The figures from MCA’s Quarterly Pub Brand Monitor, which uses data from its Eating Out Panel comprising 6,000 consumer interviews every month, indicates that breakfast visits to pub restaurants have increased by 0.5pp (percentage points) to 11.3% in the third quarter of 2018.
The report explains that these visits are being driven by local and independent pubs.
In addition, as reported by The Morning Advertiser, a study by Jurys Inn recently found that breakfast is the second most popular meal for people eating out alone, with 72% of respondents to a recent survey stating that they’re comfortable dining solo at breakfast – compared to 73% who feel comfortable eating out alone at lunch.
In contrast, pubs have lost their spot as the most popular channel for lunch in the eating-out market, falling 0.9pp to 16.4%, and losing top spot to fast-food restaurants.
The Morning Advertiser recently reported that sandwiches are being shunned by Brits as their lunchtime meal of choice and are being replaced with wraps, salads and sushi, according to research by Spitalfields Market.
Perception of good value
MCA Insight data analyst Greta Glaveckaite commented: “On top of more consumers visiting pubs at breakfast, pub visitors have been spending more on their breakfast occasions, up 8% to £6.74, three times greater than the circa 2-3% menu price inflation.
“Pubs continue to succeed in maintaining a high perception of good value at breakfast, which is one of the top reasons for consumers choosing a venue.
“Lunch continues to be a hugely important day part for pubs, however, greater demand for convenience and value are seeing more consumers choose the fast-food channel.
“This threat will continue and operators need to place greater focus on the good value and reasonable prices to mitigate the risks.”
