Strategy
This section highlights the strategic moves shaping the UK hospitality and foodservice industry. From brand repositioning and pricing models to diversification plans, leadership changes, and multi-site rollout strategies, our coverage provides valuable insight into how restaurant groups, pub chains, caterers, and bar operators are adapting to shifting market conditions. Whether you’re refining your business model, assessing competitor strategies, or making key investment decisions, this archive offers sharp editorial designed to support strategic thinking at every level of the foodservice sector.
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May- 2025 -23 MayRestaurants
Five Guys to open new Heathrow Terminal 5 restaurant
Five Guys is set to open a new restaurant at Heathrow Terminal 5 later this year, marking the brand’s first opening in a UK and European airport. The 2,500 square feet unit will be situated in a prime location on the upper level of Heathrow T5, and is expected to…
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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 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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14 MayPeople
JKS Restaurants cements leadership team with two MD appointments
JKS Restaurants has shaken up its leadership team with the appointment of Joanne Searley and Laura Irving as managing directors. Searley, former COO, is now managing director of Sabor, Berenjak, Plaza Khao Gaeng and Speedboat Bar, while Irving, former chief marketing officer, is now managing director of Trishna, Gymkhana, Brigadiers,…
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13 MayCafes and Coffee Shops
Jamie Oliver Cafe and Cookery School opens at Oxford Street site
The flagship Jamie Oliver Cookery School and Jamie Oliver Cafe have officially opened their doors to customers for the first time at John Lewis Oxford Street. Spanning over 4,600 sq ft on the third floor of the store, the space includes two Cookery School classrooms and a 50-seat Jamie Oliver…
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13 MayPubs and Bars
Marston’s sales rise 2.9% in H1
Marston’s has seen its like-for-like (LFL) sales up 2.9% in the 31 weeks to 3 May, with strong growth of 10.5% in the five weeks since the period ended. In H1 2025, LFL sales grew by 1.3% reflecting timing of Easter and Mothers Day which fell in H1 in 2024…
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12 MayPubs and Bars
Marston’s rolls out solar across 120 pubs
Pub company Marston’s has partnered with Two Blues Solar, a renewable energy solutions provider, and installer Nuvolt to deploy solar across 120 of its community-based pubs over the next 12 months. The £5.4m initiative, fully financed by Atrato Onsite Energy, operates through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) – a long-term…
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9 MayFood and Drink
Boxpark appoints first ever chief growth officer
Boxpark has announced the appointment of Michelle Farrell as the company’s first-ever chief growth officer (CGO). In her new role, Farrell will oversee the sales, events and marketing and commercial functions of the business, aligning with the company’s commitment to accelerating growth and expanding its UK estate. Farrell brings a…
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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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7 MayRestaurants
Various Eateries H1 sales rise 8.8% to £24.7m
Various Eateries has seen its sales rise by 8.8% to £24.7m in the 26-week period ended 30 March, driven primarily by the contribution of new site openings. As a result, the restaurant operator is trading in line with expectations for the full year. While like-for-like sales for the period were…
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