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.
-
Jun- 2020 -12 JuneNews
Mitchells & Butlers secures £100m loan, 45,000 jobs safeguarded
Mitchells & Butlers has secured £100m of additional funding from HSBC UK and Santander UK as part of the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS). The move will support the pub operator through the “continued disruption” caused by the pandemic. In addition, it has reportedly safeguarded the jobs of…
Read More » -
12 JuneComment
It’s time to rethink your branding
With social media engagement rising by 61% during the pandemic and the majority of dining-out options still on hold, brands are searching for exciting new ways to engage with customers. Many of them are turning to experience-driven packaging as a powerful marketing tool. Check out our top tips on how…
Read More » -
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 hasn’t diminished the hard work you have put into your business, but the subsequent rapid…
Read More » -
9 JuneCoronavirus
Report predicts 50% fall in hospitality and foodservice turnover
The hospitality and foodservice sector will lose £23bn in the second half of 2020, achieving only 53% of 2019 income levels, according to a new report. Produced by Simon Stenning, founder of FutureFoodservice, the ‘Immediate Future’ of the UK Hospitality/Foodservice market’ report covers the 18 months from July 2020 to…
Read More » -
8 JuneComment
The coronavirus diaries: The Ascott Limited
Throughout the pandemic we have kept our London properties – Citadines Barbican; Citadines Holborn-Covent Garden; Citadines South Kensington and Citadines Trafalgar Square open to house and support both long-stay guests and the city’s key workers. Of course, we have a duty of care for all of our staff and guests…
Read More » -
5 JuneCoronavirus
Crussh reopens Notting Hill Store amid UK lockdown
Crussh Fit Food and Juice Bars will reopen its Notting Hill store today (5 June) for take-away and delivery. The healthy food and juice chain said it undertook a “significant review” of its store operating model to ensure it can open safely for teams and customers, and comply with Government…
Read More » -
5 JuneCoronavirus
Azzurri Group considering sale options
The Azzurri Group is reportedly working alongside advisors in a bid to find a potential buyer for the restaurant giant, according to Sky News. The parent group of Ask Italian and Zizzi, which is currently owned by private equity firm Bridgepoint, is now in the process of contacting prospective bidders…
Read More » -
4 JuneNews
Young’s plans reopening amid ‘impacted’ sales
Young’s saw its profit slump 11.3% in the year ended 30 March 2020, after the pandemic had a “significant impact” on its full-year results. The pub operator said that lockdown had a “disproportionate” impact on profits, estimated to be £7.7m due to the “limited opportunity” for mitigating actions. In addition,…
Read More » -
3 JuneCoronavirus
Hiring continues to slowdown in as hospitality jobs and applications drop
Hiring has continued to slow down in the hospitality industry last month, with job vacancies dropping by 49.5% month-on-month, according to the latest job market data from CV-Library. The study looks at job market data throughout May and compares this with figures from the previous month (April 2020) and year…
Read More » -
3 JuneComment
Social distancing will end the restaurant as we know it
Overall, the UK government deserves praise for providing swift financial support to small businesses. Here at Bia Rebel we have availed ourselves of that support and in an attempt to keep our staff and customers safe we stayed closed. However, now that restrictions are being eased somewhat and everyone is…
Read More »
