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- 2025 -20 MayCafes and Coffee Shops
Greggs sales surge 7.4% to £784m
Greggs has reported a 7.4% increase in total sales to £784m (2024: £730m) for the 20 weeks of 2025, driven by store expansion and product innovation. Its like-for-like (LFL) sales in company-managed shops also grew by 2.9%, with improved performance in the last 11 weeks supported by better trading conditions.…
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19 MayRestaurants
Five new F&B concepts to open in Soho
Five new F&B concepts – Alta, Heard, Marjorie’s, Panadera and Breadstall Pizza – are set to open new sites in Soho, London. The five deals include a new flagship signing to Kingly Court, while a further two are on Foubert’s Place as well as two on Berwick Street, with each…
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19 MayPeople
Ole & Steen appoints former Starbucks director as CMO
Danish bakers Ole and Steen has announced the appointment of Sarah Harris as its new group chief marketing officer as the brand continues to accelerate its growth.Harris joins the business from today (19 May), bringing over 25 years of experience in retail and hospitality marketing to the role, having previously…
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15 MayFood and Drink
SSP signs deal to upgrade Southampton Airport F&B offering
SSP Group, an operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide, has agreed a new partnership with Southampton Airport to transform the airport’s food and beverage offer. The deal also strengthens SSP’s partnership with AGS Group, which owns multiple UK airports including Southampton and Glasgow Airport where the…
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15 MayPubs and Bars
Butcombe reports ‘record’ revenues of £149m in FY25
Butcombe, the privately owned premium pub operator and brewing group, has reported “record’ revenues of £149m for the year ended January 2025 versus £144.4m in the previous year. Its managed pubs “strongly outperformed” the sector with like-for-like revenue of +7.8% compared with LFL growth of +6% in the preceding year. …
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13 MayFeatures
What the DoorDash Deliveroo takeover means for the food delivery sector
The food delivery sector in the UK is undergoing a seismic shift. DoorDash, the American delivery giant, has recently announced its acquisition of Deliveroo, one of the UK’s leading food delivery platforms. The move is set to reshape the competitive landscape of food and grocery delivery across the country and…
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9 MayNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief – 09/05/25
Tasty has narrowed its operating loss from £2.6m to £1.6m in the year to December 2024, while its post-IFRS 16 operating profit rose by 33% to £0.4m. It comes as the owner and operator of dim t and Wildwood restaurants closed 16 sites through the restructuring plan it initiated in…
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9 MayRestaurants
GDK partners with True to roll out UK and international expansion
German Doner Kebab (GDK) has been backed by investment and innovation firm True to continue its expansion in the UK and accelerate growth across new markets globally. Since launching in the UK in 2015 GDK has quickly grown to over 145 UK locations and over 170 globally under Hero Brand…
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8 MayFeatures
The future of food halls: why Kerb is appealing to indie street food traders
The traders at Kerb made more than £32m last year. That’s 37% higher than 2023. In just two years, their collective revenue has nearly doubled. For a group once seen as just an ensemble of scrappy street food vendors, the numbers tell a different story now. Kerb is not alone.…
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6 MayApps & Technology
Deliveroo to be acquired by US rival DoorDash in £2.9bn deal
Deliveroo has announced it has agreed to a £2.9bn takeover deal from US delivery platform rival Doordash. The delivery giants said the deal will help improve Deliveroo’s market share while the “complementary geographic regions” will see Doordash enter nine new countries for the first time, including the UK. The news…
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