Rail strikes: 'Drop in footfall greater than anticipated'

Sales at pubs, bars and restaurants in the City of London dropped to almost half pre-pandemic levels last week as the combination of rail strikes and the cold weather led to many bookings being cancelled.

As reported by The Guardian, the financial district was the worst affected part of London, with sales down 46% in the week beginning 12 December compared with the same period in 2019, according to UKHospitality.

The trade body said there was a cancellation rate of around 30% across the UK, with takings at London venues falling by 37%. Spontaneous visits were also down by 28%.

UKHospitality had forecast a £1.5bn hit to sales from industrial action in December and early 2023 but has now revised this to £2.3bn.

“I think the drop-off in footfall and general trading is greater than we anticipated,” Kate Nicholls, chief executive, UKHospitality said.

“It was a more substantial hit, taking into account the weather and other factors, that meant there was a more severe impact on walk-ins.”