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.

Feb- 2022 -

4 February

Drinks sales see ‘modest’ revival following end to Plan B

Out-of-home drinks sales welcomed a “modest revival” last week after Plan B restrictions were lifted across the UK, according to the CGA’s latest Drinks Recovery Tracker. It found that average drinks sales by value in Britain’s managed pubs, bars and restaurants in the week to 29 January were only 8%…
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4 February

Inn Hospitality Group acquires Seahouses’ Olde Ship Inn

The Inn Hospitality Group has acquired the lease to operate Seahouses’ harbourside pub, The Olde Ship Inn in Northumberland. The nautical-themed pub-hotel sits above the village’s bustling harbour, 500 yards from Seahouses North Beach. The “historic” property was initially part of a farm and first licensed in 1812, with the…
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3 February

Industry calls on gov to scrap over-taxation of beer and pubs

Trade bodies representing UK brewers, publicans, and beer enthusiasts are calling on the Treasury to reexamine the tax burden currently facing the sector. In an open letter to the chancellor, consumer group ‘One Voice for Beer’ outlined its support for the government’s Alcohol Duty Review, but warned that further action…
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2 February

How to refine career progression within hospitality

Although hospitality may still be enduring some uncertainty, consumer confidence is on the rise. According to a recent study from the CGA, more than two thirds (70%) of the UK now feel optimistic about visiting pubs, bars and restaurants – over double that of those showing similar optimism at the…
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1 February

UKH urges gov to boost duty reforms

UKHospitality has revealed that while it has “heralded” the reforms to the alcohol duty system that were announced in the last budget, it is now urging the government to support the “beleaguered” industry further by expanding them. In its response to a government consultation, UKHospitality has called for the government…
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1 February

Arc Inspirations secures £14m banking agreement

Premium bar operator Arc Inspirations has secured a new £14m banking agreement with HSBC, which includes a separate £5m facility to help boost the group’s ongoing expansion and growth. The £5m will in particular support investment in a number of new sites for Arc. It comes as the operator of…
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Jan- 2022 -

31 January

Marston’s sales dampened by Omicron

Marston’s PLC has reported a 3.9% fall in total like-for-like sales for the 16-weeks ending 22 January 2022, compared to the same period in 2019. The group said this reflects the impact of the Omicron variant and consumer sentiment related to the variant in the last eight weeks. Total sales…
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28 January

BBPA calls for heightened gov support after ‘devastating’ winter

While publicans and brewers have “raised their glasses” following the end of Plan B restrictions this week, the BBPA is still calling for more government support as the “devastating” impact of Omicron over winter has become clear. The BBPA is urging the government to help combat the increasing financial pressures…
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28 January

Maximal Concepts debuts in the UK with new London offering

Maximal concepts has made its first venture into the UK with the opening of The Aubrey London, a new drinking and dining space in Hyde Park. The Aubrey, which replaces Bar Boulud, is described as “an eccentric Izakaya” with two distinctive bar experiences and accompanying Japanese cuisine. According to the…
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21 January

Buzzworks to open latest site in Ayrshire

Independent restaurant and bar operator, Buzzworks Holdings, is set to open the doors to its latest venture in Ayrshire in the coming weeks. The Fox, a casual live music bar, will open on the site of former restaurant Papi Milano, located on West Portland Street, Troon, having undergone a “significant…
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