The way we think about our cities is changing. Once thought of as smog-filled labyrinths of noise, the capitals of the 21st century are embracing a whole new ethos: the liveable city, built not around engines, but around community. London is embracing this change, and as a result is being increasingly recognised not, as Arthur Conan Doyle rather meanly put it, “a great cesspool”, but rather as a loveable, liveable place to be. Now, a Censuswide study of 1,000 people across different age groups has uncovered some fascinating insights about our dining preferences. Here's what the data tells us:
2. Even Boomers Are On Board
While younger people lead the trend, 51% of Baby Boomers (aged 60–78) prefer car-free dining locations. This shows the appeal of pedestrianised dining spans generations.
3. Gen X Strikes a Balance
The middle generation isn't far behind the youth movement, with 58% of Gen X respondents (aged 44–59) favoring restaurants in pedestrianised areas.
4. Serenity Is the Top Draw
When ranking their reasons for choosing car-free dining spots, respondents consistently placed the calmer, more serene atmosphere at the top of their list.
5. It's All About Wellbeing
The study reveals a direct connection between dining preferences and the UK's growing focus on wellbeing and work-life balance. Pedestrianised dining spaces align perfectly with this cultural shift.
6. Traffic-Free Means Stress-Free
Respondents highlighted how being away from traffic creates a more pleasant dining experience, suggesting noise and air pollution significantly impact dining choices.
7. The Business Case Is Clear
The strong preference for car-free dining across all age groups sends a clear message to the restaurant industry: location matters, and pedestrianised areas like Sicilian Avenue in Bloomsbury are becoming increasingly valuable for food businesses.
The results contribute to the growing evidence that people have had enough of cars gobbling up space in cities. Moreover, they send a strong signal to the restaurant industry that people of all ages have a strong preference for eateries that aren’t situated on a major thoroughfare. Diners are less about the broom-broom, and more about the chatter-chatter. Little wonder, then, that Bloomsbury and Holborn’s newest, oldest pedestrianised enclave, Sicilian Avenue, is causing a buzz.