Pub bosses in joint call for ‘urgent’ tax reform July 14, 2025 Pub bosses have called for urgent reform of the business rates system, arguing that the levy places unfair pressure on hospitality venues at a time of rising costs across the board. Greene King boss Nick Mackenzie said that business rates should be “fundamentally reformed” so that the tax – which applies to all commercial venues [...]
Wimbledon, Euros and Test cricket set to boost pubs and supermarkets July 12, 2025 Pubs and supermarkets are bracing for a bumper weekend thanks to the heatwave and a deluge of live sport on TV including Wimbledon finals, Test cricket and the Lionesses. A British and Irish Lions tour match, England and Wales rugby internationals, other Women’s Euros fixtures, Tour de France cycling and a trilogy fight between Katie [...]
One pub to close every day in 2025, new data reveals July 10, 2025 Small pubs are being forced to close in the face of unsustainable costs pressures, according to new data. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has estimated that 378 pubs will close this year across England, Wales and Scotland, amounting to more than 5,600 job losses. The industry body pointed to the heavy pressure of [...]
UK Hospitality launch campaign to undo budget ‘hammer blow’ to sector July 9, 2025 Industry lobby group UK Hospitality has launched a campaign to reverse the “unfair” tax burden on the sector, #TaxedOut. The body has been vocal about the damage caused by higher taxes announced in the Autumn budget, estimating that 69,000 jobs have been lost since last October. “The 2024 Budget was a hammer blow to hospitality… [...]
Village Hotels in the red after takeover by Blackstone June 30, 2025 Village Hotels fell into the red in the year it was taken over by US private equity giant Blackstone, it has been revealed. The Warrington-headquartered chain slumped to a pre-tax loss of £23.5m for 2024, according to new accounts filed with Companies House. The firm has said the loss was mainly due to exceptional costs. [...]
The Ivy: Jobs continue to be cut as Richard Caring nears £1bn sale June 26, 2025 Jobs have continued to be lost at the group behind restaurant chain The Ivy as billionaire owner Richard Caring edges closer to a £1bn sale. Troia (UK) Restaurants cut more than 100 roles during its latest financial year as its pre-tax profit also declined despite a rise in revenue, new accounts filed with Companies House [...]
Bella Italia owner slashes losses after shedding 700 jobs June 25, 2025 Losses at the owner of Café Rouge, Bella Italia and Frankie & Benny’s have been slashed after shedding 700 jobs during its latest financial year, it has been revealed. The Big Table cut its headcount from 4,236 to 3,531 in the 12 months to 27 October, 2024, new accounts filed with Companies House show. Over [...]
Tick Christmas off your to-do list with Tottenham Hotspur Stadium June 24, 2025 Want to host the ultimate office Christmas party? Summer may be in full swing but it’s never too early to tick Christmas off your to-do list. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is London’s leading Christmas party venue and has an array of magical party options to ensure you have the most wonderful time. Very few venues in [...]
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 [...]