Blog

Court rejects Morrisons’ ‘cool-down’ chicken argument in VAT dispute

Posted by Emily on 16th Dec 2025       Reading Time:

Morrisons is facing a £17m tax bill after losing a long-running legal challenge over whether its rotisserie chickens should attract VAT as “hot food”, in a ruling that revives unreso … read more

Pubs and restaurants turn away Labour MPs in dispute over rising business rates

Posted by Emma on 11th Dec 2025       Reading Time:

A growing number of pubs and restaurants across England are barring Labour MPs from their premises in protest at the government’s Budget and rising business rates, in an unusually public rupture … read more

Burger King UK pushes ahead with 30-a-year opening plan despite rising wage costs

Posted by Emily on 11th Dec 2025       Reading Time:

Burger King UK has set out plans to open around 30 new restaurants a year from 2026, signalling fresh confidence in the fast food market despite weaker consumer sentiment and rising labour costs. The … read more

Leon seeks CVA as tax and footfall strains hit fast casual sector

Posted by Emma on 10th Dec 2025       Reading Time:

Leon, the fast food chain known for its “naturally fast food” positioning, has entered administration and is preparing to close a significant number of restaurants, placing hundreds of job … read more

£1.25m Pret compensation renews focus on allergen controls

Posted by Emma on 10th Dec 2025       Reading Time:

A £1.25m out-of-court settlement involving Pret A Manger and a supplier has reopened debate about allergen controls and “free-from” labelling in UK hospitality, underscoring how a si … read more

Crackdown on illegal delivery work puts gig economy under more scrutiny

Posted by Emma on 10th Dec 2025       Reading Time:

Dozens of food delivery riders are facing removal from the UK after a nationwide Home Office operation found widespread illegal working in app-based delivery. The enforcement blitz, carried out over s … read more

Labour’s NEET crackdown offers subsidised staff to hospitality, but sector warns of fragility

Posted by Emma on 9th Dec 2025       Reading Time:

Labour has announced an £820 million “Plan for Change” package aimed at reducing youth unemployment and lowering welfare spending, with hospitality named alongside construction and h … read more

Gail’s expands nationwide after sales surge, but losses widen

Posted by Emily on 2nd Dec 2025       Reading Time:

Gail’s, the premium bakery and café chain, is planning a further wave of openings across England after recording another year of rapid sales growth, underscoring both the resilience of de … read more

Leon’s co-founder reclaims the brand and promises a sharper, simpler menu

Posted by Emma on 2nd Dec 2025       Reading Time:

John Vincent, the co-founder of Leon, has bought back the healthy fast-food chain from Asda, four years after selling it in a £100 million deal to EG Group. He is now planning a wide-ranging tur … read more

Six-month unfair dismissal right to replace Labour’s day-one pledge

Posted by Emma on 2nd Dec 2025       Reading Time:

Britain’s government has dropped plans to give workers the right to claim unfair dismissal from the first day of a job, opting instead for protection after six months. The change follows weeks o … read more

Businesses accuse ministers of “smoke and mirrors” over rates overhaul

Posted by Emma on 1st Dec 2025       Reading Time:

Hospitality businesses across the UK are warning that they face significant increases in business rates from next April, despite government claims that reforms will deliver the lowest effective rates … read more

Budget 2025 tightens the squeeze on hospitality as tax drag bites

Posted by Emma on 26th Nov 2025       Reading Time:

The hospitality sector has warned that the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget could intensify pressure on venues already trading on narrow margins. Industry leaders point to a likely squeeze on consumer … read more

Hospitality warns of price rises as National Living Wage climbs again

Posted by Emma on 26th Nov 2025       Reading Time:

The National Living Wage is due to increase again in April 2026, with the government setting out higher statutory pay floors ahead of the Autumn Budget. The headline change is a 50p-an-hour rise for w … read more

Watchdog criticises “unacceptable” conduct of directors who sought Audi and Lamborghini leases

Posted by Emma on 21st Nov 2025       Reading Time:

