London 2012 Olympics: Trade suffered for pubs in the first week claims research

A survey of eight of its members revealed that normal visitors and commuters stayed out of London and others celebrated the Olympic gold rush at home.

Three-quarters of operators reported like-for-like sales were down on the previous year, with over a third saying sales were more than 10% adrift and central London sites more than 20%.

Respondents reported no problems had been encountered in respect of deliveries.

Kate Nicholls, strategic affairs director, said: “Central London food led businesses struggled again during the early week but recovered somewhat at weekend. Wet-led businesses benefitted later at night after Olympic events, but it is clear that there are not enough new Olympic tourists to replace normal core trade.

"The majority of businesses are providing Olympic viewing in their sites but this has not dramatically pulled people from their domestic sofas. As a result there are no businesses expressing trading optimism with half of them saying that they are ‘cautious’ that trade will benefit over the period as a whole.”