Diners flock to cities as suburbs feel the crunch

London might be credited with leading the way in restaurant openings but its growth has been matched by the likes of Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool in the last 10 years, according to new data.

Research from CGA Peach has found that total openings went up by 19% in London between 2003 and 2013, closely followed by Manchester at 17% and Liverpool with 15% growth.

Food-led operations have rocketed in Manchester in the last decade, with a 55% increase. Leeds has seen 42% growth in its eating out market.

CGA Peach senior account manager Jamie Campbell said: "Much has been made of the decline in drinking pubs over the last decade, but that only tells a small part of the story.

"Our figures show that managed, branded and food-led pubs and restaurants are thriving, and are helping to make cities around the country, and not just London, exciting and dynamic places to be. They suggest that as the economic recovery continues to gather momentum, pub and restaurant operators have plenty of reasons to look forward to the years ahead."

The research found that the number of food-led licensed venues has increased by 6,000 between 2003 and 2013.