Britain’s Hospitality Scene Shines: 4% YoY Sales Spike in November
Why It Matters
According to the latest CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker, the country’s top pub, restaurant, and bar groups are riding a wave of steady growth.
Key Numbers
- Overall sales jump – 4.0% increase compared to last year.
- 14‑month streak – Like‑for‑like growth has kept marching forward for over a year.
- Inflation‑aligned – November’s rise sits almost squarely with the current UK CPI.
Segment Breakdown
- Pubs: 5.0% YoY growth, stronger than the 3.2% seen in October.
- Restaurants: 4.9% rise, staying on the upswing.
- Bars: 6.9% drop – the lone casualty in an otherwise positive month.
- London vs. Rest of UK: 3.5% increase inside the M25, a touch shy of the 4.2% elsewhere.
Industry Voices
Karl Chessell, CGA by NIQ, believes the fresh uptick hints that folks are finally feeling comfortable to loosen the purse strings:
“Consumer confidence is on the rise, and with a consistent real‑term boost possibly on the horizon for 2024, the sector is inching toward a healthier bottom line. But high costs still loom, so the Christmas period could tip the scale between a good year and a great one.”
Paul Newman, RSM UK, adds a silver lining to December’s weather woes:
“Despite the early‑season rain knocking some spirits down, the looming holiday feast is already sparking buzz. Large firms are swapping out gala parties for intimate team get‑tos, driving up bookings for pubs and restaurants. After years of restrictions, the crawl into the festive season means patrons are ready to splurge – even if the economy stays a little shaky.”
Bottom Line
The hospitality horizon looks brighter, with steady growth, an eager customer base, and the seasonal holiday swing all coming together. Cheers to a promising December!
