Restaurants in Britain

Written By: Anika Akthar

Eating out and getting a Friday night takeaway has become a ritual for Britons these days.

However, restaurants filled with evening revellers and takeaway orders flying through the door hasn’t always been the norm. These were initially settings for the country’s elite to wine and dine with other notable associates from across the world; think cigars and mellow piano sonatas in the background. It was only after World War 2 that restaurants became more frequented. Post-war food restrictions eventually lifted in the 1950’s and Britain’s financial and economic expansion meant that regular working- and middle-class Britons were finally able to indulge a little in the luxuries of eating out. Along with the dine-in experiences, takeaways also have an extensive history in Britain. Street vendors were customary to the roadside, selling everything from hearty pies to alcoholic beverages. Initially popular with the urban poor due to the lack of cooking facilities, takeaway culture has transformed in modern day Britain. It has become part of the fabric of contemporary culture with Fridays and Saturday nights often being reserved for these deliveries.

Britain has a wide variety of restaurants, one of the most popular being a pub. Pubs are perhaps some of the earliest forms of a dine in experience that we know of in the country. They were not only used by locals for what could only be described as the average Saturday night out in today’s terms but was also used extensively by traveller. Before the days of speedy air travel, trips were journeyed across the railway tracks. And even before that, it was the horse and cart. These long and arduous voyages often meant having to stop for respite and a bite to eat. Along with providing a warm and hearty meal, many of these local watering holes offered rooms to stay the night, something that modern day pubs have lost touch with.

With a plethora of restaurants specialising in a variety of cuisines, quintessential British food has evolved alongside this growth and popularity. It’s not just fish and chips any more. In fact, it has been a few years of a constant tussle between chicken tikka masala and chicken chow mein for the title of Britain’s favourite takeaway. It’s not surprising that these are considered to be the nation’s favourite dishes. This rich culture of restaurants stems from immigrants travelling from across the world to make their mark on Britain.

Although some of these restaurants may be large national and international chains, many of them are independently run and owned by first- and second-generation immigrants. Often family-run, these restaurants provide authentic cuisines, or perhaps slightly modified for a British palate. In amongst the cultural décor, you will find pieces of their country framed onto walls, laid on tables and most importantly served on plates. A good old Chinese is always a popular choice for a Friday or Saturday night in.

The first Chinese restaurant was established in 1908 in London, selling recognised dishes from fish cakes to chop suey. It was in the 50s and 60s that Britain saw a growth in its Chinese population which in turn influenced the takeaway trade. Many opened their own establishments to feed the growing curiosity of the British people as they started to open up their tastebuds to new flavours. It was through these pockets of restaurants that established various Chinatowns across the UK. These hubs provided rows of independent restaurants and takeaways selling the flavours of china, whether that be the well-known sweet and sour dishes or the spicy Szechuan cuisine we all know and love. Chinese cooking has a wide range of flavours, appealing to the adventurous side of the British palate. Pizza is another beloved food in Britain. Popularised by American pop culture, the pizza has become more than a party food. It’s almost a staple in most homes, whether that is sticking a frozen one in the oven or getting your hands on that two-for-Tuesday deal. Originating in Italy, the dish is a more simplified version from what we see on the menu in many of the highstreets restaurants. In fact, a margherita is often a popular choice. This classic pizza wascreated to resemble the Italian flag and is perhaps fitting to know that margherita has become the face of Italian food. However, it’s not just pizza that is popular among Britons. Various pasta, lasagne and gnocchi dishes are also loved. The simplicity of Italian cooking is what elevates the flavours. Whether it’s the anglified flavours of big chain restaurants or the more authentic essence of independent restaurants, Britain’s love for Italian cuisine is a no brainer.

Indian restaurants are also popular among the British public. Whether its for a takeaway or a dine-in experience, the aromatic flavours is sure to grab everyone’s attention. The first restaurant dedicated to Indian gastronomy was a place called the Hindostani Coffee House established in 1809. The curry house specialised in providing authentic Indian cuisine while not holding back on the ambience. Patrons dined in extravagant wicker chairs with a beautiful table spread while also attending to a hookah pipe if desired. Curries were especially popularised in Britain through its royal family. Queen Victoria had her own personal Indian chef who would cook her a dish full of flavours from the subcontinent. This love for a masalafied dish has continued on today with the industry making over £5bn alone. The majority of Indian restaurants are owned and established by Bangladeshis. Without their effort, the curry industry would not be as thriving as it is today.

The Shanaz embodies what all of these restaurants stand for: a family run business trying to share their culture and love of food to the wider community. It’s not surprising why the British public have chosen such a diverse palate. The flavour combinations, the spices and the beautiful colourful dishes all create tantalising menus that can be seen throughout the country. It just goes to show, there is no stopping these entrepreneurial restauranteurs in their effort to satiate a nation of exploratory eaters.