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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Jul- 2020 -15 July
The Coconut Tree announces phased reopening
Award-winning Sri Lankan bar and restaurant group The Coconut Tree has announced a phased reopening schedule for all six sites across England and Wales. The street food chain will reopen its Cardiff restaurant – the only one in Wales – on Wednesday 22 July; in line with guidelines set out…
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15 July
CAMRA urges CMA to probe Carlsberg and Marston’s merger
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has called on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to “take the lead” and investigate the proposed Carlsberg and Marston’s merger, which it says could reduce the choice of beers available to pubgoers. The new appeal to CEO, Dr Andrea Coscelli, follows a string…
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15 July
McDonalds slashes prices as it pilots dine-in scheme
Following the Chancellor’s VAT reduction last week, McDonald’s has announced a raft of price reductions across its menu, to be recommended to all franchisees. The reductions will be found across meal bundles and menu ‘classics’, and while prices may vary slightly by locations, the recommendation includes an estate-wide 40p reduction…
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14 July
UK GDP slumped 19.1% in three months to May
GDP fell by 19.1% in the three months to May 2020, as government restrictions on movement dramatically reduced economic activity. According to new data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), this was driven by falls in nearly every industry, most notably by food and beverage service activities, which fell…
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14 July
Brewhouse & Kitchen revenues rise 2.9% during first week of reopening
Brewhouse and Kitchen – the 22 site national brewpub group – has reported 2.9% like-for-like sales growth in its first week trading post the Covid-19 lockdown. The group said it attributes the “strong start” to a “measured and gradual” approach to the reopening of its brewpubs, the “considerable” amount of…
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14 July
Frankie & Benny’s unveils reopening plans
Frankie and Benny’s has confirmed the six restaurants have now opened for dine-in service, having previously opened for both click-and-collect and delivery. Its parent group, the Restaurant Group, plans to open all 35 Frankie and Benny’s sites by the end of the month. The six restaurants now open for dine-in…
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14 July
Michelin-starred restaurant Pensons to reopen on 15 July
Michelin Star restaurant, Pensons, has announced the reopening of its site from tomorrow (15 July). The only Michelin-starred restaurant on the Herefordshire/Worcestershire/Shropshire border has revealed the social distancing measures put in place, which includes tables being “much more widely spaced” than the government guidance and the front of house team…
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13 July
Businesses must remain Covid-secure, warns HSE
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned businesses that they must ensure they are Covid-secure as lockdown measures ease across the UK. According to the authority, inspectors will be “out and about”, spot-checking employers that they are complying with health and safety law. HSE defines “Covid-secure” as being “adaptable…
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13 July
Former TGI owner in talks to buy Casual Dining Group
Epiris, the former owner of TGI Friday’s, is reportedly in talks to acquire the Casual Dining Group from administrators. According to Sky News, the former backer of TGI is currently the frontrunner to acquire the restaurant group and while no deal has yet to be confirmed Sky sources said a…
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13 July
Hospitality Action launches ‘Invisible Chips’ campaign
Hospitality Action has launched a new fundraising campaign in a bid to “harness the UK’s goodwill and affection” for the hospitality industry. The ‘Invisible Chips’ campaign allows customers to show their support for the industry , and participating venues will be asked to add Invisible Chips to their menu, priced…
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