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 -

3 July

Beverages

BBPA urges Welsh government to confirm reopening dates

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), has urged the Welsh government to confirm when all pubs, rather than just those with outdoor space, will be able to reopen in Wales as “a matter of urgency”. The call comes as the Welsh government today announced that pub beer gardens will…
Read More »
2 July

Restaurants

Shake Shack launches in Brighton through Deliveroo Editions

American burger chain Shake Shack has joined Deliveroo Editions in Brighton. Customers will be able to order meals from Shake Shack, all cooked and prepared at Deliveroo’s purpose built, delivery-only, super kitchen in Brighton. Items on the menu include the brand’s signature ShackBurger, crinkle cut fries and cheese sauce. Shake…
Read More »
2 July

News

Mitchells and Butlers swings to £121m loss

Mitchells and Butlers sales fell by 12.4% to £1.04bn in the half-year ended 11 April, while adjusted operating profit was £108m, down from £151m the year prior. In light of the pandemic and consequent lockdown, the group fell to a pre-tax loss of £121m. The group also made an operating…
Read More »
2 July

Food 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…
Read More »
1 July

Comment

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…
Read More »
1 July

Business

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…
Read More »
1 July

Coronavirus

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…
Read More »
1 July

Comment

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…
Read More »
Jun- 2020 -

30 June

Coronavirus

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…
Read More »
30 June

Cafes 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…
Read More »