Bars and restaurants to rejuvenate high street

Bars and restaurants will play a pivotal role in tempting consumers, particularly millennials, back to the high street in 2018, according to research by consulting firm RSM.

The survey of more than 2,000 adult consumers across the UK revealed that threequarters of those questioned visit the high street to eat and drink and over two-thirds go to spend time with family and friends – turning a day’s shopping into a social experience and an experiential event.

The data mirrors recommendations made to the Scottish Government by architect Malcom Fraser’s report on Scotland’s town centres four years ago, in which he said that services needed to be brought back to town centres 0 Eating out is now seen as part of a shopping experience to help them to thrive. RSM’S study found that 72 per cent of consumers intend to spend more or the same amount on leisure and hospitality over the next 12 months, which suggests the boost to the high street will continue if the right mix of shops, bars, restaurants and leisure activities continue to thrive.