Pubs and noodles boost TRG

SALES at noodle outlet Wagamama are back to 85 per cent of prepandemic levels after the easing of Covid curbs.

Owner The Restaurant Group also reported similar at its 75 pubs, after outdoor eating and drinking in England was allowed from April 12.

However, revenues at its other restaurants, such as Frankie & Benny’s and Garfunkel’s, were still at only 60 per cent of 2019 levels.

At its update, TRG said it was “very encouraged” with trade since indoor serving was allowed from last week.

It added that it has completed a previously announced £450million refinancing deal and drawn on £330million.

Market research group Kantar says lockdown easing and the jab rollout led store grocery sales to fall 0.4 per cent in the 12 weeks to May 16. It adds shopping basket sizes are at their lowest since the pandemic began, as people eat out again.