Is being cool a sign of culinary class? In the autumn of 2015 the Cereal Killer caf\xe9 in East London was attacked by protestors. They viewed it as a symbol of rapid gentrification - arguing that the cafe- which serves cereal from around the world- exemplified the rising inequality in the UK's capital. It led to some basic questions about running a food business. And the tensions between what\u2019s trendy, what\u2019s traditional and what\u2019s affordable when it comes to eating out.
But a larger discussion, about conspicuous consumerism and the so- called \u2018foodie movement\u2019 looms. In this programme from London, Sarah Stolarz explores the intersections of city living, being upwardly mobile and the pursuit of the next best meal. We look at food trends and their irresistible appeal when it comes to social media- although it turns out, no one actually likes to be called a 'foodie'. Is access to new and varied food becoming more democratic, or are social media sites glossing over the surface of the culinary class wars? And what does that have to do with the price of pineapples?
Featuring:
Alan Keery: Co-Owner, Cereal Killer Caf\xe9\nJos\u0117e Johnston: Author, 'Food, Democracy and Distinction in the Gourmet Foodscape'\nPolly Russell: Curator at the British Library\n@ClerkenwellBoyEc1\nDavid Sax: Author of 'The Tastemakers: Why we're crazy for cupcakes but Fed Up with Fondue'
Photo: multi-coloured macaroons, Credit: Thinkstock