The stats say customers are staying for longer – are yours?

Customers are visiting hospitality venues less often but are staying longer and spending more on premium drinks when they do. Dwell times were up 12.5% year-on-year even though overall footfall dropped, according to a report by The Oxford Market Watch.

CEO Alison Jordan says guests are opting for higher-quality choices against a challenging backdrop of outlet closures and uneven regional performance. Market data suggests a gradual shift away from excess drinking and generic venues towards quality cocktails, low- and no-alcohol options and bars with strong community appeal. Premium and world lagers gained 1.7 and 3.9 percentage points respectively, while stout surged by 14. No- and low-alcohol drinks rose 15.9% over the August Bank Holiday, a trend expected to grow into 2026.