Three in ten Britons rush through restaurant meals due to time pressure

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 14:29 · Archive

Thirty per cent of British diners often hurry through meals when eating out, according to a poll of 2,000 adults.

Eating out in Britain has become increasingly rushed as timed booking slots and pressure to free up tables hurry customers through their meals, according to a poll of 2,000 adults. Thirty per cent of respondents said they often find themselves hurrying through a meal when eating out. A further 17 per cent admitted they felt uncomfortable lingering after finishing their meal, wanting to leave as soon as the plates were cleared.

Even setting aside time pressures, 59 per cent have found restaurants too busy and crowded to enjoy their food. The survey found that 26 per cent of Britons believe Spaniards have mastered the art of dining, with 42 per cent expressing envy at their laid-back, sociable approach to mealtimes. Twenty-seven per cent said they want to adopt more Spanish habits in their own lives.

Britons expressed particular interest in specific dining practices. Thirty per cent would like to eat small sharing plates rather than one large meal, while 21 per cent wanted extended lunches with time to properly savour every bite. Twenty-two per cent expressed interest in Sobremesa, the Spanish ritual meaning 'over the table', where diners stay long after plates are cleared to enjoy conversation and company.

Fifty-four per cent of respondents agreed that more meaningful conversations would happen if they stayed longer after eating. To facilitate this, 36 per cent would like to see restaurants extend their opening hours and encourage guests to stay longer. The poll was commissioned by Spanish wine brand Campo Viejo, which is staging a pop-up restaurant experience in Shoreditch, London, on 23rd and 24th October with chef José Pizarro, where guests pay less the longer they remain.

How it is being reported

• 3 in 10 Brits rush meals out with friends because of time pressuresEating out in Britain has become an increasingly rushed affair as timed booking slots and pressure to free up tables hurries customers through their meals.Croydon Guardian · 23 Oct, 14:10
• 3 in 10 Brits rush meals out with friends because of time pressuresEating out in Britain has become an increasingly rushed affair as timed booking slots and pressure to free up tables hurries customers through their meals.News Shopper · 23 Oct, 14:10
• 3 in 10 Brits rush meals out with friends because of time pressuresEating out in Britain has become an increasingly rushed affair as timed booking slots and pressure to free up tables hurries customers through their meals.Wandsworth Guardian · 23 Oct, 14:10

In this story: Campo Viejo · José Pizarro · Spain · London · Shoreditch · Britain

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