Family meals are no more: 1 in 5 Brits eat together less than once a month
One in five Brits share a family meal less than once a month, and a third (34%) admitted they only eat together on special occasions, according to new national research.
The study, conducted by pub company and brewer, Greene King, has revealed how the classic family mealtime has changed, and that the current cost of living crisis has also had an impact on home traditions.
Over half of respondents (57%) admitted that they don’t eat together due to work and scheduling issues, with a further third (30%) claiming that working from home regularly disrupts their evening meal.
Technology also plays a part, with over half (56%) regularly watching TV whilst eating their dinner, and a further 1 in 10 have the TV on with every single meal.
Almost half of respondents also say that they spend too much time scrolling on their phones, and only a third (36%) avoid using them entirely during family mealtimes.
Despite this, the majority (68%) believe that eating together is a good chance to spend quality time together as a family and 45% think it’s an opportunity to discuss each other’s problems.
To help bring families together at mealtimes, Greene King has launched ‘Feed the Family’, a deal which allows customers to buy two selected adult main meals and two children meals for just £15 or £20 at their local pub, location dependent. Additional children can then eat for just £1 when purchasing the deal.
This comes as the cost of living crisis continues to change how we eat as a family, with nearly half (46%) now feeling like they are unable to treat their family as often.
As such, over half (52%) say that they go out for a meal as a family less than they used to, and a third (31%) now rarely ever eat out, even though 70% believe eating out is good for family morale.
Over a quarter of families (28%) only eat out when there is a deal on, and other cost saving tactics include choosing the cheapest items on the menu (25%) and ordering tap water instead of purchasing a drink (23%).
Andrew Gallagher, Marketing Director at Greene King Local Pubs said: “Our research shows that the average family meal out now costs around £90 – which given the current climate it is unsurprising that families are struggling to justify.
“Local pubs are a great place for families to get together, enjoy good food and escape an environment that is often consumed with distractions such as TV and work.
“To ensure we don’t miss out on the importance of family meals and to support our customers during these difficult times, we have launched Feed the Family, which will enable a family of four to enjoy a meal out for just £15-£20, with additional kid’s meals available for just £1.”
Those wanting to take advantage of the Feed the Family deal can do so every weekday until 26th February at participating pubs, and can choose from a selection of pub classics, including Fish & Chips, Lasagne and Mac & Cheese.
To find your local participating pub, visit: https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/feed-the-family-deal/
