Tube strikes spark hospitality concerns
An impact on bookings and walk-ins expected during upcoming walkouts
Planned strikes by London Underground drivers are raising concerns for the hospitality industry in London.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) are set to stage six 24-hour walkouts in the coming months due to a dispute over hours.
According to Access Hospitality, a company specializing in hospitality data, previous strikes have resulted in significant losses for businesses.
Research from the last Tube strike in September 2025 revealed that hospitality bookings fell by up to 67%, and walk-ins decreased nearly 70%.
Champa Magesh, managing director of Access Hospitality, emphasized the need for businesses to prepare for these events.
“We’ve seen from previous strikes just how significant the impact can be on hospitality businesses, with bookings dropping by 67%,” Magesh said.
“With another wave of strikes looming this spring, businesses should expect disruption well before the strike day itself, as uncertainty around travel plans affects spontaneous visits and last-minute bookings.
“The upcoming strikes are during a key trading window for hospitality, so it’s vital that businesses prepare now to minimise the risk of no-shows, cancellations and fewer walk-ins.
“With the right communication processes, flexible booking options and strong use of data, teams can react quickly and reduce the commercial fallout of the upcoming strike," Magesh added.
When are the strikes?
RMT members working as Tube drivers are scheduled to walk out for 24 hours on 24th March, 26th March, 21st April, 23rd April, 19th May, and 21st May.
On the first day of the strikes, the Women’s Champions League quarter-finals first leg tie at the Emirates stadium is expected to draw more than 30,000 fans, which could significantly impact hospitality services on that day.