Hospitality sector enjoys festive boost but not all cash in

The poll was carried out for sector body Hospitality Ulster whose members include pubs, restaurants and hotels across Northern Ireland.

It found more than 60% of businesses taking part reported an increase in beverage sales this year compared to the same period in 2017, with 29% showing an increase of more than 10%.

In food sales, more than 51% reported a rise in 2018 Christmas trade, with 22% showing an increase of more than 10%.

However, the improvement was not the same for all businesses across the board and between 20-26% businesses also reported a decrease in food and beverage sales during the same period.

The survey was carried during the first week of January ahead of what Hospitality Ulster chief executive Colin Neill warned was set to be another challenging year for the industry.

“The figures in general are quite heartening after what has been quite a difficult year for business in Northern Ireland.

“The positive survey results demonstrate a clear resilience in the industry and a willingness to adapt and plan ahead with great offers of food, drink and entertainment put on over the festive season.”

Among the high notes, he said, was the ongoing boom in gin and beers, with a “sharp increase” in non-alcoholic spirits and beers.

“Food sales continue to grow and again that comes down to the wide and growing range on offer out there, right across Northern Ireland.

“It is worth noting however that this upturn hasn’t been the case across the board and there are still many business owners facing an uphill struggle, particularly as we enter what is to be a very precarious year for business in Northern Ireland.”