GITNUXREPORT 2026

Uk Hospitality Industry Statistics

The UK hospitality industry employs 3.8 million people and is recovering strongly despite facing significant challenges.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Labour shortages cited by 62% of businesses as top challenge in 2023

Statistic 2

Energy costs rose 45% on average, squeezing margins

Statistic 3

1,200 pub closures recorded in 2023 due to viability issues

Statistic 4

Inflation hit 11% peak for food costs in hospitality supply chain

Statistic 5

45% of businesses reported cash flow difficulties

Statistic 6

Post-Brexit import delays affected 30% of supply chains

Statistic 7

Climate change risks identified by 55% for outdoor operations

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Cyber attacks up 25% targeting booking systems

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Regulatory burden from new IR35 rules impacted 20% contractors

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Mental health crisis led to 15% absenteeism rise

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28% of small operators feared bankruptcy without aid

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Supply chain disruptions from Red Sea affected 12% imports

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Future growth forecast at 4.8% annually to 2030 despite hurdles

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AI adoption needed to cut labour costs by 10-15%

Statistic 15

Net zero targets challenge 70% without clear funding

Statistic 16

Tourism visa delays reduced inbound by 5% in peak season

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Insurance premiums up 22% post-flood events

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Digital skills gap affects 40% of managers

Statistic 19

Overtourism complaints in 15 hotspots led to caps

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Health and safety fines totalled £45m for violations

Statistic 21

Future tech like robots projected to fill 20% roles by 2030

Statistic 22

Sustainability compliance costs £500m annually for sector

Statistic 23

Economic slowdown risks 3% contraction in 2024 outlook

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68% of UK consumers dined out monthly in 2023, up from 55% in 2022

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42% preferred pubs for socialising, highest category

Statistic 26

Average spend per restaurant visit was £28.50, up 10%

Statistic 27

55% booked tables via apps, a 20% rise YoY

Statistic 28

Plant-based dishes ordered by 32% of diners, up 15%

Statistic 29

Weekend brunch popularity surged 25% in demand

Statistic 30

61% value sustainability in menu choices

Statistic 31

Loyalty apps used by 48% of hotel guests

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Alcohol-free options chosen by 28% on occasions

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Group dining (4+ people) accounted for 35% of bookings

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52% of 18-34s prioritised experience over price

Statistic 35

Delivery orders peaked at 40% of meals for millennials

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Local sourcing influences 67% purchase decisions

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Contactless payments used in 92% of transactions

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Outdoor dining preferred by 45% in summer months

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Personalisation requests up 30% via apps

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Family-friendly options sought by 38% weekly

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Health-focused menus boosted by 22% post-pandemic

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Late-night economy visits by 25% of under-25s weekly

Statistic 43

Reviews influence 78% of choices, avg 4.2 stars needed

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Solo dining up 18% to 12% of covers

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Craft cocktails ordered 40% more than standard

Statistic 46

Pet-friendly venues visited by 35% of dog owners monthly

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Hybrid work boosted mid-week lunch demand 15%

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75% check menus online pre-visit

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Subscription meal boxes impacted 10% home dining shift

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In 2023, the UK hospitality sector employed 3.8 million people, representing 11% of total UK employment

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The hospitality industry saw a 2.5% increase in employment from 2022 to 2023, adding 92,000 jobs

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London hosts 28% of all hospitality jobs in the UK, with over 1 million positions

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45% of hospitality workers in the UK are aged under 30, highlighting a young workforce

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Female employees make up 52% of the hospitality workforce, but only 22% in senior management roles

Statistic 55

The sector experienced a 15% staff turnover rate in 2023, higher than the UK average of 12%

Statistic 56

Over 200,000 vacancies existed in hospitality at the end of 2023, a 10% rise from 2022

Statistic 57

Apprenticeships in hospitality grew by 8% in 2023, with 25,000 new starts

Statistic 58

18% of hospitality workers are from non-UK nationalities, primarily EU and Commonwealth

