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.

Feb- 2021 -

5 February

Restaurants

Shake Shack partners with Deliveroo for ‘delivery only’ hub in Cambridge

Fast food restaurant Shake Shack has partnered with Deliveroo to open its first “delivery only” venue in Cambridge. The hub is set to open on 9 February and will operate from 12:00PM to 10:45PM, seven days a week. To celebrate the launch Deliveroo has offered customers free delivery until 14…
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3 February

Apps & Technology

Consumers eager to return to going out, CGA finds

Well over half (59%) of consumers said they “couldn’t wait” to go out again, while 51% hoped to get back to venues within a few weeks of reopening, according to the latest CGA Hospitality Consumer Forecast. CGA’s forecast was based on a survey of a nationally representative sample of 3,000…
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2 February

Breweries and Distilleries

Marston’s ‘unanimously rejects’ Platinum takeover bid

Marston’s, the brewery, pub, and hotel operator, has rejected a takeover bid submitted by Platinum Equity, a US-based private equity investment firm. The proposal, which represented 105 pence per Marston’s share, was “unanimously rejected” on the grounds that it “very significantly undervalues” the brand. A regulatory statement from the firm…
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2 February

Coronavirus

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 February

Coronavirus

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 February

Breweries 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 February

Coronavirus

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 January

Coronavirus

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 January

Restaurants

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 January

Pubs 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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