Summer 2021 saw the return of bustling bars and busy restaurants, sports and music stadiums filled with excited crowds and vibrant streets crowded with people once again.
More people were eating out and drinking at pubs and bars this summer while enjoying the luxury of having their food and drinks made by experts. The arrival of autumn has had us reminiscing about those warm summer nights, and the popular food and drink trends we saw throughout the summer of 2021.
Culinary trends of 2021
COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of our health and wellbeing which has consequently made us more aware of the food we put in our bodies and the effects it can have on our long-term health.
High quality, locally sourced British produce has become more popular with consumers than ever before. As a result of the pandemic and issues with supply, more people have realised the importance of shopping local and supporting small, independent businesses that are right on our local high streets and often provide excellent customer service. Many small businesses and farmers suffered during the pandemic which has made consumers more conscious of helping the industry to get back on their feet. Local produce is also more readily available and convenient to purchase, which is crucial in today’s time pressured society. Consumers have had a greater abundance of time to search for quality ingredients in the past year during lockdowns (when a supermarket trip was the highlight of our week!) and in some cases, more disposable income to spend on high quality premium food which could not be enjoyed in restaurants as they shut their doors.
The rise of veganism has grown in recent times, as more become aware of the benefits of a plant-based diet. Concerns surrounding climate change and the environment have become more paramount in society, accelerating the trend along with the power of social media, escalating wider knowledge about the likely impact it will have on our lives in years to come. People therefore want to lower their carbon footprint, cut their meat consumption, try something new and consume products that are more sustainably produced by ethical companies.
As restaurants re-opened just in time for summer, people were going out again and enjoying the weather by indulging and treating themselves to the delicious food they missed during lockdown, and couldn’t quite replicate at home!
Drinks Trends from 2021
The pandemic helped to refocus the importance of our health, and while alcohol fuelled many of us through several lockdowns, a number of consumers’ focus has now turned to cutting down their alcohol consumption or cutting it out completely in the bid to get their health and wellbeing back in tip top condition. While alcoholic options often take centre stage, the increase in popularity of low or no alcohol alternatives has become more visible as restaurants, bars and pubs have greater choice available.
For those who decided giving up alcohol was too much of a drastic change to make during such a strange and difficult period of our lives, colourful, innovative and elaboratively presented drinks became a popular summer staple of 2021 to liven up our favourite refreshments. Lavish glasses, exotic, carefully paired mixers and delicate garnishes have become three of the most important components of alcoholic beverages that come together to make the most dazzling drinks, the perfect accompaniment to every warm sunny day. With an enormous variety of refreshing summer tipples to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to enjoy. Pimm’s, Mojitos, chilled Rosé, Beer, a refreshing Gin and Tonic, or something brand-new and exciting.
The number of shoppers purchasing spirits has overtaken wine making it the leading category, which is driven largely by gin, flavoured rum and tequila.
A variety of flavours, colours and garnishes flare consumer’s curiosity and excite the senses. The more premium a beverage looks, the greater opportunity it has to elevate its taste and the overall enjoyment by the consumer, making any occasion more special and memorable. This is a key trend popular with many consumers. However, while quality is important to get the greatest enjoyment out of your favourite tipple, affordability is also desirable for consumers to be able to access high quality spirits.
Overall, the vibrant, innovative, and exciting spirits category is meeting consumer’s demands and fuelling consumer trends. Expectations to see a large range of cocktails on a menu has risen, showing choice is a big factor. The experimental flare in consumers has also increased as more are now making exciting and adventurous drinks at home.
We can’t wait to see what food and drinks trends arise in the run up to Christmas this year. Mulled wine and mince pies will never go out of fashion, but there is always something new and exciting that we will want to get our hands on!
If you want to experience innovative and exciting trends at our own iconic events, take a look at the range of experiences we offer.