A survey of 2,000 adults has found that 30% of Brits frequently race through their meals, with the average time spent eating out just 30 minutes before lingering for 16 minutes after finishing. The research, commissioned by Campo Viejo, highlights a growing trend of rushed dining in the UK, driven by strict reservation slots and pressure on restaurants to turn tables quickly.
Rushed Meals and Crowded Restaurants
Beyond time limits, 59% of respondents feel restaurants are often too crowded and chaotic to enjoy a meal properly. Another 17% say they feel uncomfortable lingering once they have finished eating. The findings suggest that many Brits are looking enviously at how other cultures approach dining.
Some 42% admitted they are jealous of the Spanish relaxed, social approach to mealtimes, while 27% want to embrace more Spanish customs, such as small sharing plates and extended lunches. One in five (22%) would like to adopt the Spanish tradition of Sobremesa, which means staying at the table to enjoy conversation and company.
Desire for Longer Meals
To encourage longer stays, 36% would like restaurants to extend their opening hours and invite guests to linger. The research also found that 68% agree people should spend longer around the dinner table after a meal, with 61% saying it would give them more time to bond with loved ones.
A further 54% said longer table time would allow for more meaningful conversations, and 40% agreed that slowing down at mealtimes would make everyday life feel less hectic. More than a third (35%) would like to see UK restaurants stay open until midnight.
Campo Viejo Brings Sobremesa to London
Campo Viejo is bringing the spirit of Sobremesa to London with a two-night dining experience where the longer guests stay, the less they pay. The Spanish wine brand has teamed up with chef José Pizarro to launch a pop-up restaurant at 83 Rivington Street, Shoreditch, on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th October, accepting walk-ins.
The experience features a specially curated menu by José Pizarro, pairing Spanish tapas with Campo Viejo wines. Lucy Bearman, from Vinarchy, said: "It's so easy to get caught up in the busyness of everyday life, with booked-in plans and time pressures, that even when we do get together, we can feel like we're set up to rush through our meals too."
Bearman added: "We know some of the best moments happen once the plates have been cleared, when you pour another glass, carry on the conversation and realise you're not ready to leave yet. That's the spirit of Sobremesa and it's something we love about Spanish dining culture."
