Pubs had their best day of the year on the Saturday of the May Bank Holiday weekend, according to new research from Barclays.
Data gleaned from its Barclaycard users showed transactions at pubs, bars and clubs reached a 2024-high on 4th May, as the sunny weather and bank holiday weekend sent people to the pub.
Transactions were up 16.8% compared to the previous Saturday, with 2.5 times as many sales processed vs the average day in 2024 so far.
The Barclays April Consumer Spend Index showed that pubs, bars and clubs enjoyed a 3.9% boost in April, however spending on eating and drinking overall in the month, with restaurants seeing a 13.1% decline, hampered by the cold weather in the month.
Consumers’ confidence in their ability to spend more on non-essential is also rising, reaching 56% suggesting the moss is improving generally.
Rich Robinson, Head of Hospitality & Leisure at Barclays said, “Improving consumer confidence gives more cause for optimism for the hospitality industry.
“As the summer season approaches, the weather improves, and with major sporting and entertainment events on the horizon, pubs and restaurants will undoubtedly be hopeful that spending will rebound in the coming months.”