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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Apr- 2020 -17 AprilPubs and Bars
2,000 pubs, breweries and cideries offering takeaway or delivery services
Nearly 2,000 pubs, breweries and cideries are now offering takeaway or delivery services to help keep themselves afloat and keep customers served during the coronavirus lockdown, according to the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). CAMRA has put together a directory of these initiatives as part of the Pulling Together campaign,…
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17 AprilCoronavirus
‘Urgent’ inquiry to help hospitality businesses recover to launch in May
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Hospitality and Tourism is launching an “urgent inquiry” to establish the best ways to support the recovery of businesses hit by Covid-19 – at the right time and in line with Government health advice. According to the group, hospitality and tourism have been two of…
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16 AprilCoronavirus
Government extends lockdown for ‘at least’ three more weeks
The government has announced an extension to the coronavirus lockdown for “at least” a further three weeks. The decision was announced at today’s (16 April) press briefing which was led by foreign secretary Dominic Raab. It also comes after Raab led an emergency Cobra committee and cabinet meetings about…
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16 AprilCoronavirus
Chancellor extends furlough scheme deadline
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has extended the deadline for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme after it was found that many people who had recently changed jobs were set to miss out. Under the scheme announced last month, employers can claim a grant covering 80% of the wages for a furloughed employee,…
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16 AprilCoronavirus
Mitchells and Butlers furloughs 99% of staff
Mitchells and Butlers announced it has furloughed 99% of its workforce in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The announcement came as the leading operator of managed restaurants and pubs, including Harvester, Toby Carvery, All Bar One and Miller and Carter, announced a series of measures to reduce its cost…
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16 AprilRestaurants
KFC reopens 11 UK branches for takeaway amid Covid-19 crisis
KFC has announced it is reopening 11 of its 900 stores across the UK for takeaway orders. The fast-food restaurant made the decision to temporarily close its doors last month “protect the wellbeing and safety” of its customers and staff, following government regulations of a lockdown to help stop the…
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15 AprilCoronavirus
HMRC adds new guidance on Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
HMRC has issued new guidance regarding the Coronavirus Job Retention scheme and clarifies eligibility for those returning from sick leave and TUPE staff. Issued at the end of last week the third update to the scheme has provided clarification on all aspects of sick leave including those returning from maternity…
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15 AprilRestaurants
UK demand for Chinese takeaway almost quadruples as lockdown continues
Orders of Chinese takeaways have nearly quadrupled in the UK over the last four weeks, according to Flipdish, the online ordering system for restaurants and takeaways. Demand has increased by 272%, only beaten by Indian food which has surged 294% in the last month with Pakora being the most popular…
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15 AprilCoronavirus
Just Eat extends NHS discount amid ‘unprecedented response’ due to Covid-19 crisis
Just Eat has announced that it will extend its new 25% discount for NHS workers after an “unprecedented response” amid the coronavirus pandemic. The food delivery service revealed, in the first two weeks alone NHS staff have ordered over one million meals and saved over £1.5mcollectively. Just Eat said the…
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15 AprilComment
Covid-19: Cleanology – investing in cleaning for the long term
It is hard to believe that just a month ago, the cleaning industry was celebrating success at the Golden Service Awards. And today we are on the front line of a war against a virus. It brings everything into perspective, that for all the power, money and success in the…
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