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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Oct- 2020 -5 OctoberCoronavirus
BBPA warns of £7bn hit to economy if gov fails to ‘change tack’
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has warned of a potential £7bn hit to the UK economy if the government fails to change its stance on pubs. The claim comes as part of a new report with Oxford Economics, the forecasting and analysis consultancy, modelling the likely impact of…
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5 OctoberCoronavirus
G-A-Y launches legal action against 10pm bar curfew
The owner of G-A-Y nightclub has officially launched legal action against the government’s hospitality curfew. According to Sky News, boss of the venue, Jeremy Joseph is seeking a judicial review to end the recently imposed law which forces bars and late night venues to close at 10pm. The restrictions were…
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5 OctoberComment
Unprofitable hotel kitchens cannot be sustained, but food delivery holds the answer
Nationwide lockdown is over, staycations are booming, and yet across the hotel industry, thousands of venues are struggling with low occupancy rates, particularly hotels in city centres, not to mention the considerable costs incurred as owners go to extreme lengths to make patrons feel safe during their stay. In an…
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1 OctoberFood and Drink
Emilia’s Crafted Pasta extends EOTHO scheme
Emilia’s Crafted Pasta, has announced it is extending its Eat Out To Help Out scheme throughout October. The restaurant, which has locations in both Algate and St.Katherine’s Docks, London, officially reopened after Covid-19 restrictions back in July. They are now offering 50% off pasta (up to £10 per person discount)…
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Sep- 2020 -30 SeptemberEducation
Post-18 education support ‘must target’ hospitality
UKHospitality “welcomed” the government’s plan to expand post-18 education and training, but has urged it to focus the scheme on aiding the hospitality sector. The new scheme will offer adults who do not have A-level (or equivalent) qualifications entitlement to free college courses “valued” by employers, aiming to “boost” opportunities…
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30 SeptemberNews
Burger King calls in advisers to review CVA options
Burger King is reportedly considering the closure of some of its small UK branches following a restructuring process brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Sky News, the restaurant’s UK operations team has called in advisers from AlixPartners to review options for one of its subsidiary companies, which owns…
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28 SeptemberRestaurants
Partners Group acquires Côte Restaurants
Côte Restaurants has been acquired by global private markets investment manager Partners Group. It comes as the group said that coronavirus has had a “huge impact” on the business, despite “trading well” before lockdown, with “record” sales and strong EBITDA growth in the last financial year. Partners Group said it…
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28 SeptemberRestaurants
Gusto CVA approved, 600 jobs saved
Italian restaurant chain Gusto is to go ahead with its CVA plans, which it said secures the future of the business and more than 600 jobs. Amid the “most challenging trading conditions seen for the casual dining sector in a generation”, the firm said the CVA was “overwhelmingly” supported by…
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25 SeptemberCoronavirus
Scottish university students must avoid pubs, says government
University students in Scotland must avoid pubs, following an outbreak of Covid-19 in student accommodation across parts of Scotland, according to new measures announced by the Scottish government. Following a meeting between university principles and government ministers, further measures and messaging have been introduced to stop the spread of the…
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24 SeptemberCoronavirus
Deliveroo calls for further industry support as restrictions grow
Deliveroo, alongside major restaurant partners, is calling on the government to provide further financial support to the restaurant sector as restrictions tighten. In a letter addressed to Rishi Sunak, which was signed by the CEOs of Pizza Hut and KFC, the online food delivery company outlined what additional support is…
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