UK hospitality shows signs of recovery after Omicron-hit Christmas

Trade seems to have begun to recover after drinkers and diners stayed away from venues in December. Photograph: Andy Rain/EPA

Beleaguered pubs and restaurants are reporting early signs of a recovery in trade, fuelling hope that pent-up demand from a dismal Christmas for the sector is about to be unleashed.

Hospitality bosses told the Guardian that takings have picked up pace lately and that the easing of Plan B Covid restrictions – including the dropping of work-from-home guidance – could further bolster the recovery.