Recent growth in UK hospitality revenues has ceased as October brought a 1% dip in average sales, according to our latest research. Analysis of over 100 organisations that use S4Labour software found the decline was driven by lower food sales, with operators typically seeing a 2% fall. Following a summer of high spending, its likely consumers are now cutting back.
Although many will be cheered by this week’s business rates adjustment announcements, wet-led operators seem to be facing a tougher autumn with like for like food revenues down by 3.7%. Dry-led businesses fared much better and saw an average 0.5% increase in sales, thanks to drink sales rising by 3%. The overall dip in sales trails a strong summer and September for operators, who may anticipate quieter trading in the lead up to the festive period.
