7th July 2020

Pubs and restaurants re-opening on 4 July has prompted a number of concerns, with health bosses urging hospitals to plan for surges in A&E admissions ‘similar to that of New Year’s Eve’, and additional police officers being deployed on Saturday night.

 

However, new research from Bakkavor shows there are likely to be more people who will be popping over to friends for a meal than stepping out for a drink or for dinner this weekend. 

 

The results showed that 19% of people said they had plans to go out for drinks within the first three weeks of lockdown restrictions being eased, and 16% had plans to dine out. By contrast however, 27% said they had plans to have friends over for dinner in the same timeframe.

 

The research also showed that younger people were as likely to be nervous of stepping out too soon as older generations. Just one in seven of people aged under 35 (14%)  felt it would be safe to go out for drinks in the first three weeks, slightly below those over 55 (17%). Similarly, this age group was as likely to have plans to cook for friends coming over as any other (26% Vs. national average of 27%).

 

By region, those most likely to have plans to cook for friends and loved ones in the next three weeks were people in the North East (30%) and London (26%), while those in the South West were the most likely have plans to go out for a drink (23%). 

 

 

Mike Edwards, Chief Operating Officer UK, at Bakkavor commented: “The gradual easing of restrictions is a moment for us to cautiously celebrate. In unprecedented times, this is an important milestone that we have achieved, and has felt like a long time coming. With Britain adjusting to the prospect of gradually easing out of lockdown, people are gravitating towards the things they missed the most during home isolation – enjoyable meal experiences and their friends. And of course, for many people, the two are intrinsically connected.

 

“As we ease out of lockdown, it’s understandable that food shopping habits will switch from tinned and frozen foods and to fresh and tasty items people have missed and cooking for others. We expect this to be reflected in shopping baskets as people begin to enjoy again the simple pleasures of a meal in the company of the family and friends they have missed so much during lockdown.”