Sold
We report on business sales and ownership changes across the UK foodservice and hospitality sector, including restaurant acquisitions, pub disposals, catering firm takeovers, and brand portfolio restructures. Our coverage captures who’s buying, who’s selling, and why, with commercial context that matters to operators, F&B executives, and group-level decision-makers. Whether it’s a strategic divestment, private equity deal, or local venue sale, we break down what the transaction means for market positioning, leadership, and operational continuity across the industry.
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Dec- 2024 -6 DecemberPubs and Bars
Christmas pub bookings up 14% YOY
Christmas bookings are already 14% higher than December last year, according to data from MiXR. MiXR is predicting that 14 December will be the busiest day of the year for pubs across the country. This follows 16 December being the busiest day in 2023 with MiXR selling 2.08m total drinks…
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5 DecemberPubs and Bars
Urban Pubs and Bars saves George and Dragon pub in Wanstead
The historic George and Dragon pub in Wanstead is set to reopen in the new year after being saved from closure by Urban Pubs and Bars. The pub, originally named The George and Dragon but recently trading as The George, faced a permanent shutdown when its previous operators closed the…
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4 DecemberCafes and Coffee Shops
Costa Coffee and Freemans bring kiosk concept to London
A fleet of Costa Coffee kiosks are set to hit some of the UK’s biggest live events next year, as part of a deal between the company and Freemans Event Partners. The move builds on the success of the collaboration between Freemans Event Partners and Costa Coffee during the Summer’s…
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Nov- 2024 -28 NovemberNews
Loungers sold to US investment firm in £338m deal
Café, bar and restaurant chain Loungers is set to be sold for £338m to US investment firm Fortress Investment Group. Loungers, which operates the Lounge, Cosy Club and Brightside concepts, currently has 280 venues across the UK. Under the terms of the acquisition, Fortress has offered 310p for each Loungers…
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26 NovemberPubs and Bars
CAMRA criticises CMBC’s plans to delist 11 beers from pubs
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has reported that pubs will soon be unable to stock 11 beers, including Banks’s Mild, following the Carlsberg buy-out of the last of Marston’s UK brewing operations. CAMRA has expressed concern that powerful global brewers could “hugely reduce consumer choice in the UK” as…
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7 NovemberPubs and Bars
Wetherspoon boss warns of rising prices following autumn budget
Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin has said the pub group will “make every attempt to stay as competitive as possible” but warned of rising prices in hospitality following the autumn budget. It comes as JD Wetherspoon has reported that like-for-like sales in the first quarter to 3 November were 5.9% higher…
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Sep- 2024 -18 SeptemberRegulations & Policies
New packaging rules risk ‘double penalty’ for hospitality, says UKH
UKHospitality has claimed that new packaging rules holding businesses responsible for the end-of-life consequences of packaging risks a “double penalty” for hospitality businesses. It has stated that in many hospitality businesses, packaging deemed as household waste will actually never make it out of a venue and will be disposed of…
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Aug- 2024 -30 AugustPubs and Bars
St Austell Brewery acquires The Bell at Broadway
St Austell Brewery has announced the acquisition of The Bell at Broadway near Ilminster for an undisclosed amount. This latest pub will join the independent brewer’s estate of 122 leased and tenanted pubs across the West Country. As the oldest pub in the area, it was sold by local businessman…
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16 AugustFood and Drink
WHSmith rolls out café format amid food-to-go popularity
WHSmith has launched Smith’s Kitchen, a new own-brand café format that will offer dine-in and takeaway options, outside of travel locations. Smith’s Kitchen is the latest major food and drink launch this year, as WHSmith aims to expand its offering for customers and partners. According to the retailer, the new…
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6 AugustNews
Domino’s lowers FY profit forecast
Domino’s has downgraded its FY profit forecast saying it now expects underlying EBITDA to be on the lower range of £144.3m – £149.2m. In the 26 weeks ended 30 June 2024, the pizza company saw its statutory profit-before-tax plummet 35.2% to £59.4m. However, underlying PBT slightly increased 0.8% to £51.3m.…
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