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.

Turnover up, but profits down, suggests CGA on-trade report

Footfall across the hospitality sector is up on 2019 levels in Britain’s key cities, although high inflation and rail strikes remain major concerns.

Restaurant owners forced to borrow 12% more than last year

The amount restaurant owners are borrowing to keep their own businesses afloat has increased 12% in the past year, from £377 million in 2020/21, to over £424 million in 2021/22, says Mazars, the audit, tax and advisory firm.

Consumer spending in pubs, restaurants and takeaways down since start of pandemic

The average amount consumers spend each month in restaurants, takeaways and pubs has fallen since the start of the pandemic, with restaurants the hardest hit, new research has found. 
 
An independent survey of 2,000 UK adults, conducted by Peckwater Brands, claims rising inflation and energy costs have reduced consumer spending, leaving hospitality businesses at risk. 
 
Restaurants have seen the highest drop-off in consumer spending since the start of 2020, down 16% from £58.90 per person per month to £49.30. Spending in pubs fell 14.6% from £47.90 to £40.90, while spending on takeaways saw the lowest reduction, falling just 10% from £47.70 to £42.30.
 
While the cost-of-living crisis continues to loom large, the majority (63%) of UK adults surveyed said they still consider takeaways a treat they look forward to, with 34% intending to continually get them regularly (at least once per month) with 33% budgeting for this expense. 

Four in five bars plan to increase range of no and low alcohol drinks

Research by CGA by NielsenIQ and non-alcoholic spirits brand CROSSIP suggests that 67% of bar professionals have increased their range of no/low alcohol drinks over the past year, and 82% will do so over the next 12 months, demonstrating the growing importance of the category to consumer choice.

One in nine hospitality jobs still vacant despite pay rises

The staffing crisis is very much still underway heading into Christmas, data from CGA has revealed, with one in nine jobs in hospitality still vacant despite improvements in recruitment.