Why we’re fed up with dining out

THE delights of dining out seem to have worn off – because we are far more fussy about the food, service and decor.

Only only 72 per cent of Britons are happy with the quality of dishes they are served in restaurants and cafes, a study found. That compares with 81 per cent in the 1990s, before the rise in ‘foodies’.

And the percentage content with service has fallen from 65 to 57 in the past 20 years, while only 56 per cent said they received value for money.

People are also less likely to enjoy the company and conversation of those they take to dinner. Manchester University’s Professor Alan Warde, co-author of the research, said: ‘We see that people are generally less satisfied with the last meal they ate in a restaurant.’

They were now more likely to eat out with their family, rather than just their partner or just friends, the British Sociological Association’s annual conference in Newcastle will hear today.