Thoughts For 2012

It's that time of year again - when some people try to predict what will be THE next big thing for 2012! Media writers and celebrities alike all try to draw on past experience and some inner knowledge to predict new trends for the next year. Some will be safe and certain, probably to increase the hit rate others will be outrageous all in the name of looking modern and 'with it'.

So 2012 predictions could be hinged on names of children - Lily Allen has just named her little one Ethel - so we could predict a run on traditional names like our elderly relatives have such as Mavis, Albert and Doreen.  Or inversely babies names may become more wild and nonsensical like Mustang, Popcorn and Edam, who knows?

2012 predictions for hospitality and catering may be much of the same as last year, whilst all businesses struggle to cope with the lull in trade due to the economic situation. Customers are still attracted to chains and big name restaurants and diners appreciate those restaurants who provide offers and special deals on hospitality. In fact it has become a little bit of a honey pot where vouchers seem to be the mainstay of some hospitality companies trade. So how can these chain pub diners,bistros and pizza restaurants offer customers a great deal without always having to offer discounts or voucher deals? I think that that will continue to be a challenge for all hospitality outlets in 2012 from hotels to restaurants and pub diners alike. Obviously this year we have many extra occasions to encourage trade for hospitality from the Olympics to the Queens Diamond Jubilee and making the most of these occasions will be the key for many restaurants and hotels.

There have been trends in retail that may also spill over to the hospitality industry where customers who are looking to dine out don't need vouchers or price busting menus for encouragement. Rather they are looking to be treated differently whilst dining or staying in a hotel. This may be a menu that offers something a little different from well cooked homely meals to the exotic dishes of holiday destinations. It may be value added in the form of little extras such as spa treatments, days out at visitor attractions or a locally inspired menu choice. Discerning diners and guests may just want to be treated to a little good old fashioned quality service alongside pretty table linen and affable staff.

2012 predictions may include an increase in tea shops on the high street (although this was predicted by some in 2011). Our nation has been taken over with all the trendy coffee shops and pavement cafes with a nod towards Italy and France. And so maybe this year our trends will be more home spun and time-honoured in theme with a trend towards traditional tea shops, pickles and preserves and make do and mend. A return of the traditional tea shop and afternoon tea and cakes would be welcome in my world! If you wonder how popular could it be? just pop along to a National Trust property and see for yourself.