As we look towards the prosperous Spring of 2025, it is time for many commercial establishments to take advantage of the exciting trends we are currently seeing in the commercial sector. For those of you who aren’t interested in changing the scenery of your bar or restaurant we would still suggest reading this article as we also discuss the tableware and drink and food options these trends encompass.
Mexican Fiesta Trend
Mexican cuisine has long been a staple in the global culinary landscape, with TexMex dishes like nachos, fajitas, and chilli con carne gracing menus across various dining sectors for decades. However, this familiar representation barely scratches the surface of Mexico’s rich and diverse food culture. The true depth of Mexican cuisine extends far beyond these popular staples, offering a vast array of flavours, ingredients, and cooking techniques that are yet to be fully explored by many consumers. As the culinary world continues to evolve, it’s time for the authentic and varied Mexican cuisine to step into the spotlight, showcasing its regional specialties and traditional dishes that have been overshadowed by their TexMex counterparts. From the complex mole sauces of Puebla to the seafood-centric dishes of coastal regions, Mexican cuisine offers a gastronomic journey that reflects the country’s diverse geography, history, and cultural influences.
The versatility of Mexican cuisine makes it particularly well-suited to current dining trends and preferences. Many Mexican dishes lend themselves perfectly to the growing popularity of sharing platters, offering a more sociable and interactive dining experience. This format allows diners to sample a variety of flavours and textures in one meal, enhancing the overall dining experience. Additionally, the “build your own” menu concept, which is gaining traction in many restaurants, aligns seamlessly with Mexican cuisine. This approach allows customers to personalise their meals by selecting their preferred combinations of meats, vegetables, and sauces, adding an element of fun and excitement to the dining experience.
Such flexibility not only caters to individual tastes and dietary requirements but also encourages diners to explore new flavour combinations, making each meal a unique culinary adventure. As consumers become more adventurous and seek authentic international flavours, the diverse and adaptable nature of Mexican cuisine positions it perfectly to meet these evolving preferences, offering both familiarity and novelty on the same plate. The vitrified Porcelain Cadiz range showcases three geometric colourways offering perfect mix & match vibrancy to any venue. The Cadiz range is ideal for a Mexican style dining experience.
Bazaar For Turkish
Turkish cuisine is experiencing a surge in popularity, with potential appeal to approximately 75% of consumers. This culinary trend offers a tantalising array of bold and aromatic flavours, warming spices, and mezze sharing dishes that captivate the palate. Despite its growing appeal, nearly one-fifth of consumers find Turkish cuisine somewhat difficult to access, particularly in the South West and Wales. However, the current landscape is promising, with 34% of UK consumers already enjoying Turkish dishes and an additional 40% expressing interest in trying them. The cuisine’s popularity is driven by its unique blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences, a result of Turkey’s strategic geographical location. This fusion of culinary traditions has created a rich tapestry of flavours that resonates with modern diners seeking diverse and exciting food experiences.
The visual presentation of Turkish cuisine plays a significant role in its appeal, reflecting the mixed cultural influences that shape its iconic dishes. From vibrant mezze platters to aromatic grilled meats, Turkish food offers a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. This visual allure, combined with the cuisine’s emphasis on fresh ingredients and healthful preparations, aligns well with current dining trends. As Turkish restaurants continue to proliferate across the UK, they are adding a new dimension to the British dining scene, offering everything from casual kebab shops to upscale dining experiences.
The versatility of Turkish cuisine, with its ability to cater to various dietary preferences and its suitability for social dining formats, positions it well for continued growth in the UK food market. With its rich flavours, cultural significance, and growing accessibility, Turkish cuisine is poised to become an increasingly integral part of the UK’s culinary landscape. We recommend the Utopia Saltburn collection as the rich autumnal colours of Saltburn bring to mind those magical places where land meets sea and is perfect for creating a Turkish aesthetic.
Back to Natural
The “sober curious” movement, which gained significant traction in 2024, has sparked a cultural shift among consumers in their late 20s to mid-30s. This demographic is increasingly eschewing late-night drinking and partying in favour of more wholesome pursuits. Midday hikes in nature with friends, followed by casual meals or coffee, have become the new social norm, replacing boozy nights out. This trend reflects a growing desire for wellness and mindful living, with 39% of Americans embracing the sober curious lifestyle in 2024, up from 25% in 2023. The movement is particularly prominent among younger generations, with 42% believing Gen Z is spearheading this trend. This shift towards a healthier lifestyle is not just about abstaining from alcohol; it’s about reevaluating one’s relationship with drinking and seeking alternatives that align with personal wellness goals.
As this trend evolves, venues are adapting their aesthetics to cater to this new lifestyle. Natural hues, materials, and cosy, homely finishing touches are becoming key differentiators for establishments looking to attract this demographic. The emphasis on nature and wholesome living is reflected in the design choices, creating spaces that feel inviting and conducive to meaningful social interactions. Interestingly, recent reports suggest that this age group is more likely to have a dog than children accompanying them when socialising outside the home.
While family-friendly options remain important, venues are increasingly focusing on creating environments that cater to young adults spending time together without children. This shift in priorities is evident in the rise of dog-friendly cafes and restaurants, which provide amenities like water bowls and doggy treats. As the sober curious movement continues to gain momentum, with 49% of Millennials planning to drink less in 2025, venues that can offer a blend of natural aesthetics, cosy atmospheres, and pet-friendly policies are likely to thrive in this evolving social landscape.
Trend Integration and You
It has often been said by many experts in the commercial hospitality and food service sectors that adaptation is the key to thriving. The belief for this lies in the simple notion that offering unique and on-trend dishes will attract new customers looking for the popular item. Regularly updating menus or aesthetics will not only keep regular customers interested but will also provide a higher chance of enticing new customers to your establishment.
Now, we as well as anyone can attest that in our 25 years of operations there is nothing more important to a successful business than brand identity. What we aren’t suggesting is to completely change the whole look of what makes your establishment special but to carefully integrate different themes into day-to-day operations. A cohesive brand identity ensures consistency across all customer touchpoints, from the logo and menu design to the interior decor and staff uniforms. This consistency helps build trust with customers, as they know what to expect from their dining experience. It also aids in streamlining operations, simplifying decisions on aesthetics, sourcing, and training. Parting with this identity would be a poor decision we wouldn’t recommend unless complete rebranding is the desired effect.
When it comes to integrating trends into a bar or restaurant it is important to take note of how the trends will match visually with the overall aesthetic. An example of this would be a Mexican theme would be perfect for an establishment catered towards Latin style foods or customers. Whereas introducing a Mexican theme into an Asian cuisine establishment would be out of place and potentially off-putting to customers.
Here at Alliance Online, we believe that the trends we have suggested in this article will be the ones to look out for throughout 2025. For more information regarding the trends we have suggested please feel free to call us on 01270 252333 or you can email us at hello@allianceonline.co.uk.
