Why the City of London is set for ‘more Christmas parties than ever’

City pubs are expecting a record Christmas party season, with Young’s reporting an 11 per cent rise in festive bookings compared with last year. The increase suggests firms are continuing to spend on office celebrations despite concerns that weak consumer confidence could curb nights out.

Young’s says some venues have decorated earlier and large City bookings are already filling popular pubs, including The Oyster Shed and The Lamb at Leadenhall. Fuller’s reports seasonal bookings 16 per cent higher than at the same point last year, with parties starting on 13 November; both pub groups also say premium lagers are gaining ground as demand for Guinness eases.