Cost of living....struggles....rubbish!

Are you able to confirm that it's also a place that people like to visit from elsewhere? Which may make up a lot of the bustle people see?

Because I have friends in Manchester and I know from when I train it to them that I'm not the only person visiting the city.

If you’d read all OP’s posts you’d know they’re a regular visitor to Manchester and says she always sees bars, restaurants and shops full of people. And as someone who lives there I can confirm what she sees is the norm.

I'm not struggling at all but I don't eat out etc., perhaps that's part of the reason I'm not struggling!

@Hellohelga

sales volume data matters because quantity reflects market demand & business health & it’s below the pandemic still.

Not everyone, OP, a lot of people may be, but not everyone. Even for those going out, you're not seeing the full picture of what's going on; they are there at that moment, drinking/eating, etc but do you know how long they've been there, how long they're staying, Whose paying, how they're paying, are they in debt?

You're seeing a snapshot, OP. It means nothing.

I don't know why you are confused - or are you just trying to get a rise out of people?

You seem wilfully to be ignoring the fact that in a country of 70 million there will be haves and have nots. Heaving bars and restaurants doesn't mean that there aren't a lot of people struggling.

With your banking background you are surely aware that real wage growth hasn't increased in the past 15 years.

Because people are thinking more about what and where they spend. So one quality thing that maybe costs £100 but lasts longer rather than three cheaper things at £35 each that need replacing in a years time.

Or one good meal out that they savour/enjoy each month for £150 rather than a weekly takeaway at £30+.

Acc To the ONS we are spending more on retail since Oct 2019 but getting less in volume.
https://www.ons.gov.uk/chartimage?uri=/businessindustryandtrade/retailindustry/bulletins/retailsales/october2023/e211c15e

I could have easily been one of those people in a pub this weekend (my friend is working though)i would have gone out for a couple and then gone home.

No one knows what others are spending when out in a pub or bar. They could be having one drink and then off home or like me their one lunch out in months.

But to say there is no COL crisis when shops, pubs and restaurants are shutting across the high street, and several chains in the past couple of weeks, is just being ignorant.

From a low base, I’m sure they are still below pre pandemic levels.

No it doesn't I'm afraid. I'm in the lucky situation of being retired and we have outsourced lunch. We eat out every day, from Greg's to a decent pub. We also eat out at night about once a week.

In all of those venues, we would normally see a drop in trade in January, a drastic drop when the Christmas credit card bill hits, and expect to be sent offer after offer of discounts.

This year I've had only one offer, from a pub that is very hit and miss on food and service that we don't go to and obviously others feel the same way. And there has been no discernible drop in trade. Nothing accounts for this other than that people appear to be spending on meals out just as much as they ever were.

It's actually baffling. It will be interesting to see the trade figures when they come out in a few months time.

I agree with this. Research has shown that since the pandemic people tend to go out earlier and fewer people are willing to go out in the evening. It's not because of cost it's because we are not as keen as we were in going out at night time. I am the same especially during the long dark nights. I'd rather go out during the day.

Acc to the bbc retail sales grew each of the last four months of 2025, fuelled by strong sales of tech and jewellery. Doesn’t sound like a country on its knees.

Some people are struggling but many aren't.and sadly it has always been that way
But I think there is a very negative narrative in the country and has been for a while. It's made much worse by both mainstream media and social media. Which makes everyone think evening is broken. But it isn't . And actually I think things are getting much better.
The negative narrative helps certain groups.

I drive a 24 year old car and I’m amazed everyone can afford to finance these newer cars. God knows what I’ll do when it finally dies!

I understand that it is a vicious circle, especially on small business, unfortunately the government doesn’t care about small business sustainability, my food shopping has double, electricity, heating, it really is a mess.

Most people on minimum wage in a two parent family is doable. I don’t feel poor, I don’t know how single parents are surviving. Tradesmen etc are thriving.

Poverty these days is very different from the 80’s, benefits and wages are higher alongside the standard of living and wealth is mixed.

I know a lot of people who have money who fly budget airlines. It isn’t all minimum wages people using budget airlines, but average

Probably not but he would have stopped their money if I’d pursued it. When I complained to him he said take it out of their money. This is a man who probably takes home at least £10k a month. They are adult now so it’s in the past but he’s caused me a lot of financial stress over the years. Every purchase that’s not life or death is a luxury to me. My biggest luxury is in fact not having to see him anymore.

There will be people who used to go out that no longer can.
There will also be people who used to go out to more expensive places that go somewhere less expensive, so moving down a gear if you see what I mean.
Also Manchester will always be busy at weekends as people from elsewhere are visiting for events so a lot of these people aren’t the people you’ll see week in week out.
Add to that, not every single person is struggling. Many are, many aren’t.

Manchester is booming. I thought this was common knowledge.

Minimum wage has risen a fair bit. Its the next few levels above that have stagnate as employers can't afford to give those guys a pay ride.
Always seem to find money for CEOs bonuses, mind .

Exactly this.

The BBC I think coined the phrase cost of living crisis. What is it ? Very poor, on benefits ? I am not sure what it really means.
I get the OP in that if you go to any airport and see the budget airlines or any airline and they are full up.
So visually, it doesn’t marry up with the idea that everyone is struggling. And I suppose it means that not everyone is. Some are, but not all.

Is that legal?

Agree very much about some younger people living at home having disposable income. My DS is moving out soon and will be 25, he earns 40k PA. He gives me £50 PW. He has saved but also enjoys lots of disposable income. He went out to dinner last night and is off out again today. DH and I moved out at 18.

I am also North though not Manchester when DH and I return home down South everything costs more. Petrol costs for instance are around 5p per litre more. A nice carvery at my local pub is £12 at the pub near his Mum it’s £22.50.