Two directors behind a pair of Brazilian steakhouses in North Yorkshire have been banned from running companies after attempting to lease luxury cars while their business was heavily in debt, accordin … read more

Haven expands Wetherspoon partnership with £9m investment

Posted by Emily on 21st Nov 2025       Reading Time:

Haven is set to expand its partnership with JD Wetherspoon by opening four new pubs across its holiday parks in spring 2026, strengthening the operator’s push to modernise food and beverage prov … read more

Dairy drinks could lose tax exemption as government eyes expansion of sugar levy

Posted by Emma on 19th Nov 2025       Reading Time:

The government is considering removing the long-standing exemption for milk-based drinks under the UK’s sugar tax, a move that could have significant implications for the foodservice, hospitalit … read more

Popeyes reaches 100 UK restaurants as competition intensifies in fast-food chicken sector

Posted by Emma on 19th Nov 2025       Reading Time:

Popeyes has reached its 100th UK restaurant just four years after entering the market, underscoring the rapid growth of American fried chicken brands across Britain and heightening competition for ope … read more

Stonegate weighs £1bn sale of 1,000 pubs as debt pressures deepen

Posted by Emma on 19th Nov 2025       Reading Time:

Britain’s largest pub operator is examining the potential sale of more than 1,000 venues in a move that could reshape the country’s pub landscape. Stonegate Group, owner of Slug & Lett … read more

QBTEC welcomes Florigo, Hegro and De Kuiper into its equipment family

Posted by Emma on 15th Nov 2025       Reading Time:

QBTEC, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of professional frying and cooking equipment, has expanded its frying-range portfolio with the addition of the Florigo, De Kuiper and Hegro brands. T … read more

Coconut Tree restaurants sold out of administration, safeguarding over 150 jobs

Posted by Emily on 14th Nov 2025       Reading Time:

More than 150 jobs have been secured after Sri Lankan restaurant group The Coconut Tree was sold out of administration to a company linked to two of its founders, in a development closely watched acro … read more

Pub giant Fuller's urges chancellor to rethink budget amid soaring costs

Posted by Emily on 12th Nov 2025       Reading Time:

In a stark warning to the government, the executive chairman of Fuller Smith & Turner has urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to deliver "fresh ideas" on stimulating growth in the pub sector, arguing t … read more

The Coconut Tree falls into administration amid mounting tax debt

Posted by Emma on 12th Nov 2025       Reading Time:

The Coconut Tree restaurant group, known for bringing Sri Lankan street food to the British high street, has entered administration after defaulting on a £1.6 million tax bill owed to HM Revenue … read more

Thirteen months of decline: Hospitality’s struggle intensifies ahead of the Budget

Posted by Emma on 12th Nov 2025       Reading Time:

The UK’s hospitality sector faces one of its toughest periods in recent memory, with new data revealing a sustained collapse in employment that industry leaders blame squarely on last year&rsquo … read more

Liberal Democrats call for 5% VAT cut to revive the UK’s hospitality industry

Posted by Emma on 12th Nov 2025       Reading Time:

The Liberal Democrats have urged the Chancellor to implement a 5% cut in VAT in this month’s Budget to revitalise the UK’s hospitality industry, a sector described as “struggling&rdq … read more

345 hospitality firms call on Treasury to rescue a sector ‘taxed out of existence’

Posted by Emma on 10th Nov 2025       Reading Time:

More than 340 hospitality businesses, from household names such as Greene King and IHG Hotels & Resorts to independent operators, have joined forces in a powerful open letter to Chancellor Rachel … read more

Azzurri Group’s bold bet: Dave’s Hot Chicken fuels growth amid rising costs

Posted by Emily on 10th Nov 2025       Reading Time:

Azzurri Group, the company behind well-known hospitality brands such as Zizzi, ASK Italian, Coco di Mama, and Boojum, has undergone what chief executive Steve Holmes called a “transformative yea … read more

Takeaway director banned for VAT failings after £170,000 HMRC debt

Posted by Emma on 9th Nov 2025       Reading Time:

