Analyst Report: The Great North West Dining Survey 2026
A Confidentials reader snapshot of dining-out habits, trust and spending across the North West, based on 516 responses gathered between 1 June and 2 July 2026.
The report is aimed primarily at restaurants and hospitality businesses, but may also be of interest to readers who follow the North West’s food and drink scene.
What’s inside?
An analysis of the behaviour, influences and sentiment of people who are making decisions about dining out.
- How often respondents are eating out
- Where they usually go
- How much they expect to pay
- What holds them back from going out more
- Which recommendation sources they trust
- What makes a meal memorable
- What all of this may mean for the dining industry in the North West
Key findings include…
- Cost vs. Value: While 66% cite cost as their main obstacle, reader comments show this is less about finding the cheapest option and more about ensuring the overall experience feels truly worth the spend.
- Trust is local: When asked to select all the sources they trust, readers overwhelmingly chose personal recommendations (86.6%) and regional editorial guides (74.4%).
- Independents lead: 68.6% of diners choose independent restaurants over chains, pubs, or food halls.