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Average hourly wage in hospitality rose to £11.50 in 2023, up 7% from 2022

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Pubs and bars account for 35% of hospitality employment, with 1.3 million jobs

Statistic 61

Hotels employ 12% of the workforce, around 456,000 people full-time equivalent

Statistic 62

Restaurants saw a 5% employment growth post-pandemic, reaching 850,000 jobs

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Zero-hour contracts represent 12% of hospitality jobs, down from 15% in 2021

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Training investment per employee averaged £450 in 2023, a 20% increase YoY

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Mental health issues affected 28% of hospitality workers in 2023 surveys

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Shift work dominates with 65% of roles involving unsocial hours

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Diversity initiatives led to 15% more BAME hires in 2023

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Remote work is minimal at 2% in hospitality vs 25% national average

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Union membership in hospitality is 8%, below the UK average of 23%

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Part-time workers comprise 42% of the hospitality workforce

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Chefs represent 18% of jobs, with 680,000 positions nationwide

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Event staff numbers surged 25% for major events like Coronation 2023

Statistic 73

Disability employment in hospitality is 9%, vs 22% national

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Wage gap shows women earn 14% less hourly than men in hospitality

Statistic 75

Seasonal employment peaks at 20% in summer, employing extra 760,000

Statistic 76

Tech roles like digital marketers grew 12% to 45,000 jobs

Statistic 77

Sustainability officers in hospitality increased 30% to 12,000 roles

Statistic 78

Gig economy platforms filled 15% of casual roles in 2023

Statistic 79

The UK hospitality market size was valued at £120 billion in 2023

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Sector GVA contribution stood at £57.2 billion, 2.6% of UK economy

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Number of hospitality businesses totalled 215,000 in 2023, up 3%

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Pub numbers declined to 41,000 from 45,000 in 2019

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Hotel room supply grew 2% to 650,000 rooms

Statistic 84

Restaurant outlets reached 45,500, a 1.5% increase

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Market projected to grow at 5.2% CAGR to 2028, reaching £160bn

Statistic 86

Domestic tourism spend in hospitality hit £85 billion

Statistic 87

Inbound visitor spend totalled £28.4 billion on hospitality

Statistic 88

Craft beer segment grew 12% to 5% market share

Statistic 89

Plant-based menu options expanded market by 15% in vegan segment

Statistic 90

Glamping sites increased 20% to 12,000 units

Statistic 91

Co-working cafes emerged with 500 new sites

Statistic 92

Festival hospitality venues grew 18% post-pandemic

Statistic 93

Independent hotels captured 35% market share by room nights

Statistic 94

Quick-service restaurants expanded 4% to 22,000 outlets

Statistic 95

Wellness retreats market valued at £2.1 billion, up 22%

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Pop-up dining events numbered 3,500, generating £150m

Statistic 97

E-sports venues in hospitality reached 150 sites

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Heritage pubs maintained 10% market share despite closures

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Shared kitchen spaces grew to 1,200 facilities

Statistic 100

Rural hospitality venues increased 6% to 18,000 sites

Statistic 101

The UK hospitality sector generated £93.4 billion in turnover in 2023, up 12% from 2022

Statistic 102

Pubs contributed £27.5 billion to hospitality revenue in 2023

Statistic 103

Restaurants achieved £32.1 billion in sales, a 9% growth YoY

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Accommodation sector revenue hit £18.9 billion, driven by domestic stays

Statistic 105

Events and conferencing generated £14.7 billion in 2023

Statistic 106

Average profit margin for hospitality businesses was 8.2% in 2023, up from 6.1%

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Food and beverage sales accounted for 62% of total revenue

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Online bookings contributed 45% of accommodation revenue in 2023

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VAT on hospitality was £12.3 billion collected in 2023

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Independent operators saw 15% revenue growth vs 10% for chains

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Cost of goods sold rose 11% to £35.6 billion due to inflation

