Pubs reopen for outside dining today

Today pubs and restaurants are allowed to open outside in England from 12 April (Welsh and Scottish pubs will follow later) and new research commissioned by TheFork has revealed 13 million Brits are set to dine outdoors in the coming weeks, with Europe’s leading restaurant reservation platform experiencing at 88% uplift in bookings this week alone.

But Brits are yet to make reservations and appear somewhat cautious about stepping out when restrictions lift, citing Covid safety (42%) as one factor giving doubts about booking an outdoor banquet, in new research commissioned by TheFork.co.uk

The survey revealed several hang ups holding Brits back from venturing into the great outdoors when restrictions lift, including 38% of nervy patrons being put off booking an outdoor dining experience due to the unpredictable British weather, with 13% of Brits desperate for dining inspiration, citing a lack of knowledge about outdoor offerings as a major factor holding off booking dinner outside.

Aston spoke to Patrick Hooykaas, managing director at thefork.co.uk and Anna Barnett a.k.a Al Fresco, influencer to discuss about the lengths that pubs and restaurants have made to make it a safe experience.

Photo by Louis Hansel @shotsoflouis on Unsplash