Diners seek money-can’t-buy experiences

When it comes to a meal out or a short British break, discerning diners expect something above and beyond the run-of-the-mill eating out experience.

A survey by Gourmet-Lifestyle, creators of ‘GourmetXperiences’, found that more than 45 percent of respondents would be more likely to dine out or take a ‘staycation’ if there was access to more unique experiences.

The questionnaire of over 8,000 lifestyle club members, diners and holidaymakers showed that - despite worries over austerity, rising food prices and Brexit - people were still spending their money on special occasions, but expected greater ‘added value’ for their hard-earned cash.

GourmetXperience creator and MD James Day said that the survey followed the trend of similar research over the past year and clearly showed that for many diners and holidaymakers it was all about the experience.

He said: “UK hotels and restaurants can’t afford to rest on their laurels if they want to attract travellers from home and abroad. The hospitality industry needs to go that bit further to offer customers an unforgettable ‘bespoke’ experience. It’s not all about price – and with rising food and operation costs for restaurants, they have to go that bit further to satisfy the needs of their diners.

“Shrewd diners expect the ultimate experience, from setting, to lighting, to ambience, and of course the food, service and those extras that money cannot buy. Customers are more aware than ever of value for money and expect something extra whether that be a thoughtfully created sustainable, seasonal menu, a meet and greet with the chef, or a more thrill-seeking experience.”

“Suggestions that diners believed would enhance the dining experience included: New food experiences and tasting menus; hands-on cookery courses; chef experiences; English wine, craft gin, artisan beer and cocktail events; and spa and well-being experiences.”

In June, Savills estate agents gleaned similar findings discovering that a key trend was a demand for breaks that offered something special.

George Nicholas, global head of hotels at Savills, said: “Young travellers prioritise ‘experience’ and creating bespoke trips to maximise their leisure time, making them dubious of impersonal hotels.

“Alongside this you have the already well-travelled baby boomers who are not willing to compromise on comfort or experience as they grow older.”

He added: “Hotels therefore will need to focus on what they can provide that is truly unique and how they can tailor and personalise their offer, be that for a 22-year-old single traveller or a 65-year-old couple, to continue to capture their custom.”

For foodie travellers who really want something different, ‘GourmetXperience’ offers once-in-a-lifetime culinary experiences where customers can meet and greet their chef, watch them prepare a delectable dessert or even pop on an apron and join a Michelin-starred chef in the kitchen. Experiences include learning from top chefs such as Eckington Manor’s Mark Stinchcombe, a former Masterchef The Professionals winner. Or how about prepping your chosen dessert in the kitchen with Michelin Chef Brad Carter in Birmingham? A Gourmet Experience is the difference between a delicious meal and a day you’ll never forget.

For something completely different, The Verzon House hotel, in Herefordshire, offers luxury accommodation, top-class British cuisine and a Land Rover experience where visitors can drive off-road before tantalizing their tastebuds with the county’s best produce and cocktails created with Herefordshire’s own Chase Distillery single estate potato vodka or gin. A muddy good time and once-in-a-lifetime experience guaranteed!

‘GourmetXperiences launch their glossy guide to the ‘Greatest British GourmetXperiences’ in September in time for British Food Fortnight (September 23^rd-October 8^th). The quality book will contain exclusive features on the key senses that make the ultimate dining experience, as well as interviews with celebrated chefs and experts in hospitality.

For more tasters of the sort of ‘GourmetXperiences” that will be featuring visit www.gourmet-experiences.co.uk (full website launch September 2017). Follow on twitter @gourmet_life

For further press information, high resolution images or interview requests email editorial@gourmet-lifestyle.co.uk