Covid-19

Our COVID-19 coverage captures the full impact of the pandemic on the UK’s foodservice and hospitality sector, from lockdown trading restrictions and government support schemes to recovery planning, operational adaptations, and long-term business implications. This includes essential reporting for restaurant operators, pub landlords, caterers, chefs, and F&B directors navigating one of the most disruptive periods in industry history.

Mar- 2021 -

12 March

Restaurants

Jollibee invests £30m to grow UK presence

Asian inspired fast-food restaurant Jollibee has announced it is investing £30m into growing its brand in the UK. The chain, which was originally founded in the Philippines, is set to open a new flagship restaurant in Leicester Square this May. This will be followed by two more store launches in…
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11 March

Trade Associations

Gov confirms lease forfeiture moratorium extension

The government has announced another extension of the lease forfeiture moratorium, in a boon for the hospitality industry. Robert Jenrick, the house secretary, confirmed protections that prevent landlords from repossessing commercial premises, if businesses are unable to to pay rent due to Covid-19, will now expire in June. Originally the…
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10 March

Restaurants

The Restaurant Group to raise £715m to offset Covid-19 impact

The Restaurant Group (TGR) has announced it plans to raise £175m in a move which will aim to enhance liquidity, accelerate deleveraging and support selective growth as the company continues to struggle with the ripple effects of Covid-19. The plans mark the end of the group’s “deep restructuring” programme and…
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9 March

People

Hospitality salaries up ‘significantly’ despite pandemic, report finds

Despite the economic impact of Covid-19, average salary levels across the hospitality and leisure sector grew “significantly” in 2020, according to new data released by recruitment group Reed. From analysis of over 6.5 million jobs posted to reed.co.uk over the last three years, the Reed Hospitality and Leisure Salary Guide…
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8 March

Coronavirus

Hospitality ‘generally optimistic’ despite Covid disruption, study finds

Despite the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the industry, hospitality businesses are “mostly positive” about the future, according to a survey of 141 sector operators by accountancy firm Haysmacintyre. The 2021 Haysmacintyre ‘UK Hospitality Snapshot Survey’ revealed “encouraging signs of confidence” amongst the sector, even before the prime minister…
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5 March

Coronavirus

UKH warns business rates cap may endanger mid-sized firms

UKHospitality has warned that the £2m cap the government has imposed on business rates relief “could threaten the survival of jobs and businesses” for many mid-sized firms. The warning comes after the cap was unveiled as part of the chancellor’s budget announcement on Wednesday (3 March). As part of the…
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3 March

Features

An insight into the pub sector’s investor interest

Following a spate of high profile investment rounds and acquisition rumours within the UK’s pub sector, a number of questions have been raised. Why has investor interest recently spiked within the industry? Why are a number of high profile deals falling through? And more simply, what do these kinds of…
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3 March

Government

Welsh Gov grants £30m for hospitality, leisure, and tourism

The Welsh Government has announced a £30m support package for hospitality, leisure, and tourism businesses impacted by the ongoing Covid-19 measures. The funding is aimed at businesses employing ten staff or over, recognising the higher level of operating costs that they face. Ken Skates, minister for the economy, transport and…
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3 March

Business

Fazenda owner bought out of administration

Begbies Traynor has overseen the pre-package sale of City District Limited to Southern Wind Group Limited, who has acquired a “substantial” part of the business and assets in a move that has saved 243 jobs. City District Limited, which trades as the Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill alongside sister brand…
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2 March

Coronavirus

The Restaurant Group burns through £5.5m per month amid lockdown

The Restaurant Group has revealed it has burned through £5.5m in cash per month during the ongoing national lockdown, adding that the cash burn rate is expected to stay at this level until the end of the current restrictions for hospitality businesses. Nonetheless, it has since secured £500m in new…
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