Restaurant industry has seen 8 per cent increase from 2019, figures show
The UK's food industry appears to be thriving despite the cost-of-living crisis – with an 8% increase in the number of places to eat compared to 2019, figures show.
The ONS data showed that last year, 150,000 eateries were operational nationwide – with cities such as London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, showing the biggest growth in new establishments.
This has also resulted in employment within the hospitality sector growing, from 1.46 million in 2019, to 1.56 million in 2021.
And it comes as a new report found that Brits feel local restaurants and hospitality spots are one of the top amenities that help to boost community spirit – falling just behind green spaces.
The Restaurant Impact Report combined ONS data, research from The Open Arms Report, and a poll of 5,000 adults, to reveal the crucial role that eateries play in local communities and wellbeing.
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One of the top benefits of local restaurants, according to those polled, is to help boost the local economy – by providing jobs (67%), encouraging spending (65%), and increasing footfall (43%), as well as encouraging people to move to the area (26%).
But three in ten (31%) also feel that restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, and other places to eat, help enhance their wellbeing – with this figure rising to 37% in London.
Two-thirds feel the pub is the best venue to go to socialise (Richard Baker/Getty Images)Over half of those polled (56%) visit their favourite hospitality spot at least once a month, with as many as 15% on first-name terms with their local restaurant staff or owners.
Other amenities that improve spirits include things like gyms and libraries (33%), good neighbours (29%), and events like village fetes (27%).
Dr Tara Swart, a leading neuroscientist, doctor, and senior lecturer, speaking about the report compiled by OpenTable, said: “There are benefits to individuals beyond the simple act of eating a meal in a restaurant.
“Dining out gives the brain a multi-sensory experience, and stimulates many different regions across the brain.
“Socialising at restaurants encourages the release of dopamine (the reward hormone), serotonin (mood), and oxytocin (bonding), which can ultimately reduce stress and make us happier.
“Novel experiences, and variation in the kinds of foods that we eat – particularly from different cultures – can contribute to the plasticity of the brain as we age, leading to improved quality of life.”
The study also found that 64% think local places to eat are important in building a sense of community, with 57% of the opinion that eating out locally brings people together.
And local village fetes are another good way to boost community spirit, according to a quarter of Brits (Andy Soloman/Universal Images Group/Getty Images)Meanwhile, 58% of those polled, via OnePoll, even went as far as to say they feel “at home” in their local eatery.
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The Restaurant Impact Report includes research from The Open Arms report, which looked at the role of pubs in tackling loneliness – and found that 64% see the venues as one of the main places to socialise, with 86% are of the belief that the whole community can suffer when a local pub closes.
The research discovered those in London (41%), Birmingham (37%), Glasgow (43%), and Manchester (40%), agreed that local restaurants, pubs, cafés, and other places to eat, are among the top three biggest enhancers of community spirit over other amenities.
But local eateries have other impacts, including on the economy – with OpenTable figures finding that dining demand has remained steady year-on-year, despite the cost-of-living crisis.
It also emerged the average diner is willing to travel 35 minutes to get to their favourite restaurant – with 64% “frequently” or “sometimes” staying in the area for other reasons, such as shopping, and/or visiting the cinema.
Robin Chiang, SVP of International Growth at the online restaurant-reservation service – which also publishes a list of Neighbourhood Gems in London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Manchester – said: “OpenTable’s Report celebrates restaurants, and the value they provide local residents and their communities.
“The hospitality that restaurants provide extends well beyond the walls of their venues, and we are pleased to shine a spotlight on all the ways they enhance our lives.”
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