Closure
In this section, we report on restaurant, pub, bar, cafรฉ, and catering business closures across the UK, and the commercial, operational, and market factors behind them. From high-street exits and group-wide restructures to insolvencies, lease surrenders, and strategic site rationalisations, we cover the real-world impacts of rising costs, labour shortages, shifting demand, and margin pressures. We go beyond headlines to explain why closures are happening and what they mean for the wider sector. Whether you’re benchmarking performance or navigating tough decisions, we provide the context hospitality professionals need to stay informed.
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Jun- 2020 -12 JuneCoronavirus
UK GDP slumps over 20% in April as full impact of Covid-19 is felt
GDP slumped by 20.4% in April 2020, following a fall of 5.8% in March, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). It is the biggest monthly fall since the ONSโ series began in 1997, with the measure also falling by 10.4% in the three months…
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11 JuneFood and Drink
Reduction of two metre social distancing rule essential for pubs’ survival, says BBPA
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has urged the government to review the two metre guideline for social distancing ahead of the publication of sector guidance. According to research by the BBPA, the current position will mean that only a third (12,500) of Englandโs pubs will be able to…
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10 JuneComment
Is your restaurant ready?
In many countries, restaurants were among the first to feel the impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Bookings disappeared almost overnight, followed by long imposed periods of closure and staff inactivity. The onset of coronavirus hasnโt diminished the hard work you have put into your business, but the subsequent rapid…
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8 JunePubs and Bars
Government green light needed to guarantee fresh beer in pubs for re-opening, says BBPA
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has today called on the government to โGet Britain Brewing Againโ, by giving the UKโs 2,000 breweries sufficient notice and a definitive date for when pubs will reopen, enabling them to brew fresh beer and get it into pubs ready for their re-opening.…
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8 JuneCoronavirus
The Restaurant Group confirms restructuring talks
The Restaurant Group has confirmed it has entered discussions with its landlords regarding the โpotential restructuringโ of its Leisure estate.ย The groupโs Leisure Division, which includes its Frankie and Bennyโs, Chiquito and Garfunkel’s sites, does not impact trading across the groupโs Wagamama chain.ย It comes only days after news that…
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4 JuneCoronavirus
#RaiseTheBar campaign says UK risks โmass redundanciesโ through furlough scheme
The newly launched #RaiseTheBar campaign has warned that the furloughing scheme is โconcealing the true picture of unemployment in the UKโ, providing financial support to employees whilst their employers are facing closure. The campaign believes adjustments to the furloughing scheme have created an โunlevel playing fieldโ of support, meaning businesses…
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4 JuneNews
Youngโs plans reopening amid โimpactedโ sales
Youngโs saw its profit slump 11.3% in the year ended 30 March 2020, after the pandemic had a โsignificant impactโ on its full-year results.ย The pub operator said that lockdown had a โdisproportionateโ impact on profits, estimated to be ยฃ7.7m due to the โlimited opportunityโ for mitigating actions. In addition,…
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3 JuneCoronavirus
Frankie and Bennyโs to close โlarge numberโ of sites
The Restaurant Group has reportedly told staff that a โlarge numberโ of Frankie and Bennyโs sites will not reopen when lockdown lifts. According to an email seen by the BBC, the owners of the casual dining chain said that many sites are “no longer viable to trade and will remain…
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May- 2020 -22 MayCoronavirus
TGI Fridays to reopen a further 12 sites for click and collect services
TGI Fridays has announced the reopening of a further 12 of its UK sites for click and collect and delivery services amid the Covid-19 pandemic. From next week (27 May), the restaurant will be reopening its Aberdeen Beach, Bolton, Braintree, Coventry, Cribbs Causeway, Doncaster, Fareham, Romford sites, alongside Glasgow’s Buchanan…
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18 MayCoronavirus
Petitions to wind up restaurants rocket 165%ย
The number of petitions to wind up restaurants has rocketed 165% to 53 in the year ended 20 April, according to the latest figures from UHY Hacker Young.ย Such petitions, that have been brought forward over bills left unpaid by struggling restaurants, are expected to see a further surge once…
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