The George
Coverage of operational excellence, guest experience, and F&B innovation at a heritage pub or inn noted for blending traditional atmosphere with contemporary hospitality. This section highlights site refurbishments, menu curation, event programming, and leadership updates, offering insight for pub operators, landlords, and hospitality professionals exploring how to preserve character while delivering elevated service and community engagement.
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Aug- 2025 -19 AugustPubs and Bars
Brakspear FY turnover rises 7% to £41.3m
Brakspear has reported a 7% rise in turnover to £41.3m in 2024, despite seeing its profits get squeezed by higher operating costs. The Henley-based pub operator, owned by JT Davies and Sons Holdings Limited, saw revenues increase from £38.6m in 2023, with growth across all divisions. However, adjusted EBITDA fell…
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14 AugustAwards & Events
AA unveils shortlists for Hospitality Awards 2025
The AA has unveiled the shortlists for eight major categories for its annual Hospitality Awards, set to take place on 22 September at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House, London. These include shortlists for the AA Sustainable Award, AA Restaurant Team Award, AA Spa Hotel of the Year, and AA Housekeeper…
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Jun- 2025 -13 JunePubs and Bars
Wadworth FY profits surge 229% to £3.5m
Independent pub and brewery company Wadworth reported profits of £3.5m for the year ended 4 January 2025, up from £815k the previous year – spelling a jump of 229%. The Wiltshire-based company said the increase was driven by strong Christmas trading, a 6% rise in sales across the business, and…
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Apr- 2025 -28 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief – 28/04/25
Hospitality insolvencies were down 11% to 3,402 in the 12 months to February 2025, according to data from the Office for National Statistics. Insolvencies in the sector fell 20% to 271 in February 2025, compared with the same month last year (339). However, they remain historically higher than pre-pandemic levels.…
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28 AprilPubs and Bars
Woolwich pub reopens after six-figure refurb
Woolwich pub the George IV has reopened following a six-figure investment, creating four new jobs in the local community. Offering live sports, the pub has improved its amenities with three new Sky Q boxes enabling the pub to show Sky, Sky Sports+, TNT Sports plus sport on Prime. As a…
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Dec- 2024 -5 DecemberNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief – 05/12/24
UKH Scotland has welcomed the new 40% business rates relief for the sector, which will provide “much-needed support” for eligible hospitality businesses. However, the trade body also highlighted that 2,600 Scottish hospitality businesses will still miss out. Those businesses face increased employer NICs from the UK Budget. Itsu has secured…
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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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Aug- 2024 -15 AugustNews
Today’s news in brief – 15/08/24
Honest Burgers will see CEO Thomas Kelly assume the role of chair next month. It comes after Kelly’s appointment as CEO earlier this year in January, following the departure of Frank Hayes. In the meantime, current CFO, Matt Brandon, has been appointed as interim CEO until a permanent replacement is…
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15 AugustRestaurants
Heartwood Inns secures two more Whitbread restaurants
Heartwood Collections has snapped up two more of Whitbread’s restaurants – the George and Dragon, and the Red Lion – for an undisclosed amount. The George and Dragon is a traditional riverside site in Marlow, serving traditional dishes with “a friendly heritage feel”. Meanwhile, the Red Lion is a “stylish”…
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5 AugustPubs and Bars
Liberation Group sees LFL sales rise 6.4% in H1
Liberation Group, a privately owned premium pub operator and brewing group with sites stretching from Mayfair in London to St Aubin in Jersey, has reported a 6.4% increase in H1 LFL sales. The group’s LFL growth was delivered in all markets and channels, with a “standout” performance in food at…
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