A poll of 2,000 adults found 30% often hurry through a meal when eating out, with timed booking slots and pressure to free up tables contributing to a rushed dining culture in Britain.
A further 17% admitted they felt uncomfortable lingering after finishing their meal, wanting to leave as soon as the plates were cleared. Beyond strict time limits, 59% feel restaurants are often too crowded and chaotic to truly enjoy a meal.
Brits Envious of Spanish Dining Habits
Some 42% admitted they are envious of the Spanish's laid-back, sociable approach to mealtimes, and 27% want to adopt more Spanish habits in their own lives, including small sharing plates and extended lunches.
One in five (22%) also want to enjoy the Spanish ritual of Sobremesa – "over the table" – which means staying long after the plates are cleared to enjoy conversation and company.
Desire for Longer Mealtimes
More than half (54%) agreed more meaningful conversations would happen if they stayed after the food was gone. To make this happen, 36% would like restaurants to extend their opening hours and encourage guests to stay longer.
The research, commissioned by Campo Viejo, found the average time people spend at the table is 30 minutes eating, followed by 16 minutes lingering after. Having too much else to do after eating (29%) and differing routines within the household (28%) were among the biggest barriers to a longer catch-up over mealtimes.
Pop-Up Experience in 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 and restaurateur 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 will feature a specially curated menu by José, pairing Spanish tapas with Campo Viejo wines.
Appetite for Change
Some 68% agreed people should be spending longer around the dinner table after a meal, with 61% saying it would help them bond with loved ones. Another 54% said spending longer around the table would allow them to enjoy more meaningful conversations, while 40% agreed slowing down at mealtimes would make everyday life feel less rushed.
More than a third (35%) would like to see restaurants in the UK open until midnight. Cheaper prices (58%) and feeling less rushed (15%) were among the things that would encourage more food-focused outings.
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.
"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."
