Barclays has reported that consumer spending across the UK increased by 2 percent in June, due to a surge in activity at bars and pubs associated with the World Cup.

Card spending over the course of the month reached its highest level since summer 2025, according to the bank, with general non-essential spending up 1.6 percent.

“Card spending strengthened further in July, reaching its highest level for 12 months, with both essential and non-essential spend remaining in growth,” said Rohan Kumar, head of spend insights at Barclays.

“Multiple factors played a part, with UK staycations, continued warm weather and England’s World Cup run lifting spending on travel, hospitality, everyday essentials and seasonal retail categories.”

The bank’s Consumer Spend report found that the hospitality and leisure sector as a whole witnessed a 2.2 percent rise in spend in July, and an 0.8 percent jump in the number of transactions, while bars, pubs and clubs saw spending skyrocket 7.4 percent, and a 10 percent increase in transaction volume.

“Confidence in both the UK and European economy was up six percentage points each respectively with the latter reaching its highest point in more than 10 years,” reported the Morning Advertiser.

“Moreover, hotels, resorts and accommodation grew 2.6 percent, suggesting demand for staycations continues.”