MAYBE it’s just a reinvention of 24 Hour Party People for Millennials. Think ‘Seven Day Socialising Mancs’, That’s if you believe a new survey conveniently released to coincide with the annual Northern Restaurant and Bar trade show that arrives at Manchester Central on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 17-18.
An analysis of leading bars and restaurants in some of the UK’s major cities has shown that Monday-Thursday ‘midweek’ spend in Manchester has increased by 13.5 per cent over the last four years, far outstripping the seven per cent of London. The city ranked third in a list of 12 Northern hotspots overshadowing the UK’s capital.
The NRB conducted this analysis of changing weekly leisure patterns, using food and drink data insights company. Here at ToM we just rely on old-fashioned ‘gut instincts’ but we do recognise where they’re coming from.
NRB CEO Thom Hetherington said the findings reflected a broadening of audiences in Northern cities, and were a positive sign for the sector.
“Restaurants and bars in cities like Manchester and Leeds traditionally did the vast majority of their business on the weekend, as drinkers and diners flooded in from regional towns and suburbs, whereas weekdays could be very quiet.
“This move towards ‘seven day’ socialising is welcome as it makes it much easier for restaurants and bars to manage stock and staff and evens out cash flow…
It implies it has more than just a weekend party scene, with a strong commercial sector, city centre residents, and business and leisure tourism for a variety of attractions and events all driving spend and socialising throughout the week.”
Simon Shaw, chef patron of El Gato Negro in King Street, added: “Traditionally the restaurant industry has been very much geared towards weekend trade. Recent years have, however, thanks to a combination of factors – a rise in city centre dwelling, changing lifestyles, improved transport links, business growth and tourism - seen a shift in patterns, with a notable uplift in sustained mid-week business.
“You can really see it here in Manchester, not just on an evening but during the day, too; it’s a positive development and one that shows no sign of slowing.”
2020 is the 20th edition of Northern Restaurant & Bar, providing an opportunity for leading operators, suppliers and industry figures to meet, speak and do business. Free trade only tickets are available on the website.
There’s a starry demo line-up (including Simon Martin of Mana) at the show’s Chef Live theatre, while telly royalty Tom Kerridge, above, who runs The Bull & Bear at The Stock Exchange Hotel, is ‘headline act’ in the Bruntwood NRB Debate 2020.
Our main image is from Albert’s Schloss on Peter Street – living proof of a city that never sleeps.