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Three quarters (75%) of families are opting to dine out as a group more often than they chose to five years ago, a new survey commissioned by Le Bistrot Pierre has revealed.
The research, reported on the Big Hospitality website, was carried out to gain an idea of the modern family's dining habits and preferences ahead of the design and production of a new children's activity pack by Le Bistrot Pierre.
More than half of those surveyed chose 'quality time together' as the predominant reason for going out to eat, with a 'family celebration' and 'socialising' not far behind. Nearly half of the 785 respondents cited quality of food as the most important consideration when selecting a restaurant to visit, with value coming a close second. The research also revealed that 63% of families preferred restaurants which offered children an activity pack.
In light of these revelations, Le Bistrot Pierre joined forces with established artist and mother-of-two, Julia Whitehead, to develop an activity pack that encourages children to put away their electronic devices and create an atmosphere where young diners are entertained and quality family time is back on the table.
Business co-owner and father-of-three, Rob Beacham, commented: "Quality time can be hard to factor in at home surrounded by distractions, so the Bistrot Pierre family felt that a meal out together would be the perfect time to put away phones and tablets and really enjoy each other's company."
The pack itself is entirely hand-drawn and includes a selection of French themed puzzles with story-writing and games such as 'Ou est Pierre?' as well as a set of crayons. It is available at all 14 of the Le Bistrot Pierre restaurants and complements the specially designed Menu Enfant. Options include fish goujons, croquet monsieur and chocolate torte, and all were chosen by a children's food panel earlier this year, demonstrating the restaurant group's investment in their younger guests, and consequently in the family dining market.
