Data from Barclaycard Payments, which processes nearly £1 in every £3 spent on credit and debit cards in the UK, shows that there was an 8.32% rise in transactions over the long weekend compared with last year’s bank holiday period (28-30 August 2021) as Brits chose to dine out more frequently.
The warm weather helped boost trade during the three-day period, says Barclaycard, in spite of growing pressures on consumer spending.
“The sunshine across much of the UK this weekend saw Brits make the most of the summer bank holiday by supporting restaurants nationwide,” says Harshna Cayley, head of online payments at Barclaycard Payments.
“Despite concerns about the rising cost-of-living and inflation, our data shows Brits are still keen to socialise and spend money to dine out with friends and family.
“This boost in trade will be welcome news for restaurateurs as they continue to recover from the disruption of the pandemic whilst grappling with the wider economic challenges and uncertainty ahead.
“They will no doubt remain hopeful that Brits continue to show their support as we head towards the festive season, traditionally the most lucrative period of the year.”