Six in 10 adults in the UK have swapped nights out at bars and clubs for evenings at home cooking. Research among 2,000 adults found that 73% expect to spend their weekends at home, with 56% doing so more often than they did previously. Four in ten of those choosing to stay in say they feel happier at home.
Why Brits are choosing the kitchen
While at home, 32% opt to spend their weekends cooking, saying it feels more relaxing than during the week, when it is more of a slog. Among those who spend longer in the kitchen at the weekend, 63% say it is because they have more time to enjoy it, and 42% appreciate not having to rush.
Additionally, 40% feel they can try more complex or new recipes on Saturdays and Sundays, with 34% saying they have more energy to devote to cooking. The slower pace turns cooking into valuable downtime, with 22% claiming it helps them slow down and be more present, while 18% say it allows them to switch off from screens and digital distractions.
Psychological benefits and social side
The study was commissioned by Hotpoint, which partnered with Fuschia Sirois, professor of social and health psychology at Durham University, to explore how weekends have shifted toward resting and recharging at home. Prof. Sirois said: "A night out can feel like the best way to unwind after a long week, but, psychologically, it often isn't. Studies on how we recover from work look at switching off, relaxing, learning something new and feeling in control of our time. A night in cooking can cover all of those, which a night out rarely does."
She added: "At home we get to choose how we use our time and who we share it with. People talk about the joy of missing out, and I think that's exactly what we're seeing."
The research also revealed that preparing meals is a sociable activity, with one in four people cooking for friends and family at the weekend. Nearly half (47%) make spending time with loved ones a priority at weekends, while 14% said cooking for others is their love language.
Favourite weekend dishes
For many, time in the kitchen has become a form of self-care, with 33% enjoying treating themselves – and others – to decent grub. A further 22% derive a sense of achievement from their culinary efforts, and 19% embrace having a 'special' weekend ritual.
Despite having greater opportunity to experiment, those surveyed via OnePoll stick to tried-and-tested favourites on Saturdays. Spaghetti Bolognese tops the weekend menu, followed by curry and stir-fry.
Adam Norris, senior product manager at Hotpoint, said: "As autumn sets in, the weekend gives people permission to slow the pace, spend more time at home and enjoy cooking without the pressure of the working week."
He added: "What's interesting is how cooking transforms from a midweek chore into a weekend pleasure. For those trying a new recipe, it can be daunting, but with the right appliances on hand and the time to enjoy the process, cooking can be a great way to build confidence, switch off from digital distractions, and share the feeling of home."
The top 10 dishes Brits cook on a Saturday are Spaghetti Bolognese, curry, stir-fry, stews and casseroles, steak and chips, pasta bake, lasagne, homemade pizza, roast dinner, and fish and chips.
