Pub food sales remain stable through recession

The majority of pubs have seen food sales remain stable or even rise over the past year, according to The Publican's annual Food Report.

Some 43% of pubs surveyed said that their food sales had risen over the last year and 31% said that levels had stayed the same, compared to the 23% that reported a drop in food sales.

The report found that publicans have used reduced pricing, offers and themed menus to help them retain existing patrons and win new customers.

The proportion of pubs with main meals priced between £5 to £9.99 rose by 3% on 2008, to 63%, while there was a 25% fall in those with food priced between £10 and £14.99. Some 26% of pubs offered '2 for 1' or other discount offers - up by 9% on 2008.

Many themed their menus around national food events; 19% saying they had tied-in with British Sausage Week, 14% with British Food Fortnight and 10% with Seafood Fortnight.

However, while many pubs have benefitted from offering food at reduced prices, Chris Cannon from Heinz Foodservice said that they "should not be afraid to put prices up" in line with rising costs.

"If you are still value for money and are strong in other areas, customers will come with you," he told The Publican.

Ben Bartlett from the Scottish & Newcastle Pub Company advised publicans to keep costs down by shopping around for the best deals from foodservice and energy suppliers.

"Barter like mad," he said in the paper. "Your current supplier will not want to lose you for the sake of an extra 5% discount, especially if you don't benefit from specially negotiated pricing from your pub company."