Restaurants and Bars Summer 2018

The return of the pub

The Restaurants and Bars sector has recently been the feature of many headlines, but not in a way that the industry would hope for. A backdrop of continuing pressure on discretionary spending and declining consumer confidence, coupled with uncertain economic conditions has created a challenging trading environment – particularly for casual dining. However, recent hot weather and the football World Cup has boosted sales for pubs, restaurants and bars, leaving a positive outlook for the industry.

In this summer edition of the Restaurants and Bars report, we focus on the revival of wet-led concepts and explore opportunities for the sector to match consumer behaviour. Successful brands growing in the industry are those who have who have incorporated experiences into their outlets and kept up to date with current trends to really understand their consumer.

Key findings of Restaurants and Bars Summer 2018

Highlights from this year’s report include:

• London outperformed the rest of the country with like-for-like sales up by 1.6% against an overall 1.4% increase outside the M25
• Like-for-like sales and growth were compromised in early 2018 by severe weather including the ‘Beast from the East’ and boosted by warm periods in May and June
• Wet-led pubs have demonstrated a resilience compares to their casual dining and food led pub counterparts
• Strong momentum seen in M&A activity for the pub sector from both large players and emerging pub operators.  For example, Patron & Heineken acquired 3,200 strong Punch estate for £1.8bn
• Sam Bourke, Marketing Director at ETM Group, shares details about the company’s portfolio that leverages on the success of wet-led concepts and their on-going aim to create unrivalled experiences for guests.

Download the report for a full economic overview of the UK economy with analysis of restaurant and bars performance, exploration of opportunities for the sector including a focus on wet-led concepts and ‘the return of the pub’ and a feature article on distinctive brand, ETM Group. We also delve into the recent resurgence of CVA’s in the retail and casual dining sectors.