Outdoor Dining Proves to be a Key Driver for UK Hospitality Sector as Warmer Months Approach
As the UK gears up for the summer months, the hospitality sector is seeing a significant rise in outdoor dining. Recent data from Lightspeed has revealed that between April 2024 and March 2025, during the warmer months, restaurants experienced an 8.42% increase in transactions, showcasing the strong consumer demand for al fresco dining experiences. This surge in outdoor dining is closely tied to the opening of the alfresco dining season in the UK.
A survey conducted in 2022 found that 75% of UK diners are seeking more outdoor dining options, with 69% actively looking for venues that offer this experience. And it’s not just the South that is enjoying the benefits of dining outdoors; major cities like Manchester have become popular hotspots for al fresco dining, second only to London in popularity.
Restaurants are taking full advantage of this enthusiasm for outdoor dining by expanding their outdoor seating options, creating a more inviting atmosphere with canopies and heaters, and tailoring their menus to cater to the al fresco experience. With dishes and drinks that are perfect for the summer, such as tapas and meze plates that encourage a social style of dining, customers can now enjoy the feeling of a holiday in the sun right at home.
To meet the higher demand for outdoor dining during the summer months, restaurants are also scaling up their staffing and improving their systems to more efficiently manage increased customer flow and maintain service quality. One way they are doing this is by implementing mobile ordering and payment solutions, which make dining out easier for customers. With these solutions, diners can browse the menu, place their orders, and settle their bills seamlessly, all from the convenience of their smartphones.
Liam Crooks, Managing Director for EMEA at Lightspeed, commented on the trend, saying, “As Brits embrace the joy of dining outdoors, we’re seeing restaurants up and down the country respond with innovation and energy. Whether it’s expanding seating areas, refining service with mobile tech, or curating menus that capture the essence of summer, operators are seizing this opportunity to elevate the guest experience. This trend isn’t just a seasonal shift—it’s an opportunity for businesses ready to adapt to evolving consumer expectations.”
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.