• NIQ Global Intelligence reported UK managed hospitality groups’ like-for-like sales fell 0.4% in April 2026, marking the third month of contraction in four as consumers cut discretionary spending.
• Restaurants were nearly flat, up 0.1% year over year, while pubs slipped 0.2% amid cooler, wetter weather versus a warm April 2025 that lifted outdoor trading.
• Bars remained under pressure, with like-for-like sales down 5.8%, the weakest month since October, alongside recent sector closures cited in the analysis.
• Total sales, including sites opened in the past 12 months, rose 2.8% but remained below the UK inflation rate cited for 2026, signaling limited real-terms growth despite estate expansion.
• London outperformed, with like-for-like sales up 1.9% inside the M25 versus a 1.3% decline elsewhere, pointing to a widening regional split in demand.

Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. NIQ Global Intelligence plc published the original content used to generate this news brief on May 20, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.