Comment
The latest comment and opinion, from industry figures and the business journalists at Catering Today. We bring you the latest on what’s happening in the restaurants, bars and catering industry, with exclusive stories, analysis, best practice and industry comment.
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Dec- 2023 -20 December
Five AI predictions for the industry in 2024
This time last year, I said that the adoption of AI would accelerate massively in the hospitality sector. Look where we are today – only 12 months on – and ChatGPT, which was then unknown, has now become omnipresent. The news is filled with headlines like ‘AI will end work’.…
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13 December
How digitisation across the restaurant sector is set to evolve in 2024
As we reflect on the last year, it’s fair to say that the restaurant industry has continued to go through unprecedented digital transformation, as innovation in the sector accelerates. While these changes have presented disruptions and challenges, they have also provided restaurants with the opportunity to get creative and find…
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13 December
New immigration rules will make it “next to impossible” for hospitality to recruit overseas workers
The most important change announced by the Government concerns the skilled worker visa because from spring 2024, the earning threshold for overseas workers will increase by nearly 50% from its current position of £26,200 to £38,700. How will this change affect the hospitality industry? It’s just not good for hospitality.…
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4 December
How to manage food waste and charitable giving
One-third of all food produced globally goes to waste; if food waste was a country, then it would be the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world. In the UK, 70% of food waste occurs in the home, but the hospitality and retail sector still contribute a sizable…
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4 December
Why have London’s restaurants continued to become more expensive?
Data from Harden’s London Restaurants 2024 guide found that the number of restaurants in London charging £150 per head or more per person for a meal has risen 46% to 54 up from 37 last year. The data also found that there has also been a 59% jump in the…
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1 December
Behind the opening of The Cotswold Butcher and Caterer
Can you tell us about your extensive hospitality career? I’ve spent about 25 years in the leisure and hospitality industry, primarily managing health clubs, spas, hotels, and two pubs. The catering concept stemmed from the pub experience and my aim to improve yield, reduce kitchen waste, and keep staff engaged…
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Nov- 2023 -21 November
Cheers to the community: Navigating local relations and alcohol licensing
Those in the restaurant trade know that owning a restaurant is a rewarding but challenging experience. Balancing the creation of happy customers with the management of staff, finances, licences, and other regulations is demanding. Neglecting these finer details could sacrifice the entire service, so it is crucial businesses know how…
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15 November
Will train strikes affect the hospitality industry this Christmas?
Last week the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) announced that it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) which sets out a process for a mutually agreed way forward. The union has been in dispute with the RDG for months over…
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2 November
Ensuring retention in the hospitality industry
The hospitality industry is often viewed as offering only entry-level, temporary roles for younger generations. However, looking more closely, over a third of the sector’s workforce are now aged over 50 years old, with many businesses introducing age diverse policies and benefits to tackle ongoing labour shortages. The hospitality industry…
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Oct- 2023 -31 October
The evolution of a brand – A fine line to follow
When you think about the world of hospitality in the UK, cast your mind back over the last 20 or so years and remember the brands which have dominated our high streets. Frankie & Benny’s, Pizza Express, Café Rouge, Chiquito, Prezzo, Cote – all names which once would have been…
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