The data, from NIQ RSM Hospitality Business Tracker, marks the third month of negative growth out of four this year.
Restaurants outperformed pubs last month, although sales rose only 0.1% on the same month in 2025, a significant downturn compared to the 2.5% year-on-year growth achieved in March.
Pubs, meanwhile, saw sales fall by 0.2% in April, the first negative month for pubs so far this year. This reflects the tough comparisons with a sunny and warm April last year, according to the Tracker.
Venues in London performed better than outside the M25, with like-for-like sales up 1.9% within greater and central London, compared to a 1.3% decline outside the M25.
The figures remain lower than the rate of inflation.
“After a tough start to 2026, hospitality groups’ like-for-like growth has now been below inflation for 12 straight months,” says Karl Chessell, director - hospitality operators and food, EMEA at NIQ.
“With key operating costs so high and consumers’ spending restricted yet further by the impacts of high oil prices, trading conditions won’t be getting easier anytime soon.”
Saxon Moseley, head of leisure and hospitality at RSM UK, adds: “It’s hard to ignore the growing impact that the conflict in Iran is having on UK consumer confidence, with discretionary spending increasingly constrained by higher petrol prices.
“There is also concern that a potential Labour leadership challenge will bring further uncertainty, which has already nudged up mortgage rates and risks sending the wrong signal to consumers.
“Against this backdrop, the industry is working incredibly hard just to stand still, with operators continuing to cut back on employment to manage soaring costs. The industry will be hoping that a successful summer of sport and good weather can lift spirits and drive growth in these challenging times.”