The Return Of British Fayre: A Celebration Of British On A Plate!

Concerto Catering
Sep 9
3 min read

Updated: Oct 6

There’s something stirring in the kitchens and pubs of Britain — and it smells like nostalgia, comfort, and tradition. After years of international fusion and fast food dominating the culinary scene, the British fayre is making a proud comeback.

No longer dismissed as bland or old-fashioned, traditional British dishes are being reimagined by chefs and rediscovered by the public. From bustling gastropubs to modern dining rooms, the hearty staples of British cuisine are being celebrated for what they are: soulful, satisfying, and steeped in history.

Why the Revival?

A Return to Roots

In a fast-paced, globalised world, many are craving a sense of home and heritage. Traditional British dishes — like toad in the hole, shepherd’s pie, or a proper Sunday roast — offer more than nourishment. They tell stories. They remind us of family dinners, countryside pubs, and holidays at the coast.

The Farm-to-Table Movement

Sustainability and local sourcing have shone a spotlight on regional foods. British cuisine, built on local meats, root vegetables, and seasonal produce, fits naturally into this trend. Why import exotic ingredients when a Cornish pasty, Welsh rarebit, or Lancashire hotpot delivers comfort and flavour with a minimal carbon footprint?

Reinvention by Modern Chefs

Contemporary British chefs are reworking classics. Recently on menus, I’ve seen…

Deconstructed steak and ale pie
Artisan black pudding with apple chutney
Foraged greens with bubble and squeak

These elevated versions celebrate the essence of British fayre while appealing to modern palates. We are looking for more these days. Our desires have been opened up by social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest. It is no longer just a roast; it has to say its origins. It’s about the sides being offered alongside it and often the way it’s cooked. Out of the humble roast comes a story of ‘reminiscence’ on a plate!

Classic Dishes Making a Comeback

Dish	Description	Modern Twist
Full English Breakfast	A plate loaded with eggs, sausages, bacon, beans, and toast.	Vegan versions, sourdough toast, heritage tomatoes.
Fish and Chips	Battered fish with chunky chips and mushy peas.	Craft beer batter, triple-cooked chips, homemade tartare.
Sunday Roast	Roast meat, Yorkshire pudding, veg, gravy.	Plant-based roasts, seasonal veggie medleys, horseradish foam.
Beef Wellington	Beef fillet in mushroom duxelles and puff pastry.	Wild mushroom versions, individual wellingtons, local beef.
Treacle Tart	Traditional British dessert with golden syrup.	Served warm with clotted cream ice cream.

Celebrating British Fayre at Events and Markets

The revival isn’t just on dinner plates. Across the UK, food festivals, local markets, and pub grub menus are proudly showcasing regional specialities:

Yorkshire puddings served as wraps
Scotch eggs with gourmet fillings including black pudding and prawns!
Victoria sponge and Bakewell tart at artisanal bakeries
Welsh Cakes, Barm Brack, or Lundy Cakes
Artisanal cheeses and even our small batch charcuterie meats

Even major supermarket chains are investing in British classics with a twist, giving consumers a taste of nostalgia in ready-to-eat or DIY formats.

It's More Than Just Food

The return of the British fayre is about more than traditional recipes — it’s about identity. These dishes reflect:

The British landscape (hearty stews from the North, seafood from the coast)
Cultural heritage (from Anglo-Saxon roots to Victorian table settings)
A growing pride in British produce, craftsmanship, and culinary creativity

Final Thoughts

British cuisine is no longer the underdog. As it reclaims its space on menus and in homes, we’re reminded of the power of food to connect us — to our land, our memories, and each other. Today, heritage British cuisine is experiencing a revival. It’s not just about eating like our ancestors — it’s about valuing the flavours, techniques, and traditions that have shaped Britain’s culinary identity.

Modern chefs, home cooks, and communities are reclaiming these traditions — and in doing so, ensuring that British food continues to evolve without losing its soul. Whether it’s a bowl of steaming stew, a roast with all the trimmings, or a simple cup of tea, British cuisine reminds us where we’ve come from — and offers comfort in where we’re going. So there’s never been a better time to raise your fork to the British fayre — and everything it stands for.

By Fiona Harrhy (Founder & Executive Chef of Concerto Catering)

Email: info@concertocatering.com

Phone: 01689 860 560