Cooking now a go-to way to unwind on weekends as 6 in 10 Brits ditch nights out

Cooking now a go-to way to unwind on weekends as 6 in 10 Brits ditch nights out Three quarters of adults now look forward to spending their weekends at home, and many are using cooking as their main form of relaxation. Six in 10 adults have ditched nights out at bars and clubs in favour of evenings spent at home cooking. Research involving 2,000 adults revealed 73% now look forward to spending their weekends at home, with 56% doing so more frequently than they once did. However, it's not purely about cutting costs; four in ten of those choosing to remain home feel happier as a result. While at home, 32% opt to spend their weekends cooking. Four in ten will utilise the additional time to experiment with new or more elaborate recipes, with 34% feeling they have greater energy to dedicate to cooking. The slower pace can turn cooking into valuable downtime, with 22% claiming it helps them slow down and be more present, while 18% feel it allows them to switch off from screens and digital distractions. The study was commissioned by Hotpoint, which has partnered with Fuschia Sirois, professor of social and health psychology at Durham University, to explore how our weekends have shifted towards resting and recharging at home. Prof. Sirois said: "A night out can feel like the best way to unwind after a long week, but, psychologically, it often isn't. "Studies on how we recover from work look at switching off, relaxing, learning something new and feeling in control of our time. A night in cooking can cover all of those, which a night out rarely does. "At home we get to choose how we use our time and who we share it with. People talk about the joy of missing out, and I think that's exactly what we're seeing." Find out which kind of weekender you are with this quiz The research also revealed that preparing meals has become a social activity, with one in four people cooking for friends and family at weekends. Nearly half (47%) make spending time with loved ones a weekend priority, while 14% described cooking for others as their love language. For many, however, time spent in the kitchen has evolved into a form of self-care, with 33% relishing the opportunity to treat themselves – and others – to quality food. Meanwhile, 22% derive a genuine sense of accomplishment from their culinary creations, with 19% embracing the idea of having a 'special' weekend routine. Yet despite having more time to try new things, those surveyed, via OnePoll, are largely sticking to tried-and-tested favourites on Saturdays, with Spaghetti Bolognese leading the weekend menu, followed by curry and stir-fry. Adam Norris, senior product manager at Hotpoint, said: "As autumn sets in, the weekend gives people permission to slow the pace, spend more time at home and enjoy cooking without the pressure of the working week. "What's interesting is how cooking transforms from a midweek chore into a weekend pleasure. "For those trying a new recipe, it can be daunting, but with the right appliances on hand and the time to enjoy the process, cooking can be a great way to build confidence, switch off from digital distractions, and share the feeling of home." THE TOP 10 DISHES BRITS COOK ON A SATURDAY: - Spaghetti Bolognese - Curry - Stir-fry - Stews/casseroles - Steak and Chips - Pasta Bake - Lasagne - Homemade Pizza - Roast Dinner - Fish and Chips