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- 2021 -
    15 June
    CoronavirusSunak to reject furlough extension calls despite ‘freedom day’ delay

    Sunak to reject furlough extension calls despite ‘freedom day’ delay

    Chancellor Rishi Sunak is reportedly set to reject calls for an extension of the furlough scheme and business rates report to businesses despite the prime minister announcing a four-week delay to the lifting of restrictions.  According to the Guardian, sources close to the chancellor have said that he believes sufficient…

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  • 4 June
    BusinessMayor of London pledges to tackle hospitality staffing shortages

    Mayor of London pledges to tackle hospitality staffing shortages

    The mayor of London has pledged to tackle the major staffing shortages across the hospitality industry that threatens to undermine the city’s recovery from Covid-19. The news follows a recent survey which showed that around one in three hospitality venues do not have enough staff to cope with re-opening post-lockdown,…

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  • May- 2021 -
    19 May
    Pubs and Bars
    Six pubs ‘vanished’ a week during pandemic

    Six pubs ‘vanished’ a week during pandemic

    Around six pubs “vanished” a week in the UK during the coronavirus pandemic, according to real estate adviser Altus Group. The group states the pubs were either demolished or converted into offices and homes over the lockdown period. At the time of the first lockdown last year (20 March 2020),…

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  • 17 May
    Coronavirus
    Indoor hospitality in Glasgow and Moray hit by further restrictions

    Indoor hospitality in Glasgow and Moray hit by further restrictions

    Indoor hospitality operators in Glasgow and Moray are in dismay over the recent news that both areas are set to remain in Level 3 Covid-19 restrictions, despite the rest of the country moving further out of lockdown. First minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the two areas will remain under restrictions for…

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  • Apr- 2021 -
    13 April
    Pubs and BarsRevolution Bar Group swings to £17.7m pre-tax loss

    Revolution Bar Group swings to £17.7m pre-tax loss

    Revolutions Bar Group has swung to a pre-tax loss of £17.7m for the 26-week period ended 26 December 2020. Revenue dropped to £21.6m for the period from £81.2m the previous year following the increased levels of restriction particularly in November and December 2020. In July 2020, the group’s liquidity was…

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  • Mar- 2021 -
    3 March
    CommentIs enough being done to upskill the UK’s hospitality sector?

    Is enough being done to upskill the UK’s hospitality sector?

    On 22 February Boris Johnson announced the government’s roadmap to cautiously ease lockdown restrictions in England. The plan, which he described as a “one-way road to freedom”, came almost exactly 11 months after the UK became submerged in a national lockdown that disrupted life as we know it. For business…

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  • 3 March
    GovernmentBudget 2021: Chancellor unveils new £65bn support package

    Budget 2021: Chancellor unveils new £65bn support package

    Chancellor Rishi Sunak has outlined a new £65bn support package in his March budget, confirming the decision to extend the furlough scheme until the end of September as well as new loan schemes of up to £10m for businesses. In what is Sunak’s second budget since he joined office in…

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  • Feb- 2021 -
    24 February
    CoronavirusExtending 5% VAT cut ‘not enough’ to save hospitality, says tax pro

    Extending 5% VAT cut ‘not enough’ to save hospitality, says tax pro

    Sue Rathmell, indirect tax partner at MHA MacIntyre Hudson, has said the UK needs “bold and sweeping measures” to save the hospitality sector, calling on the government to do more than just extend 5% VAT measures.  The statement comes ahead of the March Budget, with many in the hospitality sector…

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  • 22 February
    CoronavirusHospitality businesses reopen in Jersey

    Hospitality businesses reopen in Jersey

    Hospitality businesses in Jersey will reopen this Monday 22 February, with new restrictions in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19.   Under new government guidelines, seated food and drink services may resume in licensed and non-licensed premises; however, alcohol can only be served with a main meal. Furthermore, alcoholic drinks…

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  • 17 February
    CoronavirusUKH Scotland welcomes business rates relief extension

    UKH Scotland welcomes business rates relief extension

    UKHospitality Scotland has said the decision to extend business rates relief for another year is a “very positive and pragmatic move” by the Scottish Government. The new plans, which were announced on 16 February by finance secretary Kate Forbes, are part of a £1.1bn consequential funding from UK government coronavirus…

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