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 -

21 October

Food and Drink

Abokado unable to save 150 jobs despite pre-pack deal

The healthy fast-food chain has been unable to save the jobs of its 150 employees after being bought out of administration, according to The Telegraph. Five Abokado stores have reportedly had to close with immediate effect, while discussions over the remaining 14 sites are dependent on the landlord’s individual rental…
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20 October

Coronavirus

Manchester moved into Tier three

Prime minister Boris Johnson has announced that Manchester will be placed into Tier 3 Covid-19 restrictions, after talks between mayor Andy Burnham and the UK government collapsed. As a result of being placed under Tier 3, pubs and restaurants must close unless they are supplying substantial meals and outside household…
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20 October

Food and Drink

Gourmet kebab chain set to open 12 new sites by end of year

German Doner Kebab (GDK) has confirmed it will open a total of 12 new branches by the end of the year creating 480 new jobs. The next five sites said to open are situated in Batley, Plymouth, Peterborough, Liverpool and London’s Bethnal Green. GDK was founded in Germany in 1989…
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20 October

Government

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

Coronavirus

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

Coronavirus

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 Drink

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

Coronavirus

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 Bars

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

Coronavirus

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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