Jump directly to the content
'TRUE CLASSIC'

Iconic 1970s dish making surprise comeback as Brits return to hosting dinner parties

PRAWN cocktails are making a comeback — as Brits return to hosting ’70s-style dinner parties.

Half say they now ask friends round for a meal, with three-quarters of those keen to dress up for the occasion.

Dinner parties are making a comeback in Britain in a response to the drabness of lockdown
2
Dinner parties are making a comeback in Britain in a response to the drabness of lockdownCredit: Getty
Prawn cocktails go back to the 19th century and they enjoying a revival
2
Prawn cocktails go back to the 19th century and they enjoying a revivalCredit: Alamy

One in three menus kick off with the classic prawn and lettuce dish, in Marie Rose sauce, with lamb and cheesecake favourites to follow.

Chef Chris Trafford, 26, from Brighton, said: “You can’t go wrong with a prawn cocktail – it’s a true classic.

"I add a bit of Tabasco to give mine a bit of a kick.”

Some historians claim shrimp cocktails date from the late 19th century US.

Serving it in a cocktail glass is said to be linked to 1920s booze prohibition.

Its revival is revealed in a poll by TK Maxx and HomeSense.

Researchers say formal dinner parties are a reaction to the drabness of lockdown.

Some 43 per cent of hosts light candles, 37 per cent display fresh flowers, 31 per cent lay out crisp white tablecloths, and 29 per cent provide ice buckets.

Eleven per cent go even further and use cocktail shakers while a similar proportion have wine decanters and a drinks trolley.

A spokesman for the retailers said: “It’s so great to see dinner parties back on the menu and that people are keen to make them something special.”

Topics