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.

  • Oct- 2020 -
    20 October
    GovernmentLiquor licensing bill brought to Northern Ireland’s Assembly

    Liquor licensing bill brought to Northern Ireland’s Assembly

    A bill aimed at modernising Northern Ireland’s liquor licensing laws was brought before the Assembly yesterday (20 October). Originally set to be discussed before the Assembly’s collapse in January 2017, the legislation is set to bring about changes to the country’s laws regarding the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages.…

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  • 19 October
    CoronavirusWales announces ‘firebreak’ lockdown

    Wales announces ‘firebreak’ lockdown

    The Welsh government has announced a two-week “firebreak” national lockdown, which will force business closures across the country from 23 October at 6pm until Monday 9 November.  According to BBC News, first minister Mark Drakeford said the “time-limited firebreak” will be “a short, sharp, shock to turn back the clock,…

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  • 19 October
    CoronavirusKatsu Kitchen shutters permanently due to Covid-19

    Katsu Kitchen shutters permanently due to Covid-19

    Katsu Kitchen, a Japanese inspired restaurant in Moseley, Birmingham, has permanently closed its doors as a result of Covid-19.  The company, which originally started out as a pop up vendor in August 2018, posted an online statement saying “we shall be closing indefinitely from Sunday 18 October, the pandemic has…

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  • 16 October
    Food and DrinkDominos reports ‘strong’ Q3 performance

    Dominos reports ‘strong’ Q3 performance

    Pizza chain Dominos has reported a “strong” Q3 sales performance with revenues of £342.1m, up from £288.2m the previous year. During the 13 week period ending 27 September, Dominos said that despite Covid-19 restrictions which ceased all collection orders, deliveries increased 11.8% year-on-year bringing in £12.4m in online orders. The…

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  • 16 October
    CoronavirusFat Duck restaurant shutters for two weeks amid Covid-19 cases

    Fat Duck restaurant shutters for two weeks amid Covid-19 cases

    The Fat Duck restaurant has announced a two week voluntary closure after several of its staff members tested positive for coronavirus.  According to the Guardian, the restaurant in Bray, Berkshire contacted customers who had intended to dine there that the venue had closed with “immediate effect.” The Heston Blumenthal-owned restaurant…

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  • 16 October
    Pubs and BarsJD Wetherspoon reports first loss since 1984

    JD Wetherspoon reports first loss since 1984

    JD Wetherspoon has reported a £105.4m pre-tax loss in the year to 26 July as sales fell due to Covid-19 restrictions, the company’s first loss since 1984. The pub chain said revenues plunged by 30.6% to £1.26bn as its pubs were adversely impacted by lockdown. The pre-tax loss includes £60m…

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  • 15 October
    CoronavirusMarston’s warns ‘2150 jobs at risk’ amid new restrictions

    Marston’s warns ‘2150 jobs at risk’ amid new restrictions

    Marston’s pub group is preparing to lay off 2150 staff members as a result of the new three-tiered lockdown system.  The company said that since the first lockdown was lifted 10,000 staff members have been  able return to work, however because of new restrictions imposed this week 2150 pub-based roles…

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  • 15 October
    CoronavirusLondon to move to Tier 2

    London to move to Tier 2

    London and Essex will face tougher Tier 2 Covid-19 restrictions from Saturday (17 October), including a ban on the mixing of households, local MPs have been told. According to the BBC, health secretary Matt Hancock is set to update MPs on the latest measures in the Commons later today. Under…

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  • 14 October
    RestaurantsComptoir Libanais reports £5m pre-tax loss

    Comptoir Libanais reports £5m pre-tax loss

    Comptoir Libanais has reported a pre-tax loss of £5m for the six month period ending 30 June, from a £547,685 loss over the same period last year. The group’s gross revenue dropped by 61% in the period to £6.1m, with Comptoir citing “Covid-19 related closures” as the reason behind the…

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  • 13 October
    RestaurantsHerman ze German to permanently close all UK sites

    Herman ze German to permanently close all UK sites

    Herman ze German has announced the permanent closure of all its UK sites. The fast food brand, which specialises in German sausages, operates four sites across London in Soho, Charing Cross, Fitzrovia and White City. In a message to customers on Instagram, the group cited the financial impact of Covid-19…

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