1980s

Overview

In this episode, the family and their home are transported to the hi-tech 80s, with a gadget-filled kitchen including a microwave the size of a small car. Presenter Giles Coren and food historian Polly Russell use the national food survey, an extraordinary collection of food diaries, to guide the family's diet and introduce them to the culinary treats and trends of the decade. Technology takes centre stage, enabling the family to microwave an entire roast dinner, make their own fizzy drinks and produce the very latest in culinary fashion - a cheese and ham toastie. Outside the home, novelty comes thick and fast with the arrival of the pre-packed sandwich, the rise of both nouvelle cuisine and the fast-food chains and a host of new tastes and flavours from around the globe now available at their local supermarket.