Brits love wining and dining says survey
British people spend on average £42 billion dining out, reveals new research, with men mainly picking up the tab.
According to Virgin Money, the average male thinks it is gallant to pay the bill, and 40 per cent say that they are happy to do so.
The financial provider polled 2,000 people on their eating habits and the results show that food-hungry Brits gorge an annual £33 billion worth of restaurant food in the evening, and a further £9 billion at lunchtime.
The cost of an average meal now stands at £21.87 per head, and one in five Brits will dine out at least once a week.
Virgin Money warns that although it may be tempting to frequently eat out, more than a million people will be left red-faced after receiving a bill they cannot afford to pay, either because of credit card problems or running up too large a tab.
Virgin Money spokesman, John Franklin, said: 'When it comes to eating out, the choices in most towns and cities now are endless - and a meal out is a great way to spend time with a loved one or friends.
'But this survey proves exactly how much meals out will cost us individually and as a nation - and the figures are quite incredible.' | 
