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.
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Feb- 2021 -2 FebruaryCoronavirus
Isle of Man hospitality reopens
The Isle of Man has exited lockdown after a 25 day ‘circuit break’ worked to stop the community spread of Covid-19. The island’s government said that life can now “return to near normal”, with no requirement for social distancing and no recommendations that the public wear face coverings. The move…
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1 FebruaryCoronavirus
Two Nottinghamshire venues shut down for Covid breaches
Two businesses in Nottinghamshire have been shut down by police after owners ignored lockdown laws by serving alcohol to customers inside. The owners of the Wheatsheaf Inn in Cropwell Bishop and Indian Nights in East Bridgford were issued £1,000 fines in January and also have received a prohibition notice, ensuring…
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1 FebruaryBreweries and Distilleries
US equity firm eyes Marston’s takeover
Marston’s, the brewery, pub and hotel operator, is reportedly subject to a takeover approach from the US-based private equity investment firm, Platinum Equity. According to Bloomberg, Marston’s revealed on Friday 29 February that Platinum put forward an unsolicited, non-binding proposal of a possible cash bid to the group. The company’s…
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1 FebruaryCoronavirus
UKH calls for VAT and rates support after ‘worst year on record’
UKHospitality has called for a further extension of VAT and business rates support from the government after the “worst year of trading on record” has left enormous swathes of the hospitality sector on the “verge of collapse”. The plea follows recent figures from UKHospitality’s quarterly sales tracker, in partnership with…
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Jan- 2021 -29 JanuaryCoronavirus
Manchester City footballer raises money for local restaurants
Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gündogan has launched a campaign to help support local Manchester hospitality businesses hit by the pandemic. Gündogan is now auctioning off items such as personal ‘meet and greets’ and signed jerseys – with all proceeds going to restaurants and cafes. The footballer said he was inspired…
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29 JanuaryRestaurants
Various Eateries receives £2.5m business interruption payout
Various Eateries, a restaurant owner, developer, and operator, has received £2.5m through its business interruption policy. The funds, which reportedly fall short of compensating the group’s losses during the pandemic, have supported Various Eateries’ overall liquidity. While establishments have remained closed across the UK due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, the…
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28 JanuaryPubs and Bars
Oakman Inns confident of £4.5m funding target
Oakman Inns chief executive officer, Steven Kenee has said he is “very confident” that the pub group will reach its £4.5m funding target – after it received applications for over £3.6m of shares. Before Christmas the company launched an equity fund raiser aimed at private individuals to support its growth…
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27 JanuaryPubs and Bars
CAMRA: Forced hospitality closure until may will be ‘devastating’
Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has responded to the comments by Sage scientists that hospitality businesses should remain closed until May by suggesting that this would be a “devastating double whammy” for pubs and breweries. The organisation said it was “absolutely critical” for the government to intervene with further support…
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27 JanuaryPubs and Bars
Tim Martin sells £50.3m of JD Wetherspoon shares
Chairman of JD Wheterspoon Tim Martin, has sold shares worth £50.3m to capitalise on the “significant buying interest” following the company placing last week. On 26 January, Martin announced that he sold 4,370,000 of the company’s ordinary shares at a price of £11.50 per share. Taking his holding in the…
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26 JanuaryPubs and Bars
City Pub Group positioned to ‘emerge strongly’
The City Pub Group has announced it is “well positioned to emerge strongly” once restrictions are lifted, having reduced cash burn to a minimum in the full-year ended 27 December 2020. In light of closures and ongoing restrictions, however, revenue plummeted 57% in the period, falling from £60m in 2019…
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