Eating out ‘the new eating in’

4 March, 2013

Rather than putting the squeeze on eating out, the prolonged economic downturn is prompting people to modestly treat themselves more often, a new survey suggests.

A poll of around 2,000 people by lastminute.com said 24% of people were going out for meals more often than they did three years ago—and a hardcore of a fifth (19%) are heading out up to four times a week. The survey found that eating out is often done for the emotional benefits—proof that restaurants can act as a pick-me-up if pitched correctly, leading to repeat visits. Discounts and other deals continue to be an important driver of visits.

Lastminute.com’s managing director Mark Maddock said: “It seems that we've reverted back to 'eating out as the new eating in' as Britons choose to dine out more and make the most of their free time with great restaurant offers available rather than spending the night in.”

Lastminute.com’s survey found that Italian is currently the most popular cuisine, followed by British, Chinese, Indian and Thai. Diners spend an average of nearly £19 a head on two courses with drinks, the poll suggested.