Gen Z driving cocktail culture, defying ‘sober stereotypes’
Gen Z have boosted cocktail and spirit sales in the UK, challenging long-held assumptions younger customers are turning away from alcohol, according to research.
Trends & Analysis
5 key points from 2025
With the final days of this year almost upon us, The Morning Advertiser looks back at the defining moments of 2025.
Flat November sales deepen sector challenges
Britain’s managed hospitality groups entered the Christmas period on the back of flat November sales, according to the latest NIQ RSM Hospitality Business Tracker.
Xmas bookings fall 1% as operators brace for late demand
Christmas party bookings have slipped 1% year on year, according to new data from payments company Dojo, which points to continued pressure on discretionary festive spending.
Festive three course menus climb to £36 across pubs and restaurants
The average cost of a three course Christmas dinner at UK pub and restaurant chains has risen to £36 per person, according to new figures from Meaningful Vision.
Pub service enters ‘new age’ of tech-enabled pre-booking and ordering
New research from Zonal and CGA by NIQ shows pub habits are undergoing their fastest shift in a decade, with digital ordering, pre booking and changing expectations from Gen Z reshaping how venues operate.
Pubs over the years: What were the news stories shaping the sector in November 5, 10 and 15 years ago?
We’ve taken a look back on the top stories impacting the sector in November over the past few years.
Pubs enjoy summer boost but face a cautious winter
Pubs with outdoor space enjoyed a strong summer trading period driven by hot weather and major sporting events, but operators now face a “finely balanced” winter as cost pressures and consumer caution continue.
Operators urged to shift focus to early 2026 trading as costs squeeze festive margins
Hospitality businesses should move quickly past the Autumn Budget and begin planning for a challenging first quarter of 2026, according to the latest Market Forecast from purchasing specialists Lynx Purchasing.
Top brands to stock in 2026 to be unveiled
There are just days to go until The Morning Advertiser reveals the top brands to stock next year in the latest edition of the Drinks List.
THE MONTHLY ROUND: WHAT IS SHAPING TRADE
The Monthly Round: Pubs stay resilient as events and value boost footfall
Operators report mixed but resilient trading amid economic pressures and Budget uncertainty, with events, value and experiences driving footfall, The MA’s first Monthly Round snapshot has revealed.
Spring/summer 2026 drink trends revealed
Syrup brand Monin has unveiled its latest Spring/Summer 2026 Drink Trends Report, predicting the flavours, textures and serves set to influence menus across pubs, bars and cafés next year.
Pub menus expand as operators prioritise value, variety and loyalty
Pub and bar menus have expanded as operators invest in variety, innovation and loyalty initiatives to drive spend and strengthen value perception, according to Lumina Intelligence’s latest Menu Tracker Quarterly Report (Q3 2025).
Wet-led pubs show signs of stabilisation as younger drinkers return to locals
Britain’s traditional wet-led pubs appear to be finding a firmer footing after years of decline, driven by changes in consumer behaviour and smarter operator strategies.
The year of the black pint: Stout finds fresh energy and new fans
With International Stout Day today (6 November), few categories are fizzing with as much momentum as stout. Once a winter comfort, it’s now a year-round staple, and, for the first time, it’s not just the “old boys” drinking it.
Local pubs see resurgence as younger consumers seek connection
Community pubs are showing renewed strength as younger consumers drive a rise in visitation and engagement, new research has revealed.
Pubs are still a social engine – the question is how we keep them running
Pubs are evolving beyond the bar, they are social hubs that keep communities connected. But rising costs and reduced reliefs have pushed 209 sites to close in the first half of 2025, forcing operators to adapt with new events and services to maintain...
Cocktail bar operators reveal top trends
A number of cocktail bar operators have revealed the trends they’re seeing in their venues.
Pubs and bars outperform wider market as consumers turn to social drinking
Pubs and bars increased their share of the out-of-home market at the end of August, according to Lumina Intelligence’s latest Eating and Drinking Out Panel (EDOP) snapshot.
Gen Z drinking less, or just drinking differently? New data challenges assumptions
The long-running story that Gen Z are turning their backs on alcohol is losing strength. New research from Lumina Intelligence and CGA by NIQ shows younger adults are still drinking, socialising and spending in pubs and bars, just in different ways.
Pubs adapt to earlier dayparts as evening trade declines
Operators are increasingly finding ways to embrace earlier dayparts to compete with coffee shops as consumers choose Netflix over nights out.
