Restaurant and pub groups see slight improvement in trade during second week of reopening

Figures provided by 45 different operators from across the sector show that, for the second full week of reopening (beginning 13 July) collective like-for-like sales were down 31.6% on the same week last year.

This compares to a minus 39.8% level in like-for-like takings recorded the week before. 

Overall, total sales across the managed pub, bar and restaurant market were up 40.6% on week one trading.

Restaurants saw the biggest shift, with like-for-like sales down 26.9%, compared to 40.0% down in the first week.

The report notes that restaurant groups have 'generally taken a more cautious approach to reopening', with only 24% of sites currently open for business (compared to 17% in week one).

It adds that pub groups have generally been more ambitious in their reopening strategies, with 74% of sites open in week two compared to 70% the week before.

Pubs that were open over the week saw sales down 32.4% on the same week in 2019, compared to 39.3% down the week before.

Bars that were open saw sales down 41.3%, compared to 42.9% in week one.

Only a few more bars opened for business in week two with the total up from 42% to 44%

In total, 60% of group-operated sites were open for eating and drinking inside, up from the 55% trading during the first week after restrictions were lifted.

"Trading at approaching 70% of pre-Covid norms after just two weeks should be seen as a solid performance, in the light of consumers stated caution about going out to eat and drink again after lockdown," says Karl Chessell, director of CGA, the business insight consultancy that produces the Tracker, in partnership with The Coffer Group and RSM.

"The steady improvement on the first week back is also encouraging, and operators will hope to maintain that momentum as more sites open their doors. Providing the public with reassurance that it’s safe to go out and that they will also have a good time is going to be crucial.”