UK Dining Trends 2025: How Brits Dine, Pay & Dash

• One in ten people have failed to show up for a restaurant booking
• Over a fifth (21%) are put off by having to make deposits for restaurant bookings and would prefer to book somewhere else
• 44% are put off making a reservation when a restaurant asks for payment information to secure the booking
• 73% of diners want more transparency over how tips and service charges are distributed to staff
• Nearly 8% of diners in our study have left a restaurant without paying for a meal
• One in eight (12%) admitted to leaving a meal without paying because the service was too slow, and 11% left for the thrill and excitement

The UK hospitality industry is the country's third-largest employer, contributing a massive £93 billion annually to the economy. However, consumer dining habits are evolving.

We surveyed 1,500 Brits to find out exactly how they prefer to book, order, and pay when eating out. From the rise of online reservations to the surprising trend of ‘dining and dashing,’ our study revealed key insights into what they expect from their dining experience.

Keep reading to discover how your hospitality business can adapt to the latest dining trends to stay ahead of your competition.

Jump to a section

• Making a reservation
• Ordering at the table
• Paying the bill
• Dining and dashing
• Tipping and service charges

Making a reservation

Convenience is key, but deposits put some diners off

• 54% of Brits prefer booking reservations online
• 66% are put off when asked to pay a deposit
• One in nine (11%) rarely make a reservation ahead of time, and prefer to walk in

Online reservations appear to have become diners’ preferred method for booking a table in advance, with more than half of our survey respondents (54%) opting to use online booking services.

Payment deposits also appear to be a barrier for diners, with 44% stating that they’d be put off from booking, and one in five (22%) would even consider booking elsewhere because of this. To understand their motivations behind this, 8% said it’s because they didn’t want to share their financial information.

With lots of restaurant goers showing reluctance to put down a deposit for a table ahead of their meal, we also found out that one in nine (11%) rarely even make reservations in advance and are willing to just walk in. Whether it’s to do with keeping plans flexible or a hesitation to make a deposit, restaurants should still account for walk-in customers during their service, even during their busiest hours.

Security worries still put diners off sharing card details

On top of this, when asked if they’d be less likely to make a reservation if they had to provide their card details, even without actually paying a deposit, 57% said yes. This highlights just how cautious diners are around giving away their payment details. 

Our previous research into how consumers like to pay highlighted how security is a major concern for online payments, which could also affect dining habits. The Information Commissioner’s Office found that 52% of people feel cautious about the privacy of their personal information, which could be why diners are cautious about entering their payment details. For businesses, they’ll need to strike a balance between securing bookings and maintaining customer goodwill.

Why diners fail to cancel, and what it means for restaurants

• 12% of people admit to failing to show up for a reservation
• Nearly 1 in 6 (15%) said it’s too much effort to contact the restaurant directly when cancelling a booking
• London has the highest rate of no-shows, with almost 1 in 5 admitting to missing a booking
• Women (68%) are more likely than men (49%) to forget to cancel a reservation
• 29% of younger diners (18–24) are more likely to skip a cancellation because they feel embarrassed or guilty

No-shows and cancellations are big challenges for restaurants.

Reason for no show

While most diners book online, a significant proportion still struggle or hesitate when it comes to cancelling: either because they forgot (60%), it’s too much effort (15%), or because they feel guilty or embarrassed to (15%).

When looking at the areas most guilty of this, London emerges as a hotspot for no-shows, with nearly 1 in 5 diners failing to turn up, followed by the East of England. 

Gender and age also play a role: women are slightly more likely to forget to cancel (68% vs 49% for men), and younger diners often avoid cancelling out of embarrassment (25%).

So, what does this all mean for hospitality businesses? Here’s what Jodie Wilkinson, Head of Partnerships at takepayments (now a Global Payments company), thinks:

“Restaurants can make the booking process much easier by keeping it quick and simple. That could be an easy-to-use online system, clear instructions for walk-ins, or flexible deposit options. Automated email reminders and easy cancellation links also help diners cancel responsibly, freeing up tables and protecting revenue. It’s all about making it easier for customers while keeping business running smoothly.”

Ordering at the table

In-person ordering still leads at sit-down restaurants

• Half (50%) of diners prefer ordering directly with a member of staff
• A quarter (24%) say the type of restaurant significantly influences their preference
• Younger people are the most likely to use QR codes to order their meal, with 25% of 18-24-year-olds choosing it as their preferred method compared to only 5% of the 55+ age group

How do you prefer to order food when you're at a sit-down restaurant?

Even with all the digital options available, half of diners (50%) prefer ordering directly with a staff member, over QR code or using a self-service kiosk in a sit-down restaurant. Diners might like being able to ask questions, get recommendations, or check dietary requirements. This interaction adds to the overall experience and builds trust that an app or kiosk can’t always match.

However, preferences vary based on the type of restaurant; nearly a quarter (24%) of diners say the restaurant type influences their choice.

Demographic factors also play a role. Men are slightly more likely to prefer using a self-service kiosk (6% vs 5%); women are slightly more inclined to use a QR code to order (16% vs 13%).

The 18–24 age group is the most likely to choose a self-service kiosk. Older diners, meanwhile, are much more comfortable sticking with staff-led ordering.

Quick-service restaurants should keep it fast but friendly

• Most people still prefer to order directly with staff (38%)
• 38% of diners prefer ordering from a self-service kiosk
• Preference for self-service kiosks declines with age, while older diners increasingly prefer staff-led ordering
• Younger generations (18–24) prefer using QR codes over ordering from staff in a fast food restaurant 

How do you prefer to order food when you're at a quick-service restaurant?

While just over a third (37%) prefer using a self-service kiosk, most still prefer ordering with a member of staff (38%). 

Age is a clear factor: younger diners between ages 18-24 are more comfortable with kiosks (49%) and QR codes (24%), perhaps enjoying the speed and control. On the other hand, older diners, particularly those over 55, favour speaking to staff (52%). This shows that even in fast-paced settings, human interaction remains important.

Fast-paced food establishments offering a combination of options — kiosks, QR codes, and traditional staff service — can cater to everyone, keeping queues moving while ensuring that all customers feel comfortable and looked after.

Jodie, says:

“Offering a mix of ordering options is just the start — restaurants should focus on making each option seamless and secure. QR codes and kiosks should be simple to use, clearly signposted, and regularly maintained, while staff should be trained to assist diners who aren’t familiar with the technology. This approach keeps queues moving, enhances the overall experience, and builds trust, encouraging diners to return.

If customers are ordering and paying upfront using a QR code system, it’s important to keep it safe. Make sure the systems you use are secure and encrypted so diners can order with confidence, knowing their information is protected. Don’t be afraid to let them know either, to help build that all-important trust."

Paying the bill

At the table, human interaction still matters most

• 59% of diners prefer paying directly to a member of staff
• 25–34s lead the way in making payments via QR code
• Over 55s are most likely to want to pay a member of staff