Insolvencies up almost a fifth since January
The number of insolvencies has increased by 19.78% since the start of the year, according to analysis of recent figures.
The changing face of the Great British Pub
The Lock In podcast is back! Yes, fans of the podcast (all seven of you) will be delighted and this time we’ve got a great new guest host for our opening episode, Butcombe’s Jayson Perfect.
ANALYSIS: To tip or not to tip, that is the question...
The decision by a pub company to add an automatic tip to ordering drinks at the bar in some of its sites has thrown the cat among the pigeons and reignited the service charge debate.
Insolvencies ease but remain historically high
The number of insolvencies in hospitality eased slightly in the first half of the year but figures remain historically high.
ANALYSIS: How much have wages risen over the past five years?
Over the past five years, wages have soared by more than 40% alongside policy changes resulting in younger workers now benefitting from a higher hourly rate.
‘June sales round out tough first half of 2025 for hospitality groups’
Pub, bar and restaurant groups finished a soft first half of trading this year with June sales level with 2024, new research has found.
Pubs dominate M&A activity in H1 2025
Pubcos ramped up M&A activity in H1 2025 as shifting consumer preferences fuelled a move toward wet-led models and increased demand for pubs with accommodation.
Consumers spent cautiously in June, despite warm weather
Despite high temperatures in June, consumer spending was muted for the month, new data has shown.
Mixed trading as drink sales dip in June
Variable weather and hesitant consumer spending saw drinks sales dip overall in managed venues in June, CGA by NIQ’s latest Daily Drinks Tracker has showed.
Great Yarmouth has the highest density of pubs per population
Great Yarmouth has the highest density of pubs per population, new data analysis has revealed.
Almost half of adults opting out of buying drinks rounds
Some 48% of adults in Great Britain prefer buying drinks for just themselves, new research has found.
Optimistic outlook from operators and consumers
There is an optimistic outlook from both pub and bar operators and consumers, despite ongoing economic challenges, a new report has revealed.
Pubs over the years: What were the news stories shaping the sector 15, 10 and five years ago
Pubs have been the centre of many of the top news stories over the years, with everything from the smoking ban, Licensing Act to the Beer Orders.
Going out earlier remains top trend for consumers
Consumers are continuing to go out earlier with the average start time for a dinner reservation now 6.12pm, new research has revealed.
Spending in hospitality & leisure ‘has remained positive since April 2021′
Consumer spending in the hospitality and leisure sector has seen positive growth in the years from April 2021.
Pubs remain at the heart of social culture
Pubs remain in high demand and at the heart of social culture in the UK, new research has found.
ANALYSIS: Pub numbers down by over 15,000 in past 25 years
The on-trade has lost 15,800 pubs over the past quarter of a century, analysis of trade body data has found.
Pub accommodation has potential to ‘extend’ appeal to millions
Consumers love the special atmosphere, food and welcome they get when they take an overnight stay at a pub, but there is potential to attract more guests, new research has concluded.
Warm weather drives drink sales in managed venues
Drink sales were boosted by 5% in managed venues at the beginning of April driven by warm weather across the country.
What is operating in York like?
York experts outlined the city’s market alongside its challenges and opportunities at the recent MA Leaders Club event.
Hospitality industry should be cautiously optimistic
Data from CGA by NIQ has shown there was a significant pressure on spending last year.
Gen Z marketing techniques ‘save’ community pub
Villagers in Langton Herring, Dorset, have leveraged TikTok to rally global support for their campaign to save the Elm Tree Inn.
‘No excuse for beer wastage if pubs are operating well’
Reducing the number of beers available, good staff training and cellar management are just three ways operators help reduce wastage.
Concerns raised about city’s ‘After Dark’ strategy
The new initiative aims to create a safer and more inclusive late-night environment within Westminster.
CGA launches survey aimed at ‘addressing needs of women’ in hospitality
Celebrate Her, in partnership with Allara Global and CGA by NIQ, has launched the first data census survey for the drinks industry.
Pubs could be hit with £60m a year recycling costs
Pubs may face double recycling charges under new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules.
New FSA allergen guidance offers flexibility
New best practice guidance on providing allergen information to consumers has been issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
Drinks sales see growth after early 2025 struggles
On-trade drinks sales have demonstrated resilience, returning to above-inflation growth following a challenging start to the year.
Is 7pm the new 8pm?
With more consumers opting to visit the on-trade earlier in the day, The Morning Advertiser has looked at why more people are heading out earlier and how operators are adjusting their offering.