On 8th June two of our beans – Laura and Leigh – joined the MCA Food Study Tour around London to discover the latest food trends that are impacting the out of home market.

Here is a taste of our favourites from the day:

1) Scarlett Green
Opened only one week ago, Scarlett Green is the newest addition from the Daisy Green Collection and brings a spark of Australian fun to London with its quirky interior. With Australian food tipped to be one of the hottest emerging trends for 2018, Scarlett Green’s menu includes bottomless brunches, vegemite and cheese doughnuts and Bondi hot prawns.

2) P.F. Changs Asian Table
The US Asian Restaurant has made it across the pond with its first outlet in the UK. Everything is made from scratch and there is even a Pastry Lab downstairs where you can see all of the desserts being created. We had the pleasure of trying the Mongolian Beef with a signature Dark Soy Sauce, the Original Dynamite Shrimp that really does live up to its name and the Wok-Seared Tempura Cauliflower in a sweet and spicy Korean Gochujang sauce.

3) The Avobar
Everyone loves avocado and now there is a pop-up cafe in Covent Garden dedicated to it! From twists on the classic avocado on toast to salad bowls and burgers there is even an avocado ice cream that is well worth a try.

4) On The Dak
Possibly one of my favourite finds from the day, On the Dak is the seventh restaurant from the team behind On the Bab. Specialising in serving Korean-style fried chicken in a crispy batter there are three sauces to choose from – Sweet Soy, Seoul Spicy or Soft Garlic – all served with a cabbage salad covered in On the Dak’s signature sauce.

5) Which Wich
With 500 sites in the US, this build-your-own sandwich place has an impressive expansion plan for the UK, aiming to reach 120 sites in 10 years. Fully customisable, simply complete your order on the sandwich bag, hand it to the server and wait for your creation to be made.

6) The Smoking Goat
The minimalist entrance may be easy to miss, but the aromas from the open-kitchen are sure to get your mouth-watering as you enter the Smoking Goat in Shoreditch. Inspired by the late-night canteens in Bangkok, the menu specialises in Thai barbecue with dishes including Barbecue Goat Shoulder Massaman Curry, Chilli Fish Sauce Wings and Pork Fat Fried Eggs with Black Vinegar and Chillies.

7) The Vurger Co
As 2018 is the year that has seen vegan food go mainstream, no food tour would be complete without seeing what concepts are emerging around this trend. The Vurger Co. is re-imagining vegan food by offering comfort food classics from milkshakes to burgers and making them vegan-friendly.

8) Boxpark, Shoreditch
We finished the day at the ‘world’s first pop-up mall’ and with just enough room for dessert I treated myself to a Nutella®, banana and salted caramel bubble waffle at Nosteagia – delicious!

Thank you to the MCA for imparting your knowledge and showing us some of the hidden gems that London has to offer. We’ll be sure to head back out of hours!