Food sales account for 50% of turnover in 5,000 UK pubs as drink sales continue to decline

Food sales now account for 50% of turnover in an estimated 5,000 pubs in the UK, classifying them more as restaurants than pubs, according to foodservice consultancy Horizons.

Director Peter Backman said the number of pubs reaching the 50% mark had sped up over the last five years.

Backman said: “There are two reasons why food is becoming more important. Operators need another income stream and food supplies that, but secondly, drink sales are declining.

"Even if food sales stay level there will come a time when food will represent more than 50% because drink sales will continue to decline. About a quarter of pubs are really focusing on food and it will become even more important.”