As we start to enter mid-August, S4labour’s research shows there to be high like-for-like figures at 7.7% as well as a gradual increase in week-on-week sales figures.

Last week’s food sales were up 16% compared to the same week in 2019 — meaning like-for-like food sales are continuing to increase as we head further out of restrictions. As for like-for-like drink sales, they did increase too  although by a much smaller 1%. 

London sales have risen by 2.3% based on the previous week  a first for the Capital which has been in recent decline. Non-London, however, had week-on-week sales growth of 1%. Notably, the difference in week-on-week food sales is of interest: Non-London saw an increase of 1.4%, while London’s food sales grew by 3.4%. 

Speaking to S4labour’s Chief Innovation Officer, Richard Hartley, he stated: “The increase in like-for-like sales is very positive for the hospitality industry. With an increase in staycations, and generally there being more consumer confidence at the moment, hopefully these increases will continue and not be short-lived. We are now seeing sustained week-on-week growth in addition to positive like-for-likes.”