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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Jul- 2020 -2 JulyFood and Drink
1 Lombard Street appoints Mark Hix as director of food and drink
Restaurant 1 Lombard Street has announced the appointment of Mark Hix as director of food and drink, ahead of its relaunch on 20 July. Hix will work alongside executive chef Robin Freeman to develop the current menu and introduce food and drink producers from the British Isles. The restaurant said…
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1 JulyComment
Will technology become a caterer’s best friend when doors reopen?
July 4th will undoubtedly be a day of celebration not just for hospitality professionals, but for the whole country, as bars, pubs and restaurants are given the green light to open their doors once more. But happiness will be mingled with apprehension for many restaurant owners, wondering how social distancing…
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1 JulyBusiness
Upper Crust owner SSP set to cut 5,000 jobs amid dwindling demand
Some 5,000 jobs at Upper Crust owner SSP could be axed as the company faces dwindling demand due to the Covid-19 pandemic. SSP said the impact on passenger travel arising from Covid-19 resulted in the closure of almost all of its units in the UK. It added that its intention…
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1 JulyCoronavirus
Castle Terrace to close due to Covid-19’s ‘devastating effect’
Edinburgh-based restaurant, Castle Terrace, has announced it will not reopen post-lockdown, attributing the Covid-19 pandemic as having a “devastating effect on the hospitality industry”. The restaurant, which opened 10 years ago by chefs Domonic Jack and Tom Kitchin, revealed the news via an Instagram post. Jack said: “Sadly today [30…
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1 JulyComment
The impact of COVID-19 on your water offer – what you need to know
The repercussions of Covid-19 have been far-reaching for all, especially for those in the hospitality industry, where measures meant that businesses have been closed and normal services put on hold. It’s safe to say these temporary closures have left many of us looking forward to visiting our favorite restaurants, pubs…
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Jun- 2020 -30 JuneCoronavirus
Byron set to appoint administrators
Byron has reportedly filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators after it “teetered on the brink of financial collapse” following Covid-19. According to Sky News, the burger chain is now looking to secure a takeover of the group, and is holding “detailed” talks with three unnamed potential buyers in…
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30 JuneCafes and Coffee Shops
Caffè Nero to reopen 400 stores to eat in from 4 July
Caffè Nero has announced it will reopen 400 stores for eat-in from the 4 July. The stores will open with protocols in place to ensure its employees and customers remain safe and in accordance with government advice and social distancing guidance. The stores will offer Caffè Nero’s coffee and other…
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30 JuneCoronavirus
Revised ONS data reveals greater GDP drop in Q1 2020
The UK’s gross domestic product (GDP) in volume terms fell by 2.2% in Q1 2020, which has been revised downwards by 0.2 percentage points from the Office for National Statisitic’s (ONS) first quarterly estimate. The ONS said it is the largest fall in UK GDP since Q3 1979, when it…
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29 JuneComment
The coronavirus diaries: Graham Hornigold and Heather Kaniuk
Much of our work is centred across Europe, the UAE and beyond. Prior to Covid-19, our summer was booked with upcoming projects in Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and the UAE. We felt the impact before the UK went into lock-down, but we were uncertain what this meant for our business…
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26 JuneNews
Marston’s profits plunge as Covid-19 leads to £40m sales hit
Marston’s has said it remains “uncertain” about its short-term financial outlook, after its profits took a £40m hit following lockdown. Its latest update comes ahead of the reopening of its estate on 4 July. The brewer and operator revealed that its underlying profit before tax was £9.4m in the half-year…
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