Pub Trends
We bring you all the latest pub trade trends and developments, from food and drink spend and alcohol prices through to business growth strategies in pubs and bars.
Cold and wet April hits pub and restaurant sales
April proved to be a washout for the eating and drinking-out market as unusually cold and wet weather hit like-for-like sales, according to this month’s Coffer Peach Business Tracker.
The Coach and Horses & The Smithfield Tavern become London's first vegetarian pubs
The Coach and Horses in Soho and The Smithfield Tavern in Smithfields market have become London’s first ever vegetarian and vegan pubs, following a successful trial period of the new concept from the owner.
Courvoisier launches on-trade cocktail marketing campaign ahead of Imbibe Live competition
Courvoisier has launched a marketing and promotion campaign, Cocktails on a Grand Scale, to encourage the use of cognac in cocktails; bartenders are also being invited to enter a competition at Imbibe Live later this year.
Continuing divergence between managed and leased/tenanted pub performance
A new report from global ratings agency Fitch Ratings has concluded there is a growing divergence in performance of pubs in the UK between managed sites and those that are tenanted or leased.
JD Wetherspoon 'more cautious' as tax bill mounts
National pub group JD Wetherspoon has announced that it is to reduce the number of new pub openings in the next financial year as it grapples with a £50m increase in its annual tax bill.
Beer tax e-petition grows as 300 community pubs close in six months
The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) has today released new research which reveals that over 300 community pubs have permanently shut down in the past six months, demonstrating the effects of the recent beer tax hikes.
Chancellor ‘totally wrong to raise beer tax’, says BBPA
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has slammed Chancellor George Osborne and the Government for their decision to raise beer tax by a further five per cent in the March Budget.
Drought threatens Britain’s pubs and brewers
The UK pub industry is facing a potential rise in beer prices as the drought across the south of England is likely to cause a shortage of barley and hops.
Alcohol Strategy: Minimum pricing confirmed, pub industry's reaction
The Government has confirmed in the publication of its Alcohol Strategy that it is to introduce a minimum price for alcohol with the level of 40p a unit being examined in a move the Prime Minister David Cameron said would 'not hurt pubs'.
Pubs need to think beyond traditional food and must emulate high street restaurants
Traditional pub food may not be the lifeline for publicans looking to tackle falling drink sales and pubs need to emulate the high street restaurant market in order to survive.
Beer tax hikes threaten jobs of 300,000 young people, says BBPA
A new report commissioned by the British Beer& Pub Association (BBPA) shows that 300,000 young people are directly employed in the beer and pub industry, fuelling concerns that plans for huge beer tax hikes in next month’s budget will put more young people out of work.
Last orders: Pub industry urges Government to cut beer tax ahead of budget 2012
As hospitality businesses are gearing up for next month’s announcement on the 2012 budget, the British beer and pub industry is unanimously demanding a freeze in the Government’s controversial beer tax escalator.
Business Outlook 2012: What’s in store for hospitality?
Restaurants, hotels and pubs had mixed fortunes in 2011, with all three hospitality sectors suffering a decline in property prices. But there is hope on the horizon, with the potential for an increase in opportunities and transactions in 2012.
Pubs and restaurants see major sales boost after snowless December
Britain’s pubs and restaurants saw a major sales boost over the Christmas and New Year period, with like-for-like sales for December up 9.9 per cent from 2010.
Pub and bar operators 'cautiously optimistic' for 2012 after Christmas trading boost
Pub and bar operators are ‘cautiously optimistic’ for the year ahead after seeing a year-on-year sales boost over the Christmas period, a survey from the Association of Licenced Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has discovered.
Orchid prepares for 2012 with list of pub trends and predictions
Orchid, the 290-strong food-led pub group, has released its own 2012 guide, featuring experts’ predictions of the trends, key issues and challenges facing the wider pub trade next year.
Pub prices plummet with north of England worst hit
The price of bottom end freehold pubs has fallen by 3.2 per cent nationally and 11.6 per cent in the north of England, according to Fleurets’ latest annual survey of pub prices.
Pink, girly beer won’t tempt women, says master beer sommelier
As Molson Coors launches a sampling campaign for Animée, its new low-calorie beer range designed for women, master beer sommelier Mark Stroobandt believes many brewers and pub operators are ‘getting it wrong’ when it comes to attracting the female beer-drinking market.
