Brits hitting restaurants and bars in "summer of social spending"

Santander is expecting figures to show a "summer of social spending" this year that is seeing Brits, inspired by the summer sporting feel-good factor, heading to restaurants and bars around the UK to socialise with friends and family.

Santander says that during last summer, it saw customers spend on average 27 per cent more money on their credit cards in bars and restaurants over the July to September period than during the rest of the year, making 21 per cent more transactions in bars and restaurants during those months.

Santander estimates that bars and restaurants are undergoing an even bigger bumper period this summer as Brits celebrate the summer and the sporting triumphs.

To reward Santander 123 Credit Card customers, the bank has launched a summer bonus cashback offer available until the end of September. Customers will be able to earn an extra 1% bonus cashback whenever they use their 123 Credit Card in restaurants and bars, in addition to the existing three cashback categories, 1% on supermarket spending, 2% on department store spending and 3% in petrol stations.

Alan Mathewson, CEO Santander Cards, commented: "Last year we saw a marked increase in how much customers spent in restaurants and bars over the summer months, and with the combination of the sporting feel-good factor this year we're predicting a bumper summer of social activity.

"In order to offer our customers something extra on top of the usual cashback to enjoy over the summer, we're offering them an extra 1 per cent cashback on their spend in bars and restaurants, whether they're having lunch with friends, a drink after work or treating the family to a meal out."

Hey Big Spender

Analysis of Santander's data reveals that men spend much more money than women in restaurants and bars in the summer months.  Between July and September last year men made two thirds of transactions (66 per cent), accounting for 67 per cent of the total value of money spent.

The 1% cashback offer is valid at most restaurants and bars throughout the UK including Pitcher & Piano, All Bar One, Slug & Lettuce, Wetherspoons, The Living Room, Jamie's Italian, Zizzi, Nandos, Strada, Pizza Express, Prezzo, and many others. For a full list of the bars and restaurants included, visit santander.co.uk/creditcards.