The small plates that stole dinner: how snacks conquered Britain's restaurants

Small plates may have ruled the culinary world for years, but in recent times, their smaller counterparts - snacks - have stolen dinner in Britain. Restaurants across the country are now offering a variety of bite-sized treats that cater to diners' appetites and preferences.

From classic combinations like focaccia and olives, to more experimental options like potato flatbreads with creme fraiche and trout roe, and even cheese puffs filled with Scottish cheddar and comté, snacks have become an integral part of many dining experiences. At restaurants like Elliot's in Hackney, a traditional dish like Isle of Mull cheese puffs has remained on the menu since 2012 and has become a signature item.

Snacks offer flexibility to diners and chefs alike. While some restaurants still stick to the starter-main-dessert formula, others are experimenting with one-bite dishes that cater to diners' desire for variety and socializing. "Snacks have a more informal vibe compared with starters and small plates," says Zak Hitchman, chef and co-owner of Other. "Although the term has fallen out of fashion, they are perhaps more in line with a canapé."

The rise of snacks can be attributed to changing diner preferences and economic pressures. With purses getting tighter while appetites haven't, snacks offer an affordable way for diners to try new flavors and textures without committing to a full meal. Chefs also benefit from the increased revenue generated by snack sales, which can help supplement income during slow periods.

Restaurants are now using cheaper ingredients or offcuts to create snacks that bring in vital income. For example, Elliot's buys a pig roughly every six weeks, and cuts not used for larger dishes go into snacks like pork crackling. Similarly, Other sources whole crabs for crab cakes, with leftover brown meat used to make the hot-and-sour brown crab mayonnaise served with chicken and sesame toast.

Snacks are not only a financial boon but also an opportunity for restaurants to showcase their creativity. At Maré in Hove, guests can enjoy toasted brioche with liver parfait and preserved cherries as a snack. The restaurant's owner, Rafael Cagali, welcomes bar guests who just want snacks, saying it has been a nice way for people in the neighborhood to get a feel for the new establishment.

Ultimately, snacks are designed to be fun and enjoyable. "They can just be a great and enjoyable way of trying a restaurant's food," says Zak Hitchman. Whether you're at Elliot's or Other, taking a chance on a snack can lead to a memorable dining experience and an appreciation for the culinary creativity on offer.

I'm like 95% sure snacks are gonna be the future of dining in Britain... reminds me of when I was a kid and my grandma used to take me to these tiny little cafes where they'd serve you teeny sandwiches and cakes for under a quid. Those were always so fun, but back then it was more about just grabbing a bite on the go rather than sitting down for an actual meal. Now it feels like snacks are becoming that same thing - a way to try something new without breaking the bank or committing to a full meal.

I think its so cool how snacks are becoming super popular in restaurants now . Like, I've been to some of these places where they have tiny little plates of goodness that just make you wanna try everything on the menu! And I love that chefs are getting creative with using cheaper ingredients or leftover bits to make these snacky treats that are actually really tasty .

I went to this one restaurant in London a while back and they had this amazing cheese puff thing that was literally just a bite-sized piece of heaven . And I was like, wow, how did they even come up with something so good?! But seriously, snacks are just a great way for people to try new foods without feeling too committed or anything.

I think its also really smart that restaurants are starting to cater to people's appetites and preferences now . Like, I've been going to dinner parties where everyone orders these little snacky things instead of the usual big plate deal . And honestly, it feels way more fun and relaxed . So yeah, snacks all the way for me!

Restaurants have totally gone down this route with snacks now! I mean, who doesn't love trying out new flavors and textures without breaking the bank? It's like they say, "you can never have too much of a good thing" - or in this case, one little thing that packs a big punch! And it's not just about saving money, these snacks are actually pretty creative. I mean, who knew you could turn leftover pig skin into pork crackling? It's all about thinking outside the box (or plate) and having fun with food! Plus, it's a great way for restaurants to make extra cash during slow periods. Win-win!

I think snacks are really changing the game in restaurants right now - they're not just a quick bite before dinner anymore, but a whole separate experience that's actually becoming super popular . People love being able to try a bunch of different flavors and textures without committing to a full meal, which is also great for chefs who can use cheaper ingredients or offcuts to create their snacks - it's like a win-win situation . Plus, snacks are just so much fun to eat - think about how good cheese puffs filled with Scottish cheddar and comté sound ! And it's not just about the food itself, but also the vibe of snacks - they're more informal than starters or small plates, which is perfect for a night out with friends or a quick bite on the go . I love that restaurants are now using snacks to show off their creativity and offer something unique to customers - it's like a little present just for you ! Overall, I think snacks are the way of the future in dining, and I'm excited to see what other creative snack options come along .

I'm so done with snacks taking over restaurants... like what's next, ordering individual foods instead of a whole meal? I get that it's convenient and all, but it feels like we're losing out on the experience of sharing food with others . And have you seen the prices of those fancy snacks? Pig skin is still like £10 a piece, and they're using it to make snacks for the masses? It's just not right . Give me a good ol' fashioned main course any day, I don't want my food experience being dictated by my wallet .

