Gulliver’s travels

Trevor Gulliver can certainly talk, but then he has much of interest to say. As business partner to Fergus Henderson and his very individual style of cooking, he’s one half of the seminal nose-to-tail restaurant St John, which radically reset the idea of what modern British food could be. To this day, a deceptive simplicity underpins the quality of what is on the plate. Since St John’s first outpost opened its doors in 1994, this Smithfield icon has had a huge influence on the ever-evolving British dining scene. A little like the Delta blues and its influence on modern rock & roll. And one of St John’s biggest disciples, the late Anthony Bourdain, would have likely enjoyed that musical analogy.

CGA survey reveals positive outlook for hospitality despite inflation

Leaders of Britain’s top-managed hospitality groups remain cautiously optimistic about the future despite spiralling costs, the 2023 Business Leaders’ Survey from CGA by NielsenIQ and Fourth reveals.

Drinks list expansions sound note of cautious optimism post-Covid

Encouraging new data has shown that menus are re-expanding again following a period of contraction and rationalisation during the worst months of Covid.

December was worst month for UK restaurant closures in four years

UK restaurant company insolvencies in December of last year were the highest in at least four years says Mazars, the international audit, tax and advisory firm. 

Pub and bar company insolvencies jump by 83% in past year to 512

Insolvencies of pub and bar companies have increased by 83% in the past year, from 280 in 2020/21 to 512, says UHY Hacker Young, the national accountancy group.

Hospitality sector under massive strain as insolvencies hit decade-high

The Drinks Trust calls on industry to have its say in annual survey

The Drinks Trust has released its annual industry survey to help better understand the needs of the drinks and hospitality industry.

Scotland on-trade facing ‘tidal wave’ of challenges, says SLTA

Scotland’s pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels face an unprecedented cocktail of challenges, according to the most recent Scottish Licenced Trade Association (SLTA) survey.

Be Inclusive Hospitality launches 2023 race equity survey

Be Inclusive Hospitality is inviting trade responses to its third Inside Hospitality survey, which aims to build upon the findings of past years.

Chronic staff shortages accelerate unprecedented hospitality wage inflation

Average wages for hospitality workers have risen 53% over the past 10 years, according to a new study released by charted accountancy firm Hazlewoods.

More hospitality closures in 2022 than Covid-hit 2021 reports CGA

In a new report published by CGA, inflation in energy bills and other costs led to a net decline of 1,611 licensed premises in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Chris Losh: Hospitality sector reels from strikes

In the middle of December an interview between Richard Madeley of Good Morning Britain and Mick Lynch, head of the RMT union, went viral. Stick with it – 

Business energy support to reduce from March government announces

The goverment has announced a new energy support for businesses that will take effect from 1 April 2023, although at a lower rate than the present scheme. 

The business of bartending

The evolution of the bartender during Covid and beyond continues to define a role that calls not only for impeccable drinks and cocktail-making skills, but commercial savvy, too. Clinton Cawood reports

Be Inclusive Hospitality releases first Impact Report

Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH), the not-for-profit organisation striving for racial equality in the food and drinks industry has today announced the release of its Impact Report 2020-2022.

UK's leading restaurants nudge back into the black

Research unveiled by accountancy group UHY Hacker Young shows that the UK's top 100 restaurants returned to profitability in 2022, after four years of consecutive losses.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Francois Bertrand, Pan Pacific London

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Francois Bertrand, head sommelier at Pan Pacific London, reflects on the highs and lows of 2022, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead.

Inflation puts the boot in World Cup boost

The UK hospitality trade rode a wave of World Cup fever in November, when sales were above a still somewhat Covid-dampened environment at the end of 2021. However, with inflation biting hard and more disruption on the way over Christmas 2023, operators could be set for a challenging end-of-year run.

Drinks Trust and Vagabond launch ‘well-being day’ for hospitality

The Drinks Trust is teaming up with Vagabond Wines to launch Hospitality Covered, a new initiative beginning with a wellness day by and for drinks hospitality staff, this January.

10,000 young people across UK secure jobs in hospitality thanks to Springboard charity

Leading hospitality charity Springboard has led more than 10,000 people into employment through its initiative, which launched in October 2020.