British consumers are eating out more often despite the difficult economic conditions, although they are spending less per visit, according to a new survey by foodservice consultancy Horizons.
The survey of 2,105 people in June found that the average British adult had eaten out 2.77 times in the past two weeks, the highest frequency since December 2010 and against 2.02 times in July 2011.
Pub restaurants (19%), takeaway and home delivery outlets (17%), as well as Italian and other European restaurants, with 9% each, were the most popular venues for respondents who had eaten out in the previous two weeks. Horizons said that pub restaurants now accounting for 19% of eating out occasions, up from 18% six months ago.
However, while British people are eating out more often, spend for those who had eaten out in the past two weeks has declined and now stands at an average of £12.30 (including drinks), compared with £12.69 a year ago.
Average spend in restaurants and pub restaurants dropped to £15.46 in June 2012 from £17.00 in January 2012, while average spend on quick service dining fell from £9.60 to £7.29.
The latest survey also found that when it comes to choosing where to eat out, food quality is the most common important factor mentioned, by 78% of respondents. This was followed by price (72%), were cited as the most common reasons people eat out.
Horizons’ director of services Paul Backman said: “It is surprising, given the difficult economy and the fact that retail spending remains low, that the respondents to our survey are still eating out on a regular basis, and in fact more regularly. Pub restaurants and takeaways are the most popular choices, perhaps as diners downgrade from more expensive establishments.
“We expect the quick service and takeaway sector to receive a significant boost over the next few weeks with the start of the London Olympics, as people stay at home to watch the events and order a takeaway or food delivery,
“The fact average spend has fallen is evidence of continued cost cutting - forgoing a course, ordering a glass of wine instead of a bottle, or opting for a sharing dish. The amount of discounting in the sector has also driven down average spend. Pub restaurants, and the large chains in particular, have also been very successful in reducing their prices to improve footfall.”
The survey found that high street chains dominate when it comes to the UK’s favourite venues. In the pub restaurant sector
Wetherspoon (10%), Harvester (9%) and Brewers Fayre (8%) dominate and in Italian-style restaurants Pizza
Express (20%), Pizza Hut (14%) were the most frequently mentioned.
For other European restaurants Nando’s dominates (19%). McDonalds (45%), KFC (22%), fish and chip shops (14%) and Burger King (6%) were the most frequently mentioned fast food, eat-in options.
When choosing home delivery or take away outlets, respondents were most likely to opt for Chinese (15%), fish & chips (15%), Indian (12%) or McDonald’s (8%).
Of those that had eaten out in the past two weeks the biggest spenders were consumers in the 45-54 age group at £13.86 per head. Those aged 35-44 years spent an average of £12.99, while the over 55s spent £12.85.
Of those who had eaten out, Londoners had the highest average spend on a meal in the UK – at £14.59 - consumers in Wales were the second biggest spenders at £12.74, with those in the Midlands ranked third at £12.53. The lowest spenders were respondents in Scotland, who spent an average of £11.24 on a meal out.
