Brits spend an average of just 30 minutes eating a restaurant meal, with one in three frequently rushing through their food, new research has found.
A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that 30% often hurry through meals when eating out, while a further 17% feel uneasy lingering after finishing, wanting to leave as soon as the plates are cleared.
Brits envy Spain's relaxed dining culture
Beyond rigid time restrictions, 59% feel restaurants are frequently too crowded and hectic to genuinely enjoy a meal. Some 42% admitted they envy the Spanish's relaxed, sociable approach to mealtimes, and 27% wish to adopt more Spanish customs in their own lives.
One in five (22%) also wish to embrace the Spanish tradition of Sobremesa - "over the table" - which means remaining long after the plates are cleared to savour conversation and company.
Desire for longer meals and meaningful conversations
More than half (54%) agreed more meaningful conversations would occur if they stayed longer. To achieve this, 36% would like restaurants to extend opening hours and encourage guests to linger.
The research revealed that the average time people spend at the table amounts to just 30 minutes eating, followed by a mere 16 minutes lingering afterwards. Having too much else to do after eating (29%) and differing routines within the household (28%) were among the greatest obstacles to longer catch-ups over mealtimes.
However, there appears to be a desire to change these habits, as 68% agreed people ought to spend longer around the dinner table after a meal. Six in 10 (61%) said doing so would give them more opportunity to bond with loved ones, according to the OnePoll.com data.
Campo Viejo brings Sobremesa to London
The research was commissioned by Campo Viejo, which is bringing the spirit of Sobremesa to London with a two-night dining experience where the longer guests stay, the less they pay.
This weekend, the Spanish wine brand has teamed up with chef and restaurateur José Pizarro to launch a pop-up restaurant at 83 Rivington Street, Shoreditch, London, on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th October, which will be accepting walk-ins. The experience will feature a specially curated menu by José, pairing Spanish tapas with Campo Viejo wines.
More than a third (35%) would like to see restaurants across the UK remain open until midnight. Lower prices (58%) and feeling less rushed (15%) were among the factors 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."
