Pubs and Bars

The latest news and updates on pubs and bars, 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.

Mar- 2022 -

1 March

Revolution bars returns to profitability in H1

The Revolution Bars Group has announced its pre-tax profits for the 26 weeks ended 1 January 2022 (H1 FY22) hit £4.3m, up from a loss of £17.7m in the comparative FY21 period, and up from a loss of £1.6m for the same period in FY20. Additionally, the group returned to…
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Feb- 2022 -

28 February

Storms ‘batter’ UK drinks sales, CGA finds

Average drinks sales by value for managed pubs, bars and restaurants were down 18% in the week to last Saturday, 19 February, compared to the same period in 2020, as a result of both storm Dudley and Eunice meaning many consumers decided not to venture out. Friday 18 February, when…
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22 February

Nightcap extends bar openings

Nightcap, the owner of The Cocktail Club, the Adventure Bar Group and the Barrio Familia group of bars, has announced a number of additional planned openings in 2022 set to further expand its UK estate. In early April 2022 the group will open The Cocktail Club in Exeter. The bar…
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22 February

Shepherd Neame appoints new pub MD

Shepherd Neame has appointed Jonathon Swaine as its new managing director of pubs. The brewery described Swaine as an “experienced, proven operator” in the hospitality and pub sector. Prior to the last three years as managing director of Retail at the Rank Group Plc, he has spent the majority of…
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21 February

Star to double its managed operator pubs in Scotland

Star Pubs and Bars has announced it is to double the size of its Scottish managed operator Just Add Talent (JAT) estate. The company currently has six JAT pubs in Scotland. Subject to recruiting new operators, it will create a further seven managed operator pubs during 2022. JAT is aimed…
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16 February

The Standard to launch cocktail bar Sweeties

The Standard has announced it will launch Sweeties, a new 10th floor cocktail bar and “late-night spot.” Occupying the eastern length of the building, Sweetie’s interiors, designed by long-time Standard collaborator Shawn Hausman, evoke an early 1970s Hollywood opulence. Ochre velvet sofas, ruched leather banquettes, mirrored tables, and a six-foot…
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15 February

The Alchemist to relaunch Manchester site amid £550k refurb

Manchester-born group, The Alchemist, has announced it is set to undergo an “extensive refurbishment” of its original venue, The Alchemist Spinningfields. It said the transformation will unveil the next phase and a “new era” for the brand concept, which will be told through the new-look interiors and menus. The Alchemist…
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15 February

Managed groups see sales recover in January

Rising consumer confidence about safety and the easing of restrictions have boosted sales across managed pub, bar, and restaurant groups in January, according to the latest Coffer CGA Business Tracker. Total sales across these groups were 3% higher than pre-pandemic trading in January 2019, and represent a “solid recovery” from…
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14 February

Historic Sheffield pub operators receive long-service award

The licensees of “one of Sheffield’s oldest and most iconic pubs” – Fagans on Broad Street – have received a “prestigious” long-service award in recognition of more than 35 years at the helm. Sheffield born-and-bred Tom Boulding and his wife Barbara – who hails from Barnsley – took over the…
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14 February

The Inn Collection Group sold to new owners in £300m deal

Leading pubs with rooms operator The Inn Collection Group has been acquired by a new company backed by The Harris Family Trusts, together with Kings Park Capital, in a deal thought to be worth around £300m. The deal will see the 31-site pubco continue “trading as normal” with its existing…
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