Deals push down pub meal price average

The average price of a pub main course has fallen by 15p in the last year, despite food inflation.

Figures from the Pubtrack survey, compiled by Nielsen, shows the average price paid fell from £5.92 to £5.77 in the year to March.

The fall in price was driven by the large number of meal deals and discount offers, as pub operators battle for market share.

The strategy was effective, with the Pubtrack figures showing that the total spend on main meals increased year-on-year from £1.9bn to just over £2bn.

Total customer spend on starters, desserts and side dishes also increased.

But spend on sandwiches fell by 9.9 per cent year-on-year from £133m to £120m, suggesting that cash-strapped consumers are making a packed lunch rather than buying a lunchtime sandwich at their local.

The figures, revealed by supplier the Authentic Food Company as it launched a new range of Italian ready meals, shows that food now accounts for 40 per cent of managed pub sales.

While traditional British meals still account for 85 per cent of pub menus, international flavours are increasing - with Italian dishes the biggest category amongst global meals.