Solo Diners in Chophouse Bar & Restaurant

Sep262014
Solo Diners in Chophouse Bar & Restaurant

The number of solo diners is increasing and if restaurants fail to make these customers feel comfortable they could miss out on a growing portion of the UK's eating-out market.

Solo diners need to be made more welcome says local restaurant 

The number of solo diners is increasing and if restaurants fail to make these customers feel comfortable they could miss out on a growing portion of the UK’s eating-out market. 

Of the 26.4 million households in the UK in 2013, 29% of these consisted of only one person and it seems that in our modern times people are less concerned about eating out alone.  A study by O2 earlier this year found that 53% of diners are happy to eat alone if they can browse the internet, check emails and connect with friends. 

A huge 80% of customers at Chophouse Restaurant at Future Inn Bristol are lone diners. Our staff have been briefed to make extra efforts to be more attentive to solo diners if they appear to require it, offering a wider selection of seating locations, and a newspaper along with removing unrequired place settings. 

Such is the growth in confidence and need to dine out alone, Eenmaal restaurant, where all tables are laid up solely for one person and a fixed price menu is on offer, opened in London this year.  The restaurant chain has already seen success in Amsterdam and is trialling pop-ups in other cities as well as our capital. 

Bristol’s Chophouse restaurant has also introduced a new menu with solo diners in mind.  It provides a greater choice of meals including items that can be prepared quicker such as Steak and Onion Pudding or Goat’s Cheese Risotto Cakes, should customers request a speedier restaurant experience. 

“Some guests are very content being on their own and do not want to be disturbed, others are more interactive with staff. Of course, there are clues to determine which type of guest we are looking after.  Many of our solo guests are men that travel for business 3 to 4 days a week and we find that they enjoy homemade comfort food.  Therefore we run a specials menu along with our a la carte; currently our Head Chef Michael McCarlie is creating hearty autumn selections which will include classics such as Toad in the Hole, Roasted Shoulder of Pork, Steak and Guinness Pie.  We do also have healthier options should the guest be watching their travel-induced waistline” said Alicja Berthon, General Manager of Future Inn Bristol. 

Earlier this year the Allegra Foodservice Eating-Out Market Review forecast a 3% value increase in the eating-out sector and restaurant owners would be wise to ensure that their locations are welcoming for all types of guests including the solo diner. 

Notes to the Editor : More about Future Inns 

  • Located in Bristol, Cardiff and Plymouth, Future Inns prides itself on its original Canadian heritage and provision of comfort, convenience and value to all guests. With prices starting from £67 per night, the modern and very spacious rooms include queen size beds, a flatscreen TV, free local calls, free parking, a restaurant and free WiFi throughout each hotel.

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