I have the exact opposite story: I can't really eat anywhere because my dad was an astonishing cook growing up. I've tried various places with varying amounts of stars, and nothing has come close to what my father used to cook.
On top of that, I'm also a terrible cook so eating has become a chore, something that I have to do to survive.
No, it can't be true, I believe many in Eastern Europe actually have it much better than their UK counterparts. At least if you're in Engineering, Tech etc. I'm talking about the ability to afford a house on an engineer's salary, which is simply not doable in the UK.