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.

  • Mar- 2020 -
    30 March
    Food and DrinkUber Eats to support NHS staff with 300,000 meals

    Uber Eats to support NHS staff with 300,000 meals

    Uber will cover free meals and trips to NHS staff, in a bid to help “reduce the pressure on the heroes on the frontline” of the coronavirus crisis. The free rides and meals can be claimed by anyone with an NHS email address, including many of the 300,000 nurses in…

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  • 30 March
    CoronavirusRestaurant and pub insolvencies rose before pandemic, says UHY Hacker Young

    Restaurant and pub insolvencies rose before pandemic, says UHY Hacker Young

    There were 1,452 restaurant and 526 UK pub insolvencies last year, according to UHY Hacker Young. The financial firm said that the industry was “stuck in a long-term slump” even before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Some 1,452 UK restaurant businesses and 526 UK pub businesses entered insolvency in…

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  • 28 March
    RestaurantsCarluccio’s poised to enter administration amid Covid-19 lockdown

    Carluccio’s poised to enter administration amid Covid-19 lockdown

    Italian restaurant chain Carluccio’s is reportedly set to file for administration, putting almost 2,000 jobs at risk. According to the Guardian, restructuring firm FRP Advisory confirmed it has been appointed to work with the chain. FRP told the Guardian: “FRP is working with the directors of Carluccio’s to consider all…

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  • 27 March
    RestaurantsGordon Ramsay Restaurant group lays off London restaurant staff

    Gordon Ramsay Restaurant group lays off London restaurant staff

    Celebrity chef Gordan Ramsay has terminated the contract of around 500 members of staff at his London restaurants as his business deals with the coronavirus outbreak. Staff were informed at a meeting earlier this week. The Gordon Ramsay Restaurant Group will reportedly pay the wages of staff for a further…

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  • 27 March
    CoronavirusCasual Dining Show 2020 cancelled

    Casual Dining Show 2020 cancelled

    Event organisers Diversified Communications has announced it has taken the decision to cancel the Casual Dining Show 2020. The news, revealed in an email, comes after the scheduled event venue – London’s ExCeL – is to be converted into a makeshift hospital. NHS Nightingale as it will be called will…

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  • 27 March
    RestaurantsCovid-19: Chiquito to close 61 stores permanently

    Covid-19: Chiquito to close 61 stores permanently

    Mexican restaurant chain Chiquito is to close 61 stores across the UK permanently as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. According to the Guardian, the chain’s remaining 20 sites will reportedly reopen once the Coronavirus situation improves. The Restaurant Group, which owns Chiquito, said 11 Food and Fuel pubs in…

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  • 27 March
    CommentWhat we know about furlough leave and the CJRS

    What we know about furlough leave and the CJRS

    HMRC published details of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) on 26.3.20 which are available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme Key points include: Employees that employers can claim CJRS for For the purposes of CJRS, the definition of employee would include workers and agency workers provided they are subject to PAYE i.e. this…

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  • 27 March
    CoronavirusHospitality sector suffers 76.6% slowdown due to coronavirus lockdown

    Hospitality sector suffers 76.6% slowdown due to coronavirus lockdown

    The hospitality sector has experienced a 77% slowdown in the past month according to new analysis which lays bare the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, according to income streaming provider Wagestream. The analysis reveals how the industry has been forced into a “radical decline” since but is still “soldiering on”…

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  • 27 March
    CoronavirusCovid-19: Restaurant and pub sales fall 71% in last week of trading

    Covid-19: Restaurant and pub sales fall 71% in last week of trading

    Like-for-like sales in pubs, bars and restaurants nosedived 71% in the week that licensed premises were ordered to close amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis. Data from the CGA’s Coffer Peach Business Tracker revealed that like-for-like trading in restaurant chains was down 75% that week. Managed pub sales fell by 67%,…

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  • 27 March
    CommentStay calm: How to take the coronavirus crisis one day at a time

    Stay calm: How to take the coronavirus crisis one day at a time

    As a restaurateur that’s been in the industry for many years and has overcome many challenges, I can safely say I have never faced anything as damaging to our business as the current Covid-19 crisis. However, it’s times like these that we all have to pull together to find solutions…

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