Survey shows a new customer confidence about eating out, says Raymond Blanc

Of those people, nearly 40% said they’ll dine out as soon as they can, while just over 60% said they’d dine out but would need to feel safe to do so.

The survey of almost 13,000 people was conducted by the group behind top chef Raymond Blanc’s Brasserie Blanc restaurants and The White Brasserie pubs.

When asked what would make diners feel more comfortable about visiting a restaurant or pub, the majority were focused on tables. Just over a quarter (26%) said table spacing inside and (24%) said tables available outside would make them feel more comfortable. 

Respondents were less concerned about seeing staff wearing face masks, with only 13% saying that face coverings would strengthen their confidence in eating out. The majority of respondents (62%) said they have no concerns about using restaurant cutlery, crockery and glass wear when going out to eat.

“The hospitality sector has been hit particularly hard and on both a personal and professional level, telling staff that we would have to close our doors indefinitely was very difficult indeed. It now feels like we’re starting to turn a corner with re-opening on the horizon,” says Raymond Blanc.

“This survey shows a new confidence about eating out which feels promising. We’re looking forward to welcoming customers back safely as soon as we can.”