A recent online survey of 2194 consumers by YouGov for Eating Out-Look has reported further growth for the eating out market, with all regions showing recovery for the first time since 2008.
The poll found that 71% of people had eaten out in the past two weeks, a 3% increase on the same period last year. The age group with the biggest spend was 35-44 year olds at an average of £15.94 (up 75p compared to last year).
Standout regions for growth in the poll included the North and the East where people are now reporting that they eat out more frequently than respondents based in London, Wales was also another area showing above average growth.
Whilst this is great news for the hospitality industry it is felt that in the coming year consumers will still be focusing on value for money and operators such as Wetherspoon’s will continue to do well. The high end restaurant sector is also still reporting growth meaning the operators likely to be affected most will be the ones caught in the middle of the pricing range.
