Over the past years, the hospitality industry in the UK has faced challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but recent research shows a glimmer of hope with a surge in the number of hospitality venues. A breath of fresh air for an industry that has been struggling to survive, this increase is attributed to the rise of bars offering unique activities such as axe-throwing, mini-golf, darts, and ping pong. Let’s delve into the details of this exciting trend that is reshaping the landscape of the hospitality sector.
- Bars Driving Growth:
- The number of registered hospitality venues in Britain saw a noteworthy increase of 0.5% from March to June, totaling to 99,207 establishments.
- Bars emerged as the frontrunners in this surge, with a significant growth of 2.5% to 4,459 outlets.
- The Rise of Themed Bars:
- A standout category within the bar scene is themed bars, which witnessed an impressive spike of 28.9% to 281 venues in June compared to the previous year.
- These themed bars offer guests a unique experience known as “competitive socialising,” where they engage in games like axe-throwing, table tennis, or mini-golf while enjoying music, food, and drinks.
- The appeal of these themed bars lies in providing a shared experience for consumers, moving away from the traditional concept of late-night outings to more inclusive daytime activities.
- Financial Performance and Expansion Plans:
- Operators of such themed venues have reported robust financial performance, with revenue and profit showing promising growth.
- Companies like Red Engine, which operates popular chains like Flight Club and Electric Shuffle, have experienced a significant increase in revenue and gross profit.
- These companies are also eyeing expansion plans, with new venues set to open in various cities both domestically and overseas.
- Shifting Trends:
- The growth in competitive socialising venues comes at the expense of traditional late-night bars and nightclubs, which have seen a decline in numbers.
- Educational bars located in student halls have also seen a decrease in prevalence, while cocktail bars and craft beer bars are on the rise.
- Casual dining, which was struggling pre-pandemic, has seen a quarterly growth of 0.9% in the past year, thanks to the return of commuters and tourists to city centers.
As the hospitality industry adapts to changing consumer preferences and trends, the rise of themed bars and competitive socialising venues signals a new era in social experiences. By offering unique and engaging activities, these establishments are redefining the way people socialize and unwind. With a renewed sense of optimism and growth on the horizon, the future of the hospitality sector looks promising. So, next time you’re planning a night out, consider trying out one of these innovative venues and be part of this exciting trend shaping the industry.
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