The consumer pulse survey on 2,000 consumers revealed that 70% said they now feel confident about visiting pubs, bars and restaurants. It is double the number of people who felt confident at the start of 2021 (34%) and an increase on 52% who felt safe in July.

Hospitality venues’ efforts to reassure guests about safety appear to be working, with nearly three quarters (71%) of people feeling very or quite safe on their last visits—a small increase from July’s total of 69%. Seven in ten say they are worried that venues may not survive the pandemic, while 62% are actively supporting local hospitality businesses.

Phil Tate, chief executive of CGA, said: “After a very tough Christmas, these numbers are a welcome reminder of the huge underlying appeal of Britain’s pubs, bars and restaurants. Having missed out on so many hospitality occasions in 2021, and with concerns about safety easing, we can be cautiously optimistic that spending will rebound as the year goes on.

“However, it’s important to remember that some consumers remain anxious about going out. Hygiene and cleanliness will be important drivers of visits for some time to come, so venues will have to be vigilant on standards.

“Some hospitality businesses remain vulnerable after enduring nearly two years of very challenging trading conditions. But this is a resilient and resourceful industry, and with the right support from government it is well placed to drive Britain’s economic recovery in 2022 and thrive in the long run.”