More than half of Britons prefer takeaways to ‘pretentious’ Michelin-starred restaurants, study claims

Small portions, long waiting lists and fancy dress codes were listed as reasons for shunning acclaimed restaurants

The study was commissioned to mark the British Takeaway Awards, which has been sponsored by Love Island's Jack Fincham and Dani Dyer (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

More than half of Britons would rather eat a takeaway than go to a Michelin-starred restaurant, a poll has claimed.

Researchers found a large percentage of respondents preferred the option of sinking into the sofa and ordering food after a long day at work instead of dining at an a la carte eatery.

Among the things which put people off opting for a "posh meal" were small portions, long waiting lists for tables and having to get dressed up.

Cost was also an issue for many, according to the study of 2,000 adults. The poll also revealed 87 per cent preferred a takeaway to mark special moments, with birthday celebration, moving into a new flat or house and landing a new job also making the list.

Graduation and first dates were also considered worthy of ordering a food delivery.

“Great takeaways are at the heart of British culture," said Graham Corfield, UK Managing Director of Just Eat, which commissioned the study. ''Not only do these small, independent businesses offer fantastic food and service to their local community, their efforts behind the scenes to bring the nation the food they love often goes unrecognised.

Just over half (51 per cent) said they would rather order-in than eat out at a Michelin star restaurant.

More than a quarter said they love it so much they would order a takeaway for breakfast and almost half (49 per cent) would ditch a romantic partner based on their takeaway ta

Close to one third said it was their favourite type of food

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SWNS