CASH-strapped consumers are shunning restaurant meals and ordering takeaways at home, Domino’s Pizza said today as it forecast better than expected full-year profits.

The pizza delivery firm, which has 15 Hampshire stores, including three in Southampton, said people were looking to ‘trade down’ from going out for a meal but were unwilling to give up entirely on luxuries.

Sales for the year to December 28 were up 18.4 per cent to £350m, while like-for-like sales grew ten per cent for the same period.

A spokesman said the company had attracted customers during the slump in consumer spending.

“People still want a treat but they are looking for ways to get that treat at a lower price,” she said.

“On occasions when they might go for a meal, what we are seeing is they are getting a bottle of wine from the supermarket and ordering a pizza.”