One in four people in England have eaten out since lockdown was eased on July 4, survey says
- Some 24% of those asked by Lloyds Bank said they ate at a restaurant, cafe or bar
- People in London were most likely to have eaten out, with 31% having done so
- The Government hopes even more diners will flock dine out in the coming weeks
- Rishi Sunak last week announced VAT cuts and the Eat Out to Help Out scheme
Almost one in four people in England have eaten out since the easing of lockdown earlier this month, a survey has found.
Pubs and restaurants were given the green light to welcome back diners on July 4 and some 24 per cent took advantage in the first week alone, according to Lloyds Bank.
People in London were the most likely to have eaten out, with nearly a third (31 per cent) having done so, while those in Yorkshire and the Humber were the least likely at about one in eight (12 per cent).
Research compiled by Kitchen Stories last year found less than 18 per cent of people in the UK ate out weekly, but nearly 40 per cent did once a month.
The figures, which appear to suggest something of a post-lockdown rush, will please ministers pushing for more people to dine out and help Britain’s economic recovery, though firm conclusions can’t be drawn given the small sample size.
Nearly one in four people in England have eaten out since the easing of lockdown earlier this month, a survey has found
However, the survey of more than 1,000 people last weekend found nearly half (47 per cent) of people who have eaten out say they have already faced the awkward conversation about splitting the bill.
Not wanting to pay for more than they had eaten and salary considerations were among the reasons people thought some costs should be covered more by others.
Further research by Lloyds also found that nearly half (45 per cent) of men would be prepared to pick up the costs of eating out with a love interest, compared with just one in 10 (10 per cent) women.
It is hoped that Government initiatives such as VAT cuts and the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme will help to support the hospitality industry and encourage more diners to eat out.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced last week that diners can soon enjoy a 50 per cent discount at restaurants and pubs to help the flagging hospitality sector.
Customers can claim the reduction, up to a maximum of £10 per head, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in August at participating businesses.
These businesses will then be able to claim the money back from the Treasury.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak served food in a Wagamama restaurant last week after urging Brits to ‘eat out to help out’
Names such as Burger King have confirmed themselves as part of the scheme.
Jo Harris, managing director at Lloyds Bank, said: ‘With restaurant dinners back on the menu following the easing of lockdown restrictions, for many this could be a good time to stop and consider how our fellow diners may be feeling about the prospect.
‘Over the last few months many people’s finances have been affected in ways in which they could have never expected or prepared for; even something as seemingly innocent as arranging a meal out could now create new concerns or anxieties about money.
‘Being brave enough to have open and honest conversation about our finances could not only make all the difference to the dinnertime dynamic but it could also help people feel more in control of their money and how they are able to manage it.’