Pub and bar sales rocketed over the Coronation weekend, research from industry CGA has found, strengthened by a huge uptick in people drinking spirits.
The rainy weather during King Charles III’s Coronation may have meant some stayed home rather than heading to central London on Saturday, but this didn’t stop celebrations.
Beginning on Friday, a day before the ceremony, total drink sales jumped 23% year-on-year.
Sales then slowed on the actual day of the Coronation, rising only 12%, as many headed to street parties or the nearest TV to watch the King be crowned.
It was on Sunday when the celebrations really began, with the sales of drinks rocketing 118% versus the same day a year ago.
The party feeling continued into Monday, with beverage sales spiking 56% annually.
Spirits were the best-performing category over the weekend, soaring 192% on Sunday and 52% over the whole weekend.
It has been a tough 2023 for the spirits market, over the Easter weekend sales were 22% behind the equivalent period a year before.
Cocktails were also a popular drink of choice over the Coronation weekend as sales rose 47% over the four days and rocketed by 210% on Sunday.
Jonathan Jones, CGA UK and Ireland’s managing director said that despite fears that people would stay in during the weekend, venues were able to prove that they are still the number one hub for big occasions.
Jones said: “Warm weather was a very welcome follow-up and drew people out to beer gardens and terraces on Sunday and Monday.”
“For pubs, bars and drinks suppliers it was a big and timely boost as we move towards the summer period.”
He noted that trading for restaurants had been a bit quieter during the celebrations, something also identified by research from Barclays.