Hospitality groups report flat November sales ahead of Budget

Britain’s leading hospitality groups will be hoping for strong Christmas trading after reporting flat sales in November.

Like-for-like trading was just 0.3% ahead of the same month last year, according to the latest NIQ RSM Hospitality Business Tracker.

The figures are based on monthly sales data from 116 hospitality groups, including Dishoom, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, BrewDog, PizzaExpress, Shepherd Neame and Whitbread.

Managed pubs were the only area that reported a positive month, with sales up 2.5% year-on-year, marking the sector’s tenth consecutive month of growth.

However, restaurant sales were down 2.1%, meaning trading has been negative in 10 of the past 11 months.

Bars also recorded a 5.2% dip in sales following a difficult year for the sector, which has seen trading down 4% – 10% every month.

With total footfall down across hospitality, the study said any growth was being driven by higher menu prices and new openings by some of the better-performing operators.

Operators are also concerned about the future after the 2025 Budget. The latest Business Confidence Survey from NIQ and Sona found that just 26% of leaders feel optimistic about prospects for their business over the next 12 months.

Karl Chessell, director, hospitality operators and food, EMEA at NIQ, said: “Soft trading and high costs have been a potent combination for hospitality operators, and November’s figures extend a very difficult 2025.

“Reasonable growth for pubs suggests consumers remain willing to go out to drink, while a steady stream of new openings shows some operators and investors are on the front foot. But another negative month for restaurants and bars is cause for major concern, especially in light of yet more additions to their burdens of costs in the Budget.

“The sector will now be pinning hopes on a surge in Christmas sales to boost depleted coffers ahead of 2026.”

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