Strong December trading sees hospitality sales rise 3.4%

The latest figures from S4labour show a strong finish to the year for UK hospitality, with overall like‑for‑like sales up 3.4% in December 2025. This marks a significant improvement on the 0.1% like-for-like increase recorded in December 2024 and builds on the 0.9% uplift seen in November, indicating growing momentum across the sector.

London once again outperformed the rest of the country, delivering a 10.5% rise in like‑for‑like sales compared to December last year. Trading outside the capital also remained positive, with non‑London regions reporting a 1.2% increase.

Dry‑led venues recorded a 3.5% uplift year‑on‑year, and wet‑led sites saw sales rise 3.3%, reflecting consistent spending across pubs and bars during the Christmas period.

Richard Hartley, Chief Growth Officer at S4labour, commented: “Consumer’s appear to have saved for the festive season which will have been a welcome relief to operators. However, we start a new year with government’s cost pressures on the horizon and the quietest time of year to navigate – hopefully it won’t be too quiet.”