UK restaurants have faced tough times, from Brexit to COVID-19 and the cost-of-living crisis. Yet, they’ve shown incredible adaptability. As we’re well into 2024, understanding current trends is crucial for restaurant success.
The current state of restaurants
Halfway through the year, UK restaurants are dealing with both challenges and opportunities. While more people are dining out, rising food costs and staff shortages are still major hurdles.
These challenges have sparked new ideas across the industry. Restaurants are rethinking how they operate, using technology, and finding ways to work more efficiently. Many are creating flexible menus that can change with food prices and training staff to handle multiple roles.
Diners are looking for more than just good food – they want experiences worth their money. This has led to more unique restaurant concepts and pop-up dining events. Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword. It’s become a key part of how restaurants operate, from where they source food to how they manage waste.
Previous restaurant trends: hits and misses
In recent years, we’ve seen some restaurant trends take off, while others have fizzled out.
One trend that’s gained serious traction is the surge in food trucks. These mobile kitchens, which took off during the pandemic, have continued to thrive. They’ve proven to be a flexible and cost-effective way for chefs to showcase their culinary skills without the overheads of a traditional restaurant. Some food trucks have even parlayed their success into brick-and-mortar establishments. Take Griolladh, for example. This Irish food truck sensation started with toasted cheese sandwiches and has now expanded into multiple physical locations across Ireland.
Another winner has been the focus on hyper-local sourcing. Restaurants are going beyond just using local ingredients; they’re creating dining experiences that celebrate their immediate community. Some are even growing their own produce or partnering with nearby urban farms. This approach not only ensures the freshest ingredients but also creates a compelling story that resonates with increasingly conscious consumers.
On the flip side, the hype around virtual restaurants or ‘ghost kitchens’ has cooled off. While they seemed promising during the height of delivery-only dining, many operators have found that the lack of a physical presence limits brand loyalty and growth potential.
Lastly, the trend of overly complicated, deconstructed dishes has fallen out of favour. Diners are now gravitating towards simpler, more authentic fare that focuses on quality ingredients rather than flashy presentation.
These shifts in the industry highlight the importance of adaptability as customer preferences continue to change depending on what’s happening in the world at large.
Why We’re Working with Restaurant Online
At Nory, we know how important it is to stay on top of industry trends. That’s why we’ve partnered with Restaurant Online to sponsor their 2024 restaurant trends report. We want to help restaurant owners make smart decisions in this ever-changing industry.
Five Key Trends from the Report
- AI in restaurant operations: AI is transforming how restaurants operate, from inventory management to staff scheduling. Nory’s AI-powered solutions are helping restaurants work smarter and more efficiently.
- Low to no alcohol offerings: There’s a growing appetite for sophisticated non-alcoholic options. Restaurants are expanding their beverage menus, requiring careful inventory management to meet this new demand.
- UK restaurants expanding to the US: More UK restaurant concepts are venturing across the pond, bringing new challenges in maintaining operational consistency across markets.
- Next level patisserie: Pastry chefs are pushing creative boundaries, creating Instagram-worthy treats that require precise ingredient management and waste reduction.
- Subscription schemes: Restaurants are exploring subscription models to build customer loyalty, necessitating robust performance tracking to optimise these new revenue streams.
These trends are just a taste of what’s in the full report. To get a complete picture of what’s shaping UK restaurants in 2024 and beyond, download the Restaurant Online Trends Report.
Get the Full Picture: Download the 2024 Restaurant Trends Report Now
