November’s like-for-like hospitality sales dropped by 4% across the sector compared with 2019 levels, however food like-for-likes were positive.

Food sales were up 2% on November 2019, yet drink sales declined by 10.5%.

Both London and non-London sites also saw their like-for-likes decline last month. London was hit the hardest with a 9.5% reduction in sales, whereas non-London sites saw like-for-likes drop by a smaller 3%.

The Chief Product Officer of S4labour, Richard Hartley, commented: “The slight 4% decline in like-for-likes for the sector is not too concerning, especially given October’s strong 13.5% increase in like-for-likes. December looks to be a pivotal month, as the sector looks to sustain sales amidst the concern in recent booking cancellations.”

Following a strong September for hospitality, October’s monthly like-for-likes are up 13.5% when compared to October 2019. 

In particular, food-led sales performed well with a 17.8% increase in like-for-likes. Drink sales were also up by 9%—much higher than September’s drink like-for-likes. 

Non-London based sites saw their like-for-likes rise by a high 15.5%. As for London sites, their like-for-likes were up too; however by a smaller 3.5%. 

S4labour’s Chief Product Officer, Richard Hartley, stated: “October’s high like-for-likes is excellent news for the sector, especially given the amount of head winds (such as the increase in VAT and supply problems) that operators are facing. The Autumn Budget also spelled some good news for the sector in the years ahead.”

After five consecutive weeks of positive like-for-likes, September 2021 has seen total hospitality sales increase by 8% when compared to September 2019. 

This was driven by food like-for-likes increasing by 16%; a common pattern throughout the past two months. Drink like-for-likes were up too, however by a much smaller 1%. 

Non-London sites had a stronger month compared to London sites, with non-London’s like-for-likes rising by 10% against London’s 3% decline. 

S4labour’s Chief Innovation Officer, Richard Hartley, stated: “After 5 weeks of sustained positive like-for-likes, September has been a reasonably positive month for hospitality. These figures do cap off the month reassuringly, however, the increase in VAT — and issues with the labour and supply chain — pose some concern for October.”

S4labour’s weekly sales figures analysis has identified that like-for-likes are up for the fifth week in a row by 11.5%; when compared to the same week in 2019. 

The like-for-like growth is mainly due to non-London sites experiencing a 15.5% increase in like-for-like sales last week. London sites, however, saw their like-for-likes fall 3.5%. 

In light of this sustained growth, Richard Hartley — S4labour’s Chief Innovation Officer — commented: “Yet again, the fact hospitality like-for-likes are up as we reach the end of September is reassuring. However, the recent petrol supply & demand issue affecting HGV drivers may impact the hospitality sector.”