High tempo consumers are visiting pubs, bars, and restaurants for the occasion more frequently than they were in 2024, with 43% of these consumers visiting for the occasion weekly (+17 percentage points vs 2024). Additionally, On Premise spend for high tempo consumers is revealed to be £38 more per month than the British average. This highly engaged, and lucrative, consumer base offers real opportunities for brands and venues intent on getting to grips with a shifting market.
So, what are the main headlines in the latest report?
Earlier dayparts
High tempo visits are moving to earlier day parts than the traditional late-night. 1 in 5 consumers report that they are looking to avoid loud and crowded environments, alongside a priority towards consistent lifestyle and safety. Encouraging engagement in earlier dayparts can be hugely valuable to suppliers and operators if outlets can influence consumers to increase dwell time.
Appetite for experience
The traditional late-night crowd is shrinking as high tempo consumers gravitate toward new experiences that take place earlier in the day. Compared to a year ago almost two thirds of consumers (63%) are looking for new experiences in the venues visited for high tempo occasions, jumping to just under three quarters for younger consumers (74% of 18 – 24 year olds). The competitive socialising occasion has seen a notable increase in high tempo visits (+15 percentage points), alongside the booming bottomless brunch trend (+25pp).
Drink choice
The Report highlights beer (30%) and cocktails (29%) lead consumer choice across high tempo occasions, closely followed by shots (26%). Consumers expect extensive drinks ranges and frequently switch between categories, creating opportunities for innovation and experimentation. This also opens opportunities to encourage trading up – 61% of consumers are willing to pay more for a better-quality drink, (+12pp vs average visit occasion) and half are open to trying new serves.
The rise of ‘zebra drinking’- a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic consumption throughout the occasion – is another influential trend. No/low alcohol options remain a small part of the overall category mix, but they’ve seen the biggest year-on-year growth (+7pp), with a fifth (21%) of consumers saying they perceive socialising with no/low options as more appealing than before. Plus, soft drinks are also an area of opportunity, as consumers look to moderate alcohol consumption while maintaining high tempo energy.
Food, fun and footfall
A compelling 85% of consumers now have food at some point during their high tempo visit, with 43% purchasing food from their drinks venue. This clearly indicates the need for operators to prioritise food and drink package deals to drive spend per head, with top promotions including food & drink combos, discounted drinks, and multibuy cocktail offers.
Sophie Brown, senior client manager – drinks, said: “It’s vital for drinks brands, suppliers, and venue operators to understand where, when, and how consumers are engaging in high tempo occasions. The opportunity lies in re-defining experiences as traditional high tempo activities and venues change. Our latest Report empowers stakeholders to both protect against losses as behaviour changes and build a winning strategy for this evolving occasion.”
Sophie Brown, senior client manager – drinks, said: “It’s vital for drinks brands, suppliers, and venue operators to understand where, when, and how consumers are engaging in high tempo occasions. The opportunity lies in re-defining experiences as traditional high tempo activities and venues change. Our latest Report empowers stakeholders to both protect against losses as behaviour changes and build a winning strategy for this evolving occasion.”
Nik Xypolitos, client director – hospitality operators and food, said: “In recent years, traditional late-night and high tempo occasions have undergone significant transformations, presenting new challenges for operators in this space. The emerging generation of On Premise visitors, Gen Z, brings different priorities to the table, with a strong focus on events, entertainment and socialising activities. By understanding the expectations and motivations of younger consumers and their high tempo activity, operators can protect their market share and drive long-term growth.”
CGA’s Evolving High–Tempo Occasion Report provides an expert analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing the high tempo occasion in Britain. It helps suppliers and operators understand consumers’ evolving behaviours and habits, as well as breaking down their motivations, need states, and preferences along the high tempo journey. To discover more, click here and contact the CGA team
