A surge in demand for 1980s cuisine is sweeping across UK supermarkets and restaurants, with Waitrose reporting soaring sales of tiramisu and corned beef, while Gordon Ramsay's establishments have reintroduced pavlova and a modern twist on rum baba. The craze, partly fueled by the return of Jilly Cooper's Rivals series to television, has led to a broader cultural revival of the decade's iconic dishes.
Consumer Preferences
According to a Waitrose survey, nearly half of UK adults (48%) believe 1980s dishes are making a comeback. Prawn cocktail tops the list of desired dishes at 28%, followed by beef bourguignon and bread and butter pudding (both 24%). Rhubarb and custard (20%), banana split (19%), and quiche Lorraine (18%) are also popular choices.
Sales Surge
Waitrose has seen a 170% year-on-year increase in sales of its luxury prawn cocktail, while apple tarte tatin sales have risen by 104%. London's Savoy Grill reports tarte tatin as one of its most popular dishes, and head chef Arnaud Stevens is introducing a mojito baba—a twist on the classic rum baba featuring lime, mint, and lemon curd.
Dinner Party Guide
Waitrose has launched a 1980s dinner party guide, celebrating the decade's iconic food with advice on buffets, shortcuts, and presentation. Lizzie Haywood, senior trend innovation manager, said: "The '80s was a bold, expressive era for food, and we're seeing that sense of fun come back in a big way."
Restaurant Innovations
At Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen in London's 22 Bishopsgate, head chef Kamal Rees-John serves pavlova from a dessert trolley. He noted: "For summer 2026 we're seeing a real return to retro '80s classics that feel playful while still incorporating elements of finesse and theatre."
Fashion Revival
The 1980s revival extends beyond food, with Vogue tipping '80s-style jewellery like cuffs and hoop earrings as summer must-haves, and Marie Claire citing the "Glamoratti aesthetic" as a clothing trend for the season.
