Restaurants and pubs in the UK enjoyed an increase in sales during June, despite businesses across the UK feeling the pressure as consumers tightened their belts.
Data from the Coffer Peach Business Tracker revealed that despite faltering consumer confidence, people were prepared to spend money on eating and drinking. Total sales for June were up 4.7 per cent year-on-year, while like-for-like sales for the month increased by 3.9 per cent.
Peter Martin of Southport-based publisher Peach Factory, which helps compile the monthly report, said the half-term holidays and the effect of last year's World Cup helped to boost June's figures.
"The increase this June shows an underlying resilience in consumer spending on eating and drinking out, which seems less fickle than retail," he added. "While it would be premature to forecast any significant upturn for the market, it remains solid."
Richard Hathaway, head of travel, leisure and tourism at professional services firm KPMG, described the figures as "pretty respectable", saying that "eating-out is still on the agenda for many households".
