More than 60% of diners want technology to play a bigger role

The research found that British diners are now more than ever relying on the internet to find a restaurant, 83% to make a reservation, 82% to look at a menu and 63% to look at restaurant’s images.

Unsurprisingly, mobile phones have become and influential force in the dining experience, with 1 in 5 people interacting with their phone more than three times during a meal. Additionally more than one in four of Brits use their phone to take a photo during a meal in order to remember the experience.

In addition to the 11% who have already tried paying by phone, a further 43% of diners said they like and are open to the idea.

The research delved deeper into the power of the internet to determine a consumer’s choice of where to eat. According to the report, Brits are 14% more likely to consult reviews from other diners (as 58% typically do) than professional critics. Social media also has a huge impact, with 1 in 5 Brits sharing their experience on social media after the meal.

With this appetite for greater integration, two thirds (66%) of diners wish they could use technology to choose the location of their table at a restaurant and 61% wish they could discover menu specials before dining out.  An additional three quarters (74%) would love to be able to contact their chosen restaurant via text message to say if they’re running  late or to remind the restaurant of any special arrangements they’ve made.