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 -23 MarchCoronavirus
UberEats waives delivery fees for independent restaurants
UberEats has waived the delivery fee for over 15,000 independent restaurants across the UK which feature on its app, in a bid to support businesses affected by Covid-19. In addition to this, it said it wants to help restaurants that have seen a decline in footfall by waiving the activation…
Read More » -
23 MarchCoronavirus
PM bans ‘non-essential retail’, instructs public to stay at home
The UK public are only allowed to venture out of their homes for essential supplies and one exercise outing per day, or face fines, under new measures introduced this evening by the prime minister. In a recorded address filmed in No 10 Downing Street, Boris Johnson said the police will…
Read More » -
23 MarchCafes and Coffee Shops
Costa Coffee announces closures of all UK sites amid Covid-19 outbreak
The Costa Coffee chain has announced the closure of all of its branches amid the outbreak of the coronavirus, resulting in over 2,000 of its stores closing until further notice. The closures, which will take effect from today evening (Monday 23 March), follows the government urging all restaurants, pubs and…
Read More » -
23 MarchRestaurants
McDonald’s and Nando’s close all UK sites
McDonald’s has announced it will close all 1,270 of its UK restaurants by the end of the day (23 March), amid the continuing coronavirus crisis. Meanwhile, Nando’s has also announced the temporary closure of all 400 UK sites “until further notice”. Both groups have pledged to donate remaining food to…
Read More » -
20 MarchBusiness
Covid-19: Government to pay 80% of salary to staff unable to work
Chancellor Sunak Rishi has said the government will pay 80% of wages for employees who aren’t able to work due to the coronavirus, up to £2,500 a month according to the BBC. The “unprecedented measure” comes as the government has unveiled more plans to protect jobs and businesses amid the…
Read More » -
20 MarchAdvice
Marketing Manchester to host webinar supporting hospitality amid Covid-19 crisis
Marketing Manchester has revealed plans to host a webinar on 23 March aimed at supporting the hospitality industry amid the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe. The event will explore tourism and hospitality sector challenges that have been created by the recent Covid-19 outbreak, and how they can be overcome. The…
Read More » -
20 MarchRestaurants
TGI Friday’s announces temporary closure amid Covid-19 virus outbreak
American-style diner TGI Friday’s has announced it is to temporarily close all its UK restaurants from 9pm tomorrow (21 March) amid the recent outbreak of the Covid-19 virus outbreak. The news follows the government warning the public to practice social distancing to prevent the virus spreading. TGI released a statement…
Read More » -
20 MarchPeople
Co-op creates 5,000 new roles for hospitality staff displaced by Covid-19
The Co-op has announced plans to create 5,000 store-based roles in a bid to provide temporary employment for hospitality workers who have lost their jobs, amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. The retailer said recruitment procedures have been simplified so that candidates can apply for positions by walking into their nearest…
Read More » -
19 MarchBusiness
New bank of England boss promises fresh measures to fight Covid-19
The new Bank of England boss, Andrew Bailey, has promised a fresh set of measures to help fight the economic “emergency” faced due to the coronavirus outbreak. Bailey, who has only been in the position for three days after taking over from former Bank Of England chief Mark Carney, told…
Read More » -
19 MarchPubs and Bars
Hogs Back Brewery offers drive through beer amid coronavirus outbreak
Surrey-based Hogs Back Brewery has launched a new drive-through service for its draught, bottled and canned beers, following government advice to self-isolate and avoid going to restaurants, pubs and bars. Customers will be able to place orders from a “safe distance” with staff members then loading the beer directly into…
Read More »
