and restaurants and pubs even more than before, according to the latest Taste of the Nation survey conducted by Deloitte.
Hospitality entrepreneurs on the rise
The numbers of young entrepreneurs starting up businesses in the hospitality industry is on the increase, according to a recent report, which defined the sector as ‘vulnerable’ due to short-term operating challenges.
BCA announces nominees for annual awards
The Bangladesh Caterers Association (BCA) has announced the nominees for its ‘Chef of the Year’ award, ahead of its annual awards ceremony for the UK’s curry house industry in London next weekend.
Sizzling September boosts pub and restaurant sales
Following the warmest September since 2006 and the equal-sixth warmest in the last 100 years, Britains leading pub and restaurant groups saw a significant boost in sales.
Start-up restaurants proving successful, despite decline in foodservice sector
As sales in the UK’s foodservice sector are beginning to decline, restaurant, bar and café operators are keeping customers eating out by introducing new brands, changing their menus and broadening their food and drink offering.
Diners eat out more despite rising restaurant prices
Diners are eating out more often each week and having better experience, despite the price of an average meal in London rising by 6.3 per cent in the past year.
Northern restaurant chains confident despite tough trading conditions
Most restaurant chain operators are confident that northern UK cities still offer growth potential, despite trading conditions remaining tough in the region.
Pizza Express begins 'biggest rebrand' in company history
Pizza Express is undergoing the biggest brand makeover in the company’s 46-year history in homage to its ‘pizzaiolos’ and their striped shirts.
The Ledbury serves best food in London, claims Harden's
Notting Hill restaurant The Ledbury has been named as serving the best food in London, according to restaurant guide Harden’s, after topping the publication’s over £85 category.
Pollen Street Social named best new UK restaurant in Good Food Guide awards
Jason Atherton’s Pollen Street Social has been named the best new UK restaurant by the Good Food Guide 2012 (GFG), entering its list of the UK’s Top 50 Restaurants at number eight.
Investor interest in fast-casual restaurant chains set to soar
A fresh round of investment is expected in the hospitality industry over the next 12 months, in particular in small-to-medium fast casual restaurant chains, with private equity companies and investors acknowledging the sector’s growth potential.
More business failures expected for hospitality SMEs
Small businesses in the hospitality sector should be particularly vigilant of their business strategies over the years ahead, as corporate financial analysts warn that the worst is still to come.
Vouchers are losing influence on diners’ eating habits
Restaurant vouchers and discounts are losing their influence on diners’ decisions on where to eat, a survey has found.
Premium brands driving on-trade spirits growth
A growth in cocktails, premium drinking venues and the rise of the Weekend Millionaire has fuelled growth of the spirits market, which is largely driven by premium brands.
UK leads in holidays for seniors
The UK is the largest single source of over 55 year-old holidaymakers, a population group that makes up more than a quarter of all holiday travel in Europe.
Eating out market continues to grow despite economic pressure
The UK eating out market is expected to grow by 2.8 per cent in 2011 to £42bn, with the low-mid value sector and lunchtimes showing the greatest signs of growth.
Hospitality execs plan investment as optimism increases
Senior executives in the hospitality sector worldwide are more optimistic than their peers in other industries about the prospects of the economy, with many of them gearing up for growth in their business, according to a new survey by Ernst & Young.
Diners willing to pay more for steak in restaurants and hotels than pubs
Consumers are happy to pay more for a steak in a restaurant or hotel than in a pub, with almost half prepared to fork out up to £17.
Pubs outpace restaurants in value food sales
The economical food offering in pubs is helping the sector attract consumers while traditional full-service restaurants continue to struggle, according to new market research.
Red Hot World Buffet plans expansion to 80 UK venues
Red Hot World Buffet (RHWB), the north-based buffet restaurant operator, has revealed plans to grow its estate up to 80 venues as it launches Europe’s largest buffet in Manchester.
Restaurants, pubs and cafes now account for a third of high street shops
Restaurants, pubs and cafes now account for a third of independent high street shops in the UK, a study of 75,000 businesses has found.
