- Restaurants, cafés, bars and pubs to see summer boost from Brits’ dining habits as summer approaches and weather warms up
- The average UK adult will spend nearly £300 (£298.35) on dining out at restaurants, cafés, bars and pubs during the summer months.
As summer fast approaches, new research1 from American Express shows the impact that summer, and good weather, will have on Brits’ dining habits, boosting the hospitality industry.
Good weather plays a big part in Brits’ dining decisions. 30% of UK adults say they spend more on food and drink at restaurants, cafés, bars and pubs when the weather is sunny. In the sunshine the average UK adult plans to spend 5% more than usual, per visit, while over a quarter (26%) say they will stay out longer eating and drinking.
Looking at summer more broadly, the research also found that nearly half (48%) of UK adults are more likely to dine out during the summer months compared with the rest of the year. Over half (55%) of UK adults plan to dine out at least once a week during the summer months, while 18% of UK adults are planning to dine out twice a week or more. The average UK adult will spend nearly £300 (£298.35) on dining out at restaurants, cafés, bars and pubs during the summer months.
Enjoying longer days (47%) and making the most of al fresco dining (i.e. sitting outside – 37%) are important factors driving increased dining during summertime.
Dave Edwards, Vice President, American Express: “Our latest research shows how Brits prioritise eating out whenever sunny weather allows it. Whether it’s pizza on a restaurant’s terrace, or a pint in a pub garden, over a quarter (26%) of UK adults say they will stay out longer eating and drinking in sunny weather. We know our Cardmembers enjoy dining out and socialising all year round and will make the most of this on the fast-approaching sunny days, earning rewards as they do so.”
Al-fresGO
Given Brits’ love of the sun, it’s no surprise that nearly half (48%) of UK adults are planning to dine al fresco at least once a week this summer, with 17% doing so at least twice a week.
Pub power
And when the sun is shining, Brits said there’s no better place to be than the pub, with over a quarter (28%) of UK adults stating that pub gardens are their venue of choice on a sunny day. Gen Z buck this trend, instead favouring restaurants (30%) in the sunshine.
American Express is giving venues in London and Manchester the chance to apply for a share of £220,000 to help grow their business this year through its Backing International Small Restaurants grant programme.
Restaurant owners in London and Manchester can learn more about the programme, eligibility and apply for the grant at downtown.org/foundation. The deadline for applications is 30 May 2024.