Pub trading leaps forward in second week open

24-Jul-2020 - Last updated on 24-Jul-2020 at 09:23 GMT

Rising: sales increased in pubs in their second week after reopening

Related tags Cga Food Branding + marketing

Food and drink sales in pubs and restaurants continue to climb and, in some instances, outperform year-on-year, according to a combination of Coffer Peach Business Tracker data and operator feedback.

Managed pub, bar and restaurant groups with sites open in England have reported a lift in sales during the second week of reopening, the latest Coffer Peach Business Tracker data shows.

Although levels remain lower than prior to the coronavirus outbreak, figures show trading in week two of reopening were up 40.6% on week one levels.

Some 60% of group-operated sites were open for eating and drinking inside, up from 55% in the first week, after lockdown restrictions were lifted, the data showed.

More openings

Managed pubs have opened 74% of sites in week two and saw sales down on previous years by just under a third, compared with a dip of 39.3% in week one.

Bars, however with sales still increasing, are falling slightly behind with sales down 41.3% on last year in week two, compared with a dip of 42.9% in week one.

CGA director Karl Chessell, who works in partnership with the Coffer Group and RSM, said: “Trading at approaching 70% of pre-Covid norms after just two weeks should be seen as a solid performance, in the light of consumers stated caution about going out to eat and drink again after lockdown.

“The steady improvement on the first week back is also encouraging, and operators will hope to maintain that momentum as more sites open their doors.

“Providing the public with reassurance that it’s safe to go out and that they will also have a good time is going to be crucial.”

45 operators

Progress in the trade is being monitored and reported by CGA on a weekly basis via its Tracker and covers 45 managed, multiple operator business models. A further 10 operators that fit into the group have yet to open sites.

Meanwhile, The Morning Advertiser has been approached by several food-led pubs that have reported significant increases in like-for-like sales.

In one instance, an operator had exceeded like-for-like sales on Saturday, with Sunday’s takings being considered a bonus.

Other owners have reported similar situations, with takings regularly exceeding comparative years, as customers return in support of their venues.