News
The latest industry news 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.
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Mar- 2020 -23 March
McDonald’s and Nando’s close all UK sites
McDonald’s has announced it will close all 1,270 of its UK restaurants by the end of the day (23 March), amid the continuing coronavirus crisis. Meanwhile, Nando’s has also announced the temporary closure of all 400 UK sites “until further notice”. Both groups have pledged to donate remaining food to…
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20 March
Covid-19: Government to pay 80% of salary to staff unable to work
Chancellor Sunak Rishi has said the government will pay 80% of wages for employees who aren’t able to work due to the coronavirus, up to £2,500 a month according to the BBC. The “unprecedented measure” comes as the government has unveiled more plans to protect jobs and businesses amid the…
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20 March
Itsu to offer half price meals and free miso and hot drinks to NHS staff
Itsu, the Asian-inspired food brand founded and run by Julian Metcalfe, has announced on its social media channels that it is to offer a discount of 50% off every menu item and a free miso or hot drink, for NHS staff. On the announcement, Metcalfe said: “At Itsu, we acknowledge…
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20 March
TGI Friday’s announces temporary closure amid Covid-19 virus outbreak
American-style diner TGI Friday’s has announced it is to temporarily close all its UK restaurants from 9pm tomorrow (21 March) amid the recent outbreak of the Covid-19 virus outbreak. The news follows the government warning the public to practice social distancing to prevent the virus spreading. TGI released a statement…
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20 March
Hospitality sales fell before PM’s warning, says CGA
Like-for-like sales across Britain’s pubs, bars and restaurants fell 15% in the week ended 15 March, one day before the Prime Minister’s warning to avoid these destinations amid the Covid-19 threat. Figures from the latest Coffer Peach Business Tracker, produced by hospitality consultancy CGA, revealed that like-for-like sales in restaurant…
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20 March
Co-op creates 5,000 new roles for hospitality staff displaced by Covid-19
The Co-op has announced plans to create 5,000 store-based roles in a bid to provide temporary employment for hospitality workers who have lost their jobs, amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. The retailer said recruitment procedures have been simplified so that candidates can apply for positions by walking into their nearest…
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19 March
Brewdog begins production of hand sanitiser at Aberdeen distillery
BrewDog is currently working on producing a batch of hand sanitiser using a WHO approved recipe at its Distillery in Ellon, Aberdeen. The BrewDog team, supported by founders James Watt and Martin Dickie alongside its community of ‘Equity Punks’, said they are working “around the clock” on producing the first…
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19 March
Young’s suspends rent for tenants
Pub operator Young’s has announced a new set of measures to support its team across London and the south east. In its latest announcement, the group confirmed it would provide a three-month property rent holiday for all of its tenants, starting this week. The group also said it was doing…
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19 March
New bank of England boss promises fresh measures to fight Covid-19
The new Bank of England boss, Andrew Bailey, has promised a fresh set of measures to help fight the economic “emergency” faced due to the coronavirus outbreak. Bailey, who has only been in the position for three days after taking over from former Bank Of England chief Mark Carney, told…
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19 March
Hogs Back Brewery offers drive through beer amid coronavirus outbreak
Surrey-based Hogs Back Brewery has launched a new drive-through service for its draught, bottled and canned beers, following government advice to self-isolate and avoid going to restaurants, pubs and bars. Customers will be able to place orders from a “safe distance” with staff members then loading the beer directly into…
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