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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Nov- 2020 -5 NovemberCoronavirus
Star Pubs and Bars offers licensees 100% rent concessions
Star Pubs and Bars has announced it is offering its licensees 100% rent concessions, in a bid to support its tenanted pubs through England’s second lockdown of this year. The group is to offer zero rent entirely for all its pubs on core leased and tenanted agreements during the four…
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4 NovemberCoronavirus
Zizzi’s in Bristol forced to close after alleged Covid-19 breach
A Zizzi restaurant near Bristol was forced to close by police as the authorities investigated an alleged report that staff were ordered to come into work while awaiting coronavirus test results. According to the Guardian, the chain restaurant in Clifton village closed on Thursday, 29 October after staff reported the…
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2 NovemberFeatures
Q&A with Jonathan Dockrell
What difficulties were there in opening the shop in Canary Wharf, especially during the pandemic? I suppose that the initial pain was getting people to fit the new kitchen in as you normally would. Usually you go in with relatively large teams and very quickly sort it so we’ve had…
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2 NovemberCoronavirus
Hospitality firms on a ‘knife edge’, warns UKHospitality
UKHospitality has warned that the industry is on a “knife edge” following Boris Johnson’s announcement that England will enter into a new national lockdown on 5 November. A statement published by the trade body stressed that the hospitality industry has already been “pushed to the limits”, with many business owners…
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Oct- 2020 -30 OctoberCoronavirus
Gordon Ramsay opens new restaurant amid calls to ‘kick-start’ economy
Gordon Ramsay has taken to Twitter to announce the opening of a new Street Pizza venue in Southwark on 5 November, as he tells followers the industry must “bounce back” from Covid-19. In a video posted on the chef’s social media site, he said: “You may think it’s crazy opening a…
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28 OctoberCoronavirus
Scotland to ease pub rules
As of Monday (2 November), pubs and restaurants in many Scottish areas will be able to serve alcohol to customers again. Premises in level two of the country’s new five-tier system will be allowed to serve alcohol with a meal until 8pm, the announcement was made yesterday by Nicola Sturgeon,…
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26 OctoberCafes and Coffee Shops
Caffe Nero eyes CVA proposal
Caffe Nero is reportedly considering the launch of a company voluntary arrangement (CVA), as the pandemic takes a toll on its earnings. According to Sky News, the coffee chain is considering a CVA to cut costs on rent bills and exit loss-making outlets. Reports suggest it has not yet been…
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26 OctoberRegulations & Policies
Manchester hospitality sector slams ‘insufficient’ government response
Hospitality leaders in Greater Manchester, led by the region’s night time economy advisor Sacha Lord, are continuing legal proceedings against the introduction of Tier 3 restrictions after receiving an “insufficient” government response. The group has previously said the decision has no scientific basis and will “recklessly destroy” the region’s hospitality…
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23 OctoberGovernment
KFC to create 5400 additional jobs
KFC has announced plans to create a further 5400 job roles across the UK and Ireland. According to Sky News, the fast food chain has seen a rise in demand for its produce due to Covid-19, the company said the new roles will be created in its 965 restaurants across…
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22 OctoberCoronavirus
17% of hospitality firms at ‘severe risk’ of insolvency
Some 17% of accommodation and food service companies are at a “severe risk” of insolvency, according to the latest Business Impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Survey (BICS) from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). The latest data covering the period 21 September to 4 October, shows that across all industries, 5%…
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