New research from The Restaurant Club has revealed the great British pub is making way for 6,000 new eateries across England, Scotland and Wales.

The largest growth areas included lounge bars (116%), cake makers (51%), juice bars (46%) and speciality restaurants. There was also a 31% increase in the number of coffee shops.

Indian, Italian and Chinese are the most popular types of restaurants across England, but there are regional quirks as well – in Leeds, there has been a rise in Spanish restaurants, while American diners are proving to be popular in Bristol.

Louisa Walters, founder of The Restaurant Club, said: “Eating out has become the number one leisure activity in the UK, with restaurants and cafés fast replacing pubs as the go-to venue for socialising. Independent outlets have recognised the need for fresh, healthy ingredients served in convivial surroundings with a regularly changing menu to keep customers’ interest piqued.”

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