Punters cut down on eating out

Consumers are eating out less in order to save money, a survey has found.

Some 27% of the 1,000 consumers surveyed by Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) said the conditions of the credit crunch meant they were making fewer visits to pubs, restaurants and take-away eateries.

The survey reported that 60% thought their household will be worse off in the next 12 months.

In order to save money, some 46% said they will eat out less, 13% will spend less at the same restaurants and 11% will eat out in cheaper restaurants. A fifth said they would stop eating out altogether.

David Trunkfield, a director at PwC, said restaurants were in a good position to face the challenges of the credit crunch. Comparing current conditions to those during the recession of the early 1990s, he said: "There is a wider range of restaurants this time around and much wider choice of casual dining options for consumers."

"Eating out used to be a more formal, three course meal but is now a habit for many consumers enjoying affordable choice. The credit crunch will not change the course of this cultural behaviour."

Jon Howard, press officer for the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) told More Than Business News that pubs must diversify in order to survive.

"Some landlords in recent years have offered free coach transport to their pubs, complimentary soft drinks for drivers, and a whole array of clubs, socials and fun-evenings for locals," he said.

"A few pubs in rural areas have amalgamated local facilities such as the butcher, green grocer and the post office into the same building as the pub, with one pub-owner even allowing a local hair dresser to come in and serve her punters on a set afternoon."