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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Nov- 2020 -9 NovemberCoronavirus
Pfizer reveals Covid-19 vaccine candidate is 90% effective
A successful Covid-19 vaccine is a step closer after Pfizer/Biontech revealed its vaccine candidate is 90% effective, according to its first interim analysis. The findings, which are well above the 50% effectiveness for a vaccine to be approved, comes following a clinical trial which involved over 43,000 people. Some 42%…
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6 NovemberFood and Drink
Papa John’s revenues surge 17% in Q3
Papa John’s has announced that total group revenue increased 17.1% to $472m (£360.4m) in the third quarter ended 27 September, compared with $403m (£307.6m) in 2019. Pre-tax income rose to $20.8m (£15.9m) in Q3 from $678,000 (£516,324) last year, attributed to an increase in demand during the global pandemic. In…
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Oct- 2020 -30 OctoberCoronavirus
Hospitality sales drop by 48% in Q3
Hospitality sales in the UK have dropped by 48% in the third quarter, according to trade association UKHospitality and market analyst CGA. Sales for the year totalled £80.3bn, which is £53.2bn less than the £133.5bn that the sector contributed to the UK economy in 2019. This seismic drop in sales…
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29 OctoberCafes and Coffee Shops
WSH acquires Bartlett Mitchell
Westbury Street Holdings (WSH), has announced the acquisition of catering company Bartlett Mitchell for an undisclosed sum. Bartlett Mitchell, founded in 2000 by Wendy Bartlett and Ian Mitchell, offers food services to a variety of clients across the UK. Bartlett said: “Our clients will gain from our combined resources. With…
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27 OctoberComment
Creativity and innovation: Catering large events in a post-Covid world
We don’t yet know when large events will return with people in attendance, but while the finer details remain to be seen we can perhaps rely on a few assumptions. We know that timescales are likely to be cautious, rather than rushed. We know that any return of service will…
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23 OctoberFood and Drink
Burger King announces new reusable packaging plan
Burger King has announced its new reusable packaging model that aims to help cut down the company’s packaging waste. The new packaging starting in 2021 is said to feature a collection system in the participating restaurants. Guests will be able to return their food packaging so it can be safely…
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Sep- 2020 -29 SeptemberFood and Drink
Harwood Arms becomes first Michelin star site to offer vegan meat
The Harwood Arms has partnered with plant-based meat company THIS to become the UK’s first Michelin star restaurant to offer vegan meat on its menu. The menu at the London gastropub will now feature the “meat-free Glamorgan scotch egg”, using THIS plant-based bacon to “mimic the taste, texture and appearance”…
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10 SeptemberCoronavirus
HospitalityUnite backs Kickstart initiative
HospitalityUnite, an initiative set up to help hospitality workers find alternative employment during lockdown, has teamed up with UKHospitality, Springboard, The Scottish Tourism Alliance and The Youth Group to back the Government’s Kickstart scheme. It will provide a free online service to make it easy for both hospitality businesses and…
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8 SeptemberApps & Technology
Cheerfy launches new product for hospitality operators
Cheerfy has announced the launch of a new product entitled Cheerfy Shop, which aims to help hospitality operators transform websites into fully-branded e-commerce sites. It also provides operators with at-table order and payment technology. According to the CRM, loyalty and e-commerce solution, the product gives operators “full autonomy” over their…
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3 SeptemberCoronavirus
Avanti West Coast launches ‘at-seat order’ catering service
UK train operating company Avanti West Coast has introduced a new service which allows food and drink delivered to customers in their seats. The group said that whilst customers in first class have always enjoyed being served at their seat, trials are currently taking place on selected Pendolino trains which…
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