Casual Dining

We report on the business of casual dining, a key segment of the UK foodservice sector encompassing high-street restaurant brands, all-day dining concepts, and accessible, mid-market hospitality. This includes our coverage of openings, closures, financial results, menu innovation, tech integration, and leadership moves across the casual dining space. Whether you’re managing a national chain or operating a regional brand, we deliver timely insight into the pressures, pivots, and opportunities shaping this highly competitive market, with a focus on operational performance, consumer trends, and commercial sustainability.

  • May- 2024 -
    1 May
    RestaurantsRhubarb Hospitality Collection refurbs Fenchurch Restaurant

    Rhubarb Hospitality Collection refurbs Fenchurch Restaurant

    Rhubarb Hospitality Collection (RHC) has announced that it has refurbished its Fenchurch Restaurant, located on the 37th floor of the Sky Garden building. The interiors have been reimagined to reflect head chef Kerth Gumb’s Caribbean roots and “playful approach” to fine dining. Alongside tropical-themed accents, pops of colour and botanical…

    Read More »
  • Apr- 2024 -
    2 April
    Catering CompaniesFoodbuy appoints new commercial director of hospitality

    Foodbuy appoints new commercial director of hospitality

    Foodbuy, the procurement division of Compass Group UK and Ireland, has announced the appointment of Carl Howells as its new commercial director. With “extensive experience” in the field, Howells will oversee all aspects of Foodbuy’s hospitality operations. He will look to specifically grow this arm of the business. This involves…

    Read More »
  • Mar- 2024 -
    19 March
    NewsToday’s news in brief – 19/03/24

    Today’s news in brief – 19/03/24

    Prezzo has reported a return to profitability following a strategic review of the business in April 2023, which saw it close almost a third of its restaurants. In the year ended 1 January 2023, the Italian casual dining group’s revenues also rose to £135m from £95m following an increase in…

    Read More »
  • 19 March
    RestaurantsPrezzo returns to profitability following strategic review

    Prezzo returns to profitability following strategic review

    Prezzo has revealed that revenues rose to £135m from £95m in the year ended 1 January 2023, following an increase in menu prices and a focus on efficiency. As a result, the Italian casual dining group’s profit margin also saw an uptick from 31.2% to 35%.  However, macroeconomic challenges during…

    Read More »
  • Feb- 2024 -
    21 February
    NewsChopstix to open new location at The O2

    Chopstix to open new location at The O2

    Chopstix has announced it will open a new location in the Entertainment District at the leisure and retail destination 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…

    Read More »
  • 7 February
    Pubs and BarsLiberation Group revenues hit £140m

    Liberation Group revenues hit £140m

    Liberation Group, a privately owned premium pub operator and brewing group, has reported a “record” performance for the year ended 27 January 2024, as its total group revenues were up 22.5% to £140m versus the same period last year. With sites stretching from Mayfair in London to St Aubin in…

    Read More »
  • Jan- 2024 -
    30 January
    NewsFarmer J to receive £5.5m funding to further growth

    Farmer J to receive £5.5m funding to further growth

    Farmer J has announced a £5.5m fundraise, led by Beringea, the transatlantic venture capital firm, to power further growth for the brand, with five new sites planned for 2024. Aptly described by owners as “forkin’ good food”, Farmer J provides build-your-own Fieldtrays with nutritious food sourced from high welfare, predominantly…

    Read More »
  • 19 January
    NewsToday’s news in brief – 19/01/24

    Today’s news in brief – 19/01/24

    Restaurants, pubs and bars saw sales rise 8.8% over the latest Christmas period compared with data from 2022, according to the latest CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker. The tracker also revealed that like-for-like sales grew 9.6% for pubs in December, while restaurants enjoyed an 8.3% upswing. Meanwhile, bars bounced back…

    Read More »
  • 19 January
    Food and DrinkLiberation Group appoints new people director

    Liberation Group appoints new people director

    Liberation Group has announced the appointment of Cat Moseley as people director. The news follows Julia Rosamond’s retirement as people’s director on 1st March 2024. Moseley will start her new role on 5 February 2024 and joins Liberation Group from Motorpoint where she held the position of chief people officer…

    Read More »
  • 18 January
    NewsChopstix and Festival Street Kitchen open at Festival Place

    Chopstix and Festival Street Kitchen open at Festival Place

    Chopstix, the pan-Asian noodle bar, has opened a new location at retail and leisure destination Festival Place.  It will be joined by street food operator, Festival Street Kitchen, which is upsizing into the centre. Having opened adjacent to Pret A Manger, Chopstix delivers its fresh pan-Asian inspired menu, spotlighting a…

    Read More »
Back to top button