All across the UK, businesses are trying to deal with the pandemic and various levels of lockdown. For restaurants, cafes and bars that serve food, staying on top of the latest trends is important, especially now that diners are at such a premium.
The bad news is that we’re going to have to live with Covid for some time. The good news is that food businesses are using their imaginations and new strategies to stay open and serve customers. Great chefs are always adapting, inventing & creating new ways to engage their foodie customers, and while this year has been challenging it has also created some unique and wonderful experiences.
Here we take a look at what the food trends are to the end of the year and beyond, before Covid, innovations such as ‘seacuterie’ and Filipino barbeque were high on the list of food trends, but no more. Now the new normal has forced food trends to adapt the trends for the rest of 2020 and into 2021 and the focus is now more focused on new ways to deliver food rather than new ingredients.
Trend 1 – Takeout is Essential
Many restaurants and eateries that previously just dealt with onsite diners have now had to change their operations significantly. For the foreseeable future, offering a takeout service is going to be one of the biggest trends in the industry and something many businesses have had to come to terms with.
For restaurants, that means what kinds of food work as takeaway while still setting their brand apart from others on the high street.
Trend 2 – Innovative Signage
It’s never been more important to stand out from the crowd. Reviewing your business signage is therefore a good idea so you can show your customers what you are now offering.
For example, you may want to put a lightbox with your menu outside the front of your bar or restaurant. You may want new signage that tells potential diners you are offering a takeout service.
With restrictions in opening up, good, clear signage can also help diners understand what the rules are. Pinterest Inspiration!
Trend 3 – Healthy Options are Important
The pandemic has made us all more conscious of the health benefits of fresh, good quality food. For the last few years, restaurants, cafes and bars have been increasing their range of healthy options.
Vegan and vegetarian foods are at the forefront of this revolution. Where some restaurants had maybe one or two meat-free dishes on their menu in the past, this has grown to deliver greater variety and choice for diners. More exotic foods such as seaweed are also being incorporated into menus. Many restaurants are making their menus allergy-friendly and including information on calories for their diners. Other restaurants are focusing on ‘gut-friendly’ foods such as kefir and kombucha.
Trend 4 – Low Sugar Chocolate
Sugar is a major health challenge in today’s world of dining. Processed foods often contain large quantities of sugar! Restaurants that are trying to be more health-conscious are making changes for diners. That includes moving away from chocolate and sweets that are high in sugar to dark chocolates and natural ingredients.
Trend 5 – Seasonal & Local
Finally, the other major transformation for 2020 and beyond for restaurants and bars is to focus on local and seasonal ingredients. This is part of the farm to plate revolution where businesses are looking to support local suppliers. As well as wanting to reduce their impact on the plant, of course.
Customers still love to eat out, (even if it is in their own homes) and great restaurants are coming up with innovative and exciting ideas on how to engage with their customers in the best way possible. Innovative signage can really make a difference in making your customers enjoy their restaurant experience.
If you’re after a little more inspiration, check out our latest board on Pinterest, Restaurant Signs & Interior.
