Spring 2025 Dining Trends for Restaurants

Spring 2025 presents UK restaurants with a prime opportunity to refresh their offerings and align with evolving consumer preferences. Recent data indicates a significant shift in dining habits: 47% of Britons dined out in 2024, up from 24% in 2021, reflecting a post-pandemic resurgence in outdoor dining. Moreover, 69% of UK diners now prefer venues offering outdoor seating, emphasising the growing demand for alfresco dining.

Sustainability is also at the forefront, with over 90% of consumers seeking eco-friendly dining options. Additionally, the rise of early dining, particularly among younger demographics, is reshaping traditional meal times, with a notable increase in bookings between 4pm and 6pm.

Spring 2025 brings fresh opportunities for UK restaurants to revamp menus and dining experiences. Embracing seasonal trends not only delights customers but also boosts business. Here’s how to align your establishment with the latest dining preferences.

1. Seasonal Ingredients

British chefs are embracing the best of spring with locally grown ingredients like asparagus, wild garlic, rhubarb, peas, and Jersey Royals. These ingredients are perfect for lighter dishes, fresh salads, and seasonal mains that reflect a shift towards healthier, more sustainable eating.

Natural-hued tableware, such as stoneware in soft greens or neutral tones, makes a perfect pairing for these vibrant ingredients. Plates like the Churchill Stonecast collection enhance the natural colours of food while aligning with the fresh, earthy feel of spring.

2. Alfresco Dining Gains Popularity

With daylight stretching later into the evening and temperatures rising, alfresco dining is becoming a must-have offering. Restaurants are transforming outside spaces, rooftops, and gardens into bustling outdoor venues, drawing customers seeking fresh air and scenic settings.

To support this trend, it’s essential to invest in durable, weather-resistant outdoor furniture and stylish yet practical tableware. Melamine crockery is a top choice for outdoor use – it’s durable, lightweight, and doesn’t compromise on appearance. For drinks, polycarbonate tumblers and wine glasses provide a safe, elegant solution, especially in high-traffic patio areas.

Wooden boards and platters, such as round or rectangular acacia styles, add a rustic charm to sharing platters, tapas, or cheese boards. Their natural aesthetic complements the outdoor vibe while being sturdy enough for regular service.

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3. Spring Cocktails

Spring menus are going beyond food, with botanical and floral cocktails gaining popularity. From elderflower spritzers to cucumber mojitos and rhubarb gin fizzes, diners are seeking light, refreshing drinks that reflect the season.

Presentation plays a key role here. A champagne glassware, like the Opera 24cl, adds timeless elegance to sparkling cocktails. For modern mocktails and low-ABV drinks, sleek glassware like the InAlto Tre Sensi 30.5cl offers a contemporary feel. And for alfresco drinks, polycarbonate options give all the visual appeal of glass without the risk of breakage.

These glasses not only elevate drink presentation but also contribute to the overall spring experience, encouraging social sharing and repeat visits.

4. Sustainability in Focus

Sustainability continues to be a major factor in where and how UK consumers dine. According to a 2024 Attest study, 90% of diners expect restaurants to adopt eco-friendly practices. This includes everything from ingredient sourcing to how food is served and packaged.

Restaurants can align with these expectations by using compostable and recyclable materials across both dine-in and takeaway services. IG Group UK’s Green Planet Range offers a variety of solutions including paper cups, eco-friendly containers, and biodegradable cutlery.

For takeaway, consider kraft containers that are not only sustainable but also maintain temperature and food quality. These packaging options show customers that you care about the environment, reinforcing brand loyalty and positive reviews.

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5. Spring Colour Trends in Crockery

This spring, colour plays a key role in table presentation. Earthy tones and gentle pastels are at the forefront, reflecting the freshness and softness of the season. Think soft greens, blush pinks, stoneware neutrals, and speckled finishes – these shades bring out the best in seasonal produce and rustic cooking.

Top Picks:

• Stonecast Duck Egg Blue
• Stonecast Petal Pink
• Craft Green ranges

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6. Afternoon Tea on the Rise

As the weather warms and florals bloom, afternoon tea is seeing a seasonal revival across the UK. Traditionally associated with elegance and indulgence, this springtime staple is gaining traction as both a dine-in and alfresco offering.

According to recent reports A 2024 report by The Guardian highlighted that afternoon tea has been revitalized and embraced by the younger generation, largely fueled by its visual appeal on social media, with expectations for higher growth in 2025. Guests are drawn to the leisurely, social aspect of afternoon tea – making it ideal for gardens, terraces, and boutique dining rooms.

To elevate the presentation of finger sandwiches, scones, and mini desserts, with our cake stands and slicers which complement the refined nature of afternoon tea perfectly. Elegant glassware – such as champagne saucers for prosecco or Tea pots for floral-infused teas and cocktails.