Coronavirus

We reported extensively on the impact of coronavirus across the UK foodservice and hospitality sector, from the initial lockdowns and emergency legislation to the reopening phases, staffing challenges, and long-term recovery. This brings together our coverage of how restaurants, pubs, cafés, bars, and catering firms navigated one of the most disruptive periods in industry history. From furlough and financial support to operational pivots, supplier disruption, and shifting consumer behaviour, our reporting offers critical context for hospitality professionals reflecting on the crisis and preparing for what comes next.

  • Aug- 2020 -
    3 August
    CoronavirusEat Out to Help Out launches with 72,000 sites signed up

    Eat Out to Help Out launches with 72,000 sites signed up

    The government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme officially launches today (3 August) with over 72,000 establishments signed up. Anyone visiting a participating restaurant, café or pub on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August will receive the half price discount. The scheme – part of the government’s ‘Plan for Jobs’…

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  • 3 August
    RestaurantsCasual Dining Group rebrands following takeover

    Casual Dining Group rebrands following takeover

    The Casual Dining Group (CDG) has rebranded as The Big Table, following its acquisition by private equity firm Epiris. A new business formed by the firm has successfully concluded a deal to take control of the Las Iguanas, Bella Italia and Café Rouge chains, alongside their existing management team led…

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  • 1 August
    CoronavirusCasual Dining Group falls into administration

    Casual Dining Group falls into administration

    The owner of Bella Italia and Café Rouge, Casual Dining Group, has fallen into administration. According to a report by the BBC, almost 1,900 of the group’s 6,000 strong workforce have been made redundant, with 91 sites closing their doors for good.  The BBC said AlixPartners, the appointed administrators, will…

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  • Jul- 2020 -
    31 July
    NewsThe impact of social distancing in restaurants in the UK

    The impact of social distancing in restaurants in the UK

    As many businesses are starting to recover from the economic impact of COVID-19, several health protocols are now strictly implemented in old and new restaurants. Aside from making sure that the dining utensils and the restaurant itself are properly sanitised and disinfected, food businesses should ensure that customers and staff…

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  • 31 July
    GovernmentGovernment reveals new £20m grant for small businesses

    Government reveals new £20m grant for small businesses

    The government has announced a new £20m grant scheme to help thousands of smaller, independent businesses in England to recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. According to the Nationwide Caterers Association, small and medium sized businesses will have access to grants of between £1,000 – £5,000 to help…

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  • 30 July
    Pubs and BarsFullers in ‘stronger position than many’ despite £10m hit

    Fullers in ‘stronger position than many’ despite £10m hit

    Fullers has welcomed a “transformational” year of trading, with revenue and other income from continuing operations up 3% to £333m in the year ended 28 March 2020.  Profit before tax for total group operations soared from £26.1m to £174.5m in the period. Like-for-like growth was seen across all areas of…

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  • 28 July
    Food and DrinkGreggs swings to £65.2m HY loss

    Greggs swings to £65.2m HY loss

    Greggs has reported a pre-tax loss of £65.2m during the 26 weeks to June 27, compared with a £36.7m profit last year. During the six month period, the food-to-go specialist reported a 45% decrease in like-for-like sales to £300.6m, compared with £546.3m in the same period last year. Gross profit…

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  • 27 July
    CoronavirusMandatory calorie labelling ‘slap in the face’ to hospitality

    Mandatory calorie labelling ‘slap in the face’ to hospitality

    UKHospitality CEO, Kate Nicholls, has warned the costs of the implementation of mandatory calorie labelling on menus will be a “slap in the face” for hospitality, after the government revealed a series of measures to target obesity. The measures form part of the government’s new obesity strategy to get the…

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  • 27 July
    CoronavirusThe coronavirus diaries: Uncle John’s Bakery

    The coronavirus diaries: Uncle John’s Bakery

    Uncle John’s Bakery has been a staple in the community for 25 years, providing fresh Ghanaian baked goods and has received continuous support from our customers. The business was started in 1995 by my parents John and Emelia Mensah, after they arrived in the UK in the early 80’s. I…

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  • 24 July
    NewsEvent catering in the era of the coronavirus

    Event catering in the era of the coronavirus

    Easily one of the most thriving industries prior to the pandemic, the events, hospitality, and food sectors are now struggling to get back into the rhythm of serving the public. Even the best restaurants in London have found themselves facing persistent challenges regarding kitchens and back-of-house provisions. Though some welcome…

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