Prawn cocktail and other classics from the 1980s are making a comeback, thanks to the Disney Plus hit Rivals. Supermarkets and restaurants say demand is soaring for dishes like prawn cocktail, rum baba, and quiche Lorraine. The craze is thought to be driven by the return of Jilly Cooper's comedy-drama Rivals, set in the hedonistic world of 1980s British commercial television.
Rising Sales and New Menu Items
Gordon Ramsay's eateries have added pavlova and a twist on rum baba to the menu. Waitrose has reported rocketing sales of tiramisu and corned beef. A survey by the shop found that 24 percent of people want to eat more bread and butter pudding, and 19 percent enjoy a banana split.
Sales of Waitrose's luxury prawn cocktail have jumped 170 percent year on year, while apple tarte tatin is up 104 percent. The upmarket grocer has even launched a 1980s dinner party guide, describing it as a celebration of the decade's most iconic food.
Industry Insights
Lizzie Haywood, senior trend innovation manager at Waitrose, said: "The '80s was a bold, expressive era for food, and we're seeing that sense of fun come back in a big way. From prawn cocktails and quiches to indulgent desserts and standout drinks, people are rediscovering the joy of these classic dishes."
Chef Kamal Rees-John, who is cooking up pavlova at Ramsay's newly opened Bread Street Kitchen in London, added: "For summer 2026 we're seeing a real return to retro '80s classics that feel playful while still incorporating elements of finesse and theatre, and pavlova fits perfectly within that trend. Our guests are leaning towards desserts that feel joyful, shareable, and a little nostalgic, and pavlova delivers all of that."
Fashion Revival Too
The fashions of the decade are also having a revival. Vogue recently tipped 80s-style jewellery as a summer must-have, while Marie Claire cited the 80s-inspired Glamoratti aesthetic as a summer trend.