Learning from abroad: Restaurants
The British restaurant industry can often be short-sighted; concentrating too much on what’s happening in their local neighbourhood rather than focusing on the bigger picture.
Learning from abroad
With the hospitality industry becoming increasingly competitive, operators should be drawing inspiration from those that are performing ahead of the market in order to run their business more effectively.
Tourists spent £114bn in UK in 2008, says ONS
Domestic and foreign tourists spent a total of £114bn in the UK in 2008, with more money forked out on food than on hotels, according to a new set of experimental data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Alcohol prices see record hikes in April as inflation rises
The UK’s latest inflation hike is likely to cause further damage to the hospitality sector, both in terms of sales and staffing, say sector trade groups.
April pub and restaurant sales up, but analysts urge caution
The Royal Wedding, Easter Holidays and record sunshine all contributed to higher sales in pubs and restaurants this year, but market analysts warn that they also created new challenges for the hospitality sector, which did not trade as well as it could have.
Cost of eating out rising faster than inflation
The cost of eating out in the UK is rising faster than inflation, with an average three-course meal eaten out of home now costing almost £19.
Restaurant and pub sales increase while retail sales fall
The UK’s major pub and restaurant groups have recorded a slight increase in sales last month, demonstrating that consumers are still eating out despite spending less at the supermarket.
Restaurant and hotel spend shoots up in 2011
Consumers are continuing to eat out and sleep out despite the challenging economic times, reveals the latest data.
Predictions for next generation of celebrity chefs
Jason Atherton, Nathan Outlaw and Tommi Miers are amongst the chefs most likely to become the next big celebrity chefs, predicts the retail sector’s leading publication, The Grocer.
Graduate interest in hospitality jobs soars following Michel Roux’s Service
TV show Michel Roux’s Service may have inspired a growth in student and graduate interest in hospitality jobs of almost 200 per cent, signalling a shift in the perception of the industry as a worthwhile career route.
Subway overtakes McDonald’s as largest restaurant chain
Fresh sandwich chain Subway claims it has now overtaken McDonald’s as the largest restaurant chain in the world, with a 1,000-venue lead.
Scottish restaurants lead list of top diner-rated venues
Scottish restaurants Restaurant Martin Wishart and Piccolo Mondo have led a list of the UK’s Top 100 restaurants, based on the ratings of Toptable users.
Restaurants and pubs invest in gaining market share, finds survey
Leading casual dining and pub brands plan to invest more in marketing, branding and customer feedback in an effort to gain market share in 2011, reveals a survey of top CEOs in the sector.
Fast food gains market share from traditional restaurants, finds report
The restaurant sector is showing some signs of recovery, although full service restaurants continue to suffer in favour of fast food options, finds a new study.
Restaurants abusing ‘local’ claims, investigation reveals
Restaurants across England and Wales are using false ‘local’ claims on some of their products, a Local Government Regulation investigation has revealed.
CBI: Consumer service firms continue to struggle
Consumer service firms, such as restaurants and hotels, continued to struggle in the three months to February, as the gap in sentiment between firms that rely on consumer spending and those that benefit from business investment widened during the period.
‘Facebook Factor’ inspires 52% to make travel bookings
A new survey has found that the social networking site Facebook has a powerful influence over people’s holiday plans, with over half of users saying that photos on the site inspire them to travel.
Wine drinkers spend more but go out less, finds research
Restaurants are the most popular destination for British adult drinkers when they go out, according to new research by the Wilson Drinks Report (WDR).
Warmer weather saw January sales rise for operators
The UK’s leading pub and restaurant operators witnessed a 10.7 per cent like for like sales rise in January compared to last year, when snow hampered trade for much of the country.
Valentine’s Day restaurant bookings increase
Diners are more confident about eating out this Valentine’s Day than last year, as restaurant bookings for 14 February have soared by 25 per cent.
Quarter of operators fail to upsell wines
A quarter of hospitality operators are missing out on potential revenue by failing to encourage their staff to upsell wines, research has found.
Consumers to spend less on eating out
Almost two-thirds of consumers plan to cut back on eating out this year, according to new research.
