Pub gardens most sought-after outdoor dining destinations

11-Jul-2023 - Last updated on 11-Jul-2023 at 09:48 GMT

Outdoor lovers: 18 to 24-year-olds spend more than other age groups when dining alfresco (credit: Getty/tirc83)

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More than half of Brits (52%) prefer to dine outdoors when they visit the on-trade with almost half of those stating it improves their mental wellbeing.

Pub gardens are the most sought-after venues for outdoor dining amongst Brits (65%), followed by waterfront restaurants (42%), according to research by online booking expert OpenTable.

Also 18 to 24-year-olds spend the most money when it comes to different age categories enjoying alfresco summer dining with 58% stating they’re more likely to spend more money on food and drink versus the UK average of 31%, and 29% say they tip more.

The study was part of OpenTable’s annual list of the UK’s 100 Most Popular Outdoor Dining Restaurants.

Brilliant opportunity

“With over half of UK diners preferring to dine alfresco this summer, it gives restaurants with outdoor seating a brilliant opportunity to elevate and make the most of their outdoor spaces,” says Robin Chiang, vice president of global sales and services, OpenTable.

The pub gardens that have made the list include:

• The Duke William Ickham, in Canterbury, Kent, which features “a fresh and local menu out in the garden, complete with panoramic views across the Ribble Valley”.

• The Black Bull, in Blackburn, Lancashire, which serves “inventive pub classics in a dog-friendly pub garden, with views of rolling fields”.

• The White Hart at Fyfield, in Oxfordshire, which is “set in a picturesque spot with a beautiful patio terrace”.

Weather is key

The survey’s data also unveiled the top reasons Brits prefer to dine outdoors: to make the most of the nice weather (80%), to take advantage of the view (71%), for the ambiance (54%) and because it improves their mental wellbeing (48%).

Meanwhile, pizza has been cited as the most popular food (39%) when dining alfresco.

Based on more than 1.3m OpenTable diner reviews, the 100 Most Popular Outdoor Dining Restaurants list includes restaurants nationwide, offering not only good food but also picturesque views.