‘British publicans need a voice’: Industry bodies call for public consultation into pub sector
Pub industry bodies have slammed the Government over its persistent reluctance to protect publicans from mistreatment by large pub companies under the new, self-policed pub industry framework code of practice.
Amber Taverns plans 30 new pubs in “unfashionable” community sector
Community pub operator Amber Taverns is to expand after it secured £5 million in additional funding, the company announced today.
BBPA reveals more bad news for UK pubs
UK pub beer sales are down 4.3 per cent in the third quarter from the same period last year, according to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).
Pub companies ‘behaving like bankers’
Pub companies are ‘stifling’ the UK pub market by behaving in an irresponsible manner not dissimilar to that of country’s banks in the lead up to the recession.
Sizzling September boosts pub and restaurant sales
Following the warmest September since 2006 and the equal-sixth warmest in the last 100 years, Britains leading pub and restaurant groups saw a significant boost in sales.
New figures reveal two UK pubs close every day
New figures from the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) show that pubs are closing at a startling rate of two every day across Britain.
Wetherspoon sales break £1bn barrier but profit dips
JD Wetherspoon has seen total annual sales break the £1bn barrier for the first time, although the managed pub operator blames higher interest charges for a reduced profit before tax and exceptional items of 5.9 per cent.
Northumberland’s Feathers Inn named 2011 Great British Pub of the Year
The Feathers Inn in Hedley-on-the-Hill, Northumberland, has been named the Great British Pub of the Year 2011 after winning the awards’ Best Gastropub category.
The Good Food Guide bans use of the term ‘gastropub’
The Good Food Guide has banned the use of the term ‘gastropub’ from its guides, claiming the word confuses people and has become a cliché.
Average beer price breaks £3 barrier
The average cost of a pint of beer has broken the £3 barrier, as increasing taxes force prices up across the UK on-trade.
Spending cuts cause pub insolvencies to soar by 50% in first half 2011
The number of pub insolvencies has increased by almost 50 per cent in the first half of this year due to continued financial pressures forcing consumers to cut their spending.
Pubs selling food escape sector sales declines, finds survey
Almost half of UK pub owners have reported a fall in sales over the past year, although serving food has been the saving grace for many pubs, according to a new survey.
Great British Beer Festival kicks off in London
The number of ale drinkers and real ale breweries in the UK have risen significantly over the past five years, creating a new market for more growth, says CAMRA as the Great British Beer Festival opens its doors today in London.
More business failures expected for hospitality SMEs
Small businesses in the hospitality sector should be particularly vigilant of their business strategies over the years ahead, as corporate financial analysts warn that the worst is still to come.
Marston’s sales boost from premium beers and food
Brewer and pub operator Marston’s has said sales of its focus on local beers and premium ales has helped boost its business performance in a difficult trading environment.
Vouchers are losing influence on diners’ eating habits
Restaurant vouchers and discounts are losing their influence on diners’ decisions on where to eat, a survey has found.
Special feature: Redefining the gastropub
The term gastropub has been used to describe most food-led pubs for almost two decades, but with the recent rise in the popularity of pub dining, its overuse has led to confusion as to its true definition.
Premium brands driving on-trade spirits growth
A growth in cocktails, premium drinking venues and the rise of the Weekend Millionaire has fuelled growth of the spirits market, which is largely driven by premium brands.
Luminar evolves nightclubs to offer live music gigs
Nightclub operator Luminar has invested £100k into refurbishing two of its venues to enable them to offer live music in addition to regular club nights.
UK leads in holidays for seniors
The UK is the largest single source of over 55 year-old holidaymakers, a population group that makes up more than a quarter of all holiday travel in Europe.
Hospitality execs plan investment as optimism increases
Senior executives in the hospitality sector worldwide are more optimistic than their peers in other industries about the prospects of the economy, with many of them gearing up for growth in their business, according to a new survey by Ernst & Young.
Pub operating costs stabilise, growth expected ahead
Pub operating costs are stabilising for the first time since 2007, indicating that Britain’s pubs and bars have a good platform for growth, reveals a benchmarking report from ALMR.
Wetherspoon to open 14 pubs this month
Pub operator JD Wetherspoon (JDW) will open 14 new pubs in July, which marks a monthly high amongst its annual target of 50 new pub openings.
Pubs stop live music in favour of footfall
Pubs are increasingly turning away from live music and entertainment in a bid to drive footfall, a move that could result in long-term damage to the sector’s reputation, according to analysts.
