How are the UK and US dining cultures converging?

Both markets prioritised sustainability, provenance, and immersive hospitality.

The UK and US are becoming increasingly aligned as consumers on both sides of the Atlantic prioritise sustainability, provenance, and immersive hospitality, a report by The Harrison Global Hospitality Report revealed

Although the two markets have evolved differently, the report indicates that their approaches are now converging due to shared expectations regarding food quality, environmental impact, and experiential formats.

In the UK, provenance has become a defining principle, shaped by crises such as mad cow disease and continuing avian flu outbreaks. The report highlights that 78% of UK diners rank food quality above cost, supporting the growth of hyper-local and field-to-fork models seen at venues such as The Pig Hotel and Simon Rogan’s L’Enclume.

Zero-waste operators, including Parveen’s Canteen in Glasgow and Silo in Brighton, reflect a nationwide shift towards responsible sourcing and reduced waste.

The US market, traditionally driven by scale, is undergoing a comparable shift as demand for organic and non-GMO options has grown by 18% in five years. Diverse demographics and global flavours are reshaping expectations, bringing the US closer to the UK’s focus on transparency and sustainability.

The report also notes clear similarities in how the two markets are redefining social spaces. UK venues such as The Social in London and US concepts like The Broken Shaker blend community and contemporary design, while activity-based formats such as Bounce, Sixes, and Punch Bowl Social demonstrate a shared appetite for dining that incorporates play, entertainment, and social interaction.

According to the findings, immersive experiences increase average spend by 22%, and brands emphasising sustainable practices report up to 30% higher loyalty. The convergence of these trends suggests that UK and US operators are responding to the same consumer priorities: quality, transparency, engagement, and memorable dining moments.

In a separate report, Mintel forecasts further consumer shifts by 2030, including broader dietary diversity supported by AI-driven recommendations and increased focus on fibre-rich foods due to concerns around microplastic exposure.

It also anticipates renewed relevance for long-life products as part of changing consumer preparedness behaviours.