The like-for-like figure is the Tracker’s highest point since May and is just above Britain’s general rate of inflation. It represents a solid performance for the hospitality sector over the crucial month of December, which brought a surge in consumer spending in the final fortnight.
 
The Tracker, produced by CGA by NIQ in partnership with RSM UK, shows total sales growth in December was notably higher at 5.2%, reflecting a steady stream of new managed restaurant, pub and bar openings over the last 12 months.

Among major hospitality channels, pubs enjoyed the best December as consumers celebrated the run-up to Christmas and New Year’s Eve with friends and families. Pub groups’ like-for-like sales were 4.7% ahead of December 2023, while restaurants’ growth was more muted at 1.6%.  

December trading in London comfortably outpaced the rest of the country, the Tracker shows. Managed groups’ sales inside the M25 were up by 4.6% year-on-year, while venues further afield rose 2.8%.

Karl Chessell, director - hospitality operators and food, EMEA at CGA by NIQ, said: “After a modest performance through most of 2024, real-terms growth in December was a big relief for the hospitality sector.

“The late festive sales show people remain eager to celebrate special occasions in pubs, bars and restaurants, and provide a welcome buffer for the much quieter months of the year. However, with the costs of doing business sure to rise further and consumers’ confidence still patchy, 2025 is likely to be another challenging year for many hospitality businesses.”