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- 2025 -5 MarchPeople
Boxpark appoints former Gusto boss Matt Snell as CEO
Boxpark has announced the appointment of industry leader Matt Snell as its new CEO, as the hospitality operator continues to expand in the UK. The news follows the appointment of Chris Burford as CFO, who will be supporting and strengthening the operations and growth strategy of the business. Snell, who…
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5 MarchPubs and Bars
Vagabond Battersea reopens after extensive refurb
Self-pour wine bar business Vagabond has reopened its Battersea bar after an extensive refurbishment. Located at Battersea Power Station’s food and drink scene, the wine bar said it has been “reimagined to offer an even more immersive and stylish” experience for wine lovers. Taking inspiration from its “love of winemaking”,…
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4 MarchFeatures
What’s behind increased hospitality churn?
In recent years the prevailing narrative in the hospitality industry has been that venues are closing at an alarming rate. Data from CGA revealed that 27,951 hospitality venues closed their doors between March 2020 and September 2024 at a rate of 119 per week. However, what gets lost in this…
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Feb- 2025 -25 FebruaryApps & Technology
Just Eat acquired by Prosus for €4.1bn
Global technology company Prosus has announced it has reached a conditional agreement to acquire Just Eat Takeaway for €4.1bn (£3.4bn) to create the fourth largest food delivery group globally. Prosus acquires Just Eat’s entire issued share capital for €20.30 (£16.8) per share via a recommended all-cash public offer on the…
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19 FebruaryRestaurants
Luna Omakase to open new London site in March
The team behind Los Mochis and Juno Omakase is set to open Luna Omakase, an exclusive 12-seat restaurant set within Los Mochis London City in March. At the helm is executive head chef Leonard Tanyag, who with his 20 years of experience and international expertise will bring a “refined and…
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17 FebruaryRestaurants
The Cinnamon Kitchen to open first Leeds site
The Cinnamon Collection, led by executive chef and CEO Vivek Singh, is set to open its third Cinnamon Kitchen restaurant and its first in Leeds this May. The 105-cover restaurant and bar is launching in partnership with the Grade II-listed The Queens Hotel in Leeds city centre. The interiors of…
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14 FebruaryRestaurants
Sticks′n′Sushi appoints Simon Gaske as chief marketing officer
Sticks′n′Sushi, the 30-strong Danish-Japanese restaurant group with restaurants in the UK, Denmark and Germany, has appointed Simon Gaske as its chief marketing officer. With over 20 years’ in the hospitality industry, Gaske brings his extensive commercial experience to the business and will work closely with CEO Andreas Karlsson as the…
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12 FebruaryFood and Drink
Northern hospitality outperforms south in 2024, NRB finds
The north of England has recorded a modest growth of 0.1% in licensed hospitality venues, while the south experienced a slight decrease of -0.2% in 2024, according to the latest data from Northern Restaurant and Bar (NRB) and CGA by NielsenIQ. Having tracked a wide range of pubs, bars, restaurants…
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12 FebruaryFeatures
Why are American brands taking over the UK QSR market?
The British QSR market has seen an influx of American fast food brands coming into the UK and rapidly expanding. According to data from various sources there are over 6,500 American QSR sites in the UK. This can be best seen in the recent announcement from Popeyes that it is…
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5 FebruaryCafes and Coffee Shops
Caffé Nero sales jump 13.6% in H1
The Nero group has reported a “record” sales growth of 13.6% for the first half of its financial year ended in November 2024. At group level, sales reached £310m, underpinned by an 8% increase in like-for-like sales. In the UK, Caffé Nero reported sales of £185.4m for the first half…
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