New research reveals that the East Midland’s residents’ wish to get back to the pub, dine out or have a trip away with the family could inject as much as £419m into the local economy within a week of lockdown measures easing.

The UK public’s wish to get back to the pub, dine out or have a trip away with the family could inject as much as £3.8bn into the economy within a week of lockdown measures easing, according to new research from Caterer.com.

It shows that the majority of Brits (63%) are keen to support local hospitality businesses as soon as possible, providing the right safety measures are in place.

The survey of more than 2,000 people revealed that among the top things people have been missing during lockdown were seeing friends and family (33%), socialising in restaurants, pubs and bars (25%), going for a pint (10%) and barista-made coffee (7%).

It shows that for many, not being able to enjoy local pubs, restaurants and hotels has had a significant impact on their lifestyles – some 24% of men and 13% of women say that pubs and restaurants closing has put a strain on their relationship at home and 51% are eager for hospitality businesses to get ‘back to normal’*.

With fears the pandemic could put people off going out to support local businesses in the longer term, this research could mean hope of a warm welcome for hospitality business – thousands of which have had to close doors and are keen to begin trading again safely. Nearly half (42%) of people say they have a new-found appreciation of the sector, 35% have pledged to dine out more and 43% plan on tipping more than they would have pre lockdown*.

With the government’s suggestion that restaurants, bars and pubs may begin to gradually re-open from 4th July, the research indicates that while there is strong demand for enjoying hospitality again – some 30% are keen to dine out at a restaurant within a week of them opening – people will be mindful of the way they get back to the new normal.

With supermarkets, banks and other essential retail businesses paving the way for a socially distanced lifestyle, the hospitality industry has been working hard to establish new ‘going out’ measures. The insights from Caterer.com show that 62% of Britons would feel comfortable eating in restaurants that occupied every other table only and 55% would rather hospitality businesses only allowed groups of up to four people per table. Buffet-style restaurants have more measures to consider, as 70% of people would avoid buffet-style restaurants until a vaccine is found. These figures support the call from the sector for additional support from the government in order to make operation financially viable.

Consumers would even be prepared to pay a premium for enhanced cleaning in restaurants, bars and pubs (41%) and also for social distancing practices (40%). Other suggestions from customers to help make them feel comfortable to return to hospitality businesses include:

· 54% think hand sanitiser should be provided for all customers and staff

· 47% would like all staff to be trained on a new cleaning protocol

· 36% think Social Distancing Managers should be implemented

· 22% think that all staff should wear PPE

· 18% think they should be able to order their meals digitally