An outcry has erupted from the trade following yesterday’s Autumn Budget, which led to disappointment on many fronts, including a measly 1p off draught beer, further rises to duty for wine and a lowered rate of business rates relief which has been described a kick in the teeth to businesses.
Read more...
Long-time spirits industry commentator and MD of Mangrove Global, Nick Gillett, speaks out ahead of the new Labour government’s Autumn Statement, arguing that ‘the best hospitality can hope for is to be left well alone’.
Read more...
A survey of pubs, breweries and hospitality businesses has revealed that jobs and investment plans would be threatened if business rates relief expires in April, causing bills to quadruple.
Read more...
Britain’s leading hospitality groups recorded modest year-on-year sales growth in September, continuing a trend of like-for-like growth that has been in situ since the beginning of the year.
Read more...
New government data indicates a slight reprieve for the hospitality sector, as accommodation and food service insolvencies fell 16% month-on-month in August 202
Read more...
Hospitality leaders have sent an open letter to the Chancellor, imploring Rachel Reeves to “fix business rates and prevent bills quadrupling for high streets across the country”.
Read more...
The government’s proposed ‘biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation’ could stifle job creation in independent shops and place further financial pressures on already struggling retailers, the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) has warned.
Read more...
Last month saw the opening of Café François, a modern-day French canteen in Borough Yards from the team behind Maison François. Drawing together influence from Paris’ classic cafés, the contemporary delis of California and stylish bistros of Montreal, founder François O’Neill has created a menu that pays homage to affordable French classics while also embracing the global influences that have shaped French cookery outside France. On the drinks side, a short, inventive wine list leads the charge, curated by wine director Daniel Illsley, with a strong message of sustainability throughout its playful selection of cool and original bottles. A considered cocktail list is also available, focusing on the classics.
Read more...
Bookings are now open at Margo restaurant – a new concept from Scottish restaurant group Scoop and headed up by Glasgow native Robin Aitken. Due to open this month in Glasgow, the new drinking and dining outpost is intended to be an evolution of Scoop’s first restaurant Ox and Finch, which has just celebrated its 10th birthday. Situated in the city centre, Margo will maintain a flavour-led approach with a focus on Scottish meat and seafood, while the drinks list will be led by cocktails designed specifically to complement Aitken’s food. Margo will also offer Scoop’s most comprehensive wine list to date, with classic fine wines sitting alongside natural and biodynamic bottles from small, independent producers.
Read more...
Cocktail bar and late-night lounge Luum will soon be opening its doors alongside two other entirely new concepts inside what was previously the Pantechnicon building. Meaning ‘earth’ in Mopan Mayan, Luum takes its inspiration from Mexican heritage and culture and has chosen to focus on mixology, with three signature concepts set to launch the venue with the wider theme of mother nature.
Read more...
UK debt has reached 100% of GDP, its highest level since 1961, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Meanwhile, against this national backdrop, new research suggests that the hospitality sector is one of the industries facing significant debt concerns in the current climate.
Read more...
New company insolvency statistics from auditing firm RSM show insolvencies in hospitality saw a significant increase in the year to July, as an underwhelming summer compounded the challenges facing the sector.
Read more...
Tooting welcomes a new bar this September with the opening of Good Measure, hidden beneath Daddy Bao Taiwanese restaurant. The former storeroom has been transformed into an intimate 15-seat cocktail bar, offering an array of Taiwanese-inspired drinks. Open on Fridays and Saturdays, 6-10.30pm, this walk-in-only venue is ideal for a pre-dinner tipple or a spontaneous evening drink.
Read more...
A new Food & Beverage Manager Development Programme has been launched to help individuals working in hospitality to develop managerial and leadership skills.
Read more...
Clock House Tavern is set to be Peckham Rye’s newest old-school pub. Situated on the park, the restored pub spans two floors and features a traditional interior with oak panelling, antique mirrors and leather banquettes. Parched, the independent pub group behind local favourites such as The Montpelier and The White Horse, has led the revival of this historic site.
Read more...
London’s D&D restaurant group isn’t the only major player in UK hospitality to significantly invest in outdoor spaces over the past 17 years.
Read more...
West Sussex vineyard Kinsbrook has relaunched itself as an evening restaurant, opening late on Fridays and Saturdays. Diners can expect seasonal dishes from local produce, served in a picturesque vineyard setting. The restaurant accommodates 45 covers indoors and 30 outside, with service from 6pm to 10pm.
Read more...
Caution about the future remains a staple concern among Britain’s hospitality leaders as pressure on the cost of doing business continues to rise.
Read more...
Lighting up outside on restaurant terraces and pub gardens could be outlawed by the new Labour government, creating more uncertainty for businesses which are already struggling to encourage consumers to visit their venues.
Read more...
Labour shortages and employee burnout continue to plague hospitality, a new report has found, as more than half (53%) of UK managers working in the sector say their company and staff are suffering.
Read more...
