Why it’s so much nicer visiting a restaurant when it’s raining
There’s a joy in bad weather especially when you’re having dinner out, says Rosalind Erskine.
I’ve always thought I’m in the minority when it comes to weather and enjoying sitting in a lovely restaurant when it’s pouring outside. While the joys of feeling cosy in bad weather in winter are probably universal; summer or spring rain and a window seat in my favourite restaurant or cafe gives me a great sense of peace.
Turns out I am not alone in this thinking, as new international research found diners are more likely to leave positive reviews after eating out during wet weather. The study, led by academics from Nottingham Business School, part of Nottingham Trent University in the UK, Harbin Institute of Technology, China, and University of New Brunswick, Canada, analysed almost 150,000 reviews from more than 1,100 restaurants on Chinese website, Xiaomishu. Participants imagined travelling to a restaurant booking either in rainy, sunny, or neutral weather conditions before rating how the experience affected their mood and impression of the restaurant.
The research suggests that the transition from the cold and wet into an ambient and comfortable restaurant with food aromas triggers a significant positive shift in psychological state, leading to a boost in satisfaction. However, the study also found that cloudy weather does not produce the same positive outcome as the intensity of rain, and the effect was particularly present during spring and winter but diminished in the summer warmth.
So next time it’s pouring try to look on the bright side and book your favourite restaurant. You might just enjoy it more than normal.
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