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2024 food and drink trends predicted by the experts

chef plating up food

From flexitarianism and the rise of sharing plates, to higher demand for whiskies and the rise in under-loved species of fish; here, renowned chefs and drink experts predict what will be the food and drink trends to take 2024 by storm - inspiration for your big-day catering too! 

chef vivek

Vivek Singh, Executive Chef at The Cinnamon Club
2024 is going to be about flexitarianism, with people making more conscious choices on what they eat to better their health, as well the planet. Diners will be limiting their meat intake, and we will see more restaurants offering alternative dishes to support this lifestyle choice. I've introduced my new 'Flexi-Saag' dish - a hearty spinach and mixed green Saag dish, with veggie and meat options; giving people the flexibility to make their own mindful choices. thecinnamoncollection.com

chef marco

Marco Corsica, Head Chef at Bocconcino Mayfair
Sharing plates' popularity will continue to grow next year with more and more menus featuring tapas, cicchetti and mezze. As people look for more cost-effective ways to dine in 2024, smaller sharing options are great for varied budgets, as well as appealing to younger audiences who yearn for more social dining experiences and visually pleasing tablescapes for their feeds. Our new Soho restaurant serves a selection of Italian cicchetti offering our signature Italian dishes in smaller forms so diners can experience as many flavours as possible.
bocconcinorestaurant.co.uk

Jack Stein, Chef Director at Rick Stein Restaurants
There is a big population of crayfish (spiny lobsters) in our seas at the moment, which we haven't seen for a long time, so I'm excited to see more on UK menus. I also think there will be a rise in under-loved species of fish being eaten, such as pouting, dab and whiting as they are lower in price. No-dig agriculture will be a topic of conversation in 2024 – which is agriculture without tilling the soil – as more people are looking to this for environmental benefits and a minimum cultivation approach.
rickstein.com/restaurants

Kerth Gumbs, Head Chef at Fenchurch, Sky Garden
As we embrace a new year, Fenchurch's mission is clear: to redefine the fine-dining experience. Next year will be about personalised and memorable dining experiences with the return of joy and playfulness to our plates. With a priority on vibrant colours and creative flavours characteristic of Caribbean culture, we look towards a fresher, more exciting 2024 where every plate tells a story. We will also be focussing on health and well-being - our menus will continue to strike a harmonious balance between indulgence and wellness, embracing diverse dietary needs, whether that be plant-based options or dishes crafted with the locally sourced, fresh ingredients. skygarden.london/restaurants/fenchurch

man in suit behind bar

Hubert Beatson-Hird, Owner Director of Lunar Pub Co (The Apollo Arms, Ganymede, The Hunter's Moon)
Expect to see a focus on quality over quantity in 2024. Consumers will go out to restaurants less but when they do they will spend more desiring top quality food and good, vibey venues. Foie gras has been declining for years and I expect we'll see it vanish off menus next year to be replaced by mushroom parfait, an ingredient that's been on the rise and are already showing up on menus.

Drink: There will be a much higher demand for whiskies and bourbon in all its forms. We've already started to see an increase in the number of people asking for off-menu whiskey-based cocktails such as Manhattans and Sours, and I don't see this slowing down in 2024!
apolloarms.co.uk | ganymedelondon.co.uk | 
huntersmoonlondon.co.uk

woman with cocktail shaker at bar

Drink continued...

Ely Guilloux, Bar Manager at 100 Wardour Street

Mezcal will continue to boom in 2024, both in terms of retail sales and with bar-goers requesting to include it in cocktails, such as margaritas and twists on the classic Old-Fashioned. We're also seeing a rise in spice-based drinks, so I predict this will trend in 2024 with guests opting for Spicy Tommy Margaritas and Spicy Margaritas instead of the classics.
100wardourst.com

Still looking for Wedding Catering?

Dover Marina Hotel & Spa

Dover Marina Hotel & Spa

FAS Dover Marina Hotel & Spa – Where Coastal Charm Meets Boutique Luxury in Kent

Located on the stunning Kent seafront with panoramic views of the English Channel and the legendary White Cliffs of Dover, Dover Marina Hotel & Spa offers an effortlessly elegant setting for your coastal wedding. Just 90 minutes from London, this Grade II listed Victorian gem blends heritage character with modern luxury, the perfect escape for a romantic wedding by the sea.

Your Seaside Wedding, Your Way
Whether you're planning a chic micro-wedding, a traditional ceremony, or a full weekend of celebration, our stylish boutique hotel provides everything you need under one roof: beautifully restored ceremony spaces, luxury accommodation, indulgent spa treatments, and exceptional dining experiences.

Licensed for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies, couples can choose between classic interiors or a sea view backdrop to exchange vows.

Elegant Spaces to Suit Every Celebration
The Winston Suite – Grand and graceful, ideal for up to 200 guests
The Chartwell Suite – Light-filled and elegant, for up to 20 guests
The Blenheim Suite – Intimate and stylish, perfect for up to 30 guests
With 122 tastefully appointed bedrooms and an on-site Marco Pierre - Mr White's English Chophouse restaurant and Wheelers Fish and Chips restaurant, you and your guests can enjoy luxurious comfort and culinary delights throughout the entire weekend.

Thoughtfully Curated Experiences
Every detail of your day is tailored to you. We offer:

A full service Waterfront Spa & Health Club for pre-wedding relaxation and bridal pampering
Signature drinks menus including Prosecco stations, bespoke cocktails, and mocktail bars
Seasonal tasting menus, wine pairings, and custom catering options by our talented chefs
Themed extras like cocktail masterclasses, hen spa packages, and sunset terrace drinks
Celebrating Every Love Story
We’re proud to specialise in cultural and fusion weddings, working with you to honour your heritage with authentic cuisine, thoughtful planning, and dedicated support for ceremonies, attire, and pre-wedding traditions.

Why Choose Dover Marina Hotel & Spa?
✔ Sweeping sea views and restored period charm
✔ Coastal location with great transport links to London & the South East
✔ On-site spa, fine dining, and accommodation for a full wedding weekend
✔ An inclusive and welcoming venue for all couple, celebrating love in all its forms, including LGBTQ+ weddings, cultural and multi-faith celebrations, and second-time marriages
✔ Expert event coordinators to support you every step of the way

Start your wedding journey with a private tour or explore our wedding packages, real couple stories, and seasonal offers online. Your dream coastal wedding awaits at Dover Marina Hotel & Spa.

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