Tube drivers are set to strike across 12 days between March and May as part of an ongoing dispute over a proposed four day working week.
Bookings down
Analysis from Access Hospitality found that during the September 2025 Tube strike, bookings across the sector fell by up to 67%, while walk in trade dropped by nearly 70%. At the time, it was reported the few days of strikes cost London’s hospitality and tourism businesses £110m.
Last year, figures from UKHospitality estimated rail and tube strikes had cost the sector £4bn in lost sales since 2022.
Champa Magesh, managing director of Access Hospitality, said operators should expect disruption to bookings even before strike days as uncertainty around travel plans affects customer behaviour.
“We’ve seen from previous strikes just how significant the impact can be on hospitality businesses, with bookings dropping by 67%,” she said.
“With another wave of strikes looming this spring, operators should expect disruption well before the strike day itself, as uncertainty around travel plans affects spontaneous visits and last minute bookings.”
Strike dates
- 24 to 25 March
- 26 to 27 March
- 21 to 22 April
- 23 to 24 April
- 19 to 20 May
- 21 to 22 May
The first strike day on 24 March coincides with the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter final first leg at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, where more than 30,000 fans are expected to attend.
There have been calls for additional support for hospitality businesses affected by transport disruption, with industry figures previously urging the Mayor of London to consider temporary rent and business rates relief during periods of strike action.
Be prepared
Magesh said the strikes fall during a key trading period for hospitality businesses and warned venues to prepare for potential cancellations and fewer walk ins.
“The upcoming strikes are during a key trading window for hospitality, so it’s vital that businesses prepare now to minimise the risk of no shows, cancellations and fewer walk ins,” she said.
Access Hospitality advised operators to mitigate disruption by sending proactive booking reminders, offering flexible rescheduling options during travel disruption and using historical booking data to adjust staffing and demand planning.
