The average consumer spend on eating out has risen, although the number of times people dined out in the run-up to Christmas hit an all-time low.

According to a survey of 1,000 consumers, conducted by market analyst Horizon, 72 per cent of respondents has eaten out during the first two weeks of December – a 3 per cent decrease on 2007 and the lowest Christmas figure recorded. Consumers ate out an average of 2.7 times during the two weeks compared to 2007's average of 3.7 times. Horizons’ managing director, Peter Backman, said: “We are seeing a flight to quality with people eating out less but spending more. Spend per head at £12.46 is the highest ever recorded, demonstrating this new ‘save-it for something special’ approach."

Backman attributes this reduction to fewer ad hoc meals out, and this new trend is expected to hit coffee bars, sandwich shops and fast food takeaways offering produce under £5 the hardest, as well as the value sector where spend is £5-£11. "Operators at the other end of the scale – the premium casual and premium restaurant sectors - where spend is above £17, are faring better," said Backman.

The Midlands appears to be holding up better than the north or south of England, maintaining the same level of eating out as last year. In addition, 25-to-34-year-olds have also increased their dining out on 2007. Backman predicts that in 2009 the eating out sector will continue to decline as one third of respondents indicated that they would eat out less this year, and 29 per cent agreed they would restrict meals out to special or planned occasions.