London’s hospitality sector has been hit hard by this week’s Tube strikes, with new data showing a dramatic fall in bookings and a sharp rise in cancellations as commuters and tourists avoided the city centre.

Figures from Access Hospitality revealed a 67% drop in reservations across restaurants, bars and other venues during the strikes, which left most Underground services suspended since Monday. The data also showed cancellations spiked by more than half, with operators reporting a steep decline in footfall.

“The data paints a clear picture: when London’s transport network grinds to a halt, so does its social scene,” said Leighanne Bent, marketing manager at Access Hospitality. “Bars and restaurants rely heavily on footfall and last-minute bookings – both of which were severely impacted.”

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union began a series of walkouts this week over pay and working hours, forcing Transport for London (TfL) to shut large parts of the Tube network. Services are expected to gradually return on Friday, though TfL warned no trains will run before 8am and full service on all lines may not resume until late morning. The Docklands Light Railway, also hit by strike action on Thursday, is expected to run normally.

TfL has invited union leaders to talks next Wednesday in an attempt to resolve the dispute, which has crippled London’s transport system for much of the week. An RMT source said the invitation was “a step in the right direction” and credited union members’ industrial action for bringing TfL to the negotiating table.

Hospitality leaders warn the impact of transport strikes is being felt most acutely by small businesses, many of which depend on commuter traffic and evening trade. The sector has already been grappling with rising costs, staff shortages and subdued consumer spending.

The latest disruption highlights the ripple effect of transport disputes on London’s economy, with theatres, restaurants and bars among those bearing the brunt.