Don’t look down. One foot in front of the other. Deep breaths. Arms out. Wobble. Recalibrate. Don’t look down. Small steps. Feel the tension underfoot. Align. Balance. Don’t look down. And brace.Being an on-premise operator in 2026 feels very much like traversing the abyss, barely supported by the narrowest of tightly-strung threads where one misplaced step could result in catastrophe.Or at least, that's the sense when running through NIQ’s latest 'UK Business Leaders Survey', an annual study of hospitality operators that investigates the challenges, opportunities and priorities of tho
The toughest of times are testing the resilience of the on-premise – Comment
The story is one of competing challenges and opportunities, of simultaneous cost-cutting and investment, and of optimism in the face of negativity. In short, maintaining equilibrium among contrasting forces has never been more difficult.

Charlie Mitchell is a renowned industry commentator and research expert within the drinks industry, having worked for well over a decade delving into the data that tells the story of how consumers eat and drink out.
After having spent 13 years at NielsenIQ (formerly CGA Strategy), where he led the on-trade consumer & bartender research division, Charlie now heads up data, research & insights at Wilde Toast, the specialist drinks agency that helps drinks get chosen, through intelligent activation. Working with bartenders, consumers and trade professionals, Charlie distils what is happening in the sector to build winning strategies for brands.
Email him at [email protected]


