Brighton drinkers knocked back up to 148 pints a minute as pubs reopened

As thirsty customers were allowed indoors for the first time this year, up to about 148 pints were consumed per minute at their peak, according to data from banking firm Revolut.

The firm analysed data from its 5,000 customers in the city and found drinkers shelled out £11.58 per round, compared to the average of £12.86 across Britain.

However, one punter did spend a whopping £174.74 in just one purchase in a pub or restaurant.

• READ MORE: Covid: Brighton pubs, cafes and restaurants reopen indoors

The biggest spenders in the area were men aged between 25 and 34, though Revolut said their customers tend to be slightly younger than the national average.

Natasha Gatward, supervisor at The Temple Bar in Western Road, Hove

Despite the boost to trade, the figures show spending in pubs in Brighton and Hove was 15 per cent down on an average Monday in February last year, before the pandemic began.

Spending in bars across Britain was still six per cent down on normal levels – which could be because thousands of pubs are still closed and those open have significantly reduced capacity, the British Beer and Pub Association said.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: "After some questionable weather during the last week or so, we know Brits are looking forward to being back inside the pub once more.

• SEE ALSO: Brighton pubs reopening for the first time in 2021

“This is by no means the end of the crisis for our sector.

"We need pubs fully reopened without any restrictions at all on June 21 if they are to survive and trade viably.

“The countdown to freedom, and recovery, is on.”

The figures also show the behaviour of Brighton and Hove residents in restaurants and cafes on Monday.

Spending in dining establishments was 4 per cent lower than what would have been expected last year – compared to the average across Britain of 32 per cent lower.

UKHospitality said this week's reopening represents a significant step for the sector as a whole.

But Kate Nicholls, chief executive of the trade association, added the step closer to normality was "psychological rather than economic", as businesses are still operating with significant restrictions.

"That’s why we need the government to stick to the roadmap and remove all restrictions beyond June 21,” she added.

That date is the proposed final stage of the roadmap out of lockdown in England, when all social restrictions would be removed.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said there is no “conclusive” evidence to deviate from the schedule, despite concerns over the Indian coronavirus variant.