The Coffer Peach Business Tracker, which charts the performance of a number of leading UK pub and restaurant chains, has reported an increase in like-for-like sales for October.

Compared with the same period last year, like-for-like sales were up 0.9 per cent and total sales, which include new openings, showed an increase of more than 5 per cent.

It comes despite declining consumer confidence and ongoing concerns over the economy, with eating and drinking out continuing to outperform the retail sector.

Peter Martin of Peach Factory said: "People may be reluctant to go out and buy more 'stuff', but they are still willing to go out to eat and drink."

It follows a 2.8 per cent increase in like-for-like sales and a 6.9 per cent growth in total sales during September.