Good weather boosts June sales to near 2019 level

Britain’s managed pub, restaurant and bar groups saw sales drop just 1% in June from the same month in 2019, the new edition of the Coffer CGA Business Tracker reveals.

Consumer demand was particularly strong in restaurants, where total sales were up by 3% in June.

Pubs recorded a 2% drop, with mixed weather and restrictions dampening any benefit from the Euro 2020 football tournament. Sales were down by 11% in bars, where social distancing and early closing requirements continue to impact footfall.

June’s performance is a significant improvement on May, when total sales were down by 26% on May 2019. The Tracker indicates a particularly good month for regions beyond London: sales outside the M25 were up 4% in June, but down by 11% inside the M25.

However, the Tracker also confirms the lasting impact of the pandemic on hospitality, with managed groups’ sales in the 12 months to June 2021 down by 27% on the previous 12 months.

Karl Chessell, director at CGA, said: “June’s figures are a testament to the enduring appeal of restaurants, pubs and bars, and the resilience of the businesses behind them. With an easing of COVID restrictions imminent, it suggests a bright outlook for the eating and drinking out sector. However, rising costs and limited capacity mean many businesses are still struggling to make a profit, and major challenges including debt burdens and a recruitment crisis are casting a long shadow.”