Sector sees flat November like-for-like sales as higher prices and new openings fuel total growth: Britain’s leading managed hospitality groups enter the crucial Christmas period on the back of flat like-for-like sales in November as higher prices and new openings fuelled total growth, the latest NIQ RSM Hospitality Business Tracker reveals. Like-for-like trading was just 0.3% ahead of the same month in 2024, following increases of just 0.1% in October and 0.2% in September. Growth has now been below 1% or negative since April. The tracker – produced by NIQ, powered by CGA intelligence, in association with RSM shows a positive November for pubs, where sales rose 2.5% year-on-year. It is a tenth consecutive month of growth for the pub sector, though most increases have been below the rate of inflation. In sharp contrast, sales at restaurants were 2.1% short of November 2024. This means trading has been negative in ten of the last 11 months, and that restaurants have been outperformed by pubs in every month of 2025 so far. Bars recorded a 5.2% dip in sales, extending a difficult year for the channel, with trading behind by between 4% and 10% year-on-year in every month. With footfall down across hospitality, modest growth is being driven by higher menu prices and new openings. On a total sales basis – including at venues opened by groups in the last 12 months – sales were 3.1% ahead of November 2024. London delivered slightly better growth than the rest of Britain in November. Like-for-like sales within the M25 were 0.7% ahead year-on-year, compared with 0.2% in regions beyond the M25. It is the third month in a row that the capital has been marginally ahead of the country as a whole. Karl Chessell, director – hospitality operators and food, EMEA at NIQ, said: “Soft trading and high costs have been a potent combination for hospitality operators, and November’s figures extend a very difficult 2025. Reasonable growth for pubs suggests consumers remain willing to go out to drink, while a steady stream of new openings shows some operators and investors are on the front foot. But another negative month for restaurants and bars is cause for major concern, especially in light of yet more additions to their burdens of costs in the Budget. The sector will now be pinning hopes on a surge in Christmas sales to boost depleted coffers ahead of 2026.”

The Indian Brewery Company to launch Birmingham airport site in partnership with TRG Concessions: The Restaurant Group (TRG) Concessions is to partner with The Indian Brewery Company to open a new site at Birmingham airport. Set to open in February, the site will be located within Birmingham airport's International Pier adjacent to the departure lounge. The restaurant will showcase The Indian Brewery Company’s fresh range of craft beer paired with its range of Indian pizzas and breakfast naan sandwiches. It will become the Indian Brewery's third location in Birmingham. Jon Knight, chief executive of TRG Concessions, said: “We are delighted to bring Indian Brewery to a new audience with the launch of its first airport location, at Birmingham. This much-loved business continues to build real momentum, and we are proud to be part of that journey.” Jaspal Purewal, chief executive of The Indian Brewery Company, said: “As a proud Brummie, I believe Indian Brewery Birmingham airport will be an amazing location, offering our locally brewed beer, incredible food and exclusive range of merchandise to all passengers.”