Rise in summer spending at restaurants, hotels and pubs

Spending on hotels rose by 14.9 per cent, the largest year-on-year increase in 24 months, as more consumers chose to holiday at home.

The warm weather also gave pubs a 13.3 per cent boost, while restaurants saw a 12.7 per cent uplift in sales.

It follows reports of a record return to growth in the hospitality sector​ in August following a post-Brexit slump.

Paul Lockstone, managing director at Barclaycard, said: “Consumer spending has continued to grow after the EU referendum, with August being a particular stand-out month considering confidence in household finances remains low compared to levels seen last year.

“Spending peaks in travel and hotels indicate that most consumers were firmly committed to their summer plans, and spent on trips and excursions they booked months in advance."

Autumn uncertainty​

However, the long-term outlook for growth remains unclear. 

According to a YouGov survey of 1,660 adults just 58 per cent are confident in their household finances, down from 71 per cent in 2015.

And only four in ten people surveyed said they felt confident in the UK economy.

Lockstone said: "Confidence continues to be shaky as the wider economic picture remains uncertain, suggesting it’s too soon to tell if this lift in spending will last once everyone’s holiday tans have faded.”