More than half cook more now than they did previously, as weekends are seen as the perfect opportunity to try new recipes.
Six in 10 adults have ditched nights out at bars and clubs in favour of evenings at home cooking. Research involving 2,000 adults revealed 73% anticipate spending their weekends at home, with 56% doing so more frequently than before. However, it’s not purely about cutting costs; four in ten of those choosing to remain home feel happier there.
While they’re at home, 32% opt to spend their weekends cooking claiming it feels more relaxing then than it does during the week when it is more of a slog. For those who spend longer in the kitchen at the weekend, 63% say it’s because they have more time to enjoy it and 42% appreciate not having to rush.
What’s more, 40% feel they can try more complex or new recipes on Saturdays and Sundays, with 34% feeling they have more energy to devote to cooking.
The slower pace can turn cooking into valuable downtime, with 22% claiming it helps them slow down and be more present, while 18% feel it allows them to switch off from screens and digital distractions.
The study was commissioned by Hotpoint, which has partnered with Fuschia Sirois, professor of social and health psychology at Durham University, to explore how our weekends have shifted towards 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.
“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.”
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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.
For many, however, time spent in the kitchen has also become a form of self-care, with 33% enjoying treating themselves – and others – to decent grub.
A further 22% even derive a sense of achievement from their culinary masterpieces, with 19% embracing having a ‘special’ weekend ritual.
Yet despite having greater opportunity to experiment, those surveyed, via OnePoll, are sticking to tried-and-tested favourites on Saturdays, with Spaghetti Bolognese topping 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.
“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:
- Spaghetti Bolognese
- Curry
- Stir-fry
- Stews/casseroles
- Steak and Chips
- Pasta Bake
- Lasagne
- Homemade Pizza
- Roast Dinner
- Fish and Chips