Diners willing to pay more for steak in restaurants and hotels than pubs
Consumers are happy to pay more for a steak in a restaurant or hotel than in a pub, with almost half prepared to fork out up to £17.
Inner city pubs were hardest hit by smoking ban
Inner city pubs have suffered most since the introduction of smoking bans in Scotland, England and Wales, finds a new report that examined pub closures around the country.
Pubs outpace restaurants in value food sales
The economical food offering in pubs is helping the sector attract consumers while traditional full-service restaurants continue to struggle, according to new market research.
Restaurants, pubs and cafes now account for a third of high street shops
Restaurants, pubs and cafes now account for a third of independent high street shops in the UK, a study of 75,000 businesses has found.
Learning from abroad
With the hospitality industry becoming increasingly competitive, operators should be drawing inspiration from those that are performing ahead of the market in order to run their business more effectively.
Secure your seat for the Tenanted Pub Company Summit
Tickets are still available for the Tenanted Pub Company Summit at the Sheraton Park Lane on 28 June, where attendees can discover vital trends in the tenanted and leased pub market.
BII publishes Red Tape Challenge guidelines for licensees
BII, the trade group for the licensed retail sector, has published red tape guidelines to help its members respond to the government’s call for comment on burdensome hospitality regulations.
Alcohol prices see record hikes in April as inflation rises
The UK’s latest inflation hike is likely to cause further damage to the hospitality sector, both in terms of sales and staffing, say sector trade groups.
April pub and restaurant sales up, but analysts urge caution
The Royal Wedding, Easter Holidays and record sunshine all contributed to higher sales in pubs and restaurants this year, but market analysts warn that they also created new challenges for the hospitality sector, which did not trade as well as it could have.
Summer drinks trends: Spirits
In the second part of our feature on summer drinks trends, BigHospitality takes a look at which spirits will be in the spotlight this summer season, and why.
Cost of eating out rising faster than inflation
The cost of eating out in the UK is rising faster than inflation, with an average three-course meal eaten out of home now costing almost £19.
Fair Pint: ‘Five pubs fail every day’
Anti-beer tie group Fair Pint believes the failure rate of pubs may be as high as five per day.
Restaurant and pub sales increase while retail sales fall
The UK’s major pub and restaurant groups have recorded a slight increase in sales last month, demonstrating that consumers are still eating out despite spending less at the supermarket.
Brakspear to roll out new bedroom design
Brakspear pubs has completed a £250k redevelopment of The White Hart in Nettlebed, near Henley-on-Thames, which now features the “bedroom blueprint” for accommodation at the group’s pubs for the future.
Restaurant and hotel spend shoots up in 2011
Consumers are continuing to eat out and sleep out despite the challenging economic times, reveals the latest data.
Pub group Marston’s reports strong sales
Marston’s, the brewer and pub group, this morning said it was making good progress in each of its trading divisions, with sales growth in its managed pub arm up 2.4 per cent for the 23 weeks to 12th March 2011.
Renewed calls for beer duty freeze as consumption falls
People in the UK are consuming less beer and more strong spirits and wine, according to new consumption figures, prompting renewed calls for a beer duty freeze.
Graduate interest in hospitality jobs soars following Michel Roux’s Service
TV show Michel Roux’s Service may have inspired a growth in student and graduate interest in hospitality jobs of almost 200 per cent, signalling a shift in the perception of the industry as a worthwhile career route.
Restaurants and pubs invest in gaining market share, finds survey
Leading casual dining and pub brands plan to invest more in marketing, branding and customer feedback in an effort to gain market share in 2011, reveals a survey of top CEOs in the sector.
CBI: Consumer service firms continue to struggle
Consumer service firms, such as restaurants and hotels, continued to struggle in the three months to February, as the gap in sentiment between firms that rely on consumer spending and those that benefit from business investment widened during the period.
‘Facebook Factor’ inspires 52% to make travel bookings
A new survey has found that the social networking site Facebook has a powerful influence over people’s holiday plans, with over half of users saying that photos on the site inspire them to travel.
Wine drinkers spend more but go out less, finds research
Restaurants are the most popular destination for British adult drinkers when they go out, according to new research by the Wilson Drinks Report (WDR).
Warmer weather saw January sales rise for operators
The UK’s leading pub and restaurant operators witnessed a 10.7 per cent like for like sales rise in January compared to last year, when snow hampered trade for much of the country.
