October Showers Pause Growth for Managed Restaurants, Pubs & Bars

Economy‑Tight, Weather‑Hurt: Britain’s Hospitality Scene Slows to 3.2%

The latest CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker, created by CGA by NIQ and RSM UK, shows that Britain’s top dining and drinking chains saw only a modest 3.2% rise in October compared to the same month last year. A sad season for – well – everyone who enjoys a flat‑iron or pint.

Weather‑Woes vs. Weekend Cheers

Thirteen months straight of positive growth for managed restaurants, pubs and bars.
But October’s 3.2% uptick is a clear step‑back from September’s 5.9%, when the sun made it easy for people to step out.
Storms Babet and early‑stage Ciarán kept many folks indoors, spoiling the October vibe.

Strong Moments Amid the Storm

When the Rugby World Cup bloomed, pubs saw a 5.0% uptick versus October 2022 – a glimmer of hope.

Managed restaurants did a soft 2.7% rise, while bars faced a tough 7.8% drop.

London Still Leads

Across the board, London outpaced the rest of the country: like‑for‑like sales in the M25 jumped 4.8%, versus a modest 2.7% elsewhere.

Industry Leaders Sound the Alarm

Karl Chessell, EMEA director at CGA by NIQ, warned, “It’s a relief to see 13 straight months of growth, but the gains are mostly down to higher prices. Inflation still outpaces increases. Wet weather, holiday moves and Halloween all tugged the numbers down.”

He added, “Demand remains hungry, but venues have to go all‑in if they’re going to grow real terms before Christmas.

Paul Newman of RSM UK said, “October’s bad weather stretched the slump, and November is still looking gloomy. The countdown to Christmas is vital – yet economic strains are cooling that fire.”

He went on: “Corporate Christmas parties are on the decline, consumers are tightening belts, and upcoming rail strikes plus the end of business‑rate relief in March will all pile pressure on venues. The Chancellor needs to use the Autumn Statement to boost hospitality; otherwise we could see a splash of jobs vanish next year.”