‘Nearly 70% of Brits to order in on Valentine’s Day’ in boost for hard-hit hospitality, new survey suggests

Valentine’s Day is usually a big one for hospitality. Lovers around the country head to their local restaurants and bars, splashing out the cash for an intimate meal on what is billed as the most romantic day of the year.

And although the country will still be locked down this February 14, a new report from industry analysts CGA has revealed that nearly 70% of Britons are still planning on getting a special meal from their favourite local eatery, or cocktail delivery from their go-to bar - with one in eight people surveyed saying that they have already booked in their order.

Around 13% said they are planning to snap up a restaurant’s “make at home” meal kit - a welcome statistic for restaurateurs who have spent long hours putting together kits for sale that will entice novice chefs to attempt to recreate a version of their in-house meals, and bring in much-needed revenues.  

CGA said it also found that 58% planning to celebrate the day said they intended “to treat themselves to more expensive food than they usually have at home”, with 44% planning to buy more expensive drinks and drinks brands than usual.

The expert analysts said that, as a result, St Valentine’s Day is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the hard-hit sector next month.

And with 37% of those surveyed saying that they are planning to delay marking Valentine’s Day until they can do so in a pub or restaurant, analysts said “there is also likely to be a release of pent-up demand for romantic occasions after the end of lockdown”.