In 2011 Burger & Lobster took the UK by storm. Now, its creators are rolling out the same affordable luxury in the form of Rex & Mariano, a fish restaurant that cuts out the middle man. Aiming to serve quality plates at palatable prices it replaces waiters with iPads. Will it be as successful?

From ramen shops to sushi stands, there’s no doubt that eating out is big business in Japan. But authentic, local dining is off-limits to many foreigners due to the formidable language barrier that persists outside major cities. Could an app get tourists to pick up the chopsticks?

Eating out is no longer just about food and drink. Innovations from apps that trace ingredients to fast-track ordering are shaping service expectations. But can too much seem gimmicky? And should restaurants concentrate on mastering quality ingredients rather than the latest tech?

Keen for a few but can’t face the queue? The traditional British pastime of going down the pub is waning as impatient drinkers are opting to raise a glass at home. Could the introduction of self-service beer stations restore the pub to its former glory? PourMyBeer thinks so. Is DIY drinking about to replace the barman?