What Brexit Means For British Diners
When it comes to eating out or taking a short break, diners and holidaymakers are more likely than ever to take advantage of the UK's vast selection of quality gourmet experiences – staying close to home and supporting British food, restaurants and hotels. That’s according to a recent survey by Gourmet-Lifestyle which found that more than 60% of those questioned said they were more likely to take an overnight stay in the UK in the next 12 months than in the past year; with most opting for two nights away at a time. And more than 70% said they were more likely to purchase British produce in the coming year than in the past.
Malmaison Belfast - Northern Ireland is one of the UK's fastest-growing tourist destinations
The survey found that the majority were dining out between once and three times a month, and were happy to indulge in a 'gourmet experience' if they felt they were receiving value for money. 40% said they would spend between £125-£199 for a hotel and breakfast for two, with 44% preferring the £50-£125 option. Most enjoyed to plan their break in advance with 44% booking more than one month ahead and 30% between two and four weeks ahead. The beautiful South West of England, with its vast range of gourmet establishments, proved to be the favourite short break destination of 30% of people, alongside Northern Ireland as a fast-growing UK destination.
Though location and price were main factors, more than half (52%) said a unique experience would encourage them to dine out or staycation in Britain more in the next year. Experiences such as cookery courses, gourmet tasting menus, wine and gin events or thrill-seeking activities were all seen as extra enticements for choosing British. Michelin stars were a draw for many with Raymond Blanc's two-star Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons (pictured in header image) named by many respondents as the ultimate gourmet experience alongside newer venues such as Lympstone Manor in Devon, headed up by chef patron Michael Caines MBE, which recently achieved its first Michelin star.
Michael Caines OBE has been awarded a Michelin star at his new Devon venue, Lympstone Manor
Gourmet-Lifestyle specialise in creating unique 'GourmetXperiences' - gourmet gifts created for the growing 'experiential market’ for high-end consumers and supporting accredited chefs and cookery schools in marketing their unique elements to help to 'make the special, extra special.' GourmetXperiences available include learning from top chefs such as Eckington Manor's Mark Stinchcombe, a former Masterchef The Professionals winner; a meet and greet with a surprise menu created by Michelin-starred chef Brad Carter in Birmingham; and a Land Rover off-road driving experience and top-class British cuisine and accommodation at The Verzon House hotel, in Herefordshire. Nationally acclaimed chefs such as Cyrus Todiwala OBE, Michael Caines MBE and Shaun Rankin along with TV Chefs are all supporting the cause and creating GourmetXperiences.
The GourmetXperiences website, which was launched early this year in response to growing demand for added-value experiences, offers once-in-a-lifetime culinary experiences for diners to enjoy personally or to gift to friends and family. Profits from selected experiences are donated to each chef or restaurant's chosen charity.