The new edition of the Coffer CGA Business Tracker reveals that Britain’s managed pub, restaurant and bar groups saw a small sales drop of just 1% June from the same month in 2019. Consumer demand was shown to be noticeably strong in restaurants, where total sales were up by 3% in June. Pubs recorded a 2% drop, with mixed weather and restrictions dampening any benefit from Euro 2020. Sales were down by 11% in bars, where social distancing and early closing requirements continue to impact footfall.

Many operators continue to benefit from strong delivery and takeaway sales, which CGA’s separate Hospitality at Home Tracker shows have more than tripled from pre-COVID levels. Higher average spend by some consumers after the end of lockdown also contributed to the strong month. However, data also confirms the lasting impact of the pandemic on hospitality, with managed groups’ sales in the 12 months to June 2021 down by 27% on the previous 12 months. Research for the CGA and AlixPartners Market Recovery Monitor meanwhile shows that Britain now has around 9,000 fewer licensed premises than it did a year ago.

Mark Sheehan, managing director at Coffer Corporate Leisure, said: “The June numbers are strong. Let’s not pretend that the road ahead is going to be smooth but what is clear is that consumers want to eat and drink out and the trend is upwards. This continues to be a difficult time, but optimism remains in the hospitality sector.

Paul Newman, head of leisure and hospitality at RSM, said: “June saw a strong return to restaurants and pubs as the heatwave early in the month encouraged many consumers to get out in the sunshine and socialise.”

For more information visit https://cgastrategy.com/