Like for like trading rose by 0.3% compared with November 2024. This followed increases of 0.1% in October and 0.2% in September, with growth remaining below 1% or negative since April.
The soft performance comes in the same month the government confirmed the phase out of rates relief, extra labour costs and weak economic forecasts. This combination has left many operators concerned about the pressure on the sector as they approach peak trading.
Pubs pull ahead of restaurants
The tracker found that pubs recorded like for like growth of 2.5% in November, the tenth consecutive month of growth for pubs, although most rises have been below inflation.
Restaurant sales fell by 2.1% year on year. Trading has been negative in 10 of the past 11 months and pubs have outperformed restaurants in every month of 2025.
Bars saw a 5.2% fall in sales, extending a difficult year in which the channel has been behind by between 4% and 10% each month.
Lower footfall meant modest overall growth was driven by higher menu prices and new openings from stronger operators. Total sales including venues opened in the last twelve months were 3.1% ahead of November 2024.
Confidence remains fragile. The latest Business Confidence Survey from NIQ and Sona found only 26% of leaders feel optimistic about their prospects over the next year.
London continues ahead
Like for like sales within the M25 were up 0.7% compared with 0.2% outside the capital. London has now outperformed the regions for three months running.
Commenting on the figures NIQ’s director for hospitality operators and food EMEA, Karl Chessell, said: “Soft trading and high costs have been a potent combination for hospitality operators and November’s figures extend a very difficult 2025. Reasonable growth for pubs suggests consumers remain willing to go out to drink while a steady stream of new openings shows some operators and investors are on the front foot.
“But another negative month for restaurants and bars is cause for major concern, especially in light of yet more additions to their burdens of costs in the Budget. The sector will now be pinning hopes on a surge in Christmas sales to boost depleted coffers ahead of 2026.”
RSM UK’s head of leisure and hospitality Saxon Moseley added: “November’s results continue a disappointing trend of lacklustre performance as consumer uncertainty in the run up to the Budget hampered the industry’s recovery despite falling interest rates and high levels of household saving in 2025.”
