April’s cost hikes are ‘a step too far’ for the UK’s independent businesses April 1, 2025 Independent retailers have warned of job losses and cuts to staff hours due to rising business costs set to come in this April. Shops pointed to the ‘double whammy’ of increases to national insurance contributions (NICs) and the minimum wage. “As responsible employers we want to ensure we are paying a fair wage to our [...]
Pubs and bars to go into extra time if Lionesses score at Women’s Euros February 24, 2025 Pubs are set to be allowed to stay open until 1am if the Lionesses reach the latter stages of the Women’s Euros this summer. The Home Office wants to push back closing time at pubs and bars by two hours if England make it to the semi-finals or final of Women’s Euro 2025. The Lionesses [...]
Galentine’s craze spotlights an unmined market: Singles wanting fun February 19, 2025 Hospitality's embrace of Galentine's shows welcome goodwill towards financially punished singles, writes Susannah Streeter.
Almost 300 pubs closed last year ahead of cost rises February 17, 2025 The British Beer and Pub Association warned that urgent Government action is needed to avoid more “completely avoidable” closures.
Live forever? Why the future of Brit pop depends on pubs February 15, 2025 Bands like Oasis honed their craft playing on sticky carpets in pubs, but with the sector struggling the future of live music is in peril too, says Mick Forster The recent rush for Oasis tickets proved one thing – Britain’s love for live music is as strong as ever. It’s woven into our culture and [...]
After Allbright, is there a future for women-only members clubs? February 14, 2025 Allbright is just the latest women's members club forced to shut up shop in London, which begs the question: do women even still want them?
Dear Gen Z, put down the mini golf clubs and get to the pub February 11, 2025 Gen Z, our pubs are depending on you - so stop playing mini golf and get to your local, writes Katie Perrior in today's Notebook.
The Ritz: Losses continue at iconic London hotel February 7, 2025 London’s iconic Ritz hotel has now lost more than £75m since it last turned a profit, it has been revealed. The luxury London hotel has posted a pre-tax loss of £10m for 2023, accounts filed more than five months late with Companies House show. The latest figure comes after The Ritz posted a loss of [...]
Hospitality sector still reeling from Labour’s Budget February 5, 2025 The high drama of a global trade war competes for coverage with Keir Starmer’s EU reset, impending interest rate decisions and Nigel Farage’s lead in the opinion polls. News moves fast, and the spotlight moves on. For their part, politicians are always among the most eager to ‘draw a line under it’ and move on; [...]
‘Rachel Reeves, you must do better’: Chancellor urged to act before hospitality’s collapse February 4, 2025 Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been told to take urgent action to prevent the collapse of thousands of hospitality businesses across the UK. In an open letter Sacha Lord, who was until recently Andy Burnham’s night time economy adviser for Greater Manchester, said he no longer considers Labour to be the party of “business and growth”. [...]