Record sales for pubs over sunny bank holiday weekend

Heath Ball, owner of the Red Lion and Sun in Highgate, north London, said: “It was phenomenal, the Saturday and Sunday eclipsed whatever we have done before."

With a large beer garden to attract customers, trade soared along with the temperature. “We were inundated, swamped, we couldn’t keep up. We’re still recovering now,” said Ball.

Beach boom

Pimm's, ciders, lager shandies, rosé wines and refresher cocktails flew off the bars.

Seaside pubs also saw sales boom. Gail Caddy of the Rock Point Inn, near the Cobb at Lyme Regis in Dorset, said sales went up by about 30%. People not only flocked from the resort’s beach but came off the South West Coast Path or were attracted by the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

The pub's chip shop next door also saw sales zoom, from a normal £300 to £3,000.

Busiest 'for 10 years'

The appropriately named Sun Inn just 100 yards from the promenade at Blackpool also did brisk trade. Manager David Wise said it was their busiest bank holiday in 10 years. “It was exceptional,” he said. “Like for like compared to last year it was 75% up for the week. We traded constantly throughout the day.”

Staff at The Marine on the front at Great Yarmouth said the pub was so packed over the holiday it was difficult to move.

Even pubs off the beaten track but in scenic places saw sales shine. The Parker Arms high on the moors at Newton-in-Bowland, Lancashire saw a good trade. Co-owner Cathy Smith said: “It was fantastic, we are very grateful when the sun shines. We were very, very busy.”