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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Jul- 2023 -12 JulyComment
RTDs in the on-trade: what’s behind the rise in demand?
In recent years, the ready-to-drink (RTD) category has seen monumental growth. In fact, RTD volumes have been increasing faster than any other major drinks category since 2018, and are expected to ‘significantly’ surpass the total alcohol market by 2025. Within this, it’s RTD cocktails which are driving the most growth…
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6 JulyCafes and Coffee Shops
Joe and the Juice revenues jump 49% in FY22
Danish chain of juice bars and coffee shops, Joe and the Juice, has revealed that revenues increased by DKK 558m (£63.9m) to DKK 1.7bn (£124.6m) in FY22, demonstrating a 49% jump. The group’s operating profit also increased from DKK 271m (£31m) in 2021 to DKK 276m (£31.6m) in FY22, with…
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Jun- 2023 -26 JuneComment
Restaurants turn to tech to take on a tough economy
The restaurant industry has demonstrated unprecedented resilience in recent years. Coping with wave after wave of challenges, from the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic to chronic labour shortages and skyrocketing energy costs, it has bounced back again and again. At a time of extreme economic and financial volatility, restaurant…
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23 JuneNews
UK restaurant deliveries stabilise after post-Covid slide
Delivery and takeaway sales at Britain’s top managed restaurant groups in May were just 1% behind the same month last year, CGA by NIQ’s latest Hospitality at Home Tracker shows. Year-on-year sales by value have now fallen for 18 months in a row, after the easing of Covid-19 restrictions brought…
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13 JuneComment
‘Innovate or die’: the conundrum facing a rapidly changing catering industry
Historically known to drag its feet when it comes to new technology, the catering sector is quickly playing catch up thanks to mounting competition and technological advances that are making it more accessible. Cloud-based tools have been leading the tide of change, with the aftermath of Covid-19 acting as the…
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May- 2023 -22 MayNews
Fazenda’s sales hit £20m in FY23
South-American restaurant brand, Fazenda Group, which operates five regional sites across the UK, reported a 37% year-over-year growth in FY23. Sales for the group surpassed £20m for the first-time in the thirteen years that the company has been trading, even with the closure of its Chester site in 2021 as…
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17 MayComment
How can the hospitality sector prepare for the busy summer months?
Despite current economic headwinds, many businesses in the hospitality sector are looking for new ways of furthering growth opportunities in the upcoming summer months. In their 2023 sector outlook, Barclaycard revealed that consumer card spending on hospitality and leisure increased 10.6% year-on-year in 2022, as the lifting of all Covid-19…
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2 MayComment
Fighting the global food waste problem with AI and automation
With food and drink prices remaining stubbornly high in the UK despite recent Office for National Statistics figures showing a slowdown in inflation, it has never been more important to manage and reduce waste. Yet, according to the United Nations, roughly 17% of all food produced in the world for…
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Apr- 2023 -26 AprilFeatures
The Shaftesbury Theatre’s foray into meetings and events
Can you tell us about your career leading up to your time at the Shaftesbury Theatre? I started in the events industry back in 2013, working for a London-based staffing agency that was looking for waiters and bar staff for various venues. I signed up to support my studies while…
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25 AprilPubs and Bars
Kirkmichael Arms brought to market for £349k
The Kirkmichael Arms, a traditional country pub with an adjoining restaurant in South Ayrshire, has been brought to the market at offers over £349k. The cottage style property, which is contained over ground and attic floors, is of traditional construction and has been carefully developed and maintained by the current…
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