Quarter of operators fail to upsell wines
A quarter of hospitality operators are missing out on potential revenue by failing to encourage their staff to upsell wines, research has found.
Consumers to spend less on eating out
Almost two-thirds of consumers plan to cut back on eating out this year, according to new research.
Highlight healthier menu options before calorie counting, says expert
Restaurants should add a “healthy eating” section to menus before fully calorie counting every dish, an expert has advised.
Pret A Manger remains most admired brand
Pret A Manger and McDonald’s are the UK’s most admired food and beverage brands by people in the industry, according to a new survey released today.
Food Trends 2011: Dining Trends
Vouchers and discounts have meant big business for restaurants over the last year, but with consumers increasingly looking for value in more than just their wallets, and with warnings that vouchers could permanently damage brands, restaurants will need to pay attention to other dining trends in order to fulfil their customers’ desires.
Food trends 2011: Top ingredients
BigHospitality brings you an exclusive insight into which ingredients will be top of the agenda for some of the UK’s top chefs this year.
42% spending less at the pub
A new study has found 42 per cent of drinkers are spending less in pubs than six months ago.
Hospitality property prices stabilise as buyer confidence returns
Restaurant, hotel and pub property prices have stabilised over the past year, although the restaurants sector was the only one of the three to show any significant increase in average prices, according to Christie + Co.
Food trends 2011: Popular flavours and food pairings
In the second week of BigHospitality’s food trend feature, some of the country’s top chefs tell us which popular flavours and food pairings they think will be big in 2011.
Restaurant and pub sales plummet in December
Pub and restaurant operators have seen sales plummet in December compared to last year, after the heavy snow encouraged consumers to stay indoors at home.
Pubs could be forced to add more than 10p to a pint
Pubs could be forced to add 10p or more to the price of a pint this year as a combination of wholesale price rises, the VAT hike and duty increases hit home.
Analyst: snow cost up to £750m in sales
A City analyst has forecast that the on-trade market (pubs, restaurants and cafes) lost in the region of £500 to £750m in sales as a result of severe weather in December.
Food trends 2011: Popular cuisines
British diners have become more aware than ever of their expanding waistline and shrinking pockets, shifting their taste for out-of-home dining towards lighter, healthier meals that give value for money.
Special feature: 2011 food trends
Will this be the year Chinese food regains its place in the nation’s hearts? Or will Indian and Mexican cuisine continue to dominate the market?
Review of the Year 2010: The future
With 2010 almost over its time to look ahead to what the future brings. We’ve spoken to some of the industry’s key players to find out what they believe 2011 has in store for them and the industry, and look forward to the major openings hitting the UK.
Pubs advised to live life in the fast lane
Food-led pubs can learn vital lessons from the burgeoning fast-casual sector this year by concentrating on increasing their speed of service, research from retail consultancy him! has shown.
British tourism set to rise in 2011
Britain is on target to attract 300,000 more visitors next year as confidence amongst overseas travellers returns.
Review of the Year 2010: Pubs
As 2010 draws to a close, we take a look back at how the pub sector has evolved in the past 12 months.
Pub/restaurant wine sales outstripping off-trade
Wine sales are growing more strongly in pubs and restaurants than they are in the off-trade, according to the latest quarterly report from the Wine & Spirit Trade Association.
Linking food preparation to flavour is key, finds diner survey
As we look to the dining trends that are likely to pick up in the new year, a recent survey of UK diners suggests that people are especially interested in discovering new flavours that are linked to the way food is prepared.
Eating out is top activity of tourists to Britain, finds report
Eating out in restaurants when visiting Britain has been flagged up as the top priority of most holiday-makers to the country, according to a new study published by VisitBritain.
White Christmas could be “disastrous” for hospitality
Hospitality businesses are expected to suffer over the next few weeks, as a second wave of freezing weather hits the UK in the run-up to Christmas.
Hospitality SMEs living ‘on the breadline’, finds study
Small and medium-sized businesses in the hospitality sector are struggling to make ends meet, with many having no cash flow flexibility to cope in case of emergency, finds a new study.
Pub and restaurant sales slow as Christmas approaches
Pub and restaurant operators will likely face a tough trading environment as we head towards Christmas, as analysts say the latest sector sales figures reveal a challenging time ahead.
On-trade beer sales down 37 per cent on peak levels, says GMB
Beer sales have fallen again in the year to September 2010, pushing on-trade figures down by 37.8 per cent on peak 2002 levels, figures released by the GMB union have revealed.