People are spending less money on leisure activities, as they tighten their belts to focus on essentials, according to the latest figures.

Going to the pub, eating out, ordering takeaways and going to the cinema have all been hit, according to Deloitte, as reported by The Times.

Consumers cut their spending in seven out of 11 leisure categories, with culture and entertainment spending falling the most, at four per cent year-on-year.

This is more bad news for restaurant chains like Prezzo, Jamie's Italian and others who have all been forced to close branches and restructure in recent months, due to rising costs and falling customer numbers.

The only areas which are expected to see a small rise in the coming months are playing sport, going to the gym and attending live sporting events.

Punchline says: "This fall in leisure spending comes as no surprise, as we've watched a number of restaurant chains struggling in recent months. The small increase in spending on sport is at least a positive and good news for gyms, leisure centres, Gloucester Rugby, Cheltenham Town FC, Forest Green Rovers and Cheltenham Racecourse."

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