As more and more new platforms are giving consumers the ability to order food direct to their home, the takeaway industry has undergone an extreme makeover. As much as we’ve enjoyed having this option (it’s certainly made hangovers a lot easier), people are still heading out to restaurants more than ever. Granted, many of us are guilty of turning down a sit-down meal because we ‘can’t justify spending as much money as we do eating out’, only to sit on the sofa and spend the same amount on a takeaway!
Here, we will be discussing the many benefits associated with eating-out, including how it is now more affordable than we previously thought and the positive impacts eating out with friends and family has on our social lives. We will also compare the costs of eating out to ordering in. Often, eating out isn’t more expensive at all.
After a Side Order of Guilt with That?
It is clearly no cheap feat eating out every night. However, we all deserve to indulge every now and again. Working or studying, getting home, cooking, washing up, then going straight to bed can prove to be uneventful nights, ruined by monotony. Break up your week and treat yourself to a restaurant meal, it doesn’t have to be expensive (unless if you really want it to be).
Once you know what days and nights particular restaurants offer deals, save your eating-out nights for these. Look out for deals such as a ‘free bottle of wine’, ‘2-for-1’ pizzas or ‘50% off’ your food bill. Some deals are time-sensitive, so signing up to discount apps can help keep you up to date with the restaurant goings-on in your area. There’re plenty of discounts across the country to keep your eyes peeled for!
It is well-known that restaurants that do not hold their own alcohol license to allow you to bring your own! So, make use of this and save money whilst eating out by purchasing alcohol from your local shop instead. Make sure you check out corkage fees though, as each establishment has different rules on how much you can bring and how much you’ll be charged.
Just want water? Ask specifically for tap water- it’s free! If you get given a bottle of water, send it back. You don’t need to be splashing extra money on something you can get for free.
Time Well Spent with Your Loved Ones
With over 88,000 eateries in 2018, the UK Restaurant industry experienced a consumer expenditure total of £92 billion. That’s an awful lot of choice to spend some quality time with your loved ones. Yes, you could order a takeaway, but why don’t you get out of the house and try somewhere new?
But remember, put down those phones, turn off the TV and enjoy a professionally cooked meal in a cosy and comforting restaurant establishment near you. Reconnect with your family and friends and catch up while someone waits on you and brings you your food. As restaurants offer an eating experience, you’re much more likely to remember a meal out rather than a takeaway night in that blends in with the rest of forgettable evenings in the house.
To make things even better, you don’t have to clean up after! What’s not to like?
Got Foodie Requirements?
There are plenty of restaurants now available for you to eat out at, regardless if you are vegan, vegetarian, lactose-free or gluten-free. Restaurants are offering more diverse options of food now more than ever, to accompany the shifting changes in consumer demands. No longer can restaurants cope with offering only meat options, people are expecting more. Check out this list of restaurants in the UK with vegan options.
The Cost of Takeaways
According to a study, it found that getting a takeaway can cost around 67 per cent more than eating out at the same restaurant. Restaurants are earning back what they paid in commission to takeaway platforms by their menus having higher prices online than in the restaurant — Byron Burger’s signature 6oz burger costs £9.50 in the restaurant but is £10.50 online. This on top of £3 delivery costs can rack the prices up if you’re feeding a family of four. Might as well save money and go eat out for a change to use up some London Restaurant Deals that are available if you’re in the area!
Take on board these reasons as to why joining the ‘Eat Out Revolution’ is a step in the right direction! Sharpen your forks, prepare your napkins, and head out to make some food memories.