Spend on eating and drinking out up 37%

Consumer spending on eating and drinking out rose by 36.7% during June, compared to the same period in 2019, according to the latest card transaction data from Barclaycard.

The increase, which represents a 2.5% month-on-month uplift, was driven by activity in pubs and bars where spend was up 38.1% – the first increase since September 2020 – as consumers watched key sporting events such as the Euros.

However the level of spend in restaurants recorded a -8.4% fall in growth (compared to 74.4% and 53.2% declines in April and May, respectively) with the recovery of the sector expected to pick up further over the summer months as restrictions continue to ease.

Demand for takeaways and fast food remained high, despite the reopening of indoor dining in May, with a 146% increase in online spend, including through delivery apps and services.

Meanwhile spend on hotels, resorts, accommodation and fuel was up for the first time since the pandemic began, with overall credit and debit card spending up 11.1% last month, compared to two years previously.

Raheel Ahmed, head of consumer products, Barclaycard, said: “June saw Brits flock back to pubs, bars and beer gardens to watch the football and tennis on the big screens, as the heatwave early in the month encouraged many of us to get out in the sunshine and socialise.

“The start of the Olympics and the expected easing of restrictions later this month should continue to lift spirits and provide more opportunities for get-togethers, whether that’s a weekend break, a meal out or to celebrate sporting victories.”