London tube strikes could slash on-trade bookings by 67%
The ongoing tube strike in London this week (2-4 June) could cut hospitality bookings by more than two-thirds.
The estimate comes from Access Hospitality, which analysed data from the September 2025 tube strikes. As well as impacting bookings, walk-ins fell by nearly 70%.
At the time, several trade bodies estimated the impact on the hospitality and tourism sector could be up to £150 million (US$204m).
Tastecard also presented data from tube strikes in 2023 and 2024, which caused an average 32% sales hit for hospitality businesses in Zone 1.
Pubs and bars specifically were the worst affected, with sales down by 38%.
This week’s strikes follow industrial action taken in April, when London hospitality revenue fell by 18% week on week. During the period, pubs lost 54% of their weekly takings, with pub revenue falling by 46% on one strike day alone.
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), warned the action was “another major setback” for the on-trade.
He said: “Businesses across the capital rely heavily on office workers, commuters, visitors and tourists travelling into central London, and any disruption to the transport network has an immediate and measurable impact on footfall, trade and consumer confidence.
“For many hospitality businesses, particularly independent operators, the loss of customers caused by transport disruption is simply unaffordable in the current economic climate.
“Venues are already facing rising operating costs, increased employment costs and continued pressure on consumer spending. Another day of significantly reduced trade only adds to those challenges.”
He called on all parties to reach a resolution, and added: “London’s businesses, workers and visitors need confidence in the transport network, and the capital’s economy cannot afford prolonged disruption at a time when many businesses remain financially vulnerable.”
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