Consumer spending in pubs up for August

The figures were revealed by Barclaycard, which sees nearly half of the nation’s credit and debit card transactions. ​

It also revealed that there was ​positive news for the restaurant market spending broke into positive growth for the first time since the pandemic hit (+0.1%). 

The boom in summer socialising also had a positive impact on entertainment – such as theatre, festival and theme park tickets – which reached a new high of 24.2%.

Staycations

Staycations remained popular throughout August as spending on hotels, resorts and accommodation grew for the third consecutive month, compared to 2019, reaching its highest growth recorded since the onset of Covid-19 (+17.5%). 

Spending on essential items grew 14.5 per cent in August, compared to the same period in 2019, bolstered by spending at supermarkets and food and drink specialist stores, which were up 15.2 per cent and 76.9 per cent respectively.

Of those returning to the office after having worked from home during the pandemic, 34% plan to spend more on takeaway breakfast or lunch, and 26% intend to up their spending on socialising after work. 

Confidence

Confidence in the UK economy rose to its highest point (37%) since February 2020 (42%), with 78% of Brits confident in their ability to live within their means each month, and 71% feeling optimistic about their household finances.

Raheel Ahmed, Head of Consumer Products, said: “Socialising, shopping, and staycations were top of the agenda for Brits in August, as families and friends made the most of the school holidays, giving a welcome boost to hospitality and leisure businesses. Over the coming months, these sectors should also benefit from Brits returning to the office, as colleagues enjoy long overdue catch-ups over post-work meals and drinks.”