A new poll has shown a rapid rise in the number of people willing to dine alone.
Online reservation portal OpenTable said bookings for one have by 110% in the last two years and that 87% of those polled said they would eat out alone.
The research shows perceptions are also beginning to change, with only 7% of Brits saying they would negatively judge someone they saw dining alone.
The poll of 2,000 showed the people of Wolverhampton are the most likely to dine out alone, with 76% admitting they already have. Residents of Gloucester are yet to embrace the new trend, with just 27% admitting they have booked a table for one. Additionally, the research showed that those over the age of 55 are 22% more likely to dine out alone compared to younger diners (18-24).
A total of 46% of those surveyed said they would pass the time by reading a book, while 36% said they would play with their phone. Women (5%) are almost twice as likely as men (3%) to pretend they are waiting for someone to join them.
Judi James, a psychologist and body language expert, said: “It is no surprise that eating out alone is fast becoming an attractive idea. In a world where we are constantly in conversation with colleagues, clients, friends and family, either face to face or via social media, people are increasingly craving solitude. As a result, societal attitudes towards solo dining have changed and much of the stigma has been shed. Eating out alone is now viewed by many as a liberating, rather than lonely experience.”
Mike Xenakis, managing director of OpenTable, said: ʺRestaurants across the globe are increasingly accommodating the rise in dining alone by installing clever solo seating arrangements, such as; extra bar seating, counters where customers can watch chef’s work and single window seating, to enjoy a view whilst eating their meal.”
