Bars enjoyed a surge in sales in the run-up to Christmas as festive parties helped provide a much-needed boost for the pressured sector.
According to CGA by NIQ’s Hospitality Business Tracker, sales grew by 20.5% across Britain’s managed bars year on year over the week from December 16.
“This will be a welcome boost for the beleaguered sector, which has spent most of the past year in decline,” CGA by NIQ said.
“It is also a welcome reminder that although spending may be currently restrained, there is still remarkable consumer desire to make the most of special occasions.”
Bars saw the strongest growth across Britain’s hospitality sector over the key pre-Christmas week as a result, as overall sales ticked up by 2.7%.
Food-led operators also enjoyed stronger sales, with growth among on-the-go traders up 3.4% against a year earlier and climbing by 2.1% at restaurants.
Pubs faced muted growth in the meantime of 0.7% year on year.
This meant sales growth outdid inflation, after six of the previous 11 months saw figures fail to keep up with price rises.
“Whether this momentum continues into early 2025, typically the toughest trading period for the late-night sector, remains to be been,” CGA by NIQ added.