Breweries in Leeds fear for future as sales up to 50% down in December

Pubs, bars and restaurants lost £10,335 on average in the week leading up to Christmas, according to new data.

On Christmas Day takings across the country were down 60% compared with 2019, new figures from industry body UKHospitality found.

The average losses are above the maximum £6,000 cash grants offered to each affected venue by Chancellor Rishi Sunak as part of his £1 billion fund announced last week.

Mark Costello, 37, is owner of Horsforth Brewery on New Road Side which sells beer, wine, gin and cocktails.

Speaking to the YEP, Mark said October was "amazing" for his business - selling the most beer in their history by "a long way".

November was quieter and Mark was pinning all his hopes on a buoyant December.