New report forecasts 'modest growth' in UK restaurant sector

Research undertaken by Lumina Intelligence suggests that the UK restaurant market will grow by 1.3% in 2024, reaching a total value of £19.0 billion.

Hospitality industry witnesses significant growth in Gen Z business directors

New data released by Companies House has revealed that the hospitality sector has the third-largest proportion of Gen Z business directors, with 1,630 registered entities now steered by the under 30 cohort.

Bar 44 expands no & low offer to meet rising demand

Award-winning Spanish restaurant group Bar 44 has significantly expanded its portfolio of no & low beverages, including new wines, beers and a 'Lilt Sangria' at 0% ABV.

Scottish businesses to pay 'up to 70% more in rates' versus across the border

New analysis released by UKHospitality Scotland has revealed that hospitality businesses will be significantly worse off than their English counterparts, unless the Scottish government takes decisive action to introduce business rates relief in its forthcoming Budget.

Harpers 30 Under 30 finalist invests in bricks and mortar

Entrepreneur, cheese enthusiast and media personality Jessica Summer has opened her first shop and bar in the London Borough of Harrow.

Post-Budget fallout looms over UK insolvency reprieve

Hospitality in resurgence after 'easing financial pressure' buoys consumer confidence

A new survey by Lumina Intelligence has revealed promising signs of a modest recovery in the UK on-trade, with both consumer spend and frequency of visits rising in October 2024.

UK government increases number of alcohol licenses despite post-budget concerns

The UK’s ailing hospitality sector is showing modest signs of recovery, with the number of licensed premises increasing for a second successive quarter and 661 net new openings in the third quarter of 2024.

Hospitality ramps up range rationalisation in response to growing costs

Nearly a quarter of hospitality operators have changed the routes-to-market of their drinks ranges and more business are seeking to reduce their delivery partners than increase them, leaving drinks brands at risk of being de-listed, new research has revealed.

UKHospitality lobbies government to mitigate 'unprecedented damage' caused by Labour Budget

Leading members of the UK's hospitality sector have written to the Chancellor, warning of “business closures, job losses and cancelled investment” unless immediate action is taken.

Hospitality confidence plummets amid rising costs and falling footfall

Confidence among Britain’s hospitality leaders has plunged as sector challenges deepen, with CGA by NIQ’s latest Business Confidence Survey revealing worsening sentiment amid squeezed margins and reduced consumer spending. 

Surge in temporary alcohol licences supports hospitality

The latest figures on alcohol licensing in England and Wales reveal a sharp uptick in new licences and temporary event notices, reflecting a surge in demand across the hospitality sector. 

Government backs down on outdoor smoking ban for hospitality

The UK government has confirmed that hospitality venues, including outdoor areas of pubs and bars, will not face new smoking restrictions, following industry outcry over potential impacts on trade. 

Sales drop in pubs and bars as weather cools and rugby boost fades

Sales at managed venues edged up by a modest 0.1% in the week to Saturday 19 October, just surpassing the same week in 2023. However, figures soon declined, with sales finishing 5% lower in the following week to Saturday 26 October. Drinks sales have now fallen in four of the past five weeks.

On-trade: All points east for natural wines

James Bayley investigates the natural wine bars of east London to find they embrace informality and welcome all.

Hospitality faces £2,500 rise in staff costs following Budget changes

The Autumn Budget’s employment tax measures will raise the cost of employing full-time staff by at least £2,500, according to an analysis released by UKHospitality. 

Budget review: A ‘horrific’ state of affairs for the trade

An outcry has erupted from the trade following yesterday’s Autumn Budget, which led to disappointment on many fronts, including a measly 1p off draught beer, further rises to duty for wine and a lowered rate of business rates relief which has been described a kick in the teeth to businesses.

BCB London show to debut at Tobacco Dock in June 2025

Following the July announcement from international trade fair organiser RX that BCB, a global bar and beverage trade show, will debut in London, organisers have confirmed the date and venue. 

Chancellor announces pay rise, adding £1.9bn to hospitality wage bill

The hospitality sector is facing a substantial increase in operating costs as the Chancellor confirms a 6.7% rise in the National Living Wage, set to take effect in April 2025. The uplift will raise the hourly rate from £11.44 to £12.21, directly impacting more than 3 million workers and adding an estimated £1.9bn to the hospitality sector’s wage bill.

Pubs and hospitality warn of job cuts if rates relief ends

A survey of pubs, breweries and hospitality businesses has revealed that jobs and investment plans would be threatened if business rates relief expires in April, causing bills to quadruple.