UK consumer spend on night out rises 6.9%: UK consumer spend on a night out rose 6.9% to £59.40 between February and April compared with the same period last year, according to the latest Deltic Night Index. More than half (56.4%) of UK consumers have a night out at least once a week, up from 54.5% the previous year. That figure rises to 69.3% among 18 to 30-year olds. More than one-quarter (26.3%) of consumers spent the most money in pubs, although clubs are the top choice (25.5%) for 18 to 30-year olds. The amount of consumers going out two-to-three times a week and four-to-six times a week has increased by 0.9% and 0.2% respectively since last quarter. Going out with a partner has become increasingly popular, with the number increasing more than 5% since last quarter to 19.8%. The proportion of respondents who go out to “escape the stresses of day-to-day life” rose to 45.5% from 40.3% in May last year. More than two-thirds (68.4%) of respondents “agree” or “strongly agree” a vibrant nightlife makes a city or town a more attractive place to live and work. For more than two-fifths (44.5%) of respondents, the vibrancy of nightlife would be a key factor in their decision to move to a new town or city. The average spend on getting ready for a night out – excluding pre-drinks – was £17.56 highlighting the key role the night-time economy plays in attracting consumers to the high street around the clock. The spend includes purchases on beauty treatments and gym sessions as well as new clothes and products. Those aged 26 to 30 spend the most on preparing for a night out (£22.44), with the least (£11.70) spent by those aged 56 and over. Women spend more than men (£19.89 compared with £14.47). More than four-fifths (82.9%) of consumers buy new clothes or accessories in preparation for a night out at least “occasionally”, while 62.8% of respondents pay for a haircut before a night out. More than half (53.8%) buy make-up or hair products, including 25.5% of men, while 37.7% of respondents go to the gym ahead of a night out. Peter Marks, chief executive of The Deltic Group, the UK’s largest operator of premium late-night bars and clubs with 55 venues across the UK, said: “This index shows most clearly what I have made it my mission to share – that a town’s late-night activity has a directly positive effect on the economic health of the town or city it’s in. That said, even I was surprised 83% of those surveyed buy new clothes or accessories in preparation for a night out – a huge proportion. Added to that is the support consumers give their local hairdressers, beauty salons and shops before the evening starts, at which point they will spend further on tickets, food, drinks and other experiences out of the home.”

M&B signs to open Miller & Carter steakhouse at Durham development: Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) has signed to open a site for its Miller & Carter steakhouse brand at the Milburngate development in Durham city centre. The 5,200 square foot restaurant will be set across two floors including a mezzanine, with views of Durham’s riverside, cathedral and castle. The opening will create 30 jobs. Miller & Carter will join an Everyman boutique cinema and a Marston’s Pitcher & Piano site at the development, alongside a 92-bedroom Premier Inn that will feature a first northern venue for Whitbread’s Bar + Block all-day casual dining brand. Milburngate is being developed by Arlington Real Estate and the Richardson family to create a “regionally significant destination” that will create more than 1,000 jobs. M&B acquisitions manager Ginny Uttley said: “We are delighted to be a part of this new development in Durham and look forward to another successful Miller and Carter opening.” A CGA report published last month revealed Miller & Carter is currently one of the brands with the most momentum in the out-of-home eating and drinking sector. It has more than 100 sites in the UK with the next one to open in Burton on Friday, 1 June.