Innovation
We cover the ideas, technologies, and operational changes driving innovation across the UK foodservice sector. From kitchen automation and AI-driven ordering to new menu formats, digital loyalty schemes, sustainable packaging, and service model evolution, this brings together the developments transforming how restaurants, pubs, bars, cafés, and catering firms do business. Whether you’re looking to boost efficiency, improve guest experience, or stay competitive, we report on practical innovations with real-world application, curated for chefs, operators, F&B executives, and hospitality leaders shaping the future of service.
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Sep- 2025 -23 SeptemberPeople
Wingstop UK unveils two senior appointments
Wingstop UK has announced two new appointments to its leadership team as the business continues its expansion. Diego Martinho joins as head of delivery, leading Wingstop UK’s delivery channels, including aggregator partnerships, direct-to-consumer delivery, and click and collect across its restaurant estate. The group said Martinho will “elevate the customer…
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22 SeptemberFeatures
What effect will Labour’s proposed business rates reform have ahead of the budget?
After years of pressure from hospitality businesses and the trade organisations that represent them, the government has finally relented. Last week it revealed its proposed changes to the business rates system in England and Wales. Despite this positive news, it remains to be seen how this reform fits in with…
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16 SeptemberPubs and Bars
Punch Pubs reshapes leadership as part of growth strategy
Punch Pubs and Co has announced changes to its leadership team as part of its strategy to drive growth and pursue its goal of becoming a “five-star pub company”. Steve Worrall has been appointed to the newly created role of group projects director. He will establish a project management office…
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16 SeptemberCafes and Coffee Shops
Starbucks UK appoints new marketing director
Starbucks has announced the appointment of Vic Robertson as its new marketing director in the UK, as the cafe chain pursues its “Back to Starbucks” strategy under chief executive Brian. Two of the company’s stated priorities are reestablishing its role as a community coffeehouse and reigniting consumer passion for the…
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9 SeptemberCafes and Coffee Shops
Pret to trial new meal deal format amid strong FY24 sales
Pret A Manger has announced its plans to trial new meal deal formats later this year to capture demand for value-led food-to-go, as the company set out a new medium-term strategy to accelerate growth in its home market and internationally. The news comes after Pret reported sales of £1.2bn for…
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8 SeptemberCafes and Coffee Shops
Chocoberry to open Milton Keynes café as part of UK expansion
Chocoberry will open a new dessert café in Milton Keynes as part of its latest wave of UK expansion. The chain, which currently operates 18 cafés across the country, said the site will be among three new openings scheduled in the next three months, with locations also planned in Walsall…
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5 SeptemberPeople
Buzzworks appoints new food director to lead chef development
Scottish hospitality operator Buzzworks has announced the appointment of David Bell as director of food, with a remit to strengthen the company’s culinary standards, chef training and sustainable practices. Bell, originally from Edinburgh, has more than 20 years of experience in senior kitchen and food development roles across the UK.…
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4 SeptemberRestaurants
UK restaurant groups see delivery sales rise 13.5% in July
Britain’s top restaurant groups recorded a 13.5% year-on-year increase in delivery and takeaway orders in July, as at-home dining sales rose sharply during the month, according to new data from CGA by NIQ’s Hospitality at Home Tracker. The monthly rise marks a clear improvement on the flat growth seen earlier…
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2 SeptemberCatering Companies
Contract caterers’ sales rise 8% in Q2
Contract caterers saw sales and outlets “sharply” rise by 8% in the second quarter of 2025, according the latest Contract Catering Tracker from CGA by NIQ, Bidfood and UKHospitality. This continued a “long run of growth” in every quarter since mid-2021, when caterers began to recover from the pandemic. After…
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Aug- 2025 -26 AugustRestaurants
Top 100 restaurant groups saw profits jump 18% to £365m in 2024
Profits at the UK’s 100 largest restaurant groups have risen 18% in the past year to £365m, according to new figures from accountancy group UHY Hacker Young. Turnover across the top 100 groups increased by 19% to £12.9bn in 2025, up from £10.8bn the previous year. The report attributes the…
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