UK Christmas Parties Are Roaring Back After Years of Covid and Strikes.

London's hospitality sector is experiencing a surge in bookings for Christmas parties, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Restaurants, pubs, and bars began taking reservations six months in advance to accommodate the anticipated demand. This increase in bookings is a relief for the struggling industry, which saw a high number of closures and insolvencies in 2023. Despite the threat of strikes, staff in the hospitality sector remain hopeful, and companies are exploring non-traditional options for hosting events. However, the industry still faces challenges, such as mounting debt for restaurants and the need to attract last-minute customers. [Extracted from the article]