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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Jul- 2025 -11 July
Britain faces a pub closure every day in 2025, industry warns
One pub is expected to close every day in 2025 across Great Britain, threatening more than 5,600 jobs, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has warned. The trade body, which represents more than 20,000 pubs, estimated 378 closures this year in England, Wales and Scotland, up from 350 in…
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11 July
Herts Pubs Company to open debut venue in Hitchin
Newly-formed hospitality group, Herts Pubs Company, is set to open its first venue, The Cock, in Hitchin later this month on 25 July, following a refurbishment of a 450-year-old coaching inn. Located on Hitchin High Street, The Cock has undergone a renovation intended to preserve its heritage features while introducing…
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10 July
Govt to trial two state subsidised ‘public restaurants’
The UK government has selected two state-subsidised “public restaurants” to be piloted in Dundee and Nottingham as part of a new government-backed initiative to improve access to healthy food for low-income households. The eateries will offer universal access to nutritious, sustainably produced meals in social settings, with a particular focus…
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10 July
Footfall and spend nudge up as cost pressure eases, CGA finds
Visits and spending at pubs, bars and restaurants in the UK increased in May, with 92% of people surveyed visiting a venue, an increase of 3% month-on-month, according to data from CGA. The figure is the highest number since November 2024. Alongside this, nearly three in five (58%) of these…
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10 July
Young’s revenues rise 6.6% as warm weather lifts sales
Young’s has reported a 6.6% rise in revenue during the first 14 weeks of its new financial year, with like-for-like sales up 7% compared with the same period last year. The pub operator said the performance reflected “strong” trading momentum from the previous year, helped by warm and sunny weather…
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10 July
Pret introduces ‘Super Plates’ to meet salad demand
Pret A Manger has introduced a new category of salads called “Super Plates”, aimed at customers seeking larger, protein- and fibre-rich lunch options. The chain said the range reflects growing demand for more substantial salads, with its salad sales increasing three times faster than its sandwich category over the past…
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9 July
Wendy’s names interim CEO as Kirk Tanner departs for Hershey
Wendy’s has announced that president and chief executive Kirk Tanner will leave the fast-food chain on 18 July to take up the same role at the Hershey Company. The news has sparked a search for a permanent replacement by the board of directors. In the meantime, Ken Cook, chief financial…
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9 July
Chaiiwala to open 105th cafe in Milton Keynes
Chaiiwala has announced the opening of its 105th café in the UK, located at Unit 4F in thecentre:MK in Milton Keynes. This comes as the company embarks on an expansion strategy to scale up to 500 global locations over the next 10 years. This includes significantly expanding its footprint in…
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9 July
Growth Kitchen expands Coqfighter delivery hubs to over 40 sites
Ghost kitchen platform Growth Kitchen has opened 10 new delivery kitchen locations for fried chicken restaurant Coqfighter, taking the brand’s delivery footprint to more than 40 sites across the UK. Coqfighter, which runs five restaurants in London, partnered with the restaurant and technology platform in 2024 to expand its delivery…
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9 July
Fowlescombe Farm appoints Elly Wentworth as executive chef
Fowlescombe Farm, a luxury retreat set on a 450-acre regenerative farm at the foot of Dartmoor, has appointed Elly Wentworth as executive chef. Wentworth, known for her produce-led cooking and focus on provenance, brings experience and a seasonal approach that aligns with the farm’s sustainable ethos. She now leads the…
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