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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Apr- 2020 -21 AprilCatering Companies
Elior partners with OLIO to support local communities and minimise food waste
Caterer company Elior UK has teamed up with food redistribution company OLIO to donate surplus food to vulnerable local communities and reduce food waste during Covid-19. The partnership launched last month and together with its companies Taylor Shaw and Lexington, Elior has donated 32,564 portions of food/ 15,504 meals to…
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21 AprilCoronavirus
Comptoir group remains ‘confident’ despite crisis
The Comptoir group has revealed it remains “confident” for the business, despite group revenue falling 2.7% to £33.4m in the full-year ended 31 December 2019. Gross profit increased 0.6% to £24.9m, however. The group added that despite the “challenging” economic climate, trading for the full year has been in line…
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20 AprilComment
Five ways to support mental health in hospitality during these challenging times
Our daily lives, work and relationships have experienced huge upheaval due to the impact of Covid-19 in recent weeks. These unprecedented times are affecting us in different ways and bringing a range of challenges for us to overcome. Social distancing and self-isolating are some of the biggest changes we’ve had…
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20 AprilCoronavirus
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme portal goes live
The portal for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is now live, with the government saying that businesses with validated claims will receive payments within at least six days. Under the scheme announced last month, employers can claim a grant covering 80% of the wages for a furloughed employee, subject to…
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20 AprilRestaurants
Pizza Pilgrims reopens Victoria site for delivery amid Covid-19 crisis
Pizza Pilgrims has reopened its flagship restaurant in Victoria for delivery, after temporarily closing its doors last month amid the Covid-19 crisis. In an Instagram post, co-founder James Elliot described the reopening as a “glorious day” before confirming the restaurant will only be operating on Deliveroo and its new Frying…
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17 AprilPubs and Bars
2,000 pubs, breweries and cideries offering takeaway or delivery services
Nearly 2,000 pubs, breweries and cideries are now offering takeaway or delivery services to help keep themselves afloat and keep customers served during the coronavirus lockdown, according to the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). CAMRA has put together a directory of these initiatives as part of the Pulling Together campaign,…
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17 AprilCoronavirus
‘Urgent’ inquiry to help hospitality businesses recover to launch in May
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Hospitality and Tourism is launching an “urgent inquiry” to establish the best ways to support the recovery of businesses hit by Covid-19 – at the right time and in line with Government health advice. According to the group, hospitality and tourism have been two of…
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17 AprilCoronavirus
Restaurant, pub and bar sales nosedive 60% in March
Collective like-for-like sales tumbled 57.6% in March amongst the pub, restaurant and bar sector as the nationwide lockdown began, according to the latest Coffer Peach Business Tracker. According to its data, the entire sector was “hit hard”, with a slowdown in sales, which started in February, continuing over the first…
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17 AprilComment
Covid-19: How catering and food businesses can keep their workforce safe
Few could have predicted the impact the Covid-19 outbreak would have on the food and catering industry. Many food businesses find themselves busier than ever, trying to feed the nation and ensure products are delivered safely – both for their customers and for their staff. We have been asked for…
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16 AprilCoronavirus
Government extends lockdown for ‘at least’ three more weeks
The government has announced an extension to the coronavirus lockdown for “at least” a further three weeks. The decision was announced at today’s (16 April) press briefing which was led by foreign secretary Dominic Raab. It also comes after Raab led an emergency Cobra committee and cabinet meetings about…
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