Highlight healthier menu options before calorie counting, says expert
Restaurants should add a “healthy eating” section to menus before fully calorie counting every dish, an expert has advised.
Pret A Manger remains most admired brand
Pret A Manger and McDonald’s are the UK’s most admired food and beverage brands by people in the industry, according to a new survey released today.
Food Trends 2011: Dining Trends
Vouchers and discounts have meant big business for restaurants over the last year, but with consumers increasingly looking for value in more than just their wallets, and with warnings that vouchers could permanently damage brands, restaurants will need to pay attention to other dining trends in order to fulfil their customers’ desires.
Restaurants not online are ‘invisible’, says research
A worrying number of restaurants are not embracing technology and the internet to promote their businesses, research from online reservations and marketing service Livebookings has found.
Food trends 2011: Top ingredients
BigHospitality brings you an exclusive insight into which ingredients will be top of the agenda for some of the UK’s top chefs this year.
Hospitality property prices stabilise as buyer confidence returns
Restaurant, hotel and pub property prices have stabilised over the past year, although the restaurants sector was the only one of the three to show any significant increase in average prices, according to Christie + Co.
Food trends 2011: Popular flavours and food pairings
In the second week of BigHospitality’s food trend feature, some of the country’s top chefs tell us which popular flavours and food pairings they think will be big in 2011.
Restaurant and pub sales plummet in December
Pub and restaurant operators have seen sales plummet in December compared to last year, after the heavy snow encouraged consumers to stay indoors at home.
Analyst: snow cost up to £750m in sales
A City analyst has forecast that the on-trade market (pubs, restaurants and cafes) lost in the region of £500 to £750m in sales as a result of severe weather in December.
Food trends 2011: Popular cuisines
British diners have become more aware than ever of their expanding waistline and shrinking pockets, shifting their taste for out-of-home dining towards lighter, healthier meals that give value for money.
Special feature: 2011 food trends
Will this be the year Chinese food regains its place in the nation’s hearts? Or will Indian and Mexican cuisine continue to dominate the market?
Leading restaurateurs predict 2011 dining trends
Hospitality operators this past year have been pitted against ash clouds, torrential snow and a consumer reliance on discount vouchers, and while many may welcome 2011 with open arms and optimism, the next 12 months are set to present their own challenges.
Review of the Year 2010: The future
With 2010 almost over its time to look ahead to what the future brings. We’ve spoken to some of the industry’s key players to find out what they believe 2011 has in store for them and the industry, and look forward to the major openings hitting the UK.
British tourism set to rise in 2011
Britain is on target to attract 300,000 more visitors next year as confidence amongst overseas travellers returns.
Review of the Year 2010: Restaurants
As 2010 draws to a close, we take a look back at how the restaurant sector has evolved in the past 12 months.
Pub/restaurant wine sales outstripping off-trade
Wine sales are growing more strongly in pubs and restaurants than they are in the off-trade, according to the latest quarterly report from the Wine & Spirit Trade Association.
Linking food preparation to flavour is key, finds diner survey
As we look to the dining trends that are likely to pick up in the new year, a recent survey of UK diners suggests that people are especially interested in discovering new flavours that are linked to the way food is prepared.
Eating out is top activity of tourists to Britain, finds report
Eating out in restaurants when visiting Britain has been flagged up as the top priority of most holiday-makers to the country, according to a new study published by VisitBritain.
White Christmas could be “disastrous” for hospitality
Hospitality businesses are expected to suffer over the next few weeks, as a second wave of freezing weather hits the UK in the run-up to Christmas.
Hospitality SMEs living ‘on the breadline’, finds study
Small and medium-sized businesses in the hospitality sector are struggling to make ends meet, with many having no cash flow flexibility to cope in case of emergency, finds a new study.
Pub and restaurant sales slow as Christmas approaches
Pub and restaurant operators will likely face a tough trading environment as we head towards Christmas, as analysts say the latest sector sales figures reveal a challenging time ahead.
Restaurant brands facing discount voucher “treadmill”
Restaurants brands may be forced to permanently lower prices as consumers become accustomed to discount voucher spending, a food service analyst has warned.