However, the Tracker cohort recorded total sales ahead 2.5% against the same month in 2024, showing that despite the doom-and-gloom around the sector, groups have continued to open new sites throughout the past 12 months.

Pubs performed the best of the major hospitality channels for the third month in a row. Like-for-like sales finished 1.7% ahead of February 2024, with both drink-led and food-led operations in positive territory. 

In contrast, restaurant groups saw LFL sales down 0.6%, while bars continued a long-term decline in trade, with like-for-like sales dipping 7.9% last month. The on-the-go segment of the market slipped 1.9%.

Hospitality had a slightly tougher month in London than elsewhere. Group sales inside the M25 were down by 1.2% year-on-year, but beyond the M25 they recorded a rise of 0.5%.