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.

  • Jul- 2020 -
    31 July
    BeveragesBBPA repeats call for government to cut VAT on beer in pubs

    BBPA repeats call for government to cut VAT on beer in pubs

    The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has urged the UK government to extend its VAT cut on food in pubs to include beer as well.  The trade association has made the plea as the European Commission confirmed that within the EU’s VAT Directives, Member States can apply targeted reductions…

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  • 31 July
    CoronavirusGetting your hospitality businesses in touch with the low touch economy

    Getting your hospitality businesses in touch with the low touch economy

    After months of difficulty, uncertainty, and a precarious balancing act at the edge of business survival, the UK’s hospitality sector may finally be seeing the sun break through the storm clouds. Chancellor Rishi Sunak brought welcome news for the suffering sector with a VAT cut for hotels, restaurants, and other…

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  • 30 July
    RestaurantsRick Stein’s Marlborough restaurant saved amid 25% rent reduction

    Rick Stein’s Marlborough restaurant saved amid 25% rent reduction

    The Rick Stein Marlborough restaurant has been saved from closure after the landlord came forward and agreed a 25% reduction in rent to save the business. In June 2020, it was announced that the restaurant would be forced to close its doors permanently, due to the increased financial strain during…

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  • 30 July
    Food and DrinkDeliveroo launches Table Service tool

    Deliveroo launches Table Service tool

    Deliveroo has announced a new targeted support package to help pubs and bars reopen safely with the launch of its contactless dine-in tool – ‘TableService’. Deliveroo is the first major UK platform to introduce Table Service, which allows customers to order via the Deliveroo app in pubs, bars and restaurants,…

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  • 29 July
    Cafes and Coffee ShopsStarbucks sales slump amid Covid-19

    Starbucks sales slump amid Covid-19

    Starbucks has announced that global comparable store sales plummeted 40% in the quarter ended 28 June, driven by a 51% decrease in comparable transactions, though partially offset by a 23% increase in the average ticket. Consolidated net revenues slumped by 38% to $4.2bn (£3.24bn) against the prior year, primarily due…

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  • 29 July
    CoronavirusBermondsey’s Loyal Tavern to permanently close

    Bermondsey’s Loyal Tavern to permanently close

    Chef Tom Cencil has announced the permanent closure of Bermondsey-based restaurant and bar Loyal Tavern. In an Instagram post, Cencil attributed the closure as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic. He said: “It’s with a broken heart and a decision that I thought I would never have to take,…

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  • 27 July
    CoronavirusMandatory calorie labelling ‘slap in the face’ to hospitality

    Mandatory calorie labelling ‘slap in the face’ to hospitality

    UKHospitality CEO, Kate Nicholls, has warned the costs of the implementation of mandatory calorie labelling on menus will be a “slap in the face” for hospitality, after the government revealed a series of measures to target obesity. The measures form part of the government’s new obesity strategy to get the…

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  • 27 July
    Cafes and Coffee ShopsCreams welcomes ‘record’ sales

    Creams welcomes ‘record’ sales

    Creams has welcomed a “strong performance” in the full-year ended 31 March 2020, with group sales up by 3% year-on-year to £43.4m. The dessert chain welcomed the results against the backdrop of a “challenging” period in the casual dining market in light of the “severe” impact of Covid. In its…

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  • 27 July
    CoronavirusThe coronavirus diaries: Uncle John’s Bakery

    The coronavirus diaries: Uncle John’s Bakery

    Uncle John’s Bakery has been a staple in the community for 25 years, providing fresh Ghanaian baked goods and has received continuous support from our customers. The business was started in 1995 by my parents John and Emelia Mensah, after they arrived in the UK in the early 80’s. I…

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  • 24 July
    CoronavirusHospitality shifts down 68% on pre-lockdown levels, research finds

    Hospitality shifts down 68% on pre-lockdown levels, research finds

    The hospitality industry is missing out on a “crucial post-lockdown renaissance” with shifts down 68.9% on pre-lockdown levels, according to new research by Wagestream. The group said that even in England, where pubs, restaurants, bars and cafes have been able to open since 4 July , the number of shifts…

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