Like-for-like sales among 25 leading pub and restaurant operators grew just 0.7% in September as poor weather at the end of the month canceled out the positive start.
That’s according to the Coffer Peach Business Tracker, which found that total sales were up 4.1% last month.
Regionally, the research found that there was little overall difference between trading inside and outside the M25, although pubs had a better time in London and high street restaurant brands did relatively better away from the capital.
Paul Newman, co-head of leisure and hospitality at Baker Tilly, said: “Leading operators will be disappointed that the 2.1% like-for-like sales increase in August did not last through September. Last year’s comparative sales were always going to be tough to beat, when the warmest end to September for over 100 years gave a late season boost to the industry. That was in stark contrast to this year’s downpours that persuaded consumers to stay at home.
“On a positive note, total sales growth up at 4.1% was more encouraging and demonstrates a robust and confident sector which continues to attract long term investment from pub and restaurant operators through the rollout of new sites and private equity interest.”
Trevor Watson, director at Davis Coffer Lyons, said: “The September results serve to remind us that consumer confidence remains weak. Although the corporate operators are growing market share, there is significant pressure on leisure spending for most households.
"Operators must continue to deliver value for money now more than ever. The need to continue to drive margin is intense as the recent failure of Waverley TBS indicates. The forthcoming Christmas period will be crucial to all.”
Underlying figures for the 12 months to the end of August, show combined total sales up 5.8% on the previous 12 months, with combined year-on-year like-for-likes running ahead 1.7%.
Jonathan Leinster, head of UBS European Leisure Research, said: “This year, month-on-month LFL sales data has not shown a consistent trend, but we would note that in current calendar year the average LFL sales growth has been only just positive, with four out of the first nine months showing LFL sales declines.
"This is a significant deterioration from 2011, which saw LFL sales at over 3% and only one month that saw an actual LFL decline. Indeed, 2012 appears more like 2010 than 2011.”
