TfL September Tube strikes 2025: The shocking impact of Tube strikes on London's restaurant scene
Data from OpenTable showed that restaurant reservations have taken a downward turn since the start of the London tube strikes.
Selfishly, we all think about the impact Tube strikes have on our own commute, but what about the knock-on effect they have on London’s businesses?
London is a city that thrives on its social scene, from pubs and bars to restaurants, coffee shops and cafes.
Fewer people travelling about the city means fewer punters through the doors of our beloved eateries.
OpenTable’s State of the Industry data shows that restaurant reservations in London were down by 6% on Sunday (7th September) and -13% on Tuesday (9th September) compared to 2024.
The downward trend also coincides with the start of the September 2025 Tube strikes.
The strikes, which started on Sunday and will continue until tomorrow (Friday 12th September) have caused significant disruption across the city, with little to no tube services running throughout the week.
Combined with adverse weather and looming bus strikes this weekend, London has taken a significant hit this week, with major events including Coldplay at Wembley and Post Malone at Tottenham Hotspur also cancelled due to the strikes.
London’s hospitality scene will have no doubt also felt the effects of these events being cancelled.
The disruption isn’t just about quieter restaurants; it’s also about diners who fail to cancel their bookings, leaving empty tables that could potentially be refilled.
Sasha Shaker, Senior Director at OpenTable in the UK and Ireland, said: “No-shows and late cancellations can be detrimental for restaurants, who are already operating on razor-thin margins and battling increasing operating costs. We always encourage diners to cancel as soon as possible if they can’t make it - that small action gives restaurants a fighting chance to fill those seats, especially when they are up against broader issues like the tube strikes.
“At OpenTable, we arm restaurants with a suite of features to help deter no-shows and late cancellations, including customisable credit card holds and deposits, and a tag that allows restaurants to label a diner as a potential no-show based on previous reservation activity. Despite this, diners need to do their bit too.”