Four in 10 people happy to spend up to 22% more on food and drinks after coronavirus, poll finds

Fifth of Britons think their local pub means more to them than before

People are willing to pay 10 per cent more for a pint to help the hospitality sector — with Londoners willing to pay 22 per cent extra — following the fallout of coronavirus, a new poll has found. 

A survey of 2,000 UK adults has revealed almost four in 10 (37 per cent) would spend more on food and drinks than they would at the start of the year.

Overall, people are prepared to pay 11 per cent more for a Sunday roast and 10 per cent more for a pint.

However, city dwellers in London will accept the highest increase per pint (22 per cent), followed by those in the North East (15 per cent).

The research, by Barclaycard Payments, surveyed consumers and hospitality workers on the impact the pandemic has had on their day-to-day life.

Konrad Kelling, head of small business at Barclaycard Payments, said: “While the hospitality industry is undoubtedly facing a challenging road ahead, it’s heartwarming to see how committed the great British public is to supporting their local pubs and restaurants.

“Whether that’s by accepting higher prices for food and drink or by increasing the amount they tip hardworking staff."

Despite measures in some areas of the country preventing customers popping into their local pub for a drink, it is clear the watering holes are valued in their communities.

A fifth (20 per cent) of British adults think their local pub means more to them than before.

The increased value felt by customers during this time has been put down to the appreciation of hardworking staff (43 per cent), concerns for the future of pubs within the community (41 per cent) and the opportunity for social interactions where possible (32 per cent).

It has also led to one in four Britons (26 per cent) continuing to visit pubs at least once a week where they can.

Those that are able to are returning after missing their local pub (32 per cent), supporting businesses who have suffered lost revenue (27 per cent) and to help give a boost to the economy (24 per cent).

Those aged between 18 and 34 were found to be most eager to support their local pubs and restaurants, with almost half (48 per cent) open to higher prices and over a third (34 per cent) now likely to increase the amount they tip for staff.

Matt Tebbutt, chef and broadcaster, said: “The hospitality sector could never have been ready for what has happened over the past six months.

“But, having spent so much time working in the industry and of course visiting many venues regularly as a customer — I never doubted that the staff and customers would do their best to help keep these businesses open.

“While we should all keep safety as a priority , it’s important that those of us who can do our bit to help the locals we love.”

SWNS