The sector experienced spend growth of just 0.3% in June, according to Barclay’s latest consumer card spend report. Transactions fell 0.1% across the total hospitality and leisure sector, driven by a decline in transactions on takeaways and fast food, which fell 6.3% last month.
Bars, pubs and clubs saw transaction growth of 2.4%, with spend up 0.7%. Despite the late kick off times for some of England’s World Cup games, resulting in more consumers watching the matches from home, pub transactions reached a 2026 peak on Saturday 27 June during the England versus Panama match, at five times the daily average (389.9%), while payments during the delayed England-Mexico fixture tripled (+201.5%).
The restaurant, café and bakery segment saw transactions fall by 0.3% with spending remaining flat.
Overall consumer card spending grew by 1.9% year-on-year – a noticeable improvement on May’s growth of 0.8%, but below the CPIH inflation rate of 3%.
Non-essential spending increased 1.7%, while growth in essential spending reached a 14-month high, up 2.2%, driven by the combination of stabilising consumer confidence, warm and sunny weather, and the arrival of the World Cup.
“While additional spending around the World Cup will be a welcome cushion for the hospitality sector, it remains true that the economy has slowed into the middle of the year,” says Jack Meaning, chief UK economist at Barclays.
“Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, we expect growth to pick up modestly, as improving consumer sentiment and reduced uncertainty are partially offset by the temporary inflation bump.”
The sector is set to get yet another boost when England play their semi final with Argentina tomorrow (15 July) with fans predicted to drink 9.7 million pints to cheer on the Three Lions.
Data from discount site VoucherCodes.co.uk suggests that hospitality venues are set for a tournament record attendance of 7 million that will boost hospitality sales by £60.5m from drinks alone with an additional £37.8m going on food.