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.
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May- 2020 -19 MayCoronavirus
KFC to reopen 500 locations amid Covid-19 pandemic
Fast food chain KFC has announced it is to reopen 500 of its restaurants for delivery amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Last month, KFC initially reopened 11 of its UK restaurants and later announced the reopening of an extra 80 of its UK sites amid the Covid-19 pandemic after temporarily closing…
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19 MayCoronavirus
Compass Group launches £2bn share raising
Catering firm the Compass Group has announced it has launched a £2bn share offering in order to help increase its liquidity in face of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. In a trading update, Compass revealed that for the first six months of the year ending 31 March 2020 it saw revenues…
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19 MayNews
Boparan set for Carluccio’s takeover
Boparan Restaurants is reportedly set to rescue Carluccio’s in a move that will save roughly 900 jobs. According to Sky News, the restaurant group is poised to conclude a rescue deal “in the coming days”, with an announcement expected as early as today (19 May). Boparan, owned by tycoon Ranjit…
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18 MayPubs and Bars
33 South Main reveals £450,000 renovation
Pub and eatery 33 South Main in Naas Co. Kildare has unveiled a new £500,000 renovation and extension project which has created a new event space. Hospitality artisan Andy Hogan acquired the property in June 2017 and completely gutted, renovated and rebranded the establishment as ‘33 South Main’. Under Hogan’s…
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18 MayCoronavirus
Petitions to wind up restaurants rocket 165%
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. 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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18 MayComment
The coronavirus diaries: James Santillo
My business surviving the Covid-19 pandemic doesn’t worry me, but losing or leaving loved ones does worry me and that’s why we chose to hit the pause button. On Monday 16 March 2020 my partner, Tara Smyth, and I were sat at my parent’s house, and the outbreak still seemed…
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15 MayComment
How to keep your pub going during lockdown
The coronavirus outbreak has closed down businesses left, right and centre, bringing with it an overwhelming time of economic uncertainty. If you run a pub and you are worried about how the pandemic is going to impact your business, have no fear – there are several things you can do…
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14 MayCoronavirus
Marston’s agrees £70m banking facility
Pub operator Marston’s has revealed it has agreed a £70m banking facility to help improve its liquidity during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. In a Covid-19 specific trading update it said it has taken a “highly prudent approach” in its management of the business during this period. It added that all…
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14 MayCoronavirus
Brighton Pier Group details cash-saving measures
The Brighton Pier Group has secured £5m in loans in order to shore up cash during the pandemic. Both term loans are for a period of two years and nine months, and are in addition to the group’s existing term debt and revolving credit facility. A loan repayment holiday on…
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13 MayComment
Five ways restaurants can adapt to survive the post-lockdown uncertainty
It’s boom or bust time for restaurants. Even as lockdown starts to lift, there will be a core audience of avid restaurant goers who are either too nervous to eat out, or advised not to. And, with social distancing measures set to remain in place for an unknown period, it…
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