British consumers will spend an additional £700m eating out this December, according to research released today.

Horizons FS, an independent market researcher, claims British food lovers will spend a record £3.7b in December on dining out, a 22% rise on the £3b monthly average for eating out during 2007.

Peter Backman, managing director of Horizons FS, said: “December is the month that most people eat out; either catching up with friends, going to office parties or giving themselves a break from cooking.”

According to Horizons FS, hotel restaurants will see the biggest sales rise in food and drink, up 44% to £798m but high-street restaurants will remain the sector worth most, with sales expected to jump 40% to £917m.

Pub food sales will rise by one third to £609m and fast-food outlets are expected to have a rise of just 1% to £771.6m.

The research comes as several groups severing the causal dining market, such as Clapham House, Marston’s and Greene King have expressed concern about a softening in consumer spending.

Greene King shrugs off industry concerns >>

Clapham House admits concerns about uncertain economy >>

Marston’s fails to avoid UK’s poor summer weather >>

Finding a solid foothold in the pub food scrum >>

Britons spend a third of budget on eating out >>

Horizons website >>

By Tom Howard

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