Family Favourite Restaurants Implement Dramatic Price Hikes
If you have noticed that a simple family meal out now feels as expensive as a weekend getaway, you are not alone. Beloved high street restaurant chains including Nando's, Pizza Express, Wagamama, and Toby Carvery have been steadily increasing their prices over the past five years, with some menu items now costing more than double what they did in 2021.
Staggering Increases Across the Board
Analysis reveals that between February 2021 and February 2026, numerous popular dishes have seen price rises exceeding 100%. This comes against a backdrop of overall food inflation jumping 38.6% during the same period. Restaurant representatives point to soaring energy bills, rising wage costs, increased national insurance contributions, business rates, and supply chain pressures as key factors squeezing their profits. Meanwhile, fewer Britons are dining out due to the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Nando's: Significant Rises on Key Items
At a typical London Nando's, a family of four ordering regular mains, two sides each, and soft drinks can now expect a bill exceeding £75. Opting for larger portions pushes the total beyond £90, before any extras. Specific examples of inflation include:
- PERinaise dip: up 108% from 60p to £1.25.
- Grilled chicken pitta with chips: up 46% from £8.75 to £12.75.
- Quarter chicken with two sides: up 45% from £8.25 to £12.
- Bottomless drinks: up nearly 45% from £2.95 to £4.25.
A Nando's spokesperson stated: "Like all hospitality businesses, we’re facing significant increases in the cost of running our restaurants – particularly our wage bill and supply chain costs. We work hard to absorb as much of these costs as possible to protect the great value our customers expect."
Pizza Express: Major Jumps on Classics
At a Pizza Express in Nerbury, a family of four ordering regular pizzas and soft drinks could now face a bill of up to £96 without starters or sides. Notable price increases include:
- Classic pepperoni pizza: up 60% from £9.95 to £15.95.
- Margherita pizza: up 40% from £8.95 to £13.95.
- Dough Balls: up 50% from £4.50 to £6.75.
The company emphasised its focus on value, highlighting its loyalty app with over 4 million members offering rewards like free dough balls.
Wagamama and Toby Carvery Follow Suit
The trend extends to other chains. At Wagamama, four chicken katsu curries with soft drinks now cost around £73 before extras. Dishes like chicken and prawn yaki soba have risen 48% from £10.50 to £15.50. A spokesperson cited "exceptional economic headwinds" affecting the fresh food preparation business.
At Toby Carvery, a Sunday carvery for a family of four now costs £65.96, with the carvery itself up 36% from £12.49 to £16.99 since 2021.
Consumer Concerns and Expert Criticism
Some consumer experts argue that customers are being burdened more than necessary. Consumer rights campaigner Martyn James told The Sun: "It’s hard to avoid the conclusion that many of these big high street names, once known for affordable food options for the family, have simply got into the habit of tacking on price increases to boost profits."
Tips for Diners Feeling the Pinch
With everyone feeling the financial squeeze, there are strategies to manage these rising costs:
- Utilise loyalty apps and club memberships for rewards and discounts.
- Seek out midweek deals, set menus, and lunch specials.
- Share side dishes and avoid expensive add-ons and extras.
- Check voucher and deal websites before making a reservation.
- Consider cooking quick midweek meals at home using ingredients from budget supermarkets to stretch your food budget further.
The dramatic price hikes across these family-friendly chains highlight the broader pressures within the UK hospitality sector and the ongoing challenges for households navigating the cost of living crisis.
