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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May- 2019 -8 MayApps & Technology
Robot bartender takes up residency at Barbican Centre
A drink-mixing robot called Toni will take up residency at London’s Barbican Centre as part of its ‘AI: More than Human’ summer exhibition. Toni, designed by Italian company and producer of automated cocktail makers Makr Shakr, will be at the centre in an aim to explore the evolution of the…
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1 MayRestaurants
Pizza Express sees growth despite ‘challenging conditions’
Pizza Express saw its group turnover increase 1.6% to £543m for the 52 weeks ended 30 December 2018. In the UK and Ireland underlying like-for-like sales grew 0.1% excluding the impact from adverse weather (down 1.0% unadjusted) while internationally, the Italian chain’s total sales were up 8.4% when compared with…
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Apr- 2019 -29 AprilBusiness
Food equipment distributors receive £500k in new funding
SME credit specialist, Caple has announced it has provided wholesale distributors of food equipment, Sephra with a £500,000 five-year unsecured loan. Sephra has used the loan to purchase the intellectual property of its branded products, previously held by a US company, and expand into new markets. As a result, Sephra…
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29 AprilBusiness
Breakfast and lunch to be ‘delivered by drone in five years’
Drones will be a feature of the delivery channel in Britain within five years, global information company the NPD Group has predicted. The company said delivery was changing the shape of British foodservice with food orders being the industry’s fastest-growing channel and its extensive use of technology making it the…
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17 AprilFood and Drink
Hilton on Park Lane chef wins Young Pastry Chef of the Year 2019
London Hilton on Park Lane has announced Julien Piveteau has been named ‘Young Pastry Chef of the Year 2019’, winning the David Lyell Scholarship. Piveteau, a demi chef de partie at the London Hilton on Park Lane, presented a menu to the judging panel made up of Mick Burke, Ross…
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5 AprilBusiness
Greggs, McDonald’s and Wetherspoons named top brands for consumers
Greggs and McDonald’s have been named the top brands within on the go and quick service sectors, while JD Wetherspoon leads the way in high street bars, according to the 2019 Brand Momentum Report from CGA and Stone and River. The analysis of consumers’ views of dozens of big brands…
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Mar- 2019 -28 MarchOpinion
Fish and chip shop innovation
2019 is turning out to be quite the year for the Elite Fish and Chip Company; it became the only business to be featured in The Book of Amazing People, its Sleaford restaurant became one of the first in Lincolnshire to be presented with the Healthier Options Award – and…
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28 MarchRestaurants
Pizza Express unveils new theatre kitchen at Oxford Circus
Pizza Express, has announced the reopening of its Langham Place, Oxford Circus pizzeria, after a significant redesign as part of its new brand proposition. Extensive customer research conducted by the company resulted in innovation across design, food and drink and the customer experience, which together form a ‘test and learn’…
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25 MarchAnalysis
Deliveroo – making the move from platform to operator
Last May, Deliveroo Editions announced that it would start bringing its own brands of food to market – and now we see Deliveroo stepping this up. In London, for example, Deliveroo Editions has six of its own brands offering food available from Crouch End in north London. The brands represent…
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6 MarchAwards & Events
Star Pubs & Bars announces ‘Best Food’ pub
The achievements of Star Pubs and Bars licensees from were celebrated at the operator’s annual awards ceremony last night. North east multiple pub operator Howard Egglestone took home the ‘Best Food Award’ for his Tomahawk pub in Newcastle. The judges noted the “incredible” variety of food on offer at the…
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