Coronation: 50.5m pints poured but rain dampens trade
However, some operators have claimed the weekend was worse than expected, blaming shocking weather conditions and the cost-of-living crisis.
The coronation took place on Saturday 6 May to crown Britain’s first new reigning monarch, King Charles III, in 70 years. Celebrations continued across the bank holiday weekend through to Monday 8 May.
The average pub served 1,335 pints of draught beer and cider over the coronation weekend, which equates to a £6,006 income generator, new data from Oxford Partnership has revealed.
Marketing director at Amazing Grace, London Bridge, Sammie Ellard-King, said: "We saw a healthy bump in walk in traffic. Most notably Americans who were over to celebrate, Our door sales were 30% up on last week."
Unfortunately for the Plough at Coton, Cambridgeshire, the coronation weekend was not a boost for trade. It was “very, very quiet,” said a spokesperson, and the rain didn’t help matters.
Wind and showers swept across the capital on Saturday and Monday. Wet weather meant Brits got drenched at celebrations and the flypast over Buckingham Palace had to be scaled back.
Worse than expected
Operator of the Red Lion in Shepperton Steve Orme had not expected the bank holiday to hike footfall. Lo and behold, it didn’t. The weekend was quieter than usual at the Surrey-based gastropub with a 20% drop from standard trading levels.
Orme put this down to “shocking” weather, as well as the fact many were celebrating the crowning of the King at home BBQs or street parties rather than trips to the pub.
The cost-of-living crisis squeezing budgets could also explain the drop in trade, he added, and so could the fact that consumers had celebrated one bank holiday this month already.
Event-led occasions
This comes after Boxpark boss Simon Champion predicted hospitality firms could see a “massive boost or potential loss” across the various bank holidays taking place this month.
The British Beer & Pub Association predicted a £120m boost for pubs, with 62m pints expected to be poured.
Champion said: “Hospitality venues in the UK seem to have high expectations for the King's coronation, however it won't be enough to just open your doors for the occasion.
“Sites that put on themed menus and activities will be likely to draw in additional revenue as consumers prioritise experience-led dining.”
Royal menus, fancy dress events and coronation parties were just a few ways British pubs marked the occasion.
