Pub, restaurant sales steady in November but concerns mount over latest COVID-19 measures
Trading is still down in London with consumers remaining hesitant to dine-in.
Amidst news of restrictions due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19, and supply and staffing issues all rising, Britain’s managed pub, bar and restaurant groups recorded tentative sales growth in November, according to the new edition of the Coffer CGA Business Tracker.
Total sales in November were up by 2% on the pre-COVID-19 levels of November 2019, with pub and bar sectors both achieved sales growth of 3%, just ahead of restaurants at 2%.
It is the fourth month in a row that 2021 sales have exceeded 2019 levels. However, the rate has fallen from 8% in September and 3% in October, and November’s 2% growth is below most current inflation estimates.
Aside from rising costs in food, drink, energy and supply issues and staff shortages, the companies behind the Tracker said concerns around the impact of ‘Plan B’ restrictions announced by the Government will further dent consumer confidence and restrict trading.
Total sales dipped by 2% in London whilst up by 4% in venues outside the M25.
Karl Chessell, director - hospitality operators and food, EMEA at CGA, said: “November’s sales figures demonstrate the resilience of managed groups in the face of ferocious headwinds. They have battled hard to shore up sales ever since their venues reopened in the Spring, but the new COVID-19 variant adds yet another threat to trading in the most important month of the year. The next few weeks will be crucial to give hospitality some momentum for growth in 2022, but new restrictions may threaten the future of thousands of fragile businesses and jobs.”
