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 -2 AprilGovernment
Chancellor set to announce overhaul to SME loan scheme
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is reportedly set to announce an overhaul to the SME loan scheme that will allow companies to access help quicker. According to Sky News, Sunak and members of the Treasury were reportedly in talks with major lenders, including Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group and Royal Bank of…
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2 AprilTrade Associations
Hospitality crisis support hub launched by HOSPA to collate offers of help
HOSPA, the Hospitality Professionals Association, has launched a hospitality crisis support hub, which aims to highlight businesses looking to offer help during the ongoing coronavirus crisis. The services offered, be that offered gratis, or at greatly reduced cost, will aim to help hospitality businesses continue to operate. HOSPA said the…
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2 AprilCoronavirus
Shepherd Neame creates hand sanitiser for frontline workers
Shepherd Neame announced that it is partnering with Copper Rivet Distillery to create hand sanitiser for emergency services and frontline workers. The brewery and pub operator has begun brewing ‘clean beer’ for the initiative, which is around 10% ABV. No hops will be used to ensure it is aroma and…
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2 AprilRestaurants
Wagamama launches ‘Wok From Home’ cookery guide amid Covid-19 virus outbreak
Wagamama has announced the launch of its home cookery guide, ‘Wok From Home’, amid the coronavirus outbreak. Since the lockdown and tightened restrictions to combat Covid-19, restaurants were told to temporarily close its doors, resulting in Wagamama launching its ‘Wok From Home’ guide, which includes Asian cookery lessons presented by…
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2 AprilComment
How technology can help the hospitality sector during COVID-19
While many pubs, restaurants and cafes were already noticing a drop in footfall due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Prime Minister’s announcement on Friday 20th March 2020, saw most close their doors for the last time. Though numerous establishments are insured and the government has put various financial measures in…
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1 AprilCoronavirus
A fifth of SMEs at risk of collapse, say experts
Almost a fifth of SMEs will not survive the coronavirus crisis, according to new findings from the Corporate Finance Network. The group predicted that the closures would take place within the next four weeks despite government support measures, as the pandemic continues to unfold and affect retail. The network, which…
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1 AprilRestaurants
Loughborough restaurant badly damaged as blaze erupts from kitchen
Loughborough-based Lebanese and Moroccan restaurant, Tarboush, has been badly damaged after a fire started in its kitchen yesterday (31 March). The restaurant, which was open for delivery orders after government advice to close restaurants to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, was preparing orders as the blaze bagan at 4pm…
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1 AprilCoronavirus
Wi5 and Think Hospitality launch new online forum for hospitality leaders
A new online forum for leaders in the hospitality industry has been launched to help encourage collaboration and peer-to-peer support during the Coronavirus crisis. The forum, called Gather, has been created by mobile order and pay company Wi5, and is supported by Think Hospitality Group. Targeted at owners and senior…
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Mar- 2020 -31 MarchComment
What are your legal rights if your job has been affected by COVID-19?
Ever since the coronavirus outbreak gathered speed, life in the UK has largely been put on hold. From staff being unable to work due to self-isolation, to workers needing to stay at home to care for their children after schools were ordered to close, the impact on many businesses and…
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30 MarchCoronavirus
Carluccio’s enters administration
Geoff Rowley and Phil Reynolds, partners at specialist business advisory firm FRP, have been appointed joint administrators of Italian restaurant chain Carluccio’s. The directors of the company said they made the decision to place the chain into administration after a “sustained period of challenging trading conditions”, which have been “exacerbated”…
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