Storm Éowyn impacts hospitality sales, “Delivery the only sector to achieve growth in January”

UK Hospitality sales grew 1.7% year-on-year over the 12 weeks ending 28 January 2025, according to analysis from HDI, the leading provider of card spending insight and pricing data to the UK hospitality sector.

Sales in the first 4 weeks of 2025 were down 0.3% year-on-year, with the week ending 28 January significantly impacted by Storm Éowyn on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th, leading to this week seeing the weakest sales performance across the latest 12 weeks. Delivery has now moved into the top spot in terms of year-on-year performance, and it’s the only sector to achieve growth in January.

Mark Bentley, business development director at HDI, said “As is typical in January, Pubs & Pub Restaurants share of hospitality sales drops off significantly following Christmas & New Year. However, this has been more pronounced this year, with the final week being heavily impacted by Storm Éowyn which had the worst possible timing landing on a Friday and Saturday, key trading days for so much of the sector.

“With January now behind us, the hope will be that key events such as the Six Nations, Half Term, and Valentine’s Day will encourage more visits to Pubs & Restaurants, and that we escape further extreme weather events which lead to people wanting to stay at home.”