Leading UK pub and restaurant groups saw collective like-for-like sales fall 2.1% in January against the same month last year - although total sales, which include the effect of new openings, were still ahead 2.2% on January 2011.
The figures come from the Coffer Peach Business Tracker, which collects monthly performance data from 23 major operators.
Peter Martin of Peach Factory said that despite the initial negative outlook the restaurant industry shouldn't be concerned: "The market won't be too disappointed by these latest set of numbers, as they come on the back of a bumper December for the market and in a traditionally quiet trading month."
The market recorded collective like-for-likes up 9.9% in December on the same period last year, with total sales ahead 13.7%.
Martin added: "Also, sales in January last year benefited from a bounce-back in spending after a poor, snow-hit December, when many people stayed home. As ever, the weather, and in particular snow, is a major influence on trading, as we have already seen in the first week of this February.
"Restaurant and pub operators are generally optimistic about prospects for their businesses this year. Despite all the economic difficulties of the past two years, the market has shown real resilience, with the public still willing to go out to eat and drink. Sales figures have been positive for the majority of that time."
14 Feb 2012
Mild post festive hangover for UK pubs and restaurants - Eat Out Magazine
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