Survey finds 38% of people are eating out less often than a year ago, with many citing higher prices as main reason.

More than half of British diners say rising prices are the main reason they are eating out less, according to YouGov data showing that overall 38% of people are visiting restaurants and other eateries less often than a year ago.

Among those cutting back, 63% cite higher costs as the main reason to dine out less frequently, according to the poll. Despite this downturn, more than two in five are still choosing to eat out at least once a month, while 8% of people say they never do.

UK inflation was unchanged last month at 3.8%, confounding expectations of a rise, in welcome news for the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, as she plans her crucial budget next month.

However, inflation is still well above the government’s 2% target, and cost-conscious behaviours are on the rise. Nearly half of British diners say they have altered their dining preferences with a view to saving money. Of these, three in five say they are choosing cheaper restaurants, while 52% say they order fewer items, YouGov found.

Main reasons for dining out less
Top eight responses among those who dine out less than they did a year ago:

More expensive - 63%
Increased cost of living - 62%
Trying to save - 48%
Feels like a luxury - 29%
Cook at home more - 26%
Changing lifestyle - 16%
Less time/fewer social opportunities - 11%
Fewer appealing promotions - 9%

Sarika Rana, the director of consumer research at the polling and market research company, said dining out was “under pressure”. She added:

“Six in 10 consumers say they are eating out at least once a month, yet nearly 38% of diners say they are doing so less than they did a year ago, citing rising costs. This represents an opportunity for more economic dining options. 59% of Brits who have altered their dining preferences say they are opting for cheaper restaurants.”

Sainsbury’s has just launched Taste the Difference Discovery, which the supermarket chain says offers restaurant-quality food that people can eat at home. It said the new collection was designed to meet a growing demand for premium food as shoppers are increasingly dining in and looking for new ways to treat themselves at home. The range of more than 50 products includes British wagyu and Aberdeen Angus steaks, and modern Indian ready meals with a curated selection of wines and spirits. The food entrepreneur Charlie Bigham recently launched a range of luxurious ready meals in some Waitrose branches costing up to £29.95.

Amid increased operating costs and consumer caution, some restaurants have been struggling to survive - Pizza Hut for example.