Statistic 112

Labour costs represented 38% of total operating costs in 2023

Statistic 113

Energy bills added £2.1 billion to costs in 2023, a 25% increase

Statistic 114

Average daily rate for hotels reached £128 in 2023, up 8%

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Occupancy rates averaged 78% across UK hotels in 2023

Statistic 116

Revenue per available room (RevPAR) hit £100, a record high

Statistic 117

Takeaway and delivery sales grew to £12.4 billion, 18% YoY

Statistic 118

Premiumisation drove 22% growth in high-end dining revenue

Statistic 119

Corporate events revenue rebounded to £6.8 billion post-COVID

Statistic 120

Wet sales (alcohol) in pubs totalled £15.2 billion, down 2% due to health trends

Statistic 121

Breakfast-inclusive stays boosted hotel revenue by 14%

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Loyalty programs increased repeat customer spend by 25%

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Inflation-adjusted revenue growth was 4.5% in real terms

Statistic 124

Investment in hospitality reached £4.2 billion in new openings

Statistic 125

Cash flow improved for 65% of businesses, aiding recovery

Statistic 126

Debt servicing costs rose 18% to £1.8 billion amid rate hikes

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Sources

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The UK hospitality industry isn't just serving meals and pouring pints; it's a dynamic and colossal £120 billion ecosystem employing one in every nine workers, a vibrant engine of the economy pulsing with over 3.8 million stories from chefs and event staff to hoteliers and bartenders.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, the UK hospitality sector employed 3.8 million people, representing 11% of total UK employment
The hospitality industry saw a 2.5% increase in employment from 2022 to 2023, adding 92,000 jobs
London hosts 28% of all hospitality jobs in the UK, with over 1 million positions
The UK hospitality sector generated £93.4 billion in turnover in 2023, up 12% from 2022
Pubs contributed £27.5 billion to hospitality revenue in 2023
Restaurants achieved £32.1 billion in sales, a 9% growth YoY
The UK hospitality market size was valued at £120 billion in 2023
Sector GVA contribution stood at £57.2 billion, 2.6% of UK economy
Number of hospitality businesses totalled 215,000 in 2023, up 3%
68% of UK consumers dined out monthly in 2023, up from 55% in 2022
42% preferred pubs for socialising, highest category
Average spend per restaurant visit was £28.50, up 10%
Labour shortages cited by 62% of businesses as top challenge in 2023
Energy costs rose 45% on average, squeezing margins
1,200 pub closures recorded in 2023 due to viability issues

The UK hospitality industry employs 3.8 million people and is recovering strongly despite facing significant challenges.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Labour shortages cited by 62% of businesses as top challenge in 2023
Energy costs rose 45% on average, squeezing margins
1,200 pub closures recorded in 2023 due to viability issues
Inflation hit 11% peak for food costs in hospitality supply chain
45% of businesses reported cash flow difficulties
Post-Brexit import delays affected 30% of supply chains
Climate change risks identified by 55% for outdoor operations
Cyber attacks up 25% targeting booking systems
Regulatory burden from new IR35 rules impacted 20% contractors
Mental health crisis led to 15% absenteeism rise
28% of small operators feared bankruptcy without aid
Supply chain disruptions from Red Sea affected 12% imports
Future growth forecast at 4.8% annually to 2030 despite hurdles
AI adoption needed to cut labour costs by 10-15%
Net zero targets challenge 70% without clear funding
Tourism visa delays reduced inbound by 5% in peak season
Insurance premiums up 22% post-flood events
Digital skills gap affects 40% of managers
Overtourism complaints in 15 hotspots led to caps
Health and safety fines totalled £45m for violations
Future tech like robots projected to fill 20% roles by 2030
Sustainability compliance costs £500m annually for sector
Economic slowdown risks 3% contraction in 2024 outlook

Challenges and Future Outlook Interpretation

The UK hospitality sector is currently running a gauntlet where the finish line is a robot serving a sustainable pint while the roof leaks, the staff are burned out, the suppliers are delayed, and the accountant has just fainted—yet somehow, against all logic, it’s still predicted to grow.

