Average cost of eating out drops for first time in over decade

The average cost of eating out in London has dropped for the first time in more than a decade, according to the 2010 Zagat London Restaurants survey.

The survey includes ratings and reviews of 1,166 eateries in the city and surrounding areas as voted on by over 5,000 local restaurant goers. These surveyors ate out an average 2.2 times per week, totaling over 630,000 meals per year.

From 1997 to 2009 the average cost of a meal fell by a marginal 0.4% from £40.55 to £40.39. Also, the number of meals eaten out per week dropped from 2.5 in our last survey to 2.2 this year.

When asked what effect the economy has had on their dining habits, surveyors confirm this as bad news for restaurateurs: they are eating out less (41%), eating in less expensive places (36%), being more price sensitive (34%), and cutting back on alcohol, appetizers and desserts (13%).

Tim Zagat, chief executive officer and co-founder of Zagat Survey, commented on these findings: "Londoners' dining habits have clearly changed. Quite simply, they are being more careful with their money."

"Although eating out less, our surveyors still take out or eat out 43% of their weekly lunches and dinners, an indication that dining in London is a part of the culture, a part of everyday life – even in these difficult times."

Meanwhile Gordon Ramsay at 68 Royal Hospital Road took Top Food honors in this year's Zagat survey. His restaurants also scored Nos. 2 and 3 for Popularity (displacing Richard Caring's Ivy and J. Sheekey).

Meanwhile Murano, located in Mayfair and headed Angela Hartnett, was voted Top Newcomer and Wagamama continues its status as this year's Most Popular restaurant.

Words: Maria Bracken

« Back to previous page