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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Mar- 2023 -2 MarchPubs and Bars
Northern cities lead growth for UK hospitality, research finds
Cities in the north of England are leading growth in UK hospitality despite the impacts of Covid, the cost of living crisis and rail strikes, new research has found. The ‘State of the North’ research from Northern Restaurant and Bar and CGA by NielsenIQ found that in most key northern…
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2 MarchCatering Companies
Good Q4 for contract catering but sales still behind 2019 levels
Contract catering sales were 27% higher between October and December 2022 compared with 2021, according to data from CGA and Bidfood. Caterers’ sales in the private sector were up by 32% year-on-year as more people switched back from home-based working to offices. However, Q4 in 2021 was impacted by growing…
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Feb- 2023 -28 FebruaryCatering Companies
Restaurant Associates to cater for Unity Place
Restaurant Associates has recently won the contract to cater for all food and beverage outlets at Unity Place, a state-of-the-art co-working location which is set to open in Milton Keynes in the early summer of 2023. Unity Place will also be the new headquarters for Santander UK, as well as…
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20 FebruaryCafes and Coffee Shops
Costa Coffee appoints new CEO
Costa Coffee has announced the appointment of Philippe Schaillee as its new CEO. Schaillee joins Costa from Groupe SEB, where he served as executive vice president in charge of Products and Innovation since April 2021. He began his career with the Sara Lee Group in Belgium in 1994, where he…
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15 FebruaryFood and Drink
Subway explores potential sale
Subway has announced that its shareholders are exploring a possible sale of the company. J.P. Morgan is advising the chain and will conduct the sale exploration process, though Subway said there is “no indication of timing or assurance that a sale will occur”. The company added that it “does not…
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14 FebruaryTrade Associations
BBPA unveils new rebrand with commitment to the industry
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has announced the launch of its new brand to reinstate its role as “the voice of brewers and pubs”. The announcement was revealed at a parliamentary reception alongside members, industry leaders and influencers, as well as MPs. The new brand aims to highlight…
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Jan- 2023 -23 JanuaryPeople
Gusto Italian appoints new head of Marketing
Gusto Italian has appointed Kat Schofield as its new head of Marketing, who will join the premium casual dining group in April. Appointed by CEO Matt Snell, Schofield joins from Revolution Bars Group where she currently leads brand marketing for Revolución de Cuba. In her new role, she will support…
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16 JanuarySponsored
Hot off the shelf: Jestic Foodservice Solutions launches Metro Hot Shelving in UK
The Super Erecta heated shelves are the latest innovation in short-term hot holding for the takeaway and other commercial catering sectors. Designed to keep food hot and ready to go, its flexible deign means its shelves can be configured any way imaginable. By combining with other Super Erecta shelving systems…
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6 JanuaryCafes and Coffee Shops
Pret A Manger to launch in Israel
Pret A Manger has reached an initial agreement with Fox Group and Yarzin Sella Group to expand its brand into Israel. The move is part of Pret’s plan to double the size of its business within the next five years, which includes launching into five new markets by the end…
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5 JanuaryRestaurants
The Savoy appoints new executive pastry chef
The Savoy has announced the appointment of Nicolas Houchet as its new executive pastry chef. Houchet joined the team from the culinary institute Le Cordon Bleu, where he led the pâtisserie team as deputy head of pastry. Prior to his appointment and his time at Le Cordon Bleu, he spent…
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