Hospitality venues remain a core of part of the social fabric of British society, with 69% of consumers stating the sector plays an important role in their communities, a new report from Zonal has found.
The research, carried out in partnership with CGA by NIQ and UKHospitality, uncovered the emotional, social and economic value that hospitality venues across the UK have in consumers’ lives, with three quarters (74%) agreeing that the industry needs greater support from government.
Based on a survey of 5,000 nationally representatives, the report also revealed that 67% of respondents said eating and drinking out remained as important in their social lives as it was a year ago.
When asked about a local business that holds significance for them, 66% of respondents choose a hospitality venue. More than a fifth (22%) name a pub and 15% cited a restaurant. Cafes & coffee shops (12%) and bars (7%) were also deemed important.
Among the key factors in what made a venue special was the fact that staff remember them (32%), visiting those venues is a tradition with friends and family (27%) and that it’s inclusive to everyone (26%).
While three quarters (72%) of consumers agreed the hospitality sector is a good local employer.
“The hospitality industry is well aware of the important role we play on our high streets, of the great community work we do, and that we are a fantastic employer and creator of jobs in every corner of the country. However, to see that reflected in consumer sentiment in this research is really encouraging and the sector should take heart from it,” Tim Chapman, chief commercial officer, Zonal, commented.
“The report clearly demonstrates that what our pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes and hotels offer to people is so much more than just a plate of food and something to drink. That the majority of people are still prioritising going out, even as the cost of living crisis continues to bite, clearly demonstrates the true value of the hospitality sector.”
Karl Chessell, business unit director – hospitality operators and food, EMEA, CGA by NIQ, said the research make it very clear that pubs, bars and restaurants have a very special role in people’s lives.
“The sector has a hugely important part to play in social cohesion, but that role is being compromised by the soaring costs of doing business. Consumers remain very enthusiastic about eating and drinking out, and their desire for their local venues to be protected adds extra weight to the industry’s urgent calls for targeted support,” Chessell said.
Allen Simpson, chief executive, UKHospitality, added: “This research confirms what we hear every day from our members: hospitality is more than just a business – it’s a vital part of our communities, our social lives, and our high streets.
“The public is clear: hospitality deserves greater backing, and with the right action from government, we can unlock its full potential to regenerate high streets and strengthen communities nationwide.”
