As seated diner numbers in London lag behind pre-pandemic levels,OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant technology, launches its Dine London pop-up, a free culinary experience on 8th – 9th October in Southbank and 11th – 12th in King’s Cross showcasing the culinary prowess of the city and encouraging diners to support restaurants this autumn. The experience is bookable via OpenTable.

London restaurants could use a little extra love: OpenTable’s State of the Industry data² shows that it is recovering more slowly than the rest of the UK. Seated diner numbers across the UK have consistently exceeded 2019 levels since May 2021, whilst London seated diner numbers have broken through 2019 levels on occasion but consistently fall back below the baseline after short spikes.

The pop up will highlight some of the capital’s favourite cuisines: British and Italian3 and two trending cuisines: Greek and Mexican4. It will be bookable on OpenTable for 45 minute sittings, and includes a complimentary small tasting menu featuring each of the four cuisines, from Truffle Mushroom Arancini and Rice Stuffed Vine Leaves to Pulled Chicken Tacos and Traditional Fruit Scones.

New research from OpenTable5 reveals preferences for dining in the capital, with 37% of Londoners citing Central London as the best dining destination in the city. The research also revealed that six tube stops is the average diners would travel for a meal, with Gen Z diners preferring to stay local (three to four stops) and Boomers and Millennials willing to travel 10 or more stops.

46% of those surveyed use booking platforms for restaurant reservations, and 55% of Millennials consider booking platforms a go-to for reservations, compared to restaurant websites, social media and telephone bookings.

Diners looking to discover the perfect spot should look no further than OpenTable’s Dine London curated guides, featuring a range of restaurants explore and book: ‘Neighbourhood Gems’, ‘The Greats’ and ‘Chef Recommendations’ (launching in October), alongside a series of videos from some of London’s top chefs, including Monica Galetti, Adam Handling and Sameer Taneja, who highlight their favourite local dining spots.

Lucy Taylor, VP EMEA, OpenTable comments: “Dine London provides inspiration for diners looking to reignite their love for restaurants in the capital this autumn, and support an industry that continues to face a multitude of headwinds.

“Our data shows that London is experiencing a slower recovery compared to the rest of the UK, so OpenTable is encouraging diners to go out and support restaurants if they can, during this quieter period following the summer and ahead of the festive season.”

OpenTable’s Dine London bookable experience will be available at London’s Southbank on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th October and London’s King’s Cross on Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th October.