Average spend on late-night out up 15.5% to almost £70 while frequency and duration also rise: The average spend on a late-night out increased 15.5% to £68.68, according to the latest Deltic Night Index, compared with £59.49 for the same period last year. The rise was driven by an 11.7% year-on-year increase in spending on food (£16.20), a 10.3% increase on in-venue drinks (£19.25) and a 32.1% increase in spending on transport (£12.02). The quarterly report found almost three-fifths (58.1%) of consumers go on a night out at least once a week, with the average night out 4 hours and 35 minutes. Almost two-fifths (39.4%) of consumers spend three to four hours on a night out, with 37.2% spending five to six hours out. Recommendations (55.6%) are the most important factor people consider when choosing where to go on a night out, while Facebook (25.8%) remains the second most important factor. Seeing friends (68.1%) is the main reason for going on a night out, followed by escaping the stresses of daily life (44.0%). When respondents were asked to rate their local town or city for culture and leisure, more than half (54.2%) rated their typical daytime leisure activities (including food on the go, bowling and gyms) as “good” or “amazing” – a sentiment felt particularly strongly by the 18 to 25 age bracket (60.1%). The provision of typical evening leisure activities (including cinemas and restaurants) was even more popular, with almost three-fifths (57.4%) citing it as “good” or “amazing”, rising to 69.0% among 18 to 21-year-olds. More than half (50.7%) rate their local area as “good” or “amazing” for night-time leisure activities. More than two-thirds (68.2%) agree their local casual dining options are “good”, while 57.2% and 53.4% said the same about the day and evening, and late-night leisure options respectively. Respondents were most happy with leisure options available between midday and 6pm (70.3%), with 65.1% of consumers happy with options from 6pm and 11pm, and 51.2% satisfied with late-night options. Less than three-fifths (57.4%) think their town or city has enough late-night leisure options, compared with 67.6% who believe there are enough casual dining options. The Deltic Group chief executive Peter Marks said: “Given the ongoing pressures the UK’s retail and leisure industries face it is fantastic – and perhaps surprising – to see so many Brits feel so positively about their towns and cities and the leisure offerings within them. If anything, it seems consumers are looking for even more variety, demonstrating how important it is for operators to work together with local governments and other stakeholders to enrich our towns and cities by providing a great round-the-clock offer for people to enjoy.”

Crussh opens debut Sodexo site: London-based healthy food and juice brand Crussh has opened its first site in partnership with services company Sodexo – at City, University of London. The Crussh kiosk at City offers the brand’s classic menu of healthy food ranging from breakfast pots and toasties to salads, wraps, cold-pressed juice and organic coffee. The kiosk is in the main building in Northampton Square. The announcement follows last year’s franchise deal between the companies, which will see Crussh open outlets across the Sodexo business from workplace catering to universities, hospitals and government locations in the UK and Ireland. Crussh said it would take a “creative approach” to the requirements of each location, covering traditional cafe formats as well as larger-scale sites, food trucks and pop-ups. More Crussh outlets are in the pipeline with Sodexo clients in the higher education and healthcare sectors. Shane Kavanagh, chief executive of Crussh, said: “We are delighted to open our first university outlet at City. We know the university well, and it’s really exciting to be able to introduce healthy, nutritious food to campus. We think this is a great opportunity to have a positive impact on the well-being of students and staff.” Simon Knight, managing director, universities, Sodexo UK & Ireland, added: “The university is committed to promoting healthier eating habits for staff and students and the introduction of Crussh helps it to achieve this. We look forward to bringing this innovative and healthy brand to more of our clients and customers in the near future.” In 2018, Crussh opened a number of sites in partnership with SSP Group, the UK-based transport hub foodservice specialist, and leisure operator Everyone Active.