Some of the UK's leading pub and restaurant operators have reported a 2.1 per cent growth in like-for-like sales during November, compared with the same period last year.

According to the latest Coffer Peach Business Tracker, total sales - including new openings - increased by 6.2 per cent and helped the eating out sector outperform the retail market.

It is the sixth consecutive monthly increase in like-for-like sales, with the data gathered from 24 companies such as Gondola; Mitchells and Butlers; Whitbread; and Pizza Hut.

Peter Martin of Peach Factory said: "Although below the headline rate of inflation, the figures demonstrate the underlying resilience of the market."

Details: www.peach-report.com