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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Oct- 2020 -13 OctoberGovernment
Mitchells & Butlers begins redundancy talks with staff
Mitchells and Butlers has begun consulting with a number of its staff regarding redundancy payments as the company struggles with the fallout from Covid-19. According to the BBC, the chain which owns brands such as Harvester and All Bar One has not yet disclosed how many jobs are at risk,…
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12 OctoberCoronavirus
PM unveils three-tiered lockdown system
Prime minister Boris Johnson this afternoon announced a new three-tier lockdown system that will see some hospitality businesses in the North-West forced to close from Wednesday. Under the new system, different rules for regions will be classified as being on ‘medium’, ‘high’ or ‘very high’ alert depending on the rate…
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12 OctoberCafes and Coffee Shops
Tim Hortons UK expansion will create 2000 new jobs
Tim Hortons reportedly has plans to expand across the UK and Ireland in a bid to “capitalise” on the growing trend of drive-through dining. According to the BBC, the Canadian coffee chain said it hopes to open an outlet in “every major city and town” over the next two years.…
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12 OctoberCoronavirus
G-A-Y owner begins formal legal challenge against 10pm curfew
Jeremy Joseph, CEO of G-A-Y, has instructed barristers from Kings Chambers and Simpson Miller to challenge the government’s latest round of Covid-19 restrictions which are affecting the hospitality industry. The pre-action protocol has been served to specifically challenge the government’s decision to implement a 10pm curfew on hospitality premises, which…
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9 OctoberGovernment
Hospitality sector demands ‘clarity’ amid closure rumours
Hospitality workers in the North of England are requesting clarity from UK government officials following news that restaurants and bars may have to close from Monday. According to Sky News, ministers are said to be still finalising a “traffic light system plan” where different areas of England with the highest…
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8 OctoberCoronavirus
Pubs and restaurants in central Scotland to close
Pubs and restaurants across Scotland’s central belt, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, are set to close as part of new measures targeted at preventing the increase of Covid-19 cases in the area. In other parts of the country, pubs and restaurants can remain open but can only sell alcohol outdoors. The…
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7 OctoberCoronavirus
New Scottish Covid-19 restrictions ‘risk young people’s future’
A member of the Scottish Hospitality Group (SHG) has warned that renewed Covid-19 restrictions are a “risk [to] young people’s future”. Stephen Montgomery, who owns two hotels in Dumfries, said that restrictions being mulled by authorities which may come into force after the furlough scheme ends “will cost jobs”. He…
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7 OctoberTrade Associations
UKHospitality calls on government to end 10pm curfew
UKHospitality has called on the government to ‘‘rethink’’ the 10pm curfew on pubs and restaurants, which was brought into effect in September to curb the growing rate of Covid-19. A vote on the measure, which was expected to take place today (7 October), has been delayed and will possibly happen…
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6 OctoberCoronavirus
Chancellor defends EOTHO Scheme
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has defended promoting the return to UK bars and restaurants over the summer through the Eat Out To Help Out scheme. Speaking to Sky News, the chancellor diluted the link between his scheme and the spike in cases across the country as he stated people were “jumping…
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1 OctoberFood and Drink
Emilia’s Crafted Pasta extends EOTHO scheme
Emilia’s Crafted Pasta, has announced it is extending its Eat Out To Help Out scheme throughout October. The restaurant, which has locations in both Algate and St.Katherine’s Docks, London, officially reopened after Covid-19 restrictions back in July. They are now offering 50% off pasta (up to £10 per person discount)…
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