Restaurant trade up 6.1% in June

Restaurants in the UK saw a 6.1% increase in like-for-like sales in June, compared with the same period last year, according to the latest figures from the Coffer Peach Business Tracker.

The report cited the increase in trade was in part down to the cooler weather over the month, compared with the “heatwave” in June last year. Comparatively the seasonally cooler weather, and the lack of sporting events in June, saw trade decrease for pubs and bars by 1.2%.

Total sales across the 50 companies in the Tracker, which includes the effect of net new openings since this time last year, were ahead 3.7% compared to last June.

Market performance inside and outside of London was broadly in line, with like-for-likes up 1.8% and 1.3% respectively. Restaurants also recorded a 2.9% increase in covers over the month.

Mark Sheehan, managing director of Coffer Corporate Leisure, said: “These are encouraging numbers. Last June, the World Cup gave an overall boost despite restaurants suffering and to beat those numbers on a net basis shows some much-needed positivity. It’s tough out there but the hospitality sector is showing some much needed resilience.”