The term ‘gastropub’, once considered the pinnacle of casual but classy dining, has been struck off the vocabulary list used in this year’s Good Food Guide. But for Londoners, with their forward-thinking attitude to food and the range of cuisines at their fingertips, the death of the term, which was first coined in 1991, will not leave a gap in the menu.
Things move fast in London, but where are the top places to eat and drink right now?
Trend: Sustainability
It’s been at the back of eco-conscious shoppers’ minds for some time now, as demonstrated by the popularity of services such as the mail-order fine-food company www.formanandfield.com, where each product is traceable to its source. Food sustainability, not just for the planet’s health but also for your own, is also a big thing for London restaurants now. The successful launch of the UK-wide Sustainable Restaurant Association in 2010, which rates restaurants using a three-star accreditation system, really shows British consumers’ concern over food miles and the environmental impact of waste.
Where to go: Acorn House, 69 Swinton Street, WC1X 9NT
Trend: Real Italian Gelato
Perhaps it is London’s cooler climate, or the association of ice-cream with the seaside, but until now real Italian ice-cream parlours have not taken off in the UK in the way they have in Italy or the US. This trend has changed with some serious new contenders in the dessert market. And, with less fat than the American version thanks to its lower cream content, gelato is big for Londoners as a dessert or a meal in itself!
Where to go: The Icecreamists, Covent Garden, WC2E 8RF
Trend: Mexican
The corn-based food of Mexico has never tasted as good in the UK’s capital. It is not just places for a ‘quick’ bite, such as a tasty burrito – sit-down Mexican restaurants are cropping up throughout London, giving guests a chance to enjoy a few margaritas and maybe even dessert.
Where to go: Boho Mexica, 151-153 Commercial Street, E1 6BJ
Trend: Street food
With new trends showing that British diners are heading for extremes in price range, with low-cost and low-quality winning out, great street food is taking off in London. Good for its range of cuisines, street food offers something for everyone, from vegan wraps through to carnivorous kebabs.
Where to go: Street Kitchen, Broadgate Circle next to Liverpool Street Station
Trend: The pop-up restaurant
Cities around the world have had pop-up shops for some time now, and so, of course, it was only a matter of time before the pop-up restaurant popped up in London. Exclusive, exciting and ephemeral – this is the type of place only those with their finger on the pulse will find out about, as many of them only run for a few days or a weekend.
Where to go: They could pop up anywhere, so keep an eye on the latest listings! Or, if you miss out and turn up too late, order some luxury hampers from FormanandField.com and find a spot in London with a great view to enjoy them.
