West End Christmas spending to hit £1.64 billion as tourists return

Christmas spending in the West End is set to rise slightly to £1.64 billion this year as returning foreign visitors give a boost to stores and restaurants over the festive season, according to new forecasts today.

But Business group New West End Company (NWEC) said domestic expenditure would still be shackled by the cost of living squeeze, limiting the uplift on last year’s £1.55 billion.