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.
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Jun- 2024 -17 June
Red Engine signs new franchise partnership with Loyola Group
Flight Club operator Red Engine has announced it has signed a new franchise partnership with Loyola Group. Loyola Group is the operator of multiple hospitality establishments across Ireland and Portugal and the partnership is backed by the Irish entrepreneur, Barry McGrath. This partnership will introduce Flight Club to Ireland, beginning…
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17 June
Pub closures spike 56% in Q1
The number of pubs across England and Wales closing for good saw a sharp 56% increase in the first three months of the year to 80 a month, according to analysis of official government data by Altus Group. This is a rise from the 51 pubs a month closing during…
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14 June
Radio unveils new design ahead of ME London reopening
Rooftop bar Radio has unveiled a “striking” new design refresh ahead of its reopening at five-star hotel ME London on Friday 28 June. The 200-seat rooftop venue, which was designed by international restaurant designer, Bernard Caroll, benefits from “classic and contemporary” luxury with Eastern-inspired detailing that create an environment that…
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13 June
CGA names Brunning and Price as UK’s top pub operator
Brunning and Price, part of the restaurant group, has been named the UK’s top pub operator for a second consecutive year by CGA’s outlet index survey. Other operators in the top five include St Austell Brewery, Hydes Anvil, Youngs and Everards. Brunning and Price also tops the rankings when measured…
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12 June
The Berkeley to open rooftop bar to public
The Berkeley will open its rooftop located between Knightsbridge and Belgravia to all starting from 11 July. The bar, which is usually just open to hotel guests, will offer views of London’s skyline as well as a brand new Mexican-inspired menu. In collaboration with Patrón, The Berkeley will serve up…
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12 June
Scotland’s only cocktail bar on the beach put up for sale
The Cladach Beach House, Scotland’s only cocktail bar located on the beach, on the Isle of Arran, has been put up for sale for £195,000. The bar features both indoor and outdoor seating, a cosy indoor log burner, outdoor fire pit and Tiki-style bar. The room can accommodate for around…
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10 June
St Austell Brewery FY23 revenues rise 10% to £229.5m
St Austell Brewery, which owns over 160 pubs, inns and hotels across the West Country, has reported another “record” year where total revenues rose 10% to £229.5m for the year to 31 December 2023. This comes as the group’s total operating profits for the financial period reached £13.2m, showing a…
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7 June
Vagabond Gatwick sites acquired by ARE
Bar group Vagabond’s two sites within Gatwick Airport have been acquired out of administration by Airport Retail Enterprises (ARE). Business advisory firm Quantuma completed the deal saving 122 jobs across the two sites. This comes after Vagabond sold the majority of its stores to Majestic Wines back in April. Quantuma…
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7 June
GSG Hospitality acquires The Hightown Pub in Liverpool
GSG Hospitality has expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of The Hightown Pub in Liverpool. In collaboration with executive head chef Daniel Heffy, alongside esteemed partners Matt Farrell and John Ennis, GSG stated that it is set to “revolutionise the traditional pub experience with a menu that steps away from…
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4 June
Drinks sales drop 3% as rain returns
Drinks sales in the UK dropped 3% in the week ended 25 May, compared with the same period last year, as wet weather continued to dampen performance, according to data from CGA. Year-on-year sales plunged 22% after heavy rain on 22 May, and they were down by between 8% and…
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