Footfall and spend nudge up as cost pressure eases, CGA finds
A third of consumers say they are going out less frequently than usual, with increases in household costs and menu prices the two main barriers
Register to get 1 more free article
Reveal the article below by registering for our email newsletter.
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
Visits and spending at pubs, bars and restaurants in the UK increased in May, with 92% of people surveyed visiting a venue, an increase of 3% month-on-month, according to data from CGA.
The figure is the highest number since November 2024. Alongside this, nearly three in five (58%) of these guests had visited at least weekly. Consumers are now making an average of 6.9 visits per month, comfortably the highest point of the year so far.
Consumers’ average monthly spend has risen too, by nearly £9 month-on-month to £115.67. This partly reflects increased menu prices, but it also indicates an uptick in consumers’ confidence following a recent easing of some of their inflationary pressures.
Numbers severely affected by the cost of living crisis have dropped by 1% year-on-year to 17%, while a quarter (26%) are going out more frequently than usual, 3% more than at this point in 2024.
However, the report also indicates widespread lingering caution on spending. A third of consumers say they are going out less frequently than usual, with increases in household costs and menu prices the two main barriers.
Meanwhile, more than two in five (42%) consumers said they would prioritise the eating and drinking out for their spending if their disposable income was reduced, making it a much higher priority than core areas including clothing (31%), home improvements (29%) and holidays (28%).
Phil Montgomery, CGA by NIQ’s director of client service, said: “While many consumers remain hesitant about spending, these latest numbers provide grounds for cautious optimism about the second half of 2025. Frequency and spend are both moving in the right direction and a sunny July and August will hopefully loosen people’s purse strings further.
“Perhaps most encouragingly of all, the On Premise remains an essential and cherished part of people’s lives in Britain. Nevertheless, the trading environment remains challenging, especially in light of the extra labour costs imposed on employers from April, and businesses will need to stay laser-focused on meeting guests’ needs and exceeding their expectations.”
