Sales rose sharply on the bank holidays, but fell flat over the weekend, according to data from CGA
Pub, bar, and restaurant sales dropped over the weekend despite seeing a strong uplift during the Jubilee bank holidays, according to data from CGA.
On-premise sales between 1-5 June were 5% higher than the average for the equivalent period over the past 12 weeks. Sales saw significant increases of 47% on Wednesday, 54% on Thursday, and 7% on Friday, followed by sales dropping by 20% and 22% on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
Food sales increased by 8% over the five-day period. Drinks saw a 3% uplift, including a 12% rise in spirit sales and a 10% hike in cocktail sales. A rise in the number of family visits contributed to an 11% rise in soft drinks sales, while the cider category saw a 12% rise.
Sales in rural areas increased by 8% over the five-day period, compared to 5% on high streets and 4% in suburban areas. While Jubilee celebrations were centred on London, the capital saw a sales uplift of 1%, below the UK average.
Jonathan Jones, CGA’s managing director, UK and Ireland, said: “It was very much a Jubilee holiday of two halves for operators and suppliers, with an early upswing followed by a tough weekend.
“It suggests excitement about the extra Bank Holidays but a desire to mark the occasion at home and within local communities. It’s not the major boost to trading that some had hoped for, but it does show that pubs, bars and restaurants remain a key part of celebratory occasions.”
