We are governed by people who don’t know what they’re doing August 6, 2025 Almost 100,000 jobs in the hospitality sector have disappeared since the government unveiled its hike to employers’ National Insurance Contributions, and lowered the threshold at which it is paid. Employers have also had to contend with a rise in the minimum wage amid a storm of other headwinds including inflation, energy costs and generally weak [...]
Osteria Angelina: Whisper it – could fusion food be back? August 5, 2025 Osteria Angelina | Nicholls Clarke Yard, E1 6SH | ★★★★★ In the 15 years I’ve been writing about restaurants, few people have dared to drop the f-bomb. I’m not talking about sweary chefs mouthing off about a bad review (that’s happened a few times). No, I’m referring to a concept that is – should you [...]
Dishoom served huge valuation after founders sell stake August 4, 2025 Dishoom has been valued in the region of £300m after striking an investment deal with a firm backed by LVMH. The restaurant chain has agreed a deal for an undisclosed sum with US-based L Catterton in a move which will see founders Shamil Thakrar and Kavi Thakrar dilute their stakes. Both co-founders are expected to [...]
Papa John’s: UK losses continue as over 70 locations closed August 4, 2025 The UK arm of Papa John’s continued to make significant losses in 2024 as it closed more than 70 locations. The division of the US pizza giant has reported a pre-tax loss of £21.8m for its latest financial year, having also lost £19.2m in 2023. New accounts filed with Companies House also show the firm’s [...]
McDonald’s sheds 2,000 UK jobs as profit almost doubles August 4, 2025 Profit at the UK arm of McDonald’s almost doubled in 2024 as it shed more than 2,000 jobs, it has been revealed. The US fast food giant has posted a pre-tax profit of £120m for its latest financial year, up from the £66.3m it reported in 2023. That figure though was down from the £170.8m [...]
What’s on London August 2025 July 31, 2025 London truly comes alive in August, offering countless ways to enjoy the city. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore new exhibitions, take part in fitness activities from outdoor yoga to an exciting range of installations at London Sports Festival, and try new cuisines at bustling food markets or new restaurants. Our guide outlines some of [...]
Inside The National Gallery’s intriguing new restaurant with food inspired by Caravaggio July 31, 2025 With multiple London restaurants opening every week, it’s a food writer’s dream when one comes along and offers something different. Locatelli, the new opening within The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, did just that when an invite popped into my inbox. The menu, says the press release, is “reflective of the restaurant’s surroundings.” Interesting! I [...]
London could have new bridges for free – but we’re funding Nimbys and woke charities instead July 31, 2025 The City Bridge Foundation is an ancient fund with deep pockets whose specific purpose is to build and maintain London’s bridges – so why is it paying for woke charities and indirectly giving money to Nimby groups? Asks John Murphy “Politics is all about trade-offs,” we’re told. “You can’t please everyone,” says the wizened old [...]
It’s not the rich who fill the gaps when non-doms leave Britain – it’s you July 30, 2025 16,000 high-net-worth individuals are set to leave Britain this year, taking with them jobs, investment and growth. Here’s how we win them back… We talk a lot about wealth in Britain. We just don’t talk enough about what happens when it walks out the door. Because it’s happening. And faster than anyone wants to admit. [...]
Gusto: Restaurants to close and almost 200 jobs lost as rescue agreed July 29, 2025 Almost 200 jobs have been lost at Italian restaurant chain Gusto after a deal to buy it out of administration was agreed. Cherry Equity Partners is to acquire the majority of Gusto in a move which will lead to around 190 redundancies and the closure of six restaurants. The deal, which is being undertaken through [...]