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 -

27 July

Cafes and Coffee Shops

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

Coronavirus

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

Coronavirus

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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23 July

Beverages

BBPA welcomes SBR reforms

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has welcomed the government’s continued commitment to Small Brewer Relief (SBR) and “improvements to its current structure”. It also welcomed the launch of the business rates review and an “expected” timescale for the Alcohol Duty Review. The trade association highlights that the purpose…
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23 July

People

Deliveroo appoints new CFO

Deliveroo has appointed Adam Miller as its new chief financial officer. Miller has been with the group since February 2019, having previously served as vice president for corporate strategy. He most recently stepped in as interim CFO for the delivery app group. According to Deliveroo, Miller has played a “significant”…
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22 July

Coronavirus

Winchester’s River Cottage Kitchen permanently closes

Celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage Kitchen in Winchester has announced its permanent closure as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. In a statement on its website, the restaurant said: “We all face unprecedented challenges from Covid-19 and with a heavy heart, we have made the very difficult and sad…
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21 July

Coronavirus

Hospitality trade bodies outline ‘road to recovery’

A new report from UKHospitality and CGA has revealed the scale of impact Covid has had on the hospitality sector, and outlines what the industry can do to recover both sales and consumer confidence. According to the trade bodies, “rigorous” safety measures, industry collaboration and government support can “speed the…
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20 July

Restaurants

Zizzi and Ask Italian to close 75 sites, 1,200 jobs at risk

Some 75 Zizzi and Ask Italian sites are set to close after the restaurant’s owner, Azzurri Group, was acquired by TowerBrook Capital Partners. The move has placed 1,200 jobs at risk and is the result of “unprecedented levels” of disruption in recent months as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.…
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20 July

Beverages

SIBA NI voices concern on reform of liquor licensing laws

The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) has voiced its concerns of the proposals to reform liquor licensing laws in Northern Ireland. Last week, Northern Ireland’s communities minister, Carál Ní Chuilín MLA, announced executive agreement on proposals that will “transform and modernise” the liquor licensing law. The proposals will now be…
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16 July

Restaurants

Bistrot Pierre collapses into administration

KPMG has revealed it has led the administration of restaurant group Le Bistrot Pierre. The firm confirmed that restructuring practice members, Will Wright and Steve Absolom, were appointed joint administrators of the French-style restaurant chain. Following their appointment, the business and certain assets were “immediately” sold to Bistrot Pierre 1994…
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