The UK pub and bar sector is expected to reach a value of £22.6bn in 2022 – 99% of its 2019 market value, according to the latest data from Lumina Intelligence’s Operator Data Index.
The recovery of the sector is expected to be led by the managed, branded and franchised segment of the market, with turnover growth of +55.2% anticipated this year, and follows periods of hampered trading last year due to restrictions and consumer caution about eating and drinking out.
The top 10 pub and bar brands in the index are expected to achieve strong turnover growth, with those predicted to see the fastest growth in sales including Ember Inns, Toby Carvery and Beefeater.
Looking at the overall market from a turnover perspective, Cookhouse & Pub, Lonsdale-backed bar group Simmons, Dirty Martini and Nicholson’s are set to see the fastest growth within the market.
Katherine Prowse, senior insight manager, Lumina Intelligence, said: “Despite the rising cost of living, we are expecting the UK pub and bar market to make a significant recovery in 2022, almost reaching its 2019 pre-pandemic market value.”
Prowse said it’s expected that large nationwide events such as the World Cup and Queen’s Jubilee will provide a much-needed boost to the sector.
“We expect wet-led brands to make a strong recovery, particularly as city centre footfall recovers. However, it will be experience-led operators that lead recovery in 2022. Brands that offer casual but experiential settings that capitalise on sporting events and offer drink masterclasses.”
Find out more about Lumina Intelligence’s Operator Data Index here.
