Members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) are due to stage a series of walkouts from 21 April, with significant disruption expected across multiple lines.
Previous strike action has had a marked impact on the sector. Analysis from Access Hospitality found bookings fell by up to 67% during September 2025 disruption, while UKHospitality has estimated strikes have cost the sector billions in lost sales since 2022.
Trading patterns shift
Operators said strikes tend to reshape demand rather than remove it entirely, with trade shifting earlier in the day and becoming more localised.
Kyle Turner, operations manager at the Brook & Badger in Fulham, said: “Tube strikes tend to compress trade rather than eliminate it. We usually see more local, earlier-in-the-day trade. The softer point is typically later evening, where people are less inclined to travel across London or stay out as late if the journey home feels uncertain.”
He added that pubs with a strong residential catchment tend to hold up better, while those reliant on destination trade feel the disruption more.
Mark Reynolds, co-owner of Three Cheers Pub Co, commented: “We tend to see an increase in sales at lunch and early evening due to our customers working from home…This added flexibility in their day gives them a great opportunity to try our day time menus.”
He added that trading patterns across his estate remain broadly consistent due to similar neighbourhood demographics.
For central London operators, uncertainty around strike action is also weighing on bookings.
Managing director of Ardent Group Dom Jacobs said: “The real issue now is the threat of action, which is often drives cancellations. We always expect between 10–25% off potential sales, regardless of whether strikes actually go ahead.”
He added that central London sites typically see a drop-off in late-night trade, while neighbourhood pubs benefit from increased local footfall earlier in the day.
Operational strain
Operators also highlighted immediate challenges around staffing and logistics.
Jacobs said: “Strikes create immediate pressure on staffing and reshaping rotas at short notice.”
Turner added that deliveries can become more difficult, with wider disruption placing pressure on roads and timings.
“We have to individualise staff rotas depending on the effect it has on their travel,” Reynolds commented. “Our pubs are well serviced by bus routes too, so it’s not too much of a problem.”
While the impact can be significant, operators said it is typically short lived.
He continued: “At late night destination venues such as the Avalon or Bedford it’s short term…The following week, the dance floor at the Bedford will be popping off once again.”
A spokesperson for Fuller’s finished: “Obviously tube strikes are unhelpful and impact all Central London businesses. We hope that a resolution is reached quickly and with enough time to minimise that impact.”
