Friday read: Maximum impact – the cancelled train strikes impacting bookings by 50%

The ongoing threat of strikes is causing unmitigated damage to the UK hospitality industry, with business telling Harpers they can impact trade by 50% or more, even if they don’t go ahead.

Managed groups enjoy YOY December growth

Britain’s top hospitality groups generated year-on-year sales growth of 8.8% in December, the latest CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker reveals.

D&M achieves record Christmas sales

Drake and Morgan, operator of 17 premium bars and restaurants in London and Manchester, has announced record festive trading with like-for-like sales up 31.7% against the same period in 2022 (4 weeks to 31 December 2023).

Nick Gillett: Education, education, education – hospitality’s secret weapon

When it comes to the spirits and hospitality industries, I harp on about education a lot. But with good reason. That dinner you had out the other week with the outstanding service – it’s thanks to education. Receiving a top new tipple recommendation from your local bartender – education. Formal training, cocktail masterclasses, category insight – it’s all helping to create better teams, better serves and ultimately an altogether better experience for the customer. So as someone who works for or is interested in the industry, here’s why you should care about it.

Action on growth and jobs critical in 2024

In a New Year message, UKHospitality (UKH) has outlined its priorities for the year ahead, with “respite from endless price rises” among those at the top of the pile.

Survey reveals 44% of Brits choosing not to dine out this festive season

A new study from Forbes Advisor, the price comparison and financial guidance platform, has found that two in five Brits (44%) are choosing not to dine out this festive period (1 December - 2 January), the same figure it was 12 months ago when the survey was last conducted.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Graham Hall, Drake & Morgan

Following another eventful year for the drinks trade, Graham Hall, director at Drake & Morgan reflects on the highs and lows of 2023, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead.

UK bars roll out drink spiking test kits

With the festive season in full swing, police and businesses have joined forces to crack down on drink spiking across the UK.

Hospitality sales up 4% YOY in November

Britain’s leading hospitality groups achieved year-on-year (YOY) sales growth of 4% in November, the new CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker has revealed.

Mezcalito Brompton

Mezcalito Brompton, a stylish and brand new late-night offering situated on South Kensington’s Old Brompton Road, is set to open its doors this month. Previously Eclipse, a fixture of the area’s nightlife for decades, the launch comes from real-life partners Oliver Castilla-Tristan and Laura Geas, owners of the lively and much loved Mexican tapas-style restaurant bar Mezcalito Chelsea – claiming to hold the largest selection of agave spirits in Europe and celebrating its fifth anniversary this year.

The Oxford Wine Cellar

Having celebrated its crowning as the number one merchant in Harpers’ 50 Best Indies list 2023, The Oxford Wine Group has opened a new city centre venue. It is the second ex-Oddbins site the business has taken over in the past few years and is a stone’s throw away from the OWC’s Turl Street shop. Visitors to the bar

Survey estimates £7.4bn will be spent on Christmas partying

A survey of 2,000 UK adults by tonics and mixer brand, Double Dutch, has estimated £7.4bn will be spent in UK hospitality during the festive period – a significant threefold increase compared to the previous year.

The Bugis Singapore Restaurant

Taking its name from the bustling area in Singapore renowned for its street food and flavours, The Bugis has recently reopened inside its new home – The Bailey’s Hotel. Still in Kensington, the latest iteration of the Asian-inspired favourite features a top cocktail menu and bar inspired by Lord Bailey’s journey in the Far East. The food menu, meanwhile, features a new approach focused on small sharing plates, with traditionally passed-down Chinese, Malay and Indian family recipes at its core.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Owen Morgan, 44 Group

Following another eventful year for the drinks trade, Owen Morgan, director of Spain-focused 44 Group, reflects on the highs and lows of 2023, plus hopes and plans for the year ahead, in our annual Q&A series.

Record Christmas bookings for Drake & Morgan

Drake & Morgan, the London-based bar and restaurant group backed by Bowmark Capital has announced record bookings for Christmas 2023, sounding a note of optimism in an otherwise challenging environment.

Scotland calls out government for pubs closing at twice the rate of England

The Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) and the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) have issued a joint appeal to support their sector after it emerged that English businesses will receive a 75% reduction in rates bills for the financial year 2024-25.

Live gigging could unlock £2.4bn boost for UK pubs and bars

A new CGA report published today (29 November) has revealed that gigging in the hospitality sector could be the catalyst for a multi-billion pound boost to venues. 

Deliveries worth 15p per pound of restaurant spend

Delivery and takeaway sales at Britain’s leading managed restaurant groups rose 5% year-on-year in October 2023, according to CGA by NIQ’s Hospitality at Home Tracker.

Nick Gillett: Competitive socialising – novelty or here to stay?

Consumers seek affordable drink-only occasions Lumina finds

The latest Lumina research has revealed that consumers are opting for affordable drink-only occasions, with pubs and bars seeing the most notable share growth year-on-year, up 1.3% in Q3.