Today’s news in brief – 23/05/24

Hospitality saw sales drop 1.7% YoY in April due to wet weather, the new CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker has revealed. It comes as the first year-on-year drop in monthly sales since September 2022. Last month also faced tough comparatives with April 2023, which included the full Easter holiday. Bars were hit hardest, with sales dropping 15.1% below the levels of April 2023.

Subway is rolling out the next phase of its digital experience across the UK, Finland and Germany. Interactive self-serve kiosks have been introduced in many restaurants across the three markets, with plans to add hundreds more throughout the region by the end of the year.

Michel Roux has opened Chez Roux in Palm Court at The Langham, London. Chez Roux’s menus will showcase historical British classics and traditional French cooking methods,  presented in contemporary, refined dishes. Additionally, desserts include chocolate mousse and summer fruit pudding. 

The Sloane Stanley Estate has announced that Fantomas will open later this summer. The restaurant will be headed up by chef Chris Denney, adding another award-winning name to the borough of Chelsea. Fantomas will occupy a prominent corner unit at 300 King’s Road, taking a 2,000 sq ft space with up to 80 covers inside and outside.