Restaurants and Bars Report 2026
The UK’s restaurants and bars sector enter 2026 navigating one of the most complex landscapes in recent memory. Operators face rising costs, cautious consumer confidence, persistent inflationary pressures and a lack of targeted government support. And yet - this sector continues to innovate, adapt and inspire.
BDO’s Restaurant & Bars Report 2026 brings together proprietary consumer research, board-level insight, and market analysis to help operators, investors and stakeholders understand where the challenges lie - and where the opportunities are emerging.
What’s inside the 2026 report – Key Headlines
- Market pressures intensify: Rising labour costs, frozen tax thresholds and new compliance from the Fair Work Agency reshape operator cost bases.
- Consumer sentiment improves: Eating‑out and drinking‑out intentions lift, led by younger diners and a returning 35–44 cohort.
- Experiential dining surges: Demand for immersive, premium experiences continues to climb, driving spend and differentiation.
- Brand shelf-life matters: Investors prioritise resilient, high‑growth brands with strong value propositions and well‑timed exits.
- Internationalisation becomes essential: Overseas expansion boosts brand attractiveness and valuation expectations.
- Digital discovery grows: Delivery platforms fuel first‑time brand trial; loyalty programmes thrive when personalised and high‑quality.
Get the complete analysis, data tables and sector insights in the BDO Restaurant & Bars Report 2026. To discuss anything in the report in more detail please reach out to our team for more information or learn more about our services here.
