12 things to think about when planning to eat out in the UK

>> Does the restaurant use organic / local / fair trade produce? Do you care?

>> Fast food is full of salt, sugar and fats – often twice the recommended daily amount. Eat sparingly.

>> Is the food cooked fresh or microwaved? Does it bother you?

>> Are you looking for sparkling crystal and starched linen or plastic beakers and formica tables? Or something in between?

>> The average restaurant meal contains well over 1,000 calories. Without wine!

>> New restaurants often have special deals to lure customers in.

>> Many burgers contain 48% chicken, water, beef fat, beef heart, rusk, starch, onion, salt, spices hydrolysed vegetable protein, etc – but no beef!

>> Is the restaurant child-friendly? Good if you have children but could be a no-no for adults seeking a quiet venue.

>> Seasonal foods have better flavour – and are more ethical.

>> Check your local paper for restaurants offering money-off or free wine coupons. Or, if you’re a parent – ‘children eat free’ offers.

>> Mark-up on wines can be as much as 400%.

>> Service charges are discretionary.