Dining out in Britain has become an increasingly rushed affair, driven by strict reservation slots and the pressure to turn tables quickly.
A recent survey of 2,000 adults reveals that 30% of Brits frequently race through their meals, while another 17% feel uncomfortable lingering once they have finished eating. Beyond strict time limits, 59% feel restaurants are often too crowded and chaotic to truly enjoy a meal, leading many to look longingly at how other cultures have perfected the art of dining.
Some 42% confessed they are jealous of the Spanish’s relaxed, social approach to mealtimes and 27% want to embrace more Spanish customs in their own lives. These include having small sharing plates rather than one big meal, and extended lunches.
One in five also want to embrace the Spanish tradition of Sobremesa (22%) – “over the table” – which means staying at the table to enjoy conversation and company. To achieve this, 36% would like to see restaurants extend their opening hours and encourage guests to stay longer.
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.
Research revealed the average time people spend at the table, wolfing their meals down in 30 minutes before lingering for 16 minutes after eating.
Having too much else to do after eating (29%) and differing routines within the household (28%) were amongst the biggest obstacles to a lengthier catch-up over mealtimes.
However, there appears to be a desire to change these habits, as 68% agreed that people should be spending longer around the dinner table after a meal.
Six in 10 (61%) said doing this would give them more time to bond with loved ones, according to the OnePoll.com data.
A further 54% said spending longer around the table would allow them to enjoy more meaningful conversations.
While 40% agreed that slowing down at mealtimes would make everyday life feel less hectic.
This desire to linger longer over meals extends beyond the home, as more than a third (35%) would like to see restaurants in the UK stay open until midnight.
Cheaper prices (58%) and feeling less rushed (15%) were among the things that would encourage more food-focussed 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.”