This post is in conjunction with tastecard but all thoughts are my own.
Returning to normality after the pandemic has been a little strange, hasn’t it? We are eating out once again with friends and family and the restaurant industry has seen a huge boom.
Following each lockdown there has been a huge increase in the number of people dining out – despite these people still having worries. Weekends are still busy for many eateries although there has been a dip in bookings throughout the week. Restaurants have also seen an increase in people booking in advance, compared to before the pandemic.
Because we spent so long not being able to make plans, people seem to be planning more in advance and booking the places they most want to spend their time.
But how have I found eating out since the pandemic, what things have changed and what are people looking for?
People Are Looking To Save Themselves Money – Including Me!
With plenty of pre planning comes the need and desire to save money – getting 2 for 1 dining from tastecard where members can save around £18.88 per meal. There are plenty of popular chains such as Zizzi, Bella Italia and Pizza Hut. But you can also find plenty of local indie restaurants in your local area too!
They can also take advantage of the many other fantastic Member Perks too – Merlin attractions, cinema discounts and so much more!
I’m Looking For Specific Types Of Food
When we go out to eat – whether as a family or if I am heading out with friends, I find myself looking for specific types of cuisine rather than places that service a bit of everything.
It seems others are the same with 1/4 more diners searching for Chinese restaurants since the pandemic, a doubled interest in Italian restaurants and a massive 222% more people searching for Japanese restaurants in 2022!
There are many different types of cuisine available on tastecard and we love taking advantage of the fantastic discounts. Our particular favourites have to be Chinese, Indian and Italian and these seem to be very popular with others too.
Before the pandemic, we used to opt more for places that served a variety of different cuisines to keep everyone happy – but we have found ourselves being more selective in our choices since the lockdowns ended. We have been able to do this more thanks to tastecard as it has enabled us to try more cuisines without breaking the bank.
We Don’t Eat Out As Much
Before the pandemic, we used to eat out quite a lot. It was one of our favourite things to do. It was quite the shock when the first lockdown hit and all these things we were so used to doing ground to a halt.
When we were able to get back out to eat again, we were more selective as I mentioned before – after months of not being able to go out to eat, we wanted the time we spent eating out together to be a little more special.
These are just a few of the ways our eating out habits have changed, both personally and as a country. Have your habits changed at all?