I'm kinda surprised snacks are stealing dinner in Britain but I also think it's kinda awesome that restaurants are getting creative with smaller dishes... unless they're being too expensive and just pushing up prices, then that's not so cool . Some of these snack ideas sound amazing, like those Scottish cheddar and comté cheese puffs but others seem a bit weird, like the hot-and-sour brown crab mayonnaise... I mean, who needs extra sauce when you've got good ol' fashioned crab cake already? . At the same time, I get why snacks are becoming more popular, especially with purses getting tighter and all .

I think this is a game-changer for restaurants in Britain. Snacks have become super popular because diners are looking for affordable ways to try new flavors and textures without breaking the bank . It's also genius that chefs can use cheaper ingredients or offcuts to create snacks that bring in extra income . The fact that snacks offer a more informal vibe compared to starters and small plates is definitely part of their appeal . I love how restaurants like Elliot's and Other are using snacks as a way to showcase their creativity and make diners feel welcome . It's also cool how some restaurants, like Maré, are offering snacks as a way to give guests a taste of what they have to offer without committing to a full meal . Overall, I think this trend is here to stay .

I'm loving this trend of snacks in restaurants! As someone who's had their fair share of late-night munchies, I can totally see why diners are drawn to bite-sized treats that satisfy their cravings without breaking the bank .

But what really gets me is how creative chefs are getting with snack ideas. It's amazing how something as simple as a potato flatbread or cheese puff can be elevated into an art form . And let's not forget about the economics of it all – who doesn't love a good value?

I've been to restaurants where they offer these snacks, and I always end up having more fun than if I had stuck to the full meal menu . It's like the whole dining experience becomes more social and relaxed, you know? And hey, it's not just about the food – it's about enjoying life's little pleasures over a plate of snacks .

Overall, I think this trend is here to stay, and for good reason. Who needs a fancy-schmancy multi-course meal when you can have a fun, affordable snack that lets you try new flavors and textures? Not me, that's for sure!

OMG have u tried any of these new snack spots? i went to Elliot's last month and had their Isle of Mull cheese puffs they were SO good!! i love how restaurants r now using cheaper ingredients 2 make snacks that actually bring in revenue . it's all about creativity n flexibility n who doesn't love a good canapé?

Snacks are totally changing the game in restaurants rn! They're not just a filler between courses anymore, but actual meals that can satisfy our cravings without breaking the bank . I love how chefs are getting creative with offcuts and cheaper ingredients to create delicious snacks like pork crackling . It's also awesome how they're making snacking a social experience - who doesn't want to grab some cheesy puffs with friends or try a new combo of flavors? The fact that snacks can bring in extra income for restaurants is a win-win too!

I don't get it , snacks are just smaller versions of everything else already on the menu, right? Like if they've got a full meal, why do I need another bite-sized thing? But I guess when you put it like that... maybe it's about variety and trying new things without breaking the bank . And yeah, using cheaper ingredients to make snacks is kinda clever . But honestly, can't we just have a proper start, main, and dessert like normal restaurants do? It feels like snacks are just an excuse for chefs to get fancy with tiny bits of food .

I think snacks are becoming super popular in restaurants because people want to try new things without committing to a full meal. Plus, with everyone's budgets getting squeezed, snacks are like the affordable way to satisfy your cravings! It's also cool that chefs can use cheaper ingredients or offcuts to create these tasty bites... like Elliot's using pig cuts for pork crackling . And I love how some restaurants are just embracing this snack trend and making it a fun experience. Who says you need a full meal when you can just have a few amazing snacks instead?

I'm kinda surprised by this trend ... I mean, snacks are a great idea, but what about people who want a real meal? You know, like a proper main course? But at the same time, it's nice that restaurants can get creative with their food and offer something unique... or is that just a way to make you feel like you're getting a "real" meal but really you're just eating a bunch of small stuff? I mean, some of these snack options sound pretty fancy, though - like those cheese puffs filled with Scottish cheddar and comté... sounds like a nice treat . But what about when the snack runs out? Do you just get charged for something that's not even there anymore? Hmm, gotta think about this some more...

I'm loving this trend! Snacks have become like mini-movies in your mouth – they're short, sweet, and leave you wanting more . And I gotta say, the creativity is off the charts ! Who needs a traditional starter when you can have focaccia and olives or potato flatbreads with creme fraiche and trout roe? It's like a taste explosion in your mouth!

And I'm all for it – snacks are like a happy medium between eating out and staying at home, you know? They're affordable, fun, and allow you to try new flavors without breaking the bank . Plus, it's great for restaurants that want to showcase their creativity and offer something unique .

I mean, who wouldn't want to indulge in Scottish cheddar and comté cheese puffs or pork crackling? It's like a party in your mouth! And if you're feeling adventurous, try the hot-and-sour brown crab mayonnaise at Other – game-changer !

Snacks are definitely the way of the future . I'm all for it – bring on the snacks and let's get this foodie party started!

Snacks are totally changing the game in restaurants, ya know? They're like, super flexible and affordable, which is great for diners who don't wanna commit to a full meal... or who just want to try new flavors without breaking the bank . And let's be real, snacks are just more fun! I mean, who doesn't love a good canapé? It's like, the ultimate social food, you know? People are all about sharing bites and trying new things... it's a vibe . Plus, chefs get to get creative with ingredients they might otherwise waste, which is just cool . I'm loving how snacks are becoming an integral part of many dining experiences... who knew mini food could be so epic?