Public diners are state-supported restaurants which offer nutritious price-capped menus. They operated in the UK under the banner of ‘British restaurants’.
At their peak in 1940s and 50s there were approximately 2,500 of these operating throughout the UK (nearly twice the current number of McDonald’s). Similar models can be found in other countries, for instance Mexican Wellbeing Public Diners or German and Dutch Mensas.
A spokesperson for Nourish Scotland said: “We have public transport, libraries, housing, a public health system, but there is very little public infrastructure around food. We need an institution that supports us to eat, and eat well. This is both necessary and urgent.”
Nourish Scotland is hosting an event titled ‘Public Diners: Infrastructure for a Good Food Nation’ on Thursday 1st February 2024. The event will:
- Get inspiration from the 1940s' British Restaurants and other examples
- Discuss the benefits public diners could deliver for our health, economy, social security, social cohesion and climate
- Work out a model for a public diner - menu, food sourcing, service and more
- Get the chance to experience and review a prototype public diner menu