News
The News section on Catering Today delivers the latest updates and developments across the UK hospitality and catering industry. Covering restaurants, pubs, quick service brands, and catering groups, it reports on company announcements, market performance, government policy, and sector-wide trends. With a focus on commercial and operational impact, Catering Today’s news coverage keeps hospitality professionals informed of the events and decisions shaping business conditions and strategic opportunities across the sector.
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Nov- 2023 -28 November
Loungers sales rise 7.7% in H1
Loungers has reported that like-for-like sales rose 7.7% year-on-year in the half year ended 1 October, also marking 24% ahead of pre-pandemic levels. The restaurant operator’s adjusted EBITDA also increased 28.2% to £17.3m during the period. Due to its “consistently” strong trading, the group is on track to open 34…
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28 November
Hank’s Dirty to open permanent Castle Quarter diner
Vegan restaurant Hank’s Dirty has signed a six-year lease at Castle Quarter in Norwich, following the operator’s successful trading within the street food quarter of the same scheme. Hank’s Dirty first began within the Castle Social market hall concept at Castle Quarter when it officially opened in autumn 2022. Following…
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28 November
TRG shareholders approve £506m Apollo deal
The Restaurant Group shareholders have formally voted in favour of the company sale to US-based private equity company Apollo Global Management for £506m. During a general meeting held yesterday (27 November), 93.5% of shareholders voted in favour of the cash acquisition of the group, which includes Wagamama and the pub…
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27 November
Today’s news in brief – 27/11/23
Pho is set for expansion, securing fresh funding following a 33.6% turnover surge to £58.3m in FY23. Despite a profit dip to £1.8m (from £5.6m) due to pandemic concessions, restaurant EBITDA held steady around £10.4m. The company attributes the profit decrease to prior government aid. While FY23’s EBITDA stood at…
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27 November
Extended hours for Euro 2024 ‘essential’ for pubs and bars, says UKH
Hospitality trade body UKHospitality has warned it is “essential” that trading hours are extended for the semi-finals and final stage of the European Championships next summer. UKH chief Kate Nicholls said Euro 2024 is set to be a “huge event” for hospitality businesses next summer as fans pack pubs and…
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27 November
Marston’s appoints new non-executive director
British pub and hotel operator Marston’s PLC has announced the appointment of Rachel Osborne, who will join the board as an independent non-executive director and chair of the audit committee with effect from 23 January 2024. Osborne will join the nomination and remuneration committees at the same time. Matthew Roberts,…
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27 November
Pho to continue expansion amid 33.6% rise in FY23 turnover
Pho has secured additional funding to allow for continued expansion of Vietnamese street food restaurants through the next several years, as its turnover increased 33.6% to £58.3m in the year ending 19 February 2023. According to the group’s filings on Companies House, recent performance has buoyed the company’s confidence in…
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24 November
Today’s news in brief – 24/11/23
SSP introduced Café Local, a travel-focused café and retail concept in UK regional rail stations. Already in 15 stations like Exeter and Reading, the flagship store resides in Peterborough, with plans for 15 more in a year. Offering barista coffee, snacks, drinks, and travel essentials, it fills the void at…
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24 November
Admiral Taverns reopens The Spinners after £250k refurb
Admiral Taverns has reopened The Spinners, a local pub in Leigh, following a combined investment of £250k from the pub group and licensees Karen and Naomi Baird. The investment has changed the interiors of the pub, which now has two new bars, flooring and furniture throughout. The venue’s beer garden,…
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24 November
SSP launches Café Local
SSP has launched a new travel-focused café and retail store concept called Café Local, which has been developed for UK regional rail stations. The first 15 Café Local stores have opened at stations around the country, including Fratton, Exeter, Reading, Dover and Sheffield, and the flagship store has recently opened…
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