Westminster
Coverage highlights hospitality and foodservice developments across this central London borough, with reporting focused on key areas including Soho, Covent Garden, Victoria, and the political district around Whitehall. Topics include restaurant and bar openings, weekday trade driven by government, tourism and office footfall, licensing and planning updates, and street dining initiatives. Insight is tailored for operators navigating a dense, high-stakes trading environment shaped by commuter patterns, policymaker presence, and international visitor demand.
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Jun- 2025 -23 JuneTrade Associations
UKH warns against Westminster plan for late-night levy
Westminster City Council’s plans to consult on a late-night levy risk undermining its own ambitions to boost the night-time economy, UKHospitality has warned. The trade body, which represents hospitality operators, has formally responded to the council’s consultation. While welcoming several proposals, including expanding the night bus and tube network, increasing…
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20 JuneFood and Drink
London mayor backs new al fresco dining spots for summer
London mayor Sadiq Khan has announced new al fresco dining areas are set to open across four London boroughs this summer, as part of a mayoral scheme to support the capital’s hospitality industry. The Summer Streets Fund, a £300k programme backed by Khan, will see streets in Lambeth, Hackney, Waltham…
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May- 2025 -19 MayRestaurants
UKH celebrates seventh anniversary with new member additions
UKHospitality is celebrating its seventh anniversary with new memberships across all types and sizes of business – from independent pubs, restaurants and hotels, to major UK-wide operators. New members include the Beautiful Pubs Collective, EasyHotel, Fulham Shore, Leonardo Hotels, Nutwood Pubs, Paulton’s Park, Popeye’s and Starbucks. According to UKH, a…
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Apr- 2025 -9 AprilFeatures
How pedestrianisation could be the saviour of Soho
G-A-Y, a nightclub in Soho, London, is one of the most famous gay clubs in the UK situated in one of the most notable LGBTQ+ friendly areas in the world. However, in February it was put up for sale with owner Jeremy Joseph stating the area has “lost its vibrancy”.…
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Mar- 2025 -24 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief – 24/03/25
Wendy’s is on track to open its 50th UK restaurant in 2025, a year that will also see it establish its presence in Scotland, Ireland and Romania for the first time. New Wendy’s restaurants will open in Blackpool, Glasgow, Grays (Lakeside), Watford, and York in the coming months, creating over…
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24 MarchPubs and Bars
Shepherd Neame reopens The Westminster Arms after £1.2m refurb
Shepherd Neame has officially reopened its landmark London pub, The Westminster Arms, following a 10-week £1.2m refurbishment programme. Located in very close proximity to the Houses of Parliament, the pub features a division bell by its bar so that MPs can dash back to the House to vote. Now open…
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Feb- 2025 -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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Jan- 2025 -28 JanuaryFeatures
How will the Scottish budget affect businesses?
On 4 December 2024 first minister John Swinney announced the budget for Scotland for the period of 2025-2026. It followed the announcement of the budget for the rest of the UK by chancellor Rachel Reeves in October. As part of devolution powers introduced under the Tony Blair administration, the Scottish…
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Sep- 2024 -10 SeptemberNews
Today’s news in brief – 10/09/24
UKH has called for a permanent, lower hospitality multiplier to avoid sky-rocketing business rates bills for thousands of businesses in April 2025. The chancellor must act to ensure already cash-strapped hospitality businesses aren’t left facing the prospect of their business rates bills increasing by tens of thousands of pounds, UKH…
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10 SeptemberNews
Ekstedt at The Yard appoints new head chef
Ekstedt at The Yard, the Scandinavian open-fire restaurant in Westminster from Swedish Michelin-starred chef Niklas Ekstedt, has appointed Luca Mastrantoni as head chef. Mastrantoni brings more than a decade of experience to the role, hailing from Italy, where he learnt to use “delicate and seasonal” ingredients, before moving to London…
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