Chicken replaces steak on menus as operators face rising food costs

Chicken breast, risotto and fish dishes are replacing steaks, mixed grills and sausage and mash on pub, restaurant and hotel menus, according to new research.

The survey of menus from more than 100 operators across the UK found that many businesses had altered their menus in the past year to cope with the spiralling costs of meat and other raw ingredients.

In its biannual Menurama research, market analyst Horizons found that vegetable starters were showing more prominence on menus along with more fish dishes and also noted the return of traditional game meats such as mutton, rabbit and guinea fowl.

"Our findings demonstrate that establishments have altered their menus to include cheaper items in response to financial pressures. Premium ingredients have been dropped in favour of more economical dishes and we are seeing the emergence of more traditional British recipes such as meatballs and stews,” said Horizons` managing director Peter Backman.

"Dishes such as fajitas, mixed grills and some pasta dishes have declined in popularity due to the rising cost of raw ingredients and because operators are continuing to evolve their menus in an effort to give consumers something different, something that they wouldn`t cook at home. Spiralling meat costs have prompted operators to reduce the weights of their core meat dishes such as beef burgers and steaks."

Despite many operators returning to more traditional British maincourse dishes, they are doing the opposite with desserts, according to Horizons.

Traditional British desserts such as fruit crumbles, sponge and steamed puddings have been replaced by cheesecake, brownie, and profiteroles with ice cream taking the number one slot.

The survey also found it costs 3 per cent more to eat out than a year ago with at just over £6, up from £5.91 in January 2008.

It found that a two-course meal in a pub restaurant costs an average of £10.99, compared with £10.95 in January 2008. The same in a restaurant now costs £14.88 compared to £14.30 in January 2008 while prices have dropped on average in hotels, with a two-course meal costing £18.48 against £19.67 a year ago.

20 most frequently listed main course dishes from 140 operators​