A welcoming atmosphere and food arriving promptly make memorable festive experiences

As we approach the height of 2023's festive season, payments company and experience economy experts, Dojo, reveal the things customers value most when dining out.

According to a recent poll by Dojo*, hospitality businesses looking to wow guests should prioritise fast and efficient ordering and payment, food leaving the kitchen quickly and creating a welcoming atmosphere to give customers the best holiday experience.

Many of the UK's small, often family-run, hospitality businesses and high street staples will be gearing up to welcome office socials, families, couples and friends to make memories this winter. The poll revealed that 35% of those dining with colleagues find quick, friendly service important to their experience. Almost 50% appreciate quick and friendly service when dining with family, and for couples dining out this season, 41% agree that speed and friendliness are important to their overall experience.

Almost all (84%) Brits believe that the right hospitality is essential in creating the best possible experience when visiting a bar or restaurant. Although easily overlooked, a seamless ordering and payment process gives customers more time to enjoy the festivities whilst helping restaurants and bars turn tables faster during one of the busiest times in hospitality – giving staff precious time back to focus on what matters most: hospitality.

Dojo Pocket is a smartphone-sized handheld card machine designed for waiting staff to seamlessly manage orders and payments at guests' tables. This eliminates the need for waiters to constantly return to the EPOS as they can send orders to the kitchen or bar from the same device.

Jon Knott, Head of Consumer Insight, Dojo, comments: "Hospitality and retail businesses are truly the heroes of the high street over the festive period. As many of us look forward to enjoying the warm welcome while celebrating in our favourite bars and restaurants, it is easy to forget just how busy it can get for the hosts! Dojo Pocket has been designed with both hospitality business and customers in mind – it offers a sleek solution which gives guests and hosts alike the chance to have a fantastic festive experience."

Dojo is dedicated to supporting merchants in the experience economy, emphasising the significance of innovations like Dojo Pocket and creating sleeker processes such as next-day payments to merchants, which Dojo introduced in 2021.

To find out more about the experience economy and payment solutions like the Dojo Pocket please visit dojo.tech/break-free

• Research carried out by OnePoll on behalf of Dojo between 11-15th September 2023, to a panel of 2,000 respondents in the UK.