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.

  • Jul- 2020 -
    13 July
    CommentThe coronavirus diaries: Shumana Palit, Ultracomida

    The coronavirus diaries: Shumana Palit, Ultracomida

    So, this has been a journey I had never imagined – even as a natural born pessimist I hadn’t seen this coming. We’ve been through some lows, some small highs and some more lows, but we’ve kept going, and I think that luxury of having a working week has helped…

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  • 10 July
    NewsGuide on food safety and sanitation in the time of COVID-19

    Guide on food safety and sanitation in the time of COVID-19

    Now more than ever, food and beverage businesses should take extra precautions on how they prepare, handle, and deliver their products to their customers. They should follow the health and safety protocols set forth by the Department of Health and Social Care of the UK and the World Health Organisation.…

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  • 10 July
    CoronavirusOakman Inns appoints new CEO and chair as sales slide 17%

    Oakman Inns appoints new CEO and chair as sales slide 17%

    Oakman Inns has announced a series of board changes including the appointment of Dermot King as chief executive, also revealing that FY sales fell by 17% due to Covid-19. Prior to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Oakman revealed it was “trading well” with LFL sales up 4.3% year to…

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  • 10 July
    RestaurantsThe Restaurant Group secures £50m loan

    The Restaurant Group secures £50m loan

    The Restaurant Group has revealed it has accessed £50m from the Government CLBILS scheme, in a loan supported by Lloyds Banking Group. The operator said the move will give it “increased flexibility”, alongside the group adding an additional £10m to its overall committed debt facilities. The operator has also agreed…

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  • 10 July
    Cafes and Coffee ShopsCereal Killer Cafè closes two London sites

    Cereal Killer Cafè closes two London sites

    The founders of the Cereal Killer Cafè have announced the permanent closure of two of their London sites, attributing the coronavirus lockdown and industry uncertainty to the decision. In a statement posted on Facebook, brothers Alan and Gary Keery said they would be saying “Cheerio” to their cafes, “for now”,…

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  • 9 July
    CoronavirusArrest over suspected furlough fraud

    Arrest over suspected furlough fraud

    A West Midlands man has been arrested as part of an HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) investigation into a suspected £495,000 Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) fraud. HMRC officers executed a search warrant yesterday (8 July 2020) in the Solihull area and arrested the 57-year-old. This is the first arrest…

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  • 9 July
    CommentThe coronavirus diaries: Tony Lorenz, Lorenz Consultancy

    The coronavirus diaries: Tony Lorenz, Lorenz Consultancy

    Having negotiated rent reviews and lease renewals in the hospitality industry for over five decades and throughout the recessions of 74, 84, 94 and 2008, I thought I had seen it all. But, I have never witnessed anything quite like this. In times of economic crisis, we always switch our…

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  • 8 July
    Breweries and DistilleriesBBPA urges Sunak to cut VAT and business rates

    BBPA urges Sunak to cut VAT and business rates

    The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has uged Rishi Sunak to cut VAT, business rates and beer for brewers and pub businesses as they begin their “long and slow road to recovery after lockdown”. The trade association said its sector could, with the right support, help drive the economic…

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  • 8 July
    CommentThe coronavirus diaries: Pizza Hut

    The coronavirus diaries: Pizza Hut

    Pizza is what we know best. We’re proud of the pizzas we’ve delivered and business growth we’ve seen in our sixty years as a brand, from our humble beginnings in Kansas to becoming a global brand – but when coronavirus hit, being designated an ‘essential service’ posed an entirely new…

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  • 6 July
    CoronavirusPret set to slash 1,000 jobs and shutter 30 stores

    Pret set to slash 1,000 jobs and shutter 30 stores

    Pret a Manger is reportedly set to slash almost 1,000 staff roles and shutter 30 of its 450 UK stores amid spiralling sales. According to a report by the Financial Times, Pret’s CEO, Pano Christou, said today (6 July) that the chain is facing a “significant restructuring of the business”,…

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