Why 6:12pm is the new 8pm

Exclusive research from Zonal and CGA by NIQ reveals a shift in consumer behaviour towards going out earlier when visiting pubs, bars, and restaurants, as well as the factors influencing this shift.

Consumer behaviour is shifting towards going out earlier, with the new preferred start time for consumers’ bookings at pubs, bars, and restaurants now sitting at 6:12pm.

This marks a continuance of a trend that started post-pandemic, with consumers increasingly favouring convenience when it comes to their visits to hospitality venues. But what are the key factors that are influencing this shift towards earlier booking times? Which consumers are seeing the biggest behavioural shifts? And what are the biggest priorities for guests when choosing to visit hospitality venues earlier?

This research, produced in partnership with CGA by NIQ, surveyed 5,000 British consumers to find out these answers, and more.

What's in the report?

Guests’ preferred booking times when going out
The top reasons consumers are choosing to go out earlier, and why they may choose to go out later
Which groups of consumers are seeing the largest change in behaviour
Consumers’ top priorities when choosing what time to go out