Dry-led sites up 9.1% in November, wet-led down 3.3%

The latest data from S4labour reveals that sales were up 3.8% in November, compared to the same month last year. London saw growth of 5.9% year-on-year, whilst the rest of the UK witnessed a slightly more modest increase of 3.2%.  

This overall growth was driven by dry-led sites, with sales surging by 9.1%, compared to a 3.3% decline in wet-led sites.  

S4labour’s Chief Growth Officer, Richard Hartley, commented: “Despite challenging consumer prices, this upward trend is a positive start to the Christmas period. Hopefully, we should see spending considerably up through to the new year, which will help towards offsetting the new wage costs coming into play in April.”  

Hospitality sales see first decline since March

The latest figures for October reveal the industry experienced a 1.4% decrease in sales overall, compared to the same period last year, according to data from S4labour.  

This decline was driven by sites outside of London, with sales dropping by 2.5%, whilst London saw a moderate increase of 3%. October also marks the first time since March that overall sales have been down.  

S4labour’s Chief Growth Officer, Richard Hartley, commented: “As we begin the run up to Christmas, this downward trend is not what we would have hoped for, especially considering last month’s staggering 9.6% growth. Only two out of the ten months so far this year have seen a decline, so we are optimistic that as celebrations begin over November and December, we will start to see some positive figures again.”  

Industry reports strong year-on-year growth for September

Hospitality sees an impressive surge in like-for-like sales for the month of September, as reported by S4labour. Overall, the sector experienced a remarkable 9.6% increase in year-on-year sales. 

London led the charge with an 11.5% boost, with growth underpinned by a 16.7% increase in food sales. 

Non-London regions across the UK also experienced robust growth, with a 9.1% increase in like-for-like sales compared to the same period last year. 

Richard Hartley, Chief Growth Officer at S4labour, commented: “These figures come as a much-needed boost to the UK’s hospitality sector and are ahead of inflation levels for the first time in a while. The good weather in September likely helped with this resurgence in consumer confidence for dining out. As we move into the final quarter of 2023, we should be cautiously optimistic about sustaining this upward trajectory.”  

August sales up 3.2% led by London

This month, overall sales were up 3.2% compared to last year, led by a strong August for London, according to the latest S4labour sales data. 

The Capital saw a solid increase of 9.9% across the board, with food and drink sales up 12% and 8.7% respectively.   

Non-London saw a 4.7% increase in food, but drink sales dropped by 0.7% compared to last year.  

Chief Growth Officer at S4labour, Richard Hartley, said: “Despite a wet August, it is promising to see growth on last year and healthier numbers compared to last month, which saw only a slight increase of 1.4% in like-for-like sales. Outside of London, and particularly in more rural areas, it is likely that less people were going out to drink in pubs this month because of the bad weather. Nevertheless, the increase in food sales across the UK will go some way to offsetting inflation.”  

Women’s World Cup Final Boosts Pub Sales

Although the Lionesses didn’t bring it home, they certainly brought in some sales, with figures telling a story of celebration.  

Despite the early start, last Sunday saw the Women’s World Cup final drive a 10% increase in drink sales when compared to same day the previous week, according to the latest sales data from S4labour.  

It is estimated around 2.6 million Brits headed to the pub to watch the game, splashing out on beverages to celebrate England being in a World Cup final for the first time since 1966.  

It’s brilliant to see that the Women’s team won hearts on the field, with a positive ripple effect on local businesses. Here’s to the unstoppable spirit of football and the communities that come together to celebrate it! 

London year-on-year sales ahead in July, non-London sees a decline

In July, hospitality sales saw an overall year-on-year increase of 1.4%, the latest S4labour data reports.

Food sales were responsible for this slight growth, with an increase of 5.8%, whereas drink sales were down 2.0% compared to last year. 

London fared much better than the rest of the country, seeing sales 2.9% ahead of 2022, whilst non-London experienced a decline of 4.3%. 

Richard Hartley, Chief Growth Officer at S4labour, commented: “July has been a much slower month than we would have liked, as sales have likely suffered due to bad weather, with less people going out for drinks throughout the month. Though these numbers indicate growth, they still lag behind inflation levels. However, as we move into August, we are hopeful that the summer holidays, as well as the bank holiday, will help towards offsetting this.” 

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