The recovery in the eating-out market slowed in November as punters stayed away from pubs and restaurants because of the wet weather, research revealed today.
Aggregated figures from 15 major groups – including Mitchells & Butlers, Whitbread, Punch Pub Company, Gondola Holdings and Tragus - show that like-for-like sales in November were down 7.4%, compared to October.
The data comes from the
Coffer Peach Business Tracker, run by analyst firm Peach Factory in partnership with consultancy KPMG, investment bank UBS and property agent Coffer Group.
“It looks like the blame rests squarely with that old enemy, the weather. It was the wettest November since 1914, according to the Met Office,” said Peter Martin, founder of Peach Factory. “It is a reminder of the impact that adverse weather across the country can have on the eating and drinking-out market, particularly in the current fragile climate.”
According to the Met Office, almost all parts of Britain recorded well above average rainfall in November, with many having well over twice the normal amount. Southern England as well as the North West and southern Scotland were worst affected.
Nevertheless, like-for-likes still stayed in positive territory, with a 1.3% rise on November 2008, making last month the eighth consecutive month of positive like-for-likes for the Business Tracker group.
Marketing and deals help chain pubs and restaurants through the recession >> Sales at major pub and restaurant chains holding up >> Pub food continues to grow despite recession, says report >> Cost of a three-course meal rises by 6% in a year >>
By Daniel Thomas
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