Pub visits increase in the six months to October

The report, which polled 3,000 consumers, found that this growth was again driven by meal occasions, specifically in the regions and by Baby Boomers (55+). However, the frequency of visits is expected to decline over the next six months, by 0.2 occasions.

Bars, visited for drinks or meals, were found to be the third most popular venue at 3.3 occasions on average per month, a figure that has remained flat over the past year and is forecast to remain the same over the coming six months.

Average spend in coffee and sandwich shops grew from £4.38 to £5.00, pubs saw growth from £11.22 to £12.09, spend across bars nudged up from £11.88 to £11.90, while clubs saw an increase from £18.66 to £19.85.

The survey found that the frequency of visits to clubs declined to 0.9 visits, driven primarily by Generation X going out less often – down by 16.3%. This decline was consistent across all regions but was most pronounced in London. Clubs account for 5% of all going out visits.

There was also a sharp decline in the average number of occasions Londoners went out between spring and autumn, down 9% from 31.1 to 25.7 visits on average per month, with above average declines seen across the pub, bar and club sectors.

The report highlights that the decline in the capital was in part due to a drop in the numbers of “frequent casual diners”, which fell from 13% of diners in spring 2012 to 8% this autumn. The slowdown in the capital is expected to be only temporary with the proportion of frequent casual diners (those who eat out two to three times per week) set to increase over the next six months as Londoners revert to more established modes of behaviour.