Two-thirds of public opt to eat out over other leisure activities

Almost two-thirds of the population would choose to go out for a meal at a pub or restaurant rather than going to the cinema or theatre, according to a new survey.

The research, by American Express, was released today at the launch of National Restaurant Week, which runs until May 20.

It found that 62 per cent of respondents would prefer to go out for a meal to mark a special occasion, than partake in any other leisure activity.

What's more, British food is the top choice for consumers when eating out, with 29 per cent saying they preferred it to Chinese food (21 per cent) and Italian food (20 per cent).

And despite Britain's so-called love affair with curry, the survey found that only 13 per cent of respondents said Indian food was their favourite choice of food when eating out.

But licensees might want to bear in mind that pub food is more popular with married and co-habiting couples (32 per cent) than their single counterparts (13 per cent) when they are marketing their offers.

Britons spend almost £20bn on eating out each year, according to Ian McKerracher, chief executive of the Restaurant Association.

He said that National Restaurant Week was particularly important this year because of how the hospitality and tourism trade had suffered due to foot-and-mouth and September 11.

He told thePublican.com: "Pubs are very important when it comes to eating out as often they are the cornerstone of British community.

"National Restaurant Week is about eating out, whether this is in a pub or a restaurant."