What food would our grandparents have eaten? - Presentation

The eating habits and culinary experiences of our grandparents' generation in the UK were markedly different from today's fast-paced, fast-food culture. This presentation delves into the kinds of meals and food shopping experiences that would have been familiar to them. For instance, the concept of fast-food outlets, such as burgers, pizzas, kebabs, and fish and chips, is explored. While the first McDonald's in the UK opened its doors in 1974, it was not an immediate fixture in every town, and many grandparents might remember their first taste of McDonald's or an earlier fast-food chain called Wimpey. The presentation also touches on the quintessential British Sunday lunch, typically featuring roast meat like beef, lamb, or pork, as chicken was less common then, accompanied by potatoes and vegetables with gravy. This meal was a staple in many households and often served as a family gathering occasion.

Reflecting on the evolution of food shopping in the UK, the presentation highlights the transition from corner shops to supermarkets. Corner shops were once the mainstay of British food shopping, with families placing orders on slips of paper for home delivery and the option of paying over time. However, this landscape began to shift when Jack Cohen pioneered the self-service supermarket model, offering goods at lower prices by buying in bulk and reducing staff numbers. This change significantly altered the way people shopped for food. The presentation encourages students to engage with their grandparents about their memories of these times, including their first experiences with fast-food restaurants, traditional fish and chip shops, and the advent of self-service supermarkets, painting a vivid picture of a bygone era in British culinary history.