Cost of eating out has doubled

The cost of eating out has gone up by 100% in the past 15 years, a study by the Halifax bank has concluded.

The bank's Retail Price Index reported that restaurant meals and take-aways had risen by 94%, while the price of canteen meals has shot up 143% in a decade-and-a-half.

Beer prices rose 94%, while wine had risen by 65% in the same period, it added.

While this may seem a lot, in fact the cost of staying in, doing nothing and just running your home has gone up by 97%, said the Halifax.

But for those who have worked during the period, average earnings have kept pace, rising by 106% over the 15-year period.

Tim Crawford, Halifax group economist, said: "The price of fun - items like cinema going and sporting activities- has risen rapidly and so too has the cost of eating out and even the humble take-away."

by Nic Paton

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