2022 seated dining numbers pass pre-pandemic levels
Opentable found that British and Italian cuisines were the most popular. Vietnamese and Irish cuisine were the top trending cuisines, seeing rises of 197% and 185% respectively
The number of seated diners in UK restaurants increased 19% last year when compared with 2019 and increased 50% compared to 2021, according to data from Opentable.
Valentine’s Day saw the biggest increase of diners, with numbers almost doubling compared with 2019 and seeing a 137% increase compared with 2021.
The survey discovered that Sheffield and Southampton were the places with the biggest increase in diners compared with 2019, increases of 210% and 156% respectively. Edinburgh, Windsor and Bolton were the next biggest risers all with increases of over 100%.
Opentable found that British and Italian cuisines were the most popular. Vietnamese and Irish cuisine were the top trending cuisines, seeing rises of 197% and 185% respectively.
Lucy Taylor, VP, EMEA, Opentable said: “The UK dining industry continues to face a number of headwinds such as increasing costs and staffing challenges, but the latest OpenTable data shows that diners remain committed to dining out, supporting restaurants and experiencing what this diverse and creative industry has to offer.
“After the tough conditions of the pandemic, it’s reassuring that reservations are increasing and cities across the UK are emerging as new gastronomic destinations. At OpenTable, we are committed to showcasing the fantastic options the hospitality industry has to offer. So whilst we know restaurateurs are still facing challenges, we remain optimistic for 2023.”
