Study shows sharp rise in number of people dining solo

By Liam Garrahan

- Last updated on GMT

Study shows sharp rise in number of people dining solo

Related tags Eating Restaurant

The number of single-cover reservations has risen by 110 per cent in the last two-years, according to a study by online restaurant reservations group OpenTable.

Of the 2000 people surveyed, the findings show that 87 per cent of British people would be happy to dine out on their own, with 42 per cent saying that they enjoy having time to themselves.

Body language expert and psychologist, Judi James, explains why reserving a table for one has become the fastest growing reservation trend.

“In a world where we are constantly in conversation with colleagues, clients, friends and family, either face to face or via social media, people are increasingly craving solitude,” she said.

“As a result, societal attitudes towards solo dining have changed and much of the stigma has been shed. Eating out alone is now viewed by many as a liberating, rather than lonely experience.”

OpenTable’s managing director, Mike Xenakis, claims that restaurants are better equipped for solo dining now, than they ever have been.

ʺRestaurants across the globe are increasingly accommodating the rise in dining alone by installing clever solo seating arrangements, such as; extra bar seating, counters where customers can watch chef’s work and single window seating, to enjoy a view whilst eating their meal,” he explained.

Results of the study showed that over-55s were 22 per cent more likely to book a table for one than the 18-24 age group, and that seven per cent of people would make a negative judgement on those who eat out alone.

OpenTable's best restaurants for solo diners:

  • Arbutus, London
  • Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill, London
  • Blixen, London
  • Bocca Di Lupo, London
  • Busaba Eathai, London
  • HIX Soho, London
  • L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, London
  • Lima Floral, London
  • Randall & Aubin, London
  • Riding House Café, London
  • Tsuru Bankside, London

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