Rain and overcast conditions are forecast over the Coronation weekend and it may dampen chances of a well-needed boost for hospitality venues.
In central London, there is no sunshine forecasted for the whole weekend and Friday and Sunday sees rain throughout the day, according to the Met Office.
Hospitality venues had been hoping for a lift from the celebration as tourists flock in their millions to watch the new King be crowned.
The government even offered a helping hand, letting pubs stay open later till 1 am over the bank holiday.
It is estimated that tourists could spend more than £200mln over the Coronation weekend, according to the CEBR.
However, poor weather has a big impact on hospitality venues especially pubs, in which sunshine is crucial in drawing punters to beer gardens up and down the country.
March this year was the wettest on record and led to a 3% annual drop in drink sales during the second week of the month, according to CGA’s drinks recovery tracker.
On Saturday 18 March, when the weather was particularly bad, beverage sales dropped 7% year-on-year despite the comparison being against 2022 when fears of Omicron still lingered.
From observation, April has been little better yet revellers and investors alike will remain hopeful.
Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation back in 1953 was a cloudy affair, with rain and showers throughout the day according to the Met Office, but this didn’t stop 1.5mln people watch on from venues like pubs.