Editor’s Viewpoint: Sunshine, Sales, and Sector Spirit

By Peter Adams, Editor, CLH News.

It’s not every week we get to share some truly uplifting news—so when we do, we celebrate it. The continued spell of sunny weather has delivered a much-needed boost to the eating out and pub sector, with reports confirming a notable surge in both footfall and sales.

From bustling pub gardens to thriving high street eateries, it’s clear that when the sun shines, the Great British public turns out in force.

As reported by Lumina Intelligence and CGA by NIQ, the recent uplift in both food and drink sales—particularly beer and cider—is not just heartening, it’s a testament to the resilience and enduring appeal of our industry.

Given the economic challenges many operators continue to face, this uptick offers a welcome sigh of relief.
That said, we are by no means out of the woods. Insolvency statistics reveal that accommodation and food services insolvencies rose 4% month-on-month from 271 in February 2025 to 282 in March 2025. Any closure is sad, I know from my own experience the time, effort and investment one puts into a hospitality business often at great persona sacrifice, but the “palatable news” is that insolvencies were down 10% from 3,770 in the 12 months to March 2024 to 3,407 in the 12 months to March 2025.

Many in the trade are grappling with what can only be described as a “triple whammy”—increased National Insurance contributions, the rise in the National Minimum Wage, and the reduction in business rate relief.

These pressures aren’t going away any time soon, and for some, they are biting hard. But as I said just last week, we take our good news where we find it—and right now, there’s enough to feel cautiously optimistic.

Encouragingly, we’re also seeing signs that confidence in the sector remains robust. Investment hasn’t dried up—in fact, it’s holding strong.

Here at CLH NEWS, we continue to report on refurbishments across the country, and not just the cosmetic kind.

Many projects are receiving serious capital, with some refurbs running into several hundred thousand pounds—a clear sign that operators and investors alike still believe in the future of UK hospitality.

One such example is featured in today’s issue, and it’s one that struck a personal chord. Just a week or two ago, I was driving through the New Forest and passed the White Hart in Lymington—barriers up, car park empty, and my heart sank a little.

It’s a place I often stop by when in the area. I’m pleased to report, however, that it wasn’t closed for good, but for a substantial refit under new ownership.

The doors are now open, and I’m very much looking forward to stopping by over the Bank Holiday.
So yes, we still have plenty of challenges ahead. But for now, the tills are ringing, the beer is flowing, and the sector is once again showing the tenacity and adaptability that define it.

Long may the sun—and the sales—continue!

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I can always be contacted at edit@catererlicensee.com