Northern hospitality outperforms south in 2024, NRB finds
Regional differences between the north and south have emerged, with Liverpool, Chester and Sheffield having each recorded a 2.4% increase in site numbers
The north of England has recorded a modest growth of 0.1% in licensed hospitality venues, while the south experienced a slight decrease of -0.2% in 2024, according to the latest data from Northern Restaurant and Bar (NRB) and CGA by NielsenIQ.
Having tracked a wide range of pubs, bars, restaurants and nightclubs, the study revealed that while the industry as a whole has stabilised after previous declines, major northern cities have outperformed their southern counterparts in both site growth and customer feedback.
According to the report, there were a total of 99,120 outlets operating across Great Britain in December 2024 compared with 99,113 in the same month a year prior, representing a year of stability following industry declines in both 2022 (-4.5%) and 2023 (-2.9%).
Regional differences between the north and south have emerged, with Liverpool, Chester and Sheffield having each recorded a 2.4% increase in site numbers – significantly outperforming the national average (0.0%) and London (1.6%).
Meanwhile, Leeds (1.5%) and Manchester (0.1%) also showed incremental growth, reinforcing the north’s steady expansion.
In contrast, key southern cities such as Birmingham (-0.7%) and Bristol (0.1%) experienced stagnation or decline, suggesting an edge in resilience for major northern hospitality venues.
Pubs and bars have been among the strongest performers in the north, with visits increasing by 4% in 2024, while the south experienced a decline of -1%. The data also signalled a shift in consumer habits, with nightclub visits down by 5% in the north and 2% in the south.
In addition, the north was found to have outperformed the south in customer experience and feedback. Consumers in the north reported superior food quality (+1%) and drink quality (+4%), alongside more impressive service (+3%) and shorter wait times (+2%).
The report also highlighted that the north provided better value for money (+2%) and a stronger overall sense of satisfaction with the visit (+2%).
Siobhan Thompson, event manager for NRB, said: “The hospitality sector across Britain is stabilising, and we’re seeing some key regional differences in how operators are adapting to market conditions.
“The North continues to demonstrate strong resilience, innovation, and investment, which has helped drive growth in key cities. With a steady stream of new openings, evolving consumer trends, and continued enthusiasm from operators, Northern hospitality remains a vital and thriving part of the UK’s food and drink landscape.”
