Today’s news in brief – 26/03/24

Employee satisfaction has risen, despite salaries decreasing, according to Access Hospitality’s Largest Hospitality Salary Survey 2024. The survey revealed that 37% reported earning less than £30k – an increase from 30% in 2023. Responses revealed a decrease in salaries across main job roles, with the exception of general management. However, employee satisfaction amongst respondents had risen, with the number of workers reporting a healthy work/life balance up from 51% in 2023 to 59% this year. 

Almost 75% of consumers visited a pub or bar over Christmas, according to data from CGA. 

However, the number of people going out fell by 5% year-on-year, as high inflation put pressure on spending. Nearly all (97%) consumers told CGA they had been affected by rising costs to some extent, and four of the top five reasons for not going out over Christmas related to the cost of living in some way.

Social Bird will be opening a new Newcastle site on 5 April. Headed by Ben Watson, the head chef at Social Bird, the new restaurant will have a menu of chicken schnitzel, chicken and waffles, and slow-roasted bird, as well as a burger menu. All poultry used by Social Bird will be sourced locally from Soanes Poultry. 

The Woodman Inn has undergone a refurb of its events space, elevating its status as a wedding venue in Yorkshire. The pub was acquired privately by Robinsons Brewery in June 2022 and has been central to its wedding strategy in the five pubs it owns with wedding licences. Alongside the renovation the pub has also recently won the award for marquee and tent in the Hitched Wedding Awards 2024, which is the third Hitched award it has won.