Londoners are seeking out new places to party
Londoners spend up to 40% more than other Brits on eating out, gambling, theatres and cinemas, yet are increasingly socialising outside the West End, according to recent findings.
The report, commissioned by London mayor Ken Livingstone, found the average Londoner spends more than £150 a month going out. He also said eating out was responsible for the largest leisure job growth in London, adding almost 27,000 new jobs between 1995 and 2000.
However, 88% of all new leisure jobs in London were created outside of the West End, with the main emerging leisure employment areas being Clapham, North Finchley, and parts of Hammersmith and Fulham and Richmond upon Thames.
High disposable incomes and a young population is shaping London's leisure sector, with the 25-34 age group growing in the capital but declining nationally.
Terrorism, the burden of consumer debt and even the congestion charge did little to dampen the festive spirits of London diners this year, with restaurants reporting an increase in bookings over Christmas.
According to a survey carried out by online restaurant and party booking service toptable.co.uk, 71% of the 3,600 respondents said they spent more money this year on Christmas than ever before, while 69% said the threat of rising interest rates made no difference to spending habits.
The threat of terrorism in the capital also had little effect on dining habits, with 84% saying it had not made an impact on their celebrations.
