UK bars strong in October but Autumn Budget could thwart growth
Bookings in UK bars and restaurants surged by 30% in October versus the same period last year, according to new data. But Access Hospitality, which analysed booking patterns through the discovery platform DesignMyNight, warned that Government decisions in the upcoming Autumn Budget could threaten the sector’s recent gains.
DesignMyNight research revealed that bookings in October were up 30% on the same month last year, with same-day reservations rising by 38%. Average spend across bars and restaurants increased by 8.5% year on year, although cancellations also climbed by more than 11%.
Katie Kirwan, head of brand & B2C at DesignMyNight, clarified that October has been a “strong month” for bookings in bars and restaurants, but cautioned that the looming Budget is “influencing consumer behaviour”.
In the lead-up to the Budget, which will take place on 26 November, 345 leading hospitality businesses have called upon the British Government for support in an open letter addressed to the Chancellor, following criticism that the last Budget was “immediate, concentrated and socially regressive”. According to trade body UKHospitality, the last Budget left the sector “taxed out”, with businesses forced to close, more than 80,000 jobs lost in the sector, opportunities for young people reduced and prices increased for consumers. The firms, which include Greene King, Stonegate Group and Fuller’s, are calling for measures including lower business rates, changes to NICs and reduced VAT.
“The data uncovers that Brits are becoming more thoughtful about their spending, with DesignMyNight data revealing a surge in searches for ‘cheap’ and ‘affordable’ nights out,” Kirwan added. “Despite the shift, the hospitality sector is still seeing strong growth year on year, highlighting how consumers are spending smarter rather than spending less.“
Affordability first
Across the past 28 days, searches for “affordable” and “cheap” have risen by 5% across the site, while London-specific searches for “cheap things to do” and “affordable restaurants” are up 66% year on year, as the high cost of living continues to bite. Today, inflation fell for the first time since March to 3.6%, and while the Chancellor Rachel Reeves welcomed the drop, she acknowledged that high prices remain a “big burden”, and promised that next week’s Budget would take “targeted action” to bring down inflation.
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And despite the rise in bookings, the DesignMyNight data also showed cancellations also leapt by 11.34% in October. Access Hospitality said this suggests that although demand remains high, more people are reconsidering their plans as financial insecurity mounts ahead of the Budget, following below-forecast growth of 0.1% growth seen in the July-to-September quarter (ONS).
Generational divide
The data also revealed large disparities in spending habits between age groups. Bar spend rose across all generations, with Gen X showing the biggest increase (+23%), followed by Millennials (+14%) and Gen Z (+16%). Restaurant spend, however, fell sharply among younger consumers. Gen Z restaurant spending dropped by 37% year on year, while all older generations increased their spend.
Kirwan said: “Across our venues, we are witnessing a nationwide decrease in restaurant spend amongst younger consumers. In October 2025, the average consumer restaurant spend amongst Gen Z dropped to £49.88, compared to £62.42 in 2024.
For Kirwan, the specific drop in restaurant spending among Gen Z revealed that, ahead of the Autumn Budget, younger consumers are “prioritising spend on vibrant social experiences that provide value over sit-down meals.” This aligns with recent research, also from DesignMyNight, that identified ‘competitive socialising’ as a key trend set to define how Brits go out in 2026. A rise in music-led venues, and feast-style dining are also predicted, with Kirwan advising operators to push the boat out and “try something new” to attract new consumers.
Spontaneous socialising
Same-day bookings increased by 38% in October, a trend Access Hospitality said reflects a shift towards more spontaneous and flexible social planning. While people remain keen to go out, the company said affordability and last-minute decision-making are becoming increasingly central to consumer behaviour.
Access Hospitality analysed DesignMyNight and Acteol data from 1 to 31 October 2025 to assess changes in spending and booking behaviour. Year-on-year averages were calculated from demographic spending data across 2024 and 2025.
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