Consumer Trends and Behavior

68% of UK consumers dined out monthly in 2023, up from 55% in 2022
42% preferred pubs for socialising, highest category
Average spend per restaurant visit was £28.50, up 10%
55% booked tables via apps, a 20% rise YoY
Plant-based dishes ordered by 32% of diners, up 15%
Weekend brunch popularity surged 25% in demand
61% value sustainability in menu choices
Loyalty apps used by 48% of hotel guests
Alcohol-free options chosen by 28% on occasions
Group dining (4+ people) accounted for 35% of bookings
52% of 18-34s prioritised experience over price
Delivery orders peaked at 40% of meals for millennials
Local sourcing influences 67% purchase decisions
Contactless payments used in 92% of transactions
Outdoor dining preferred by 45% in summer months
Personalisation requests up 30% via apps
Family-friendly options sought by 38% weekly
Health-focused menus boosted by 22% post-pandemic
Late-night economy visits by 25% of under-25s weekly
Reviews influence 78% of choices, avg 4.2 stars needed
Solo dining up 18% to 12% of covers
Craft cocktails ordered 40% more than standard
Pet-friendly venues visited by 35% of dog owners monthly
Hybrid work boosted mid-week lunch demand 15%
75% check menus online pre-visit
Subscription meal boxes impacted 10% home dining shift

Consumer Trends and Behavior Interpretation

The British are clearly voting with their feet, wallets, and smartphones, decisively favoring pubs, plants, and personalised digital convenience while still stubbornly insisting on a good story, a sunny patio, and a craft cocktail—proving that even in an age of apps and avocados, the heart of hospitality is a very human, and increasingly sober, social ritual.

Employment and Workforce

In 2023, the UK hospitality sector employed 3.8 million people, representing 11% of total UK employment
The hospitality industry saw a 2.5% increase in employment from 2022 to 2023, adding 92,000 jobs
London hosts 28% of all hospitality jobs in the UK, with over 1 million positions
45% of hospitality workers in the UK are aged under 30, highlighting a young workforce
Female employees make up 52% of the hospitality workforce, but only 22% in senior management roles
The sector experienced a 15% staff turnover rate in 2023, higher than the UK average of 12%
Over 200,000 vacancies existed in hospitality at the end of 2023, a 10% rise from 2022
Apprenticeships in hospitality grew by 8% in 2023, with 25,000 new starts
18% of hospitality workers are from non-UK nationalities, primarily EU and Commonwealth
Average hourly wage in hospitality rose to £11.50 in 2023, up 7% from 2022
Pubs and bars account for 35% of hospitality employment, with 1.3 million jobs
Hotels employ 12% of the workforce, around 456,000 people full-time equivalent
Restaurants saw a 5% employment growth post-pandemic, reaching 850,000 jobs
Zero-hour contracts represent 12% of hospitality jobs, down from 15% in 2021
Training investment per employee averaged £450 in 2023, a 20% increase YoY
Mental health issues affected 28% of hospitality workers in 2023 surveys
Shift work dominates with 65% of roles involving unsocial hours
Diversity initiatives led to 15% more BAME hires in 2023
Remote work is minimal at 2% in hospitality vs 25% national average
Union membership in hospitality is 8%, below the UK average of 23%
Part-time workers comprise 42% of the hospitality workforce
Chefs represent 18% of jobs, with 680,000 positions nationwide
Event staff numbers surged 25% for major events like Coronation 2023
Disability employment in hospitality is 9%, vs 22% national
Wage gap shows women earn 14% less hourly than men in hospitality
Seasonal employment peaks at 20% in summer, employing extra 760,000
Tech roles like digital marketers grew 12% to 45,000 jobs
Sustainability officers in hospitality increased 30% to 12,000 roles
Gig economy platforms filled 15% of casual roles in 2023

Employment and Workforce Interpretation

Despite being the UK's second-largest employer and proudly powering the nation's social life with a vibrant, young, and increasingly diverse frontline, the hospitality sector still grapples with a paradox of its own making: it's a career launchpad bursting with opportunity and apprenticeships, yet it's also bleeding talent through high turnover, a yawning seniority gap for women, and vacancies so persistent you could set a watch by them.

