A surge in day-trippers to London’s West End pushed total visitor numbers up by 19% over the sunny bank holiday weekend.
Shoppers over the three-day holiday spent £220 million, according to data from representatives of retailers in central London — a £20 million increase on last year.
Theatres and shops benefited from domestic holiday-makers choosing to make a visit to the capital rather than travel abroad.
New West End Company and Heart of London Business Alliance, the business improvement districts that were set up to promote the West End and which represent more than 1,000 businesses, reported that Bond Street, Oxford Street and Regent Street footfall was up 14.6%.
Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square recorded visitor numbers up nearly 30% on last year.
Jace Tyrell, a spokesman for the New West End, said: “This increase in domestic visitors and the long-awaited sunshine has bolstered trade.” He said shopping was “ thirsty work” as 6,000 afternoon teas were sold in the West End on Saturday alone.
