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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Aug- 2025 -26 August
One in four UK late-night venues has closed since 2020, NTIA warns
The UK has lost nearly 800 late-night venues since 2020, raising concerns over the future of the country’s night-time economy, according to new data from the latest Night Time Economy Monitor. The report, compiled by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) and CGA by NIQ, show the sector has contracted…
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21 August
Stonegate invests £6.5m in Slug and Lettuce refurbs
Stonegate Group has invested more than £6.5m in its Slug and Lettuce brand over the past 18 months, completing 12 refurbishments with four more due by the end of the financial year. The spending forms part of a wider growth strategy aimed at adapting sites to suit local markets and…
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20 August
Industry urges tax reform as over 200 pubs close in six months
More than 200 pubs in England and Wales were demolished or converted for other uses in the first half of 2025, according to new government figures. An average of eight pubs closed each week between January and June, with the South East experiencing the sharpest decline – losing 31 venues…
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19 August
Red Engine to open Flight Club in Newcastle in November
Red Engine has announced that it will be opening its latest Flight Club venue in Newcastle on 7 November 2025. The new venue will be located in Eldon Square. As with all Flight Club venues, the Newcastle addition will feature semi-private oches around a bar, plenty of seating options and…
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19 August
Punch Pubs acquires 35 UK sites in FY25
Punch Pubs and Co has acquired 35 pubs across the UK in the past 12 months, as part of an expansion that brings its national estate to more than 1,300 sites. The acquisitions, made during the group’s 2024/25 financial year, include 14 venues from the Milton 1 and 2 portfolios…
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19 August
Hospitality insolvencies ease slightly in H1 but still ‘historically high’
The number of hospitality businesses entering insolvency eased slightly in the first half of 2025, but have still remained “historically high”, according to new findings from Buchler Phillips. The firm’s Hospitality Index of insolvencies found that 1,706 accommodation and food service companies, including hotels, restaurants and pubs, closed in the…
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19 August
Brakspear FY turnover rises 7% to £41.3m
Brakspear has reported a 7% rise in turnover to £41.3m in 2024, despite seeing its profits get squeezed by higher operating costs. The Henley-based pub operator, owned by JT Davies and Sons Holdings Limited, saw revenues increase from £38.6m in 2023, with growth across all divisions. However, adjusted EBITDA fell…
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18 August
Bam Boo launches new Liverpool venue after six figure investment
Brunch and cocktail bar business Bam Boo has expanded with a new venue in Liverpool following a six-figure investment. The new venue has 80 covers and is Bam Boo’s second site. Its other restaurant is on Bold Street in Liverpool city centre. The company has taken over a former café…
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15 August
Valiant Pub Company secures further £14m debt finance
The Valiant Pub Company has received a further £14m in debt financing from Metro Bank. This latest facility brings Metro Bank’s total funding to Valiant to £26m. Valiant is backed by Njord Partners, which provides financial support to the group as well as deep operational and strategic expertise. With Njord’s…
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13 August
Somerset’s Red Post Inn reduces asking price
The Red Post Inn in the village of Peasedown Saint John in North Somerset, has been made available for a reduced price of £550,000. The large wet-led pub offers a sports bar and a lounge bar, with a large beer garden. It also offers a private function room with capacity…
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