Norfolk restaurant owner says Valentine's Day will give hospitality sector a welcome boost
A national survey's claiming three quarters of those in couples aren't planning on doing something special to mark the day
A restaurant owner in Norfolk is telling us that Valentines Day's set to give them a welcome boost in footfall - during a tough time for the hospitality sector.
It's despite a national survey claiming three quarters of those in couples aren't planning doing something special to mark the day, with 90% believing it's become too commercialised and expensive.
"It brings people in and shows us off"
Sophie Thompson is the owner of 'Fizz and Fromage' in Hoveton: "Having a full-house at this time of the year is so important for us - especially when you consider that in January and February people don't go out as much.
"We like doing stuff like this. It brings people in and shows us off. It's a time of the year that's become more important for us, as we've moved to putting out a fuller menu.
"It's hard working in the sector at the moment, but you get there. Rising prices are difficult, but we try and use a lot of local goods like bread, eggs and milk to off-set that as much as we can."
The survey in full:
Of those who are single, Valentine's Day was voted to be one of the most difficult times of year to be without a partner (17%), second only to the Christmas period (59%).
The survey found that just 25% of those in a couple make an effort to do something special to mark Valentine’s Day - meaning three quarters choose to give it a miss.
In fact, when asked what they think about Valentine’s Day, 69% believe it to be overrated (43%), cliché (13%), or outdated (13%).
90% of respondents feel there’s too much pressure to adhere to Valentine’s Day traditions, with 90% also believing that it has become too commercialised.
(Source: 77 Diamonds)