Three Ways the Rules in UK Hospitality Are Being Redefined This Year
UK hospitality is being reshaped by powerful forces: Generative AI is changing how guests discover and select venues. The cost-of-living crisis is influencing how they spend. Higher expectations are redefining what counts as value.
This exclusive, nationally representative survey of UK consumers reveals how these shifts are redefining the rules of the industry – and what brands must do now to stay visible and competitive into 2026 and beyond.
What the Numbers Reveal
- 26% of consumers say AI apps like ChatGPT are sources they’re most likely to use when researching venues – nearly twice Bing and Yahoo (14%) and quickly closing in on Google Maps (27%).
- 37% have already turned to AI for personalised food and drink recommendations; 72% say they’re comfortable receiving them based on past behaviours.
- 34% report their expectations of venues are higher than last year, driven by rising menu prices.
- 73% don’t trust reviews older than three months, underscoring the need for a steady flow of fresh feedback.
- 58% are more likely to visit a venue if friends post about it on social media, showing the power of digital word-of-mouth.
Inside the report, you’ll find 15 practical recommendations – a playbook for tapping into AI, navigating economic pressures, and turning guest experiences into lasting loyalty.
