With bookings delayed, cancellations rising and staffing plans thrown into doubt, pub groups warn the commercial impact now starts days before trains stop running.
Members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) are due to stage a series of walkouts from tomorrow (21 April), with disruption expected across multiple lines.
New analysis from UKHospitality found London Underground strikes across 2023 and 2024 cut average hospitality sales in Zone 1 by 32%, with pubs and bars down 38%.
Previous strike action has also 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.
Tim Skinner, operator of the Devonshire Arms in London, said that bookings have fallen by 50% this week due to the strikes.
Managing director of Ardent Group Dom Jacobs said: “The real issue now is the threat of action, which often drives cancellations. We always expect between 10% and 25% off potential sales, regardless of whether strikes actually go ahead.”
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), said London’s pubs generate around £80m in gross value added between Tuesday and Friday in a typical week, warning disruption would be “acutely felt” by businesses already under pressure from rising costs.
Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), said the lack of reliable late-night transport risks deterring customers and making it harder for staff to get to work.
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, said: “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 daytime 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.
Jacobs said 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.
UKHospitality chair Kate Nicholls said: “Tube strikes have a devastating impact on London’s hospitality businesses, with sales falling by up to 40% on strike days. Commuter footfall is almost non-existent and families cancel plans to visit the capital.
“It’s not just lost sales, but the impact on hospitality staff who can no longer get into work. I urge all parties to continue negotiations and reach a solution that averts these damaging strikes.”
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.
Reynolds added: “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 said: “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.”
- This story was updated on 20 April 2026
