Diners won't split the bill with others if there's a price difference of more than £27.57
Diners won't split the bill with others if there's a price difference of more than £27.57.
A poll of 2,000 adults has revealed attitudes towards eating out and found this is the point at which diners refuse to split the bill down the middle and instead opt to pay only for what they ordered.
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With alcohol a major sticking point, 55% expressed feeling frustrated if they have to share a bill with someone splashing out on booze when they aren't drinking.
And 68% have paid for more than what they actually ordered previously to avoid a confrontation with others over the bill.
As only 40% feel comfortable asking others to pay their fair share if they've ordered something more expensive.
It also emerged 'billphobia' – the point at which people begin to worry about the cost of their food and drink - kicks in when they splash out £89.82 on a meal out.
The research was commissioned by Compare the Market, which is offering 25% off dining out, where people who take out a qualifying product can get a year's membership.
Director Kristin Sonfield said: 'Billphobia is a real thing for diners.
'A lot of us have experienced it where we've sat down and the bill keeps totting up, and you're trying to make sure it doesn't get too expensive.
'Searching for good deals and using discount codes to get money off may mean you don't have to worry as much when the waiter does arrive with the cheque.'
When dining out, the mid-tier food option is the most popular (46%), but 37% splash out on whatever they fancy, regardless of price.
Eight per cent order the cheapest thing on the menu, while one in 20 will opt for the most expensive items on offer.
But 51% worry when the bill arrives, with being overcharged (38%, tipping the right amount (33%) and splitting the cost fairly (30%) key sticking points.
Away from cost, other top stressors when dining out include unexpected service charges (40%) and being rushed to choose what to eat (33%).
With 40% admitting they have avoided going out for food altogether to avoid bill related awkwardness.
The research also found 77% feel it is important to get good value when dining out – with friendly service (60%), generous portion sizes (54%) and locally sourced ingredients (27%) all part of the secret recipe to a good night.
Others love nothing more than looking for a good deal when dining out, with 36% searching for restaurant discounts.
With pizza (26%, burgers (11%) and pasta (8%) the top foods diners love to get money off with.
Kristin Sonfield from Compare the Market, which has an app which allows customers to redeem deals, said: 'Dining out should be about good food and good company - but for many, the stress of the final bill can take the joy out of it.
"With rising prices, being savvy with spending is more important than ever to ensure you're getting a good deal.'
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