Brits put food dates back on the menu

New research has revealed that, even during lockdown, British couples enjoyed three food-based dates per month. After 16 months of intermittent lockdown, a recent survey from St Pierre found that food is still at the heart of the nation, with interesting insights for foodservice operators.

It showed that meal occasions have changed dramatically over the past 12 months, driving growth in the breakfast and brunch market. Almost a quarter of Brits believe that a date over breakfast or brunch would help keep the atmosphere casual; one in 10 actually prefer it to any other mealtime for a date; and 46% have opted for a breakfast or brunch date.

Paul Baker, founder of St. Pierre, said: “This is great insight for key occasions. Valentine’s Day next year might be more about breakfast than a romantic evening meal – why not capitalise on that and review menus to suit?

“If almost half the nation are dating at breakfast or brunch, then there’s a missed opportunity in not elevating your menu to cater to these occasions. Savvy businesses will look for products that are versatile enough to deliver for breakfast, lunch, brunch or dinner.”

Elsewhere in the in the research, two-thirds of Brits believe that a first date should always include food. The rise of street food experiences in the UK has meant that 27% are heading to food markets, while 25% choose to romance their partners at a food festival.


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