A third of frequent diners think music would improve restaurant atmosphere

The hospitality industry received a significant boost from the government last week with the launch of a £2 billion Kickstart Scheme that should triple the number of traineeships across the UK*.

What do diners think can improve the post-lockdown restaurant atmosphere?

Startle’s research into the restaurant experience revealed that a third of frequent pre-lockdown diners think music can improve the post-lockdown atmosphere (33.3%), a statistic that is consistent across July (34.4%) and August (32.1%), see graph 1.

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Nearly half (46.2%) of diners who think the restaurant atmosphere would be improved by music are aged 18-34.

While three quarters (75.7%) of those who think music would improve restaurant atmosphere were frequent pre-lockdown diners, a statistic that is consistent across July (82.3%), see graph 2, and August (69.1%).

Thoughts from our CEO, Adam Castleton:

"Customers that dined in restaurants frequently prior to lockdown are well aware of the impact that music can have on creating a great atmosphere. The more infrequent customers might not be aware of all the ingredients that go into a great atmosphere, but they'll know when they've had a good time. Delivering on seasoned expectations and showing everyone how to have a good time will help to earn that all important repeat custom as we head into the winter months."

Surveys carried out July and August 2020. Sample sizes (n) >1000 people, UK Nat. Rep. with 95% confidence level & margin of error of +/- 5%.

*The Caterer article: Launch of Government’s £2bn Kickstart Scheme welcomed by operators. 2nd September 2020