Hospitality’s January Check‑In: A Slow Start After the Party Season
After a fireworks‑filled December, Scotland’s cheery pubs and bustling restaurants are patting themselves on the back for a 0.1 % like‑for‑like sales rise in January. But that small bump is a quiet reminder that people are now tightening their wallets.
What the Numbers Say
- Restaurants posted a modest 0.9 % uptick.
- Pubs managed a slightly better 1.5 % lift.
- Bars saw a 13.6 % drop, while the on‑the‑go segment trailed by 1.1 %.
- Inside the M25, sales edged up by 0.7 %; outside that orbit, they stayed flat (0 %).
Why the Slow Roll‑Out?
The like‑for‑like slide is a blend of several forces:
- Year‑end frugality: After splurging on Christmas, folks are now more mindful of expenses.
- Dry January: Health‑first resolutions keep crowds inside.
- Unfavourable weather + rail strikes: As the weather turns bleak and trains strike, people stay home.
Industry Voices
Karl Chessell of CGA by NIQ notes:
“After spending freely in the run‑up to Christmas, consumers are now watching their outgoings closely. Rising costs keep discretionary spending in check, pushing hospitality operators to seek government support for taxes and other pressures so they can invest and create jobs.”
Saxon Moseley of RSM UK adds:
“The fierce storms of January kept many Brits stuck indoors, yet the appetite for experiences remains strong. With the down‑trend in inflation and potential interest rate cuts, plus the excitement of the Six Nations rugby, we expect a bounce‑back for local pubs and restaurants.”
What’s Next?
As inflation eases and the Spring’s anticipated rate cuts loom, the sector hopes to see a buoyant increase in customers venturing out for a meal or a pint.
