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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Sep- 2020 -3 SeptemberComment
HMRC and Covid-19: One hand giveth, the other taketh away
One hand giveth HMRC was responsible for overseeing and implementing the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (“CJRS”) and other furlough schemes. Its ensuring that monies were paid under the Government’s various furlough support schemes has been impressive. Although the guidance on who was entitled to monies under the CJRS was…
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2 SeptemberCoronavirus
EOTHO scheme boosts restaurant spending by 34%
The UK Government’s ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ (EOTHO) scheme saw diners spend 34.2% more at restaurants and fast food outlets on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in August than they did in July. This is according to new data from Barclaycard, which showcased the “success” of the Government scheme. In…
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2 SeptemberComment
Why the food and beverage sector now faces major insurance challenges
Mactavish, the specialist outsourced insurance buyer and claims resolution expert, is warning companies operating in the food and beverage sector that any significant operational changes they have made in response to Covid-19 could place them in breach of their existing insurance policy terms, potentially leaving them unable to access crucial…
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1 SeptemberNews
Vanilla Black announces closure
Vanilla Black, a vegan and vegetarian restaurant based in Holborn, will not reopen following the Covid-19 pandemic. The restaurant, known for its gourmet vegetarian cuisine and art-deco inspired dining room, held two AA rosettes and was listed in the Michelin guide. Co-owners Andrew Dargue and Donna Conroy, who founded the…
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Aug- 2020 -27 AugustRestaurants
Wahaca to shutter a third of sites
Wahaca is set to shutter more than a third of its sites, following impacted sales due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The group is now planning to close 10 of its 28 sites. Branches affected by the closure include sites in Bluewater, Kent; St Pauls, London; Liverpool; Manchester and Bristol. Alongside…
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27 AugustPeople
Majority of office workers in catering sector feel unsafe returning to work after Covid-19
Only 28% of office workers in the retail, catering and leisure sector feel safe returning to work after the pandemic, despite new health and safety measures that have been put in place. This is according to new research from insurance provider Protectivity, which asked office workers around the UK how…
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26 AugustPubs and Bars
Greene King announces rent concessions for tied tenants
Greene King Pub Partners has announced a further £6m of financial support for its leased and tenanted partners, as they work to rebuild their businesses following the Covid-19 closure. The current rent concessions from Greene King Pub Partners are due to come to an end eight weeks after reopening. The…
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26 AugustAdvice
Five stars: Top tips to get better reviews
Online reputation management – pretty much everyone working in hospitality knows the importance of it. In fact, having a positive online presence can make or break your business, with a staggering 76% of UK consumers admitting to checking internet reviews before choosing an establishment to eat or drink at. Think about it, if a potential customer searches for your…
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24 AugustFood and Drink
Prospect Bars and Pubs adds second site
Prospect Bars and Pubs’ Dan Shotton and Mark Draper have taken on a second site, The Victoria in Woodham. The former owners of Redcombe pubs are undertaking a joint £580,000 refurbishment with Star Pubs and Bars, owners of The Victoria, which has been closed for 14 months. Following the launch…
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24 AugustCoronavirus
Record economic growth anticipated for Q3
The UK is reportedly on track for a record economic resurgence during the third quarter of the year, following sharp declines in GDP at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in Q2. According to the Financial Times (FT), City of London economists have predicted a 14.3% rise in GDP for…
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