Exeter's restaurant trade is booming, thanks to local support

Despite ongoing fears of a triple dip recession, confidence in the restaurant sector remains healthy and, according to the Deloitte Consumer Tracker Report released at the end of last year, not only are consumers eating out more often, but spending more when they do (compared to the average spend during 2012) and our love affair with dining out is set to continue in 2013.

Indeed, Exeter has witnessed an influx of new restaurants, with a variety of eateries popping up all over the city – Ruby Diner on Queen Street, Loungers Cosy Club in Southernhay, the Salty Pigeon on Magdalen Road and Bill's on Gandy Street – appealing to Exeter’s thousands of foodies and giving a clear indication of confidence in the sector.

But it is not just new restaurants benefitting from our penchant for eating out. Pukka Indian has announced increased sales in both eat-in and take-away trade from its award-winning restaurant on South Street, with Tiger Bills, an established ‘East meets West’ restaurant on North Street also enjoying double digit growth in 2013.

Jamil Miah, restauranteur and owner of Pukka Indian, comments: “We have been really pleased with the support from local people since opening in April last year. As we become more established and our reputation grows, so too has trade and the first quarter has surpassed our expectations and long may it continue.”

Pukka Indian underwent a complete refit before opening its doors and Jamil attributes the contemporary decor, teamed with great service with an award winning chef at the helm, as contributing factors why the 40-seat restaurant is doing so well, even with competition all over the city and the recession still biting into most households disposable income.

“Even with the recession, people still like to treat themselves and eating out is still a favourite for couples and groups looking to spend time together. We are of course mindful that most people have tighter budgets but savvy restauranteurs will be working hard to incentivse diners by offering value, whilst still offering good quality, to attract trade. We have introudced a buffet style menu at lunchtimes which is pulling in footfall and we will continue to try new things to make sure we stay competitive,” adds Jamil.

Tiger Bills opened in 2007 in Exeter and forms part of the Lifestyle Hospitality Group – a fast expanding group of hospitality-based businesses located in the South West – and Lifestyle’s managing director, James Eyre, puts the restaurants growth down to the hard work of all its management team and staff whilst also recognising the power of neighbourhood dining.

“That is to say that looking after your regular and loyal guest by offering consistency, value and great hospitality is key to success in a tough market place,” says James.

“The double digit growth experienced this year is against a declining retail sector and high street and local authorities need to recognise the efforts of small businesses in supporting the local economy. I would encourage local authorities to look harder at the rates and parking charges being applied,” James added.

Fiona Moores, General Manager from The Magdalen Chapter, said:  "The restaurant sector has remained buoyant and in our experience, is fairing well despite the ongoing speculation of a triple dip recession.  At The Magdalen Chapter, we are consistently operating at a strong capacity level and average spend remains healthy.   

"Going out and eating in a restaurant is not something people can do online, so where the high street is struggling due to heightened web-based competition,  hospitality remains detached. The domestic and leisure market is fairing very well. Many consumers may be choosing a less exotic holiday this summer - however to soften the blow, they are choosing to eat out more at home and spend more on their leisure time in the UK."

Loungers is the most recent addition to Exeter’s restaurant offering and managing director, Alex Reilley said, “We’re delighted that Cosy Club is finally open. Exeter is a city we have been extremely keen to get into for a number of years now and we are very excited about opening the Cosy Club in such a landmark building and in such a vibrant city, particularly as the Cosy Club concept was very much developed for places like Exeter."