I'd say that having a number of good quality restaurants in the local area is important for quality of life for a lot of people (and I'd argue that despite what you say about salt, we do have a higher than average range of good quality places to eat in SE23). You may not see the value in them yourself Bonnie, but to suggest they are unneccessary just because you don't eat out is a bit unfair.

What about special occasions, like birthdays or anniversaries? I've had my last two birthdays in local restaurants and had a brilliant time. Whilst I love to cook, I prefer to have someone else do all the hard work on those occasions and would really rather not have to travel into the west end or another part of London to do this. Plus it's great to support local businesses. I really hope that the downturn doesn't force some of our places to close as you suggest, as I think we'll end up regretting having less choice, rather than celebrating having "fewer not to like".

I do take your point about fried chicken places, but it is after all up to individuals where and how they choose to eat, surely?