Managed pub, bar and restaurant companies that opened sites in England last weekend have reported like-for-like trading 44.5% down on the corresponding weekend last year, according to latest Coffer Peach Business Tracker data.
Tracker figures reveal that 36% of group-operated sites were open for eating and drinking inside on July 4 and 5, the first time that hospitality business were allowed to reopen fully since lockdown.
Managed pubs and bars that opened saw sales 44.7% below pre-COVID levels compared to the same weekend in 2019. Group-owned restaurants that were open were 41.1% down.
However, many more pubs opened their doors than restaurants. The industry barometer shows that 42% of managed pubs, bars and pub restaurants traded, while just 12% of restaurants were open for business.
“Trading at around 55% of pre-COVID norms may seem a disappointing result, and it won’t be profitable for operators, but it is very much in line with what we have seen in other markets,” said Karl Chessell, director of CGA, the business insight consultancy that produces the Tracker, in partnership with The Coffer Group and RSM.
“When bars and restaurants began reopening in the US during May, it was only after a couple of weeks that sales reached 54% of pre-COVID levels, according to data from Nielsen CGA, our Chicago-based research business.
“It is going to take time for the trade to return but this provides a foundation on which to build consumer confidence and adapt and improve operations,” he added.
In all, 32 companies provided data to the Tracker, with another 17 operators reporting that they had yet to open any sites.
CGA will be reporting trading progress via the Tracker on a weekly basis as the market begins to recover and more sites reopen, including measuring week-on-week increases.
Participating companies receive a fuller detailed breakdown of weekly and monthly trading. To join the cohort, contact Andrew Dean, Andrew.Dean@cga.co.uk
About Coffer Peach Business Tracker
CGA collected sales figures directly from 32 leading companies, out of a cohort of 58. Participants include: Alchemist, Banana Tree Restaurants, Bermondsey Pub Company (part of Ei Group), Bills, BrewDog, Coaching Inn Group, Dominion Hospitality, Fuller Smith & Turner, Gaucho Grill, Giggling Squid, Honest Burgers, Laine Pub Co, Loungers, Marston’s, Mitchells & Butlers (Harvester, Toby, Miller & Carter, All Bar One), New World Trading Co, Oakman Inns, Peach Pubs, Prezzo, Punch Pub Co, The Restaurant Group (Frankie & Bennys, Chiquitos, Brunning & Price), Rosa’s Thai Café, Snug Bar, St Austell, Star Pubs & Bars, Stonegate Pub Co (Slug & Lettuce, Yates’, Walkabout), True North Brew Co, Upham Pub Company, Various Eateries (Strada, Coppa Club), Wagamama, Whitbread (Beefeater, Brewers Fayre, Table Table), YO! Sushi.
