According to the latest update to the Lumina Intelligence UK Eating Out Market Report 2021, dine-in occasions grew from 70.6% in the 12 weeks ending 11 July to 74% by October; a period primarily saw hospitality venues operating without restrictions.
At the same time, delivery declined in share by 2.1% and click and collect declined by 1.5%, as consumers ate and drank out of home more often.
More than half of the UK adult population had an eating or drinking out occasion each week, peaking at 58% on the week ending 5 September, coinciding with the late August bank holiday, warm weather and increased leisure time driving a rise in out of home occasions.
Average spend increased by 8.9% over the 12 weeks from £11.01 per visit to £11.99, driven by consumers visiting higher spend channels, including restaurants and pubs and bars.
Restaurants share of total eating out occasions increase by 3.5%, from 15.3% to 18.8%; and pubs and bars increased share by 2.4%, from 15.4% to 17.8%.
The QSR channel maintains the highest share of occasions, however in the latest 12-week period it has fallen two percentage points, from 37.7% to 35.7%, driven by the 2% decline in delivery occasions.
Lunch occasions increased by 2.3% over the past quarter, with dinner occasions decreasing by 2.2%. Lunch accounted for over one-in-three (34%) eating out occasions.
“The easing of restrictions is resulting in consumers returning to more indulgent, higher ticket channels, such as pubs, bars and restaurants," says Blonnie Whist, insight director at Lumina Intelligence.
"This will come as positive news for operators, ahead of a critical festive period that is reliant on restrictions remaining eased and consumer confidence in socialising continuing to grow.
The end of Summer also coincided with many returning to the office in some capacity, which will be a key driver in the increase in lunch occasions. City centre operators, who have had a torrid 18 months will be buoyed by the steady return of workers and the increases in commuter traffic.”
