Today’s news in brief – 27/09/23
Hydes has achieved a “record” turnover of £34.1m for the year ending 2 April, marking a £5.8m increase from the previous year’s total of £28.3m. The company credits some of its success to long-term energy cost contracts, which shielded them from inflation’s financial impact. Despite challenges such as rising consumable goods costs and higher kitchen staff payroll, they maintained an operating profit of £2.2m for FY23. Hydes’ non-executive chairman, Richard Lancaster, praised their resilience and customer loyalty, emphasising ongoing investments in pubs and staff despite economic uncertainties.
A third of hospitality staff leave their jobs within six months of starting, data from Cairn Hotel Group revealed. More than half of adults perceive hospitality jobs as lacking career progression opportunities. One third of respondents would opt for different career paths, while a substantial 78% of adults have never considered switching to a hospitality career. Cairn’s HR director, Richard Adams, emphasised the need to dispel misconceptions about the industry and enhance working environments and growth opportunities to attract and retain talent.
Par 59 is expanding with an upstairs bar and games room called Shuffles, which will open on 10 November. Shuffles will feature interactive shuffleboards, dart boards, and a second bar area, increasing the venue’s capacity from 250 to over 500 covers across 22,000 sq ft. The expansion promises a unique blend of competition, camaraderie and fun, with innovative interactive dart boards and shuffleboards.
The Octagon Bar at Sopwell House in St Albans, Hertfordshire, has officially opened. Inspired by London’s drinking dens, the bar features an ornate marble-topped bar, vintage mirrored glass detailing, high-topped tables, leather bar stools, and decorative archways. Customers can enjoy signature cocktails crafted by experienced mixologists, João Chitas and Adam Jobson. The Georgian manor house also houses two restaurants, Omboo and the Conservatory Bar, and offers event spaces for meetings, conferences and weddings.
