Restaurateurs have been reporting their eateries are at full capacity, as diners return while the UK eases out of lockdown.
However, data shows total reservations and diner numbers are still well below pre-covid levels, with indoor eating yet to resume.
Nonetheless, hospitality industry insiders have called the figures "encouraging".
Online restaurant reservation service OpenTable says its data revealed that on April 12 - the day of the partial reopening of the hospitality sector in England - reservations UK were approaching pre-COVID levels and were down by only 21% compared to 2019 levels.
"This encouraging trend continued throughout the first week of opening, with UK wide figures showing that on average, seated diner numbers were only down by 38% over the first seven days compared to the same period in 2019," said a spokesperson for Open Table.
"Over the weekend (Friday 16th April - Sunday 18th April), seated diner numbers were at -36% on Friday, -40% on Saturday and -38% on Sunday compared to the same period in 2019, as diners enjoyed much missed brunches, lunches and dinners on the first full weekend of opening outdoor spaces.
"In Manchester the seated diner data told an even more encouraging story, as reservations on Monday were up 53% on 2019 levels and remained steady throughout the week, with a 10% increase on Tuesday 13th April.
"On average throughout the week, the restaurant reservations in Manchester were up 5% compared to 2019 levels."
"The State of the Industry data is updated daily and provides real-time insight into consumer’s dining habits and trends, showing seated diners across the globe from phone, online and walk-in reservations. OpenTable launched its State of the Industry site in March 2020 to illustrate how COVID-19 has been impacting restaurants around the globe.
"One year later, the data from restaurants on its platform continues to tell a powerful story as hospitality reopens and we continue on the roadmap out of lockdown"
Brett Newmark, owner of Ruby’s Soho, London said “It was incredible to see such a great response from the Soho dining crowd. Our reservations have been at full capacity all week.
"Soho had the most incredible energy and spirit. The street diners even had their own Mexican wave type chants that travelled through and around the Old Compton Street area. The energy was electric.
"It’s so great to see London back alive and kicking once again. We’re really hoping that Soho keeps buzzing away in the months ahead.”
