The future of post-covid drinking, from the mega beer garden to drone deliveries August 1, 2020 With the baking summer heat threatening to melt my laptop, the idea of al fresco eating and drinking seems like a no-brainer. But Britain, with its unpredictable climate, traffic-clogged streets and plethora of excellent, dingy pubs, has proven resistant to the kind of outdoor cafe culture beloved of our European neighbours. Until covid, that is. [...]
Eat Out to Help Out – the best restaurants taking part in the government hospitality scheme August 1, 2020 There was a time when dropping most of your disposable income on avocado on toast made you an idiot who will never be able to afford a house. Now it makes you a hero who will save the economy. It’s so vital that you start eating at restaurants again that, as of Monday, the government [...]
Casinos blast new lockdown measures as ‘sickening’ July 31, 2020 Britain’s casinos have slammed the Prime Minister’s decision to U-turn on plans to ease lockdown restrictions tomorrow as “sickening”, warning that business hangs in the balance with venues forced to shut over the critical summer months. In a press conference today, Boris Johnson said plans to reopen venues tomorrow will be pushed back until at [...]
Treasury tells banks to boost coronavirus lending after rule change July 30, 2020 The Treasury has told banks they should be lending more to struggling companies through the main coronavirus loan scheme after changes to EU state aid rules come into effect today. European Union rules had meant some viable British firms with significant debts or that were growing and spending fast were classed as “undertakings in difficulty”. [...]
Pizza Hut hires advisers to explore insolvency agreement July 29, 2020 Casual dining chain Pizza Hut has reportedly hired advisers to explore a potential insolvency agreement, which could involve significant job cuts. Pizza Hut Restaurants has hired restructuring firm Alvarez & Marsal to weigh up a company voluntary arrangement (CVA), Sky News reported. A final decision has not yet been taken but an insolvency agreement is [...]
Mr Kipling owner Premier Foods reports sales jump due to surge in home cooking July 29, 2020 Premier Foods, the owner of Mr Kipling and Bisto, said sales soared during lockdown as consumers cooked more meals due to home working and the closure of restaurants and cafes. Group sales in the 13 weeks to 27 June increased 22.5 per cent compared to the previous year, with branded sales up 27 per cent. [...]
UK mortgage approvals beat expectations as housing market reopens July 29, 2020 UK mortgage approvals beat expectations and rocketed in June as the housing market reopened from the coronavirus lockdown, the latest figures have shown. The number of mortgages approved by UK banks rose to 40,000 in June after May’s record crash to just 9,300, the Bank of England said today. Analysts had predicted a rise to [...]
Oldham hit with new lockdown measures after spike in coronavirus cases July 28, 2020 Some lockdown measures have been reintroduced in Oldham after a “dramatic” spike in cases of coronavirus over the weekend. Residents should not allow social visitors into their homes and must keep a safe distance of 2m from others. Those who are shielding have been told to continue doing so for another two weeks, until 14 [...]
Calorie labelling to cost British businesses ‘tens of millions’ each year July 28, 2020 The Prime Minister’s announcement that restaurant and takeaway firms must introduce calorie labels on their menus will cost British businesses “tens of millions” of pounds each year, according to a new report. Boris Johnson yesterday announced the government will introduce compulsory calorie labels for restaurant, supermarket and takeaway meals as part of measures to crack [...]
Brits binge eat, drink more and exercise less during lockdown July 27, 2020 People in the UK have been binge eating, drinking more alcohol and exercising less during the coronavirus lockdown, according to a new study. An online survey of around 800 adults in England were asked about their health and habits during lockdown in late June and early July. It found a sharp rise in anxiety and [...]