Pubs and restaurants boost growth as economy expands by 0.1%

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to have grown by 0.1% in November 2022.

It follows growth of 0.5% in October 2022, which was largely attributed to a bounce back from businesses shuttering to mark Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September.

The ONS data shows the largest contribution to growth in November came from food and beverage service activities, which grew by 2.2%.

UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls says the figures once again underline the importance of hospitality in driving economic growth and recovery.

“The World Cup provided a significant boost in November, with pubs and bars reporting sales up 30-40% on matchdays. This once again shows the power of big sporting events, even in the winter, and the important role our venues play in bringing communities together.”

However, Nicholls adds that the figures also highlight the impact strike action had on the sector, noting that the cost of lost sales is likely to be set out more starkly in next month’s figures.

“While hospitality has yet to recover to pre-Covid levels, in real terms, today’s figures demonstrate the role the sector can play in boosting the economy.

“While times are challenging right now, with the right support and investment the sector can both survive and thrive; delivering long-term economic growth, creating jobs and continuing its tradition of investing in our communities.”

Economists have suggested that the latest data makes it less clear whether the UK will have entered a recession at the end of last year.