Today’s news in brief – 21/02/24

Drink sales in the UK rose 1% for the week ended 10 February, as trading was boosted by stable weather and the Six Nations rugby tournament. This follows four successive weeks of negative numbers, thanks to a combination of a squeeze on spending, Dry January, variable weather and rail strikes. 

Delivery and takeaway sales saw the eighth consecutive month of like-for-like growth, as sales at managed restaurant groups remained 4% ahead of January 2023 last month. While this is an improvement on a 1% rise in December 2023, growth has slowed in recent months and year-on-year increases have not exceeded 4% – the current rate of inflation since September. 

Chopstix will open a new location in the Entertainment District at The O2. Considered the largest Asian-inspired quick-service restaurant brand in the UK, Chopstix will open a 1,991 sq ft space within the destination, marking a milestone moment for both the destination and the brand. The group has already opened five new sites in 2024 across the UK. 

Bam Karaoke Box has appointed chef Sabrina Gidda as consultant culinary director, ahead of its UK debut. The new site, which will open this Spring, will become the “largest karaoke venue in Europe” with 22 private karaoke rooms, the Bam Bam bar, an outdoor terrace and live music stage and DJ booth. Gidda will bring her culinary expertise to Bam, combining modern European cuisine with French influence.