UK diners splash out the most
British diners have become the most extravagant in Europe as eating-out in pubs and restaurants becomes increasingly popular in the UK, according to a report by market analyst Datamonitor. Hungry Britons spent £312 per person on eating out during 2004 with the figure predicted to hit £356 by 2009, says Datamonitor. Italians, famous food lovers, were runners up with £295 per person and the gastronomes of France registered £249 per person. Dining out has boomed in the UK as customers seek minimal-fuss meal occasions, said Daniel Bone, consumer markets analyst at Datamonitor. He said: "The time pressures of everyday life have meant that eating out in the week has become a habitual self-indulgence for many." Britons will consume three billion extra out of home meals in 2008 compared to 2003, said Datamonitor.
Duck on the Pond wins gong
Warwickshire pub the Duck on the Pond beat trendy London rival the Anchor & Hope to the Best Gastro/Restaurant Pub prize at the Charles Wells Eagle Stars Awards. The 70-cover venue secured first place ahead of Mike Belben's acclaimed Southwark gastro pub with a contemporary menu offering dishes that include smoked halibut on warm potato and lime salad (£5.95). Licensee at the Long Itchington pub Andrew Parry stressed his delight at winning. "It's a major achievement and recognises the hard work and passion we've put into the food offer at the pub." Andrew and wife Wendy have run the pub for the past 18 months after signing a 10-year lease with pub operator/brewer Charles Wells.
Pubs urged to back chip week
The British Potato Council is urging pub caterers to get involved in National Chip Week. Running from 14 to 20 February, the promotion aims to drive sales of one of the nation's favourite foods. To help pubs drive sales the BPC has created point-of-sale kits that are available free to pubs. To order a kit or for more information and ideas for National Chip Week visit www.lovechips.co.uk
Food beefs up M&B sales
Pub operator Mitchells & Butlers has credited booming food sales for a strong start to its financial year. The company, whose portfolio includes All Bar One, Harvester and Toby brands, reported a 10% rise in like-for-like food sales in the 16 weeks to 15 January at its annual general meeting. A food offer blending quality and choice ensured that Mitchells & Butlers capitalised on growing consumer confidence in pub cuisine, according to company spokesman Simon Ward. "More and more people regard going out to pubs for a meal as second nature rather than a luxury. They are looking for quality and choice, which we aim to provide in all our eateries." New dishes such as sharing platters also helped drive growth, according to Ward. He said: "We put a lot of investment into food development and that has helped us to build our market share." Mitchells & Butlers recorded a 5% overall rise in like-for-like sales across its 2,000-strong pub and restaurant estate. However, the company stressed concern over customers' financial confidence. Chairman Roger Carr said: "We have made a good start to the year, although the outlook for consumer spending is increasingly uncertain."
