Eating out is no longer just about food and drink. Innovations from apps that trace ingredients to fast-track ordering are shaping service expectations. But can too much seem gimmicky? And should restaurants concentrate on mastering quality ingredients rather than the latest tech?

Dining out is evolving. With the restaurant industry now worth over £40 billion in the UK alone, more venues are taking inspiration from theatre, television and film to create story-rich, immersive and highly sensory experiences that entice new diners through the door.

Online shopping is bigger than ever, but the value of a great in-store experience shouldn’t be overlooked. According to studies, it’s older consumers that value a personal in-store experience most highly, as over-50s reject shops with a bad atmosphere or poor customer service.

The rapid rise of smart technologies can make creating and maintaining meaningful human relationships a challenge. In response, EatWith offers its users an authentic dining experience coupled with the opportunity to form new social bonds.