With hospitality operators fearing a slow start to trading when restrictions lift, new research from mobile Order & Pay solution, Wi5, today offers positive news. Indications show a rise in consumer confidence and a desire to get back spending in pubs and restaurants as soon as possible.

Quick return:

Nearly a third of consumers say they will return to restaurants as soon as they open their doors - almost double the number from when the restrictions were lifted in July 2020. The desire to visit pubs also increased, with over a quarter (26%) of people reporting they will be in their local as soon as possible.

Safe places:

The Covid-safe measures hospitality venues put in place during the summer is likely to be a driving factor in this increase. When restrictions were lifted in summer 2020, UK consumers reported feeling safer in restaurants and pubs than they did in department stores and shopping centres.

Prask Sutton, Founder & CEO of Wi5, comments: "Last summer, operators went above-and-beyond to put measures in place to protect their staff and customers. From increased cleaning and sanitation, to protective screens and mobile Order & Pay; it all makes customers that much more confident about returning to their favourite haunts sooner than they did back in July 20201. As soon as it’s safe to open, hospitality operators should feel justifiably confident that their customers will be there to support them.”