Signs of recovery heat up London's restaurant sector

That's the message according to Business Link in London's monthly Restaurant Barometer - an online poll of more than 200 restaurants in the Capital gauging how they are faring in the current economic climate.

Encouragingly, the September barometer results showed resilience and signs of growth from London's restaurants during what still proves to be a tough economic time. The end of the summer holiday period and fine weather saw a boost in trade for many restaurants.

Compared to August, customer numbers were up for 46% of restaurants, a quarter saw customer spend increase, and a total of 48% of restaurants reported a rise in profits.

However, when compared with the same time last year before the full impact of the recession had taken hold, the business environment remains fragile. Approximately half (53%) reported a decrease in their profits, customer numbers (49%) and in customer spend (44%).

Ashley de Safrin, Business Adviser for the Hospitality Sector, at Business Link in London, said: "It's encouraging to see that nearly half of our respondents are recording an increase in profits compared to August."

"These results show that the restaurant sector continues to remain resilient in the face of the economic climate with 75% of respondents remaining profitable in this time. The recession continues to affect the industry however, particularly in areas such as customer spend. Customers remain cautious and the majority are opting for tap water with many seeking special offers and promotions. To maintain growth levels and keep the results improving, it is essential that people get behind the restaurant sector as much as possible, which is why we have partnered with hospitality experts to provide increased support."

Ashley has two key pieces of advice to help restaurants continue to manage through the recession.

• "Restaurateurs should be watching costs very closely. They should be exercising a great deal of caution in their forecasting over the next six months and doing as much marketing as possible. The poll found that only half of the respondents have a website.
  
• "Developing a website and enabling people to make bookings online are vital tools to help restaurants succeed.  Events such as London's Restaurant Festival are also great ways to garner local support for the industry and market a business."

Sally Chatterjee, Interim CEO Visit London said: "This has been a tough year across the tourism industry however, with positive initiatives like the London Restaurant Festival we are hoping to generate a buzz about London's restaurant scene. London's reputation for good food is growing year on year and with 49 Michelin Stared restaurants and world famous chefs we believe that our food scene is a strong pull for visitors to the capital."

Ashley urges restaurants to continue to use the poll on a monthly basis as an extremely useful measuring tool.

"In the current climate, the restaurant barometer proves to be particularly valuable. It provides insightful information into the ups and downs in the sector and enables restaurants to compare themselves to other businesses. London's restaurants are proving to continue to grow, however conditions remain harsh in the general economy and restaurants are feeling the effects of rising rents, and careful customer spending. It remains crucial that businesses monitor how they are doing compared to others so they can keep turning the tables and serving up better profits for their business."

The survey is part of a new industry engagement programme, in which Business Link in London has partnered with some of London's top hospitality experts: Visit London, The British Hospitality Association, Top Table, Hardens Guide, and Service Science to produce the latest Restaurant Barometer and provide enhanced support for London's restaurants.

A copy of the latest findings, as well as the monthly online surveys from the Restaurant Barometer can be found at www.businesslink.gov.uk