Consumers are increasingly dining out with more going to restaurants, pubs, and bars, according to the latest Lumina Intelligence UK Eating Out Market Report released this week.
The proportion of out-of-home occasions that were purchased and consumed on-premise increased to 74% in the 12 weeks to 3rd October, compared to 71% in the previous period, and over half of the UK adult population had an eating or drinking out occasion each week.
The report also shows that average spending increased by 8.9% in the latest 12 weeks, from £11.01 per visit to £11.99. The report said this was driven by consumers visiting higher spend channels, including restaurants, pubs, and bars.
Restaurants increased their share of total eating out occasions from 15.3% to 18.8%, while pubs and bars increased their share from 15.4% to 17.8%. Lunch accounted for over a third of eating out occasions.
Blonnie Whist, insight director at Lumina Intelligence said, “The easing of restrictions is resulting in consumers returning to more indulgent, higher ticket channels, such as pubs/bars and restaurants. This will come as positive news for operators, ahead of a critical festive period that is reliant on restrictions remaining eased and consumer confidence in socialising continuing to grow.
“The end of summer also coincided with many returning to the office in some capacity, which will be a key driver in the increase in lunch occasions. City centre operators, who have had a torrid 18 months will be buoyed by the steady return of workers and the increases in commuter traffic.”