Market Watch Snapshot Reveals Uplift in Performance for the UK Pub and Restaurant Sector

Strategic Insights -

Warm weather and Easter trade have driven a "much-needed lift in performance" for the UK pub and restaurant sector, according to Oxford Partnership's April 2025 Market Watch Snapshot. The report reveals total draught beer volumes in pubs, bars, and restaurants have risen 5% in the past four weeks, with premium and world lager leading the growth. The data suggests a shift toward higher-quality, more meaningful experiences when people choose to go out, as well as growing consumer confidence.

Key Takeaways:

  • Total draught beer volumes in pubs, bars, and restaurants rose 5% in the past four weeks, with premium and world lager leading the growth.
  • Premium lager growth reached 12.8%, while world lager growth was 18.5%, reflecting a continued consumer shift toward premium offerings.
  • Stout remained solid, while craft beer saw a return to growth for the first time in several months.
  • Regionally, suburban and rural areas led the gains, while London and other city centres showed early signs of stabilisation.
  • The report noted a stabilising trend in venue numbers, with a slower rate of closures.
  • Trading hours remained steady last month, with a slight year-to-date increase of 0.23%.
  • Customer behaviour supported the trend, with average dwell time rising by 14.3% in April (up 11.1% year-to-date).
  • Outlet occupancy increased by 5.1% in the month.
  • Average drinks sales by value in managed venues saw double-digit growth last month.
  • Restaurants saw an 8.1% rise in spend, with spend per head increasing by 5.5% for drinks and 7.3% for food year-to-date.

Statistics:

  • 5% rise in total draught beer volumes in the past four weeks.
  • 12.8% growth in premium lager and 18.5% growth in world lager.
  • 14.3% increase in average dwell time in April.
  • 11.1% year-to-date increase in average dwell time.
  • 5.1% increase in outlet occupancy in the month.
  • 0.23% year-to-date increase in trading hours.
  • 8.1% rise in spend in restaurants.
  • 5.5% year-to-date increase in spend per head for drinks and 7.3% for food.

Sources:

  • Oxford Partnership, April 2025 Market Watch Snapshot.
  • Barclays UK, spending data.
  • Oxford Partnership, estimated sporting event impact on Saturday 17 May.