Pubs fighting for food share
The ban on smoking in UK pubs and bars has not delivered the predicted boom in people eating out at their local, according to exclusive new research for The Publican.
But the battle for a share of consumers' dwindling disposable income means that a meal at the pub is better value than ever.
More than half of pubs, 54 per cent, said they had seen no change in their food sales since the smoking ban was introduced, compared to just 33 per cent who said food sales had increased. One fifth of pubs, 21 per cent, said their overall sales, including food and drink, have fallen since smokers were consigned to the great outdoors.
The survey of more than 300 pubs carried out for The Publican Food Report 2007 found that the average customer spend on food and drink at dinner is £14.86 - a penny down on the 2006 figure.
The cautious note sounded in The Food Report contrasts with a claim by the Good Pub Guide last month that the price of a pub meal had risen to £20 a time for two courses plus a glass of wine.
John Porter, Pub Food Editor of The Publican, said: "The Good Pub Guide is based on recommendations by readers, so tends to feature special occasion and destination venues, where prices are likely to be higher.
"The pubs we survey are far more typical of the 'real' pub market. The results show that as consumers tighten their belts, and after the smoking ban coincided with one of the worst summer ever recorded weather-wise, it's a tough market out there.
"However, for customers' that means that a meal at the pub is excellent value."
The survey found that soup is the best selling pub starter, and meat dishes and pies the most popular main course. A traditional fruit pie or crumble is pub customers favourite dessert.
