Forget breakfast in bed for mum, new data from ALH Hotels – the operator of over 350 pubs nationwide – has revealed pub lunches are experiencing a major resurgence for Mother’s Day.

Despite broader cost-of-living discussions, ALH Hotels has seen a 16% year-on-year increase in bookings.

Queenslanders are the most proactive planners in the country. In Northern Queensland, bookings are up 31% year-on-year, with venues already hitting over 40% of their total 2025 capacity.

Victoria remains the “Mother’s Day Capital” by sheer volume, with nearly 19,000 bookings – accounting for 35% of the national total. And both NSW and Tasmania are seeing high double-digit growth (22% and 29% respectively).

The undisputed kings of the menu remain pub classics including the chicken parma, schnitzel and steak, paired with local lagers. 

ALH Hotels Interim Managing Director Paul Walton said: “Our 16% booking increase shows that Australians still want to spoil mum, but they’re looking for value and reliability that the pub can always provide.

“It’s about giving mum a proper day off – no planning, no dishes, and no stress – while keeping the celebration affordable for the whole family.”

Aussies prepare to spoil their mums

New ANZ data also confirms that despite rising living costs and higher interest rates, Australian mums are set to be spoiled this Mother’s Day weekend.

According to ANZ, customer spending remains resilient year-on-year. Customers spent $592 million nationwide over the Mother’s Day weekend last year, exceeding projections and rising 6.6% on 2024 spending ($555 million).

Dining out proved the most popular way to celebrate with $83 million spent at cafes, restaurants and on takeaway, up 10.16% year-on-year.

Strong growth was also recorded across a range of traditional gifting categories, including travel services (up 15%), watches and jewellery (up 11.9%), and florists (up 7.81%). Spending on welfare and charitable services surged 28%, highlighting a growing focus on giving back.

ANZ Managing Director Data and Analytics Joanna Gurry said: “Even amid low consumer confidence, the data is clear: Aussies love to spoil mum. Mother’s Day remains a key moment on the retail calendar, with customers showing their appreciation through both traditional gifts and shared experiences.”

For the second year in a row, men spent around 5% more overall on Mother’s Day, outspending across most key
categories, including jewellery, beauty and food and beverage, compared to a normal weekend. By comparison,
women spent more on wineries and bottle shops, personal health and beauty and stationery.

A national survey of 2000 Australians commissioned by DoorDash found most people spend between $50 and $200 on Mother’s Day.

For many, Mother’s Day planning is a last‑minute affair, with around two‑thirds (66%) leaving it until the final two weeks before the celebration and one in five booking restaurants on the day itself.

Pictured main: Commercial Hotel, Charters Towers.