MORE than 80% of people in Ealing (81% to be exact) promise to be spontaneous this summer and just under that (79%) want to make lots of plans while they can, following the coronavirus pandemic, new research by Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre has found.

The study reveals that people in Ealing are planning to make the most of their summer after missing out on quality time with family and friends last summer.

According to the survey, 36% of participants took going on days out for granted, while it was 34% that felt that regarding spending time with friends.

When it comes down to what people put at the top of their lists to enjoy this summer, the number one choice was spending time with friends, with 36%.

Meanwhile, 34% of people put going to the cinema as high on their list of priorities, along with 28% who put going on a shopping spree, while 18% chose going to the pub.

Only 15% of participants chose throwing a party as something high on their list of priorities, suggesting that people are looking to spend more quality time with those closest to them instead.

The research also revealed what those in Ealing missed the most when non-essential shops and indoor dining were closed.

The top three things were picking up what you need when you need it rather than waiting for delivery (45%), trying on multiple outfits in one day (31%) and the joy of window shopping (22%).

Meanwhile, when it came to indoor dining, having an evening meal out with friends and family (45%), eating food that has been cooked by a professional (27%) and grabbing a coffee with friends (25%) were the things respondents missed the most.

Andrew Rollings, centre director at Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre, said: "Our research shows that our community is really gearing up to make up for lost time with loved ones.

"We've seen lots of families and groups of friends visiting the centre to enjoy a day or evening out since restrictions started to lift and we're looking forward to welcoming more visitors over the course of the summer."