How many people go to the pub on Christmas Day?

By Emily Hawkins

- Last updated on GMT

Festive spending: Worldpay says more customers are heading to the pub to eat on Christmas Day
Festive spending: Worldpay says more customers are heading to the pub to eat on Christmas Day

Related tags Christmas

More customers are heading to the pub to eat on Christmas Day and this decision is saving them money, according to new analysis.

Pubs saw an increase of 16% in transactions on Christmas Day last year, compared to in 2016, according to analysis from payments company Worldpay.

This is good news for both pubs and their punters, as stay-at-home diners are expected to spend an average of £66.53 on groceries, while the average cost of eating out is at £64.14 per family.

Worldpay estimated one in 10 Brits dine out on the big day now, with pub spending peaking at 1.25pm.

Hassle-free aims

Last year, pubs and restaurants made £6.5m,with an average spend of £18.43 per transaction, despite shorter licensing hours.

Customers said avoiding the hassle of cooking (39%) and washing up (38%) were key reasons for their decisions.

Almost a third of consumers (32%) said the primary reason they ate out on the day was to free up more time to spend with their families.

Out of 2,500 consumers surveyed, one in five said they felt eating out was cheaper.

High expectations 

Steve Newton, executive vice-president of UK and Europe at Worldpay said the festive period​ meant a plethora of trading opportunities but brought the added pressure of high expectations.

He said: “The festive season is a hugely important time for the hospitality trade – from the hordes of corporate Christmas parties in early December through to the traditional pre-lunch pint on Christmas Day – and consumers have high expectations of what it takes to make the season extra special.

“But savvy businesses must plan ahead to deliver the very best experience at peak times. Consider offering online booking capabilities and the option to pre-order food and drinks to streamline service on the day, so that guests can focus on socialising.

He added: “Business owners should not forget – a customer is for life – not just for Christmas.”

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