As recently reported in the Daily Express, diners are more frequently requesting a table for one according to research undertaken by guest experience management experts HospitalityGEM. With one in four people eating out alone at least once a month the largely untapped market for single diners is becoming a significant one.
Work + dining
The biggest reason for this increase in demand is for work related reasons, as individuals are working longer hours and need to combine this with dining. These stats increase amongst men aged between 35 and 45, with their favoured destinations being casual dining restaurants, especially those with Wi-Fi and power sockets available enabling them to work whilst dining.
Restaurants and bars targeting lone diners
With the introduction of new restaurants and bars in London that are intentionally targeting lone diners, it is clear restaurants are beginning to stand up and notice this shift in eating habits as it becomes increasingly common and socially acceptable to dine alone. Consideration of single diners is even more important in the south of UK where 74 per cent of those surveyed have eaten out alone in the last month, compared to 57 per cent in the north of the country.
Steven Pike, Managing Director of HospitalityGEM comments: “This research confirms what we have been noticing across our clients for a while. People’s work life balances are becoming merged and the need to blend dining with working has become more common, and the social acceptability of this has increased in turn. It is therefore important for operators to look at their sites and see what they can do to make them more attractive to those who may visit alone.”
About HospitalityGEM
HospitalityGEM is the UK’s leading expert in Guest Experience Management (GEM). The company provides hospitality operators with tools for intelligence gathering, guest engagement and staff learning, working closely with them to help generate revenue growth through effective GEM.
With a personal approach and modern software, HospitalityGEM services include Mystery Guest visits, Online Feedback, Social Advocacy, Performance Analysis and Learning Management. Clients include Wagamama, Brasserie Blanc, Spirit Pub Company, Malmaison and Peach Pubs.
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