Evidence has shown that the restaurant and bar scenes in the North of the UK are growing at a much faster rate than the scenes in London. The news comes at a time when house prices in the capital are falling; whereas, the prices in the North are growing. This signals a rapid shift in the social scenes and the demand for living within the north compared with those of London.
Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds have emerged as the fastest growing locations for the restaurant and bar industries over the past 5 years. The three cities have a growth in openings of over 20% each within the sector; whereas, London has seen a rise of 10.4%. This is a major boost to the wider industry and particularly venues and citizens within the Northern counties.
The full statistics reported by hospitality data and insight specialist CGA show the following growths:
- Liverpool 25.20%
- Manchester 24.90%
- Leeds 20.50%
- Southampton 20.40%
- York 19.50%
- Cardiff 17.00%
- Newcastle 15.70%
- Bradford 15.10%
- London 10.40%
The Retail Business Unit Director of CGA, Jamie Campbell, explained: ÒOf course London is a much bigger restaurant and bar scene in absolute terms, but percentages don’t lie, the change in the cities in the North is more pronounced and has a proportionally greater impact on diners, whether residents or tourists.Ó Campbell admits that data is proving that the growth of the north is being driven by independents.
Chief executive of Northern Restaurant and Bar, Thom Hetherington, added: ÒWe’re delighted but not surprised by the data, we have seen the changes first hand Ð new restaurants and bars are opening almost every day. Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds are building top class food and drink scenes, and that’s great news for diners.Ó
Among the new openings is Leeds bar and restaurant, Don’t Tell the Duke. The concept for the bar is bringing a local community spirit by offering something for everyone with a social space, good humour and quality take centre stage. Working with Smart Hospitality Supplies to create their bespoke menu covers, they have created a decorative menu that embodies the spirit of the venue and the locals alike. The owners say that frippery can get in the way of the experience. They want to see restaurants show more character, which is what the true spirit of the North is about.
A shining example of the community spirit that resides within the north and connects the people within and the social businesses is Northern Monk Brewery. After setting up a crowd funding campaign last month to raise £500,000 for an expansion, donations have finally reached £1.5 million.
So, it may be the North’s time to shine and pave the way for a new era of hospitality concepts. After a long time in setting the example, London should now be looking for the guidance of the North in creating spaces that can unite people and make a group feel as one. With technology becoming a bigger part of everyone’s lives, it is spaces that can reunite us with community spirit and personal interactions that we will need most of all.
For more information on Smart Hospitality Supplies please visit www.smartuk.net
