UK pubs and restaurants cut winter hours to weather ‘perfect storm’ in 2023

Some firms cut capacity by 20% to match supply and demand as custom fades, bills rise and government support dwindles

Pubs and restaurants face a perfect storm" of challenges this year as cash-strapped consumers slash spending and the government reduces its energy bills support - forcing many to cut their opening hours.

The industry faced a plethora of challenges in 2022, including soaring energy bills, staffing shortages, rampant food inflation and fragile consumer confidence.