Food and Drink

The latest news and updates on food, from 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.

Mar- 2025 -

3 March

Drinks sales bounce-back after tough Valentines

Drinks sales in the UK’s managed venues rose 4% in the week ended Saturday 22 February, only the second week of growth in 2025. Trading beat the levels of last year on six of the seven days, and was ahead by between 8% and 11% every day between 17 to…
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3 March

King Pins officially opens in Bristol’s Cabot Circus

Games and leisure complex, King Pins, has officially opened in Bristol’s Cabot Circus, marking its third UK site and first out of Manchester. Located on the second floor of Cabot Circus, King Pins is next door to the unit which used to house Frankie and Benny’s and offers bowling, tech…
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Feb- 2025 -

28 February

Papa John’s FY revenues fall 4% to $2.06bn

Papa John’s has revealed that total revenues fell by 4% to $2.06bn (£1.64bn) in the year to 29 December 2024, as global restaurant sales fell by 3% to $4.85bn (£3.85bn). It comes as North American sales were down 4% from 2023, while sales at the group’s international restaurants fell by…
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25 February

Confidence of hospitality bosses falls for fifth quarter in a row

The confidence of hospitality leaders has fallen for the fifth quarter in a row as pressure mounts on operating costs, according to CGA by NIQ’s latest Business Confidence Survey. The poll revealed that only 33% of leaders feel confident about prospects for their business over the next 12 months –…
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21 February

Wine up and spirits down in flat fortnight for drinks sales

Drinks sales in the UK’s managed venues were level year-on-year for the seven days ended 1 February, according to data from CGA. However, drinks sales did see growth of 2% on both Friday 31 January and Saturday 1 February. This coincided with the start of the Six Nations rugby tournament…
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20 February

SimpsInns reopens Loans Inn after £200k refurb

SimpsInns, has reopened the doors to its restaurant and bar at The Loans Inn following a £200,000 makeover. An interior upgrade of the restaurant and bar has seen the venue transformed with mood lighting, muted plaid wallcoverings, statement artworks and mismatched furniture. Extensive works have also been completed to the…
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19 February

Roadchef to welcome new F&B brands at Folkestone Services

Roadchef has announced that a number of new brands, including McDonalds, Costa and WH Smith, will be arriving at Folkestone Services on the M20. The new on-site venues will be open 24/7 to offer round-the-clock access to food, drinks and shopping for travelers. Costa has benefited from additional upgrades such…
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18 February

D2 acquires Almost Famous

D2, the team behind Liverpool’s PINS Social Club, has announced that it has acquired burger restaurant Almost Famous. The group has acquired both the Manchester Northern Quarter and Liverpool sites, due to reopen Friday 21 and Monday 24 February respectively, and the Almost Famous branding. The deal has been led…
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13 February

Chopstix appoints Savills as advisors amid ‘significant’ expansion plans

Chopstix has appointed Savills as the sole advisory agent as it looks to significantly increase its existing 150-strong store portfolio. Following strategic investment in the brand from QSRP in October 2024, Chopstix has set out to accelerate growth across the UK and Europe. The brand plans to focus on high-traffic,…
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12 February

Market Halls Paddington to open in March

Market Halls has announced that it is set to launch its latest venture in Paddington on 3 March 2025. Spanning 11,000 square feet, Market Halls Paddington will feature eight food traders, two bars, an outdoor terrace, and communal seating for up to 355 guests inside and 130 outside. Ahead of…
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