Beef is back and grazing is in
An eco-friendly steak and a game of 10-pin bowling before pudding could be the future of eating out in London. Meals might also be much cheaper with a move towards top-quality food at affordable prices.
Today, Square Meal magazine predicts trends for the coming year based on restaurants openings this year. Guide editor Gaby Huddart said: "The capital's restaurant scene is more dynamic and buoyant than ever. There are some definite trends emerging."
MEAT FEAST
The simple steak is back - quality meat served with no-fuss accompaniments.
Recommended: Barnes Grill, Rocks Lane, Barnes; the Butcher and Grill, Parkgate Road, Battersea, where you can pick your meat for cooking.
DEMOCRATIC DINING
Reasonable prices, top quality fare.
Recommended: Galvin Bistrot de Luxe, Baker Street, for quality French produce at low prices; 11 Abingdon Road, Kensington, for "accomplished modern European cooking with a down-to-earth bill."
ECO WARRIORS
"Green" restaurants.
Recommended: Acorn House, Swinton Street, King's Cross, serves food with minimal environmental impact. Konstam at the Prince Albert, Acton Street, Bloomsbury, strives to source everything from within the M25.
GRAZING
Trend started by Maze in Grosvenor Square, serving tapas-sizedmeals.
Recommended: French restaurant L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Covent Garden delivers miniature dishes with six to eight making a meal. Gilgamesh in Stables Market, Camden, offers pan-Asian food served on plates designed for sharing.
ENTERTAINMENT
Return of supper clubs, where music and theatre are dished up alongside the food.
Recommended: All Star Lanes, Bloomsbury Place, which serves diner-style food and cocktails with the fun of 10-pin bowling.
GASTROPUBS
Wholesome, no-nonsense cooking in an informal setting.
Recommended: The East Hill, Wandsworth and the Phoenix, Smith Street, Chelsea.
HOTEL DINING
Hotels competing for customers.
Recommended: Damask at The Athenaeum, Piccadilly and Galvin at Windows, Hilton, Park Lane.
ASIAN
Increasingly specialist cuisine.
Recommended: Asadal Korean restaurant, High Holborn, and Bar Shu Szechuan, Frith Street.
