A romantic but thrifty bunch, Brits are planning to splash more cash on their dates this Valentine’s Day – but they’re still looking for value for money.
According to a survey by toptable, more than half plan to dine in style without breaking the bank by taking advantage of special offers.
But far from being a nation of cheapskates and cheap dates, one in three plan to spend more money on eating out than they did last year, with most intending to lavish more than £75 on their date.
Subverting the old gender stereotypes, it’s the women who will be taking charge on 14 February this year with two thirds of women making the restaurant booking.
Perhaps some of them will be following the leap year Valentine’s tradition and popping the question to their date.
Only 18% of women said the man was in charge while the remaining said it was a joint decision.
Not wanting to miss out on the fun, more than a third of singles are planning to go on Valentine’s ‘mate dates’ and make dinner reservations to dine with more than one other.
Just a quarter said they would rather stay at home than go out without a parnter.
Lucy Taylor, head of restaurant dining at toptable said: "It is great to see that Britons are using both their hearts and their heads this year and aren't being a fool for love, taking advantage of special offers such as free glasses of champagne to accompany meals or money off set courses.
"By doing so, it means that couples can really enjoy more from their dining experience, maybe even visit places they wouldn't be able to normally. On toptable, you are able to see special offers available at restaurants of your choice and can even search by restaurant offers only which will pull out all the offers available in your chosen location, arguably a great way to enjoy more this Valentine's Day."