Fast-food operating hours in the UK vary significantly across regions. Data from Meaningful Vision Ltd, tracking over 200 foodservice establishments across the country, reveals some interesting patterns.
Wales boasts the longest average operating hours (15.9), driven by a high concentration of 24/7 outlets, primarily McDonald’s and some Burger King locations. Scotland follows with an average of 15.2 hours, while London and Northern Ireland have shorter average hours, at 13.9 and 13.2, respectively.
Burger and Chicken Shops: Smaller Cities Reign Supreme
The average UK Quick Service Restaurant specialising in burgers and chicken opens at 8:15 AM and closes at 10:50 PM. Notably, 14.6% of burger stores in the UK operate around the clock.
Interestingly, the four largest cities (London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds) and Bristol exhibit shorter average operating hours for these QSRs compared to other major cities. This suggests a potential concentration of demand during peak hours in these urban centres, with less reliance on extended operating hours.
Conversely, smaller cities like Liverpool, Leicester, and Nottingham tend to have longer operating hours, driven by a higher concentration of 24/7 stores. This indicates a strong demand for late-night services in these regions, perhaps reflecting a different consumer behaviour or a higher demand on fast – food.
Pizza: Manchester Takes the Crown
The average QS Pizza store in the UK operates for 12.4 hours, demonstrating a broader approach to serving a wide range of customers throughout the day and evening. UK stores typically close by 11 PM, with a few operating into the early mornings.
Manchester has the longest operating hours in the segment (13,5) driven by a higher percentage of 24-hour outlets (all Dominos). This extended availability reflects a strong demand for late-night pizza delivery, no doubt helped by a vibrant nightlife scene and a large student population. Leicester achieves comparable hours (13.4) despite lacking 24/7 stores, highlighting the impact of extended evening hours on overall operating time.
By contrast, Sheffield, Edinburgh, and Glasgow report the shortest operating hours for QS Pizza, with no 24/7 outlets and relatively earlier closing times.
Coffee: A Consistent Rhythm with Local Variations
The average daily operating hours for QS Coffee stores in the UK is 11.71 hours. The average opening time is 7:20 AM, closing at 6:40 PM. Almost 60% of all coffee shops open before 8:00 AM serving customers on their way to work, and more than 50% are closed by 6pm, serving coffee and snacks to workers on their way back home.
QS Coffee stores exhibit more consistent operating hours across cities compared to other fast – food segments. However, Bristol stands out with earlier closing times, typically between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM, and the shortest opening hours.
‘Regional differences between opening hours can have a significant influence on operational efficiency, so understanding how these dynamics impact your business can be crucial when tailoring operations to local demands,’ emphasises Maria Vanifatova, CEO of Meaningful Vision. Operating hours are highly dependent on location. City centres in larger cities typically serve office workers and usually close early, while the suburbs generally cater to evening traffic. Understanding traffic patterns by hour and comparing your own performance to competitors is increasingly important in the face of rising labour costs.
More on operating trends across foodservice establishments across Europe here.
