November delivers sales uplift for pub and restaurant groups
Pubs' like-for-likes sales saw a 2.2% rise nationally, against last November.
Sales in Britain’s managed pubs, bars and restaurants enjoyed a welcome uplift in November after flat trading across most of the last six months, with collective like-for-like sales up 2.2% on the same month last year, latest figures from the Coffer Peach Business Tracker reveal.
Pub groups produced the best figures with collective like-for-likes ahead 2.8%, with drink-led businesses doing best, while restaurant chains were also positive with like-for-likes growth of 1.2% against November last year.
Trading away from London was also stronger than in the capital, with like-for-like sales outside the M25 up 2.7% for the month, compared to 0.9% inside the M25.
“November’s numbers will be welcome news for a sector that has been hit hard this year with rising cost pressures across property, people and food, all squeezing operational margins,” said Peter Martin, vice president of CGA, the business insight consultancy that produces the Tracker, in partnership with Coffer Group and RSM.
“For the first time in years, managed pub and bar groups are opening new sites at a faster rate than casual dining companies,” added Martin.
Trevor Watson, executive director, valuations, at Davis Coffer Lyons, said, ”It seems the reduced rate of new restaurant openings is helping to sustain like-for-like comparisons. The figures are somewhat stronger than some commentators were fearing, which will hopefully translate to some pleasing results over the festive period and that there will be some reasons to be cheerful as we enter the busiest trading season.
“The figures are a particular relief for restaurant operators, who over the last two years have seen their underlying like-for-like growth rate cut by more than half due to competition from start-ups concepts and new brands who have increased choice for consumers in UK market towns and major cities.”
Paul Newman, head of leisure and hospitality at RSM, added, “The upbeat November results will have provided some respite for hard-pressed operators in the run up to Christmas. As the economic squeeze on living costs sees the emergence of a more cost-conscious consumer, it will be interesting to see which operators break rank to hike menu prices. With the all-important festive trading season in full swing, the sector will be looking to claw back lost margin to shore up finances ahead of the tougher first quarter of the New Year.”
