West Midlands
Regional coverage of foodservice and hospitality activity across the West Midlands, with reporting from key areas such as Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, and Solihull. This section highlights restaurant and pub openings, catering contracts, local supplier news, and policy developments affecting operators throughout the region. Designed for chefs, business owners, and F&B leaders, the content offers insight into trading conditions, investment trends, and consumer behaviour shaping the Midlands market.
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Sep- 2025 -10 SeptemberFood and Drink
KFC franchisee Gastronomy to more than double restaurant count
KFC franchise partner Gastronomy has signed a deal to more than double the number of KFC restaurants over the next five years, adding more than 50 restaurants to its portfolio. Backed by HSBC, Gastronomy will grow to over 100 KFC restaurants across the UK by 2030. The new openings will…
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Jul- 2025 -16 JulyBusiness
Hospitality accounts for 10% of UK administrations in H1
The hospitality sector accounted for 10% of all UK administrations in the first half of 2025, making it the second worst-hit industry, according to analysis by law firm Shakespeare Martineau. A total of 783 businesses filed for administration between January and June, down 11% from 879 during the same period…
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May- 2025 -16 MayRestaurants
Slim Chickens opens new site in Merry Hill
Slim Chickens has announced the opening of its newest restaurant at Merry Hill shopping centre. The Southern-inspired operator has opened in a location near one of the food court entrances to the centre. Spanning 5,229 sq ft, the two-floor restaurant features Slim Chickens’ signature red and black décor, seating for…
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Apr- 2025 -23 AprilPubs and Bars
Marston’s introduces new sports pub concept
Marston’s has introduced a new local sports pub concept, Grandstand, with the first venue opened during Easter weekend. The operator will be refurbishing selected existing pubs which are involved in local sports and charities. The first pub is The Gospel Oak in Tipton in the West Midlands, which opened on…
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2 AprilRestaurants
Slim Chickens to open in Merry Hill in May
Slim Chickens has announced the signing of a new restaurant location in Merry Hill set to open in May. Slim Chickens, known for its Southern-inspired cuisine, will open the two-floor, 5,229 sq ft unit with seating for 175 covers. The restaurant will strengthen Merry Hill’s roster of quick-service dining options,…
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Feb- 2025 -28 FebruaryRestaurants
Heavenly Desserts and Burger and Sauce set to open in Merry Hill
Heavenly Desserts and Burger and Sauce are set to open two new locations in Merry Hill shopping centre. Opening in April, Heavenly Desserts has signed for a 68-cover, 2,189 sq ft unit. Located next to Wingstop and opposite the recently opened Loungers, the brand will offer a dedicated dessert menu…
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18 FebruaryPubs and Bars
BBPA calls for govt action as 300 pubs closed for good in 2024
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said that urgent government action is needed to halt “completely avoidable” closures, as its latest figures showed that nearly 300 pubs closed across England and Wales last year – an equivalent of six a week. The industry body, which represents more than 20,000…
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Jun- 2024 -21 JuneTrade Associations
NTIA urges new govt to appoint night time economy minister
The NTIA has called on the incoming government to appoint a night time economy (NTE) minister to “safeguard the future of nightlife”. This comes as the night time economy is struggling to meet global standards, the trade body has said, due to a lack of dedicated representation and leadership. While…
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Feb- 2024 -6 FebruaryPubs and Bars
Compass commits over £3m Apprenticeship Levy funding
Compass Group UK and Ireland has announced it has supported 250 apprentice programmes across 170 organisations, committing over £3m of its Apprenticeship Levy. These funds have helped small and medium-sized enterprises, charities and social enterprises to invest in and develop their staff. Large employers that pay the Apprenticeship Levy can…
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Oct- 2023 -3 OctoberFeatures
A career in hospitality doesn’t have to be short-term: Q&A with Cairn Group
What were the key findings of the research conducted by Cairn Hotel Group regarding staff perceptions in the hospitality industry? The findings from our new research are alarming and highlight the concerning feelings of many people towards our sector – something that has been an issue for many years. From…
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