Is the Cost of Eating out Too Much for Families?
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I went out for dinner with my husband, niece (7), and nephew (9). No starters, deserts, or alcohol. We each had a main, my husband and I from the main menu, and the two kids from the kids menu. We each got a coke to drink. The bill came to £74.80. I couldn’t believe the price given how little we had got, and the kids had Childrens meals. I wondered how on earth could families do this - even once a month.
We never eat out it's too expensive we get a takeaway about every 4 months that's £40 on its own
Leannexxx even £40 is a lot. We have noticed the increase in takeaways also. We don’t buy them often either x
Leannexxx they went up massively during covid but never came down again. They obviously found people would still buy and even if they sold less they were still getting same or more income. The public never learn. I refuse to buy takeaway now as for a single person the minimum spend, delivery and service charge is too much for one and also wasted food as I can't eat the amount of food I am forced to buy.
We went out for dinner with my parents recently. 4 adults and a child. Each adult had a starter and main course and our son had a main and dessert. Adults had coke to drink and son had a fruit shoot. Cost us £88. We didn't think that it was too bad a price, especially for what we got but it isn't something we can afford to regularly.
and yes it's not bad for a one off I don't understand how people can afford to do it daily as I've seen near me the same family everyday eating out
I don’t have kids but i often think about this when i eat out. The price of food at restaurants seems to be spiralling out of control to the point not many will be able to enjoy a meal out anymore
We don’t have kids but when we eat out we usually have Clubcard vouchers or just have main, dessert and drinks. No starters or sides. Drinks are expensive but depending where you go and what you have you can get refills which makes it better value. Sometimes we share things if possible. We don’t eat out much though, usually just on holiday.
Yes it's becoming unaffordable, we regularly went out for meals has a family before COVID, now it's rare we go anywhere or order takeaways they are expensive too now
You see so many children eat free or children's meals for £1 offers that I feel like it can be economic if you go to the right place and fit the criteria. If you are two parents and have four children I can imagine it gets more awkward as often the deal is one adult meal for each discounted children's meal but maybe there are different offers out there.
Please don't feel I am criticising but you need to plan ahead. I agree that was an atrocious amount for what you had. Join the email list of places like Toby Carvery, Beefeater and Harvester, they will send regular offers. I get 2 or 3 per month. I just got a Beefeater offer 2 courses for £20. A bit more than you paid but twice the amount.
Edit: Includes a drink too
If you go to a Beefeater before 5:00pm the mains are £7.99 - £8.00 each. Not sure about the others like Weatherspoons, Hungry Horse, Table Table etc.
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