With just days to go until al-fresco dining and the first phase of staycations are allowed across the country, new VisitEngland research shows that it is foodie experiences that are top of the agenda for sensory-starved Brits.
In a research poll of 2,476 nationally representative adults commissioned by the body, more than half of respondents cited eating out at a restaurant as the travel experience that they had missed most of all during lockdown.
This was followed by more than a third who had missed visits to pubs and bars and coffee shops and cafes.
The research showed that our taste buds are also driving our travel plans with foodie experiences taking the top three spots for activities Brits are hoping to enjoy this summer.
Almost half of respondents were most looking forward to eating out at a restaurant, market or street food truck, jointly placed with the chance to have a drink in a pub garden, with 44 per cent looking forward to visiting coffee shops and cafes.
VisitEngland director, Andrew Stokes, said: “From fine-dining restaurants and gastropubs to beach-side shacks and city street-food, England’s food and drink offering is as varied as it is exciting and an integral part of exploring a destination.
“From our coast and…
