Food as a leisure pursuit, a United Kingdom perspective

As leisure and tourism activities have increased among the public this is reflected in their food interests. In terms of leisure, food has become a focus and motivation. An historical perspective shows how interests in food and leisure have evolved from early twentieth-century conspicuous consumption, to food destinations, and celebrations. The hospitality industry frequently presents food as something contemporary, yet often with references to the past. Extensive media coverage and digital access to information have contributed to the high profile of food as a leisure activity. This is contrasted with early twentieth-century guidebooks which through text encouraged the consumption of food as leisure. Such developments are evident in the growth of food consumed at the destination, and brought home as a gift. Period guidebooks, travel journals, and postcards are utilized to show how food was of interest to consumers in the early twentieth century. These are contrasted with today's technologies which provide instantaneous sources of information about food.