La Voix from Strictly Come Dancing delighted Londoners on the South Bank near Waterloo station with a unique performance accompanied by an orchestra playing instruments crafted from vegetables and kitchen tools. The ensemble showcased inventive creations like carrot recorders, potato flutes, and butternut squash horns.
Their entertaining performance encouraged passersby to prioritize dinner time at home, aligning with a recent survey by a meal-kit brand. The survey of 2,000 adults revealed that 45% of participants feel they dine together as a family less frequently now compared to a decade ago.
Additionally, the survey highlighted that 35% of respondents noted dinner times have shifted later, attributed to meal planning, family members’ schedules, and work commitments extending into the evening. Surprisingly, only 40% of individuals achieve the ideal dinner time of 6:28 pm on a daily basis.
Work-life balance challenges were evident, as one-fifth of employees admitted to leaving work on time for dinner only twice a week or less. The survey also showed that individuals dine alone an average of two days a week, while families gather around the dinner table about four evenings per week.
Mimi Morley, the senior recipe development manager for the meal kit brand, emphasized the importance of a well-prepared meal after a busy day, underscoring the value of shared meals in strengthening relationships. Despite the challenges, 47% of respondents believe dining together enhances bonds and 39% find it makes meals more enjoyable and less routine.
The survey highlighted that 84% of participants consider sharing meals with others, whether family, friends, or flatmates, crucial for social connection. Morley recommended practical solutions like meal planning and preparation to alleviate mealtime stress and ensure enjoyable dining experiences.