Market Size and Growth

The UK hospitality market size was valued at £120 billion in 2023
Sector GVA contribution stood at £57.2 billion, 2.6% of UK economy
Number of hospitality businesses totalled 215,000 in 2023, up 3%
Pub numbers declined to 41,000 from 45,000 in 2019
Hotel room supply grew 2% to 650,000 rooms
Restaurant outlets reached 45,500, a 1.5% increase
Market projected to grow at 5.2% CAGR to 2028, reaching £160bn
Domestic tourism spend in hospitality hit £85 billion
Inbound visitor spend totalled £28.4 billion on hospitality
Craft beer segment grew 12% to 5% market share
Plant-based menu options expanded market by 15% in vegan segment
Glamping sites increased 20% to 12,000 units
Co-working cafes emerged with 500 new sites
Festival hospitality venues grew 18% post-pandemic
Independent hotels captured 35% market share by room nights
Quick-service restaurants expanded 4% to 22,000 outlets
Wellness retreats market valued at £2.1 billion, up 22%
Pop-up dining events numbered 3,500, generating £150m
E-sports venues in hospitality reached 150 sites
Heritage pubs maintained 10% market share despite closures
Shared kitchen spaces grew to 1,200 facilities
Rural hospitality venues increased 6% to 18,000 sites

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

Despite a bittersweet tale of pubs winking out like last call, the UK's hospitality industry is fermenting a remarkable comeback, bubbling over with craft beer, plant-based plates, glamping pods, and a relentless entrepreneurial spirit that proves the nation's social heart still beats powerfully in its kitchens, cafes, and unique experiences.

Revenue and Financial Performance

The UK hospitality sector generated £93.4 billion in turnover in 2023, up 12% from 2022
Pubs contributed £27.5 billion to hospitality revenue in 2023
Restaurants achieved £32.1 billion in sales, a 9% growth YoY
Accommodation sector revenue hit £18.9 billion, driven by domestic stays
Events and conferencing generated £14.7 billion in 2023
Average profit margin for hospitality businesses was 8.2% in 2023, up from 6.1%
Food and beverage sales accounted for 62% of total revenue
Online bookings contributed 45% of accommodation revenue in 2023
VAT on hospitality was £12.3 billion collected in 2023
Independent operators saw 15% revenue growth vs 10% for chains
Cost of goods sold rose 11% to £35.6 billion due to inflation
Labour costs represented 38% of total operating costs in 2023
Energy bills added £2.1 billion to costs in 2023, a 25% increase
Average daily rate for hotels reached £128 in 2023, up 8%
Occupancy rates averaged 78% across UK hotels in 2023
Revenue per available room (RevPAR) hit £100, a record high
Takeaway and delivery sales grew to £12.4 billion, 18% YoY
Premiumisation drove 22% growth in high-end dining revenue
Corporate events revenue rebounded to £6.8 billion post-COVID
Wet sales (alcohol) in pubs totalled £15.2 billion, down 2% due to health trends
Breakfast-inclusive stays boosted hotel revenue by 14%
Loyalty programs increased repeat customer spend by 25%
Inflation-adjusted revenue growth was 4.5% in real terms
Investment in hospitality reached £4.2 billion in new openings
Cash flow improved for 65% of businesses, aiding recovery
Debt servicing costs rose 18% to £1.8 billion amid rate hikes

Revenue and Financial Performance Interpretation

Despite pubs battling health-conscious pint-sippers and everyone groaning under inflation's boot, the UK hospitality industry, powered by our collective desire to eat out, sleep over, and throw parties, dragged its £93.4 billion frame to a record profit margin with the stubborn grace of a waiter balancing a full tray across a crowded room.

Sources & References

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