Pubs and Bars
The Pubs and Bars section on Catering Today covers the business developments, market trends, and operational challenges shaping the UK’s pub and bar sector. It reports on acquisitions, brand expansions, drinks innovation, and regulatory updates, alongside insights into staffing, sustainability, and consumer behaviour. With expert commentary and commercial analysis, Catering Today provides industry professionals with the intelligence needed to navigate a competitive and fast-evolving on-trade environment.
-
Apr- 2025 -23 April
St Austell launches recycling scheme to reduce pub waste by 80%
St Austell Brewery has launched a recycling initiative in partnership which aims to reduce the general waste in its managed pubs by 80%. The initiative, which includes a partnership with waste management company, Biffa, includes the introduction of a streamlined waste system across St Austell’s 45 managed pubs. Teams across…
Read More » -
23 April
Punch Pubs expands portfolio with four new acquisitions
Punch Pubs and Co has announced the acquisition of four pubs from Leicester-based brewing company Everards. Adding to its circa 1,300 strong portfolio, the newly acquired pubs include: The Old Kings Head in Long Buckby, The Paget in Loughborough, The Cricketers in Leicester and the Dog and Gun in Whetstone.…
Read More » -
22 April
Vanessa’s officially opens in Liverpool
A new bar concept, Vanessa’s, has officially opened this month on South Road in Waterloo, Liverpool. The opening comes after former accountant, Vanessa Lovegrove, began refurbishing the venue with husband Stuard in November last year. Vanessa’s look has been described as “distinctly speakeasy” with rich red furnishings, glimmers of gold…
Read More » -
22 April
Pubs to stay open later as part of VE 80 celebrations
Prime minister Keir Starmer has ordered pubs and bars across the country to be able to keep serving until 1am to celebrate next month’s historic 80th anniversary of VE day. With parties planned across the country on 8 May 2025, venues with a usual closing time of 11pm will be…
Read More » -
17 April
Stonegate FY revenues rise 1.63% to £1.74bn
Stonegate has revealed that total revenues rose by 1.63% to £1.74bn in the year ended 29 September 2024, as a majority of the group’s businesses delivered growth. It comes as sales during the year were “favourable” compared with the previous period, with the group saying that it has delivered “a…
Read More » -
16 April
Shepherd Neame managing director to step down
Shepherd Neame has announced that Jonathon Swaine, managing director, Pubs, will step down from his role as a director of the company on 17 April 2025. Swaine leaves the business after nearly three years in the role. Before joining Shepherd Neame, Swaine held senior positions at Fuller Smith and Turner,…
Read More » -
15 April
Stonegate launches ‘The People’s Pub’ portfolio
Stonegate Group has brought 220 pubs together under one umbrella, known as ‘The People’s Pub’, as the operator continues to evolve its brands and formats. Starting from today (15 April), The People’s Pub is being rolled out with a new food and drink menu. Every pub in this portfolio will…
Read More » -
15 April
Thwaites completes £600k The Bull’s Head refurb
The Bull’s Head pub in Earlswood, Solihull, has re-opened with a new look after completing a £600,000 refurbishment. Owned by hospitality business Thwaites, the pub has enhanced its al fresco offering with a new outdoor space – named The Barn at The Bulls Head – which features an outside bar,…
Read More » -
14 April
Family-run pub and restaurant in Lancashire hits the market
The Plough, a family-run pub and restaurant near the village of Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire, has hit the market with an asking price of £435,000. The Plough is an established public house known for serving cooked food and a wide range of wines, gins and cocktails. The pub received an “England’s…
Read More » -
14 April
Stonegate pub The Hazel Tree reopens following a six-figure investment
Corby-based Stonegate pub The Hazel Tree has reopened following a six-figure investment, creating two new jobs in the local community. The pub has been fully redecorated with new furniture, an audio-visual system, and a new professional-standard darts area. The pool table has been retained, offering a dedicated space for pub…
Read More »
