The government’s Eat Out To Help Out initiative seems to be having the desired effect, with restaurants reportedly having their busiest Monday of the year so far.*

This will no doubt be some positive music to the ears of those in the industry.

What do those who have already returned think of post-lockdown dining?

Nearly half of UK diners think that the atmosphere is worse than pre-lockdown (41.5%), with only 16.5% feeling it is better (see graph 1).

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So what could improve the restaurant atmosphere?

One third of all restaurant goers think the atmosphere would be improved by music (32%), a trend that is also true amongst those who specifically think that the atmosphere is worse than pre-lockdown (35%). See graph 2.

Also, one third of those who feel that the atmosphere would be improved by music are in the 25-34 age bracket (30.7%).

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Thoughts from Startle CEO, Adam Castleton

“Increased demand assisted by the Eat Out To Help Out scheme (and the Great British weather) is an opportunity for Operators to change customer perceptions. The importance of operating a safe environment is crucial, but it's equally important to show customers they can still have a good time eating out. Getting the atmosphere right is essential, and doing that now will help to keep customers coming back like before.”

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Surveys carried out July 2020. Sample size (n)  >1000 people, UK Nat. Rep. with 95% confidence level & margin of error of +/- 5%.

*Daily Mail article: ‘Pubs and restaurants had their busiest Monday of the year’ 5th August 2020