Like for like sales across pubs, restaurants and bars rose 2.7% compared with September 2025, up from growth of 0.8% in August.
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The result marked a fifth consecutive month of positive growth, although sales remained below the rate of inflation.
Pubs lead growth
Pubs were the strongest performing segment during the month, with like for like sales up 3.8% year on year.
This represented their second best performance of 2026, behind July, when trading was boosted by the men’s football World Cup.
Managed restaurants also saw stronger trading, with sales increasing 2.6%, their best result since November 2024. Bars remained in decline, with sales down 1.7%, although this was their strongest like for like performance since the start of 2025.
Total sales, including venues opened during the previous 12 months, rose 6.2% year on year.
Trading was slightly stronger outside London, with like for like sales increasing 2.8% beyond the M25 compared with 2.3% within it.
Despite the improvement, the sector has not recorded real terms sales growth since spring 2025.
Budget pressure remains
Director of hospitality operators and food at NIQ, Karl Chessell said September had provided the sector with a “much needed shot of confidence”.
He added: “September’s trading can be a springboard for a strong Christmas and New Year for hospitality, but only if the Budget stimulates the confidence of businesses and consumers.”
RSM UK head of leisure and hospitality Saxon Moseley said the figures showed “real momentum building ahead of the festive season”, but warned further progress would depend on measures announced in the upcoming Budget.
