Premier Inn owner Whitbread sees UK sales falter amid shake-up of pub business June 19, 2025 Hospitality giant Whitbread has reported a downturn in UK sales amid a “challenging market backdrop” and a restructure of its pub and restaurant business. The Premier Inn-owner told markets this morning that overall sales in the UK fell five per cent in the first quarter of the financial year, driven by a 16 per cent [...]
Danish bakery Ole & Steen brews up success with buns on demand June 18, 2025 International bakery Ole & Steen has reported a double-digit uplift in sales, boosted by online deliveries to business and consumers. Turnover grew five per cent last year after a strategy revamp, with revenue increasing to £36m from £34m in 2023. UK managing director Graham Hollinshead said the company has “firmly re-established [its] position as London’s [...]
Exclusive: Richard Caring hits suppliers with mandatory ‘discount’ amid £1bn sale talks June 12, 2025 The Richard Caring restaurant empire, which includes the Ivy Collection and Caprice Holdings, has demanded its suppliers take a 2.5 per cent “discount”, blaming “increased tax burden and cost of employment, cost of indirect products [and] services and also direct cost of food and beverage.” In a letter dated 3 June, signed by Richard Caring’s [...]
Fuller’s toasts stellar year as Brits flock to pubs June 11, 2025 Hospitality giant Fuller, Smith & Turner has become the latest UK pub chain to report a stellar year of trading as Brits continue to head to pubs despite financial constraints. The FTSE 250 company told markets this morning that revenue rose 4.8 per cent to £376.3m in the 52 weeks to March 29. Like for [...]
F1: Silverstone bets on premium with Michelin offering June 11, 2025 The British Grand Prix has announced plans to boost its hospitality offering for its 75th anniversary amid widespread premiumisation in sports viewing. Hospitality packages at Silverstone include Octane Terrace and Fusion Lounge, both are which aim to provide a “unique and premium experience” to guests. Fusion Lounge promises premium drinks, live entertainment and a luxury [...]
Boardroom Uncovered: How work from home policies have changed business June 10, 2025 Pret A Manger UK managing director, Clare Clough, said work from home patterns are influencing where the business opens new stores.
The Whisky Exchange appoints new managing director June 10, 2025 The Whisky Exchange has announced the appointment of Natalie Tennent as managing director after a successful integration of the business into Pernot Ricard. Tennant, who has 30 years of experience with wine and spirits merchant Berry Bros, will move into the role on July 7. She will take over the role from deputy managing director [...]
Cheers! City Beerfest returns to Guildhall for 11th year June 10, 2025 City Beerfest will return to Guildhall for its 11th year this July, bringing together food, drink and live music on the site of London’s second-century Roman Amphitheatre. The festival, which has become one of the City of London Corporation’s most popular events, will have over 40 different beers on offer in the Guildhall’s courtyard. It [...]
Gino D’Acampo: Restaurant empire’s huge debts revealed before rescue June 9, 2025 The company behind TV chef Gino D’Acampo’s restaurant empire owed more than £11m as it collapsed into administration, it has been revealed. Upmarket Leisure Ltd, which controlled the former This Morning star’s venues, was served with a wind-up petition by HMRC in March and moved to appoint an administrator before being saved in a £5m [...]
‘A tax burden without precedent in the 21st Century’: Pub chain McMullen’s blasts government tax hikes June 6, 2025 One of Britain’s biggest pub chains has taken aim at the government’s “damaging” tax hikes, warning they will lead to lower demand and investment and have forced the hospitality sector to “bear the brunt” of rises in government spending. Hertford-based McMullen’s, which operates around 120 pubs in London and the home counties, including the Old [...]