The countdown to the King’s Coronation has begun. Sandwiched nicely between two bank holiday weekends, the ceremony takes place on Saturday 6 May and is set to bring friends and family together, and provide a welcome boost to the economy as we saw with last year’s Jubilee celebrations.
We might be marking a new beginning for the Royal family but celebrations will be steeped in tradition – think Union Jack bunting, street parties, crowding around TV sets and of course, Great British gourmet.
Trends set on these occasions can last lifetimes. “Pulet reine Elizabeth” was crowned the signature dish for Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953 which soon became known as coronation chicken and is still a popular salad or sandwich filling 70 years later. Made from an Indian-inspired creamy curry sauce, the coronation creation was credited to food writer Constance Spry and chef Rosemary Hume who prepared it for the Queen’s coronation banquet.
In preparation for The King’s Coronation, operators are starting to roll out the red carpet for themed products inspired by royal recipes.
M&S have launched a coronation coleslaw, perfect for summer BBQs, picnics and parties. Meanwhile, Costa Coffee is celebrating with a coronation chicken toastie and Dickinson & Morris launches the King’s Coronation Pie made with only the finest outdoor-bred British pork, pheasant, chestnut and madeira jelly.
The King’s quiche
This year, the “official” King’s Coronation dish is a quiche made with spinach, broad beans and tarragon. Again another great sharing dish to suit get-togethers and outdoor dining but will this recipe last the test of time like coronation chicken?
Great British classics
While operators reveal new concepts for the coronation, other traditional treats will continue their reign of popularity as the nation celebrates. Think scones with clotted cream and jam (we’ll let you debate which goes first), afternoon tea, Victoria sponge, Bakewell tarts and anything brandishing a Union Jack flag!
Since lockdown ended, consumers continue to make up for lost time, making every occasion count and food is often at the heart of these celebrations. If you’re looking for recipe inspiration to give your customers the royal treatment, click here.