Summary
Rising costs and a decrease in disposable incomes in the UK are making dining out less common. Restaurants face higher costs for things like food and energy, causing many to increase prices or even close. This has led to fewer people eating out as often.
Key Facts
- James Deegan, a 27-year-old caregiver from Crewe, says meal prices have increased significantly, affecting how often he can eat out.
- The cost of living crisis in the UK has reduced people's disposable income, affecting their social activities like dining out.
- Hospitality businesses face challenges from both rising costs and reduced customer spending.
- The number of restaurants in the UK declined by nearly 20% from December 2019 to December 2025, according to Hospitality Market Monitor.
- A YouGov report found that 38% of surveyed Brits are eating out less frequently than they did a year ago due to price increases.
- Petrit Velaj, who owns a Greek restaurant in Manchester, reports that running costs have risen, impacting profitability.
- Many restaurants spend over half of their income on taxes and are left with limited funds for other expenses like wages and utilities.
