Consumer card spending on restaurants fell further into decline in November 2023, decreasing from -10.3% in October to -11.9% year-on-year, according to new data from Barclaycard.

Over a third (36%) of consumers reported the cold weather and dark evenings have had an impact on spending patterns, with nearly half eating out less frequently and 26% socialising with friends and family at home instead of going out.

At-home experiences fared well in November, with spending on takeaways and fast food up 6.1%.

Overall consumer card spending grew 2.9% year-on-year in November – less than the latest CPIH inflation rate of 4.7% but higher than October’s 2.6% growth – as Brits’ confidence in their ability to spend on non-essential items (56%) reached its highest level since April.

Spending on non-essential items grew 2.7% as the retail sector received a boost from the early start to Black Friday sales, while the travel sector continued to perform strongly, having recorded double-digit growth for 11 of the last 12 months.

Barclaycard also reports that shoppers are expected to fork out an average of £105.43 more on Christmas this year, with festive food and drink expected to be the largest contributor to this increase.

Esme Harwood, director at Barclays, said: “Shoppers got into the festive spirit early this year, flocking to the high street to take advantage of month-long Black Friday sales, and unlocking long-awaited retail growth. Consumers were also keen to socialise, but prioritised more economical – and warmer – ways to catch-up with friends and family, choosing cosy nights in with takeaways or enjoying drinks at the pub instead of dining out at restaurants.

“November also marked a turning point for consumer sentiment – confidence in personal finances improved, with Brits starting to feel less concerned about some of 2023’s defining issues, such as inflation, interest rates, and food prices – so there are reasons to be cautiously optimistic as we look ahead to Christmas and the New Year.”

Jack Meaning, chief UK economist at Barclays, said: “This data suggests consumers are continuing to spend more but get less for their money, as spending growth remains below inflation. However, the gap is narrowing as the rate of price increases slows, and we expect it to narrow further in the coming months.

“It’s reassuring to see that some of the previous weakness in spending was due to unseasonal weather, as shoppers go out and finally buy that new winter coat and get in the Christmas spirit. But the key question for the UK is what happens after the holiday period – it will take more than a festive bounce to keep consumers spending in 2024.”