Latest figures show that British pubs are becoming more popular on weekends than in the week.
Figures from The NPD Group showed a 6.1% increase in weekend sales, while weekday visits decreased by 5.9% between 2011 and 2012.
And that‘s not been the only shift in consumer behaviour, with breakfast trips to pubs rising by 23.4% in 2012 compared with 2011.
Despite breakfast having a relatively high share for some pub chains (eg in Wetherspoon where it accounts for 14 % of visits), overall it is still a small part of the picture accounting for 6.5% of pub visits in 2012. Lunch was the only other eating occasion to see an increase in sales, although this was a modest 0.7%. Sales from dinner were down 0.8% and from snacks 7.9%.
Guy Fielding, Director of Business Development for The NPD Group, said: “The slight recovery at lunchtime seen in 2012 provides a glimmer of hope. Lunch is now in recovery- it‘s more about pies than pints.”
He added, “The way people visit the pub has undergone a significant change in recent years as impromptu visits and an emphasis on drinking have given way to planned, family outings where food takes centre stage.”
A focus on the over 50‘s and loyalty promotions could continue to drive sales growth in pubs with more than a quarter of sales (28.4%) prompted by deals and campaigns.
