The exclusive research reveals that average on premise sales from last Wednesday to Sunday (1 to 5 June) were 5% higher than the average for the equivalent period over the previous 12 weeks. However, after uplifts of 47% on Wednesday, 54% on Thursday and 7% on Friday, sales dropped by 20% and 22% on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
“It was very much a Jubilee holiday of two halves for operators and suppliers, with an early upswing followed by a tough weekend,” says Jonathan Jones, CGA’s managing director, UK and Ireland.
“It suggests excitement about the extra Bank Holidays but a desire to mark the occasion at home and within local communities.”
CGA’s data shows food sales increased by 8% over the five-day period, while drinks sales achieved a 3% uplift.
Other trading insights from the long Jubilee weekend include a12% increase in spirits sales, with vodka a key driver and a 10% hike in cocktail sales; an 11% rise in soft drinks sales, reflecting the increase in family visits to venues; and a 4% drop in beer sales, contrasted with a 12% rise in the cider category.
The research also indicates that total five-days sales increased by 8% in rural areas—a better performance than high streets (up 5%) and suburban areas (up 4%). Despite Jubilee celebrations being centred on London, the sales uplift in the capital was below the UK average at 1%.
“It’s not the major boost to trading that some had hoped for, but it does show that pubs, bars and restaurants remain a key part of celebratory occasions,” adds Jones.