A Burnley takeaway boss has been disqualified from serving as a company director for five years after failing to register his business for VAT, leaving HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) owed nearly &pou … read more

McDonald’s under pressure as equality watchdog demands tougher action on workplace harassment

Posted by Emma on 7th Nov 2025       Reading Time:

McDonald’s is facing renewed pressure from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) after the regulator extended and toughened its legally binding agreement with the fast-food chain to co … read more

KFC UK & Ireland powers ahead with record profits and major expansion plans

Posted by Emma on 6th Nov 2025       Reading Time:

KFC UK & Ireland has announced a powerful performance across 2024 and 2025, combining record-breaking profits with an ambitious investment and expansion strategy that underscores the growing stren … read more

Wetherspoon adopts cautious outlook amid Budget uncertainty

Posted by Emma on 6th Nov 2025       Reading Time:

JD Wetherspoon, one of Britain’s largest pub operators, has struck a cautious tone as it prepares for the Government’s Autumn Budget later this month. Chairman Tim Martin warned that uncer … read more

Rising costs and shifting habits test Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant network

Posted by Emma on 6th Nov 2025       Reading Time:

Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant group has announced the loss of nearly 200 jobs, amounting to about 10 per cent of its UK workforce, following another year of heavy financial losses. The celebrity ch … read more

British mussel exports hit stormy waters as French customs reject £150,000 worth of shellfish

Posted by Emma on 6th Nov 2025       Reading Time:

One of the UK’s leading mussel exporters has been left reeling after three truckloads of live mussels worth approximately £150,000 were rejected at the French border, prompting renewed con … read more

McDonald’s returns to its roots as value reignites growth

Posted by Emma on 6th Nov 2025       Reading Time:

In an era when consumer wallets are tightening and household budgets are stretched thin, McDonald’s is leaning into nostalgia and value to reignite growth. The company’s recent performance … read more

From fizz to flat: How Coca-Cola’s coffee venture lost its flavour

Posted by Emma on 6th Nov 2025       Reading Time:

When Coca-Cola bought Costa Coffee for £3.9 billion in 2019, the deal was hailed as a masterstroke — a bold move to brew success in a fast-growing global coffee market. Yet, six years late … read more

Royal warrant stripped as Mowi faces animal welfare and environmental outrage

Posted by Emma on 6th Nov 2025       Reading Time:

The world’s largest salmon producer, Mowi, has been stripped of its Royal Warrant after a storm of public and environmental criticism surrounding alleged animal cruelty and repeated fish escapes … read more

Yum! Brands weighs Pizza Hut sale amid faltering performance

Posted by Emma on 6th Nov 2025       Reading Time:

Yum! Brands, the multinational operator behind fast-food giants KFC and Taco Bell, is reportedly exploring a potential sale of its Pizza Hut division following continued underperformance in its core m … read more

Heritage meets ambition as Deep Blue embraces the Harry Ramsden’s legacy

Posted by Emma on 6th Nov 2025       Reading Time:

Deep Blue Restaurants, one of the UK’s leading fish and chip operators, has announced a bold transformation — it will now trade as Harry Ramsden’s Group, marking a pivotal moment in … read more

McDonald’s and Arla forge a greener future for British dairy farming

Posted by Emma on 1st Nov 2025       Reading Time:

In a significant move for the British dairy sector, McDonald’s UK and Arla Foods have expanded their long-standing partnership to deliver a new wave of sustainability across the nation’s f … read more

Burger King parent defies consumer slowdown with strong global growth

Posted by Emma on 1st Nov 2025       Reading Time:

Restaurant Brands International delivers resilient results as value deals and international expansion drive momentum Restaurant Brands International (RBI), the parent company of Burger King, Tim Horto … read more

Pizza Hut franchise fined £39,000 after rat infestation in Chingford branch

Posted by Emma on 1st Nov 2025       Reading Time:

A Pizza Hut franchise in East London has been fined more than £39,000 after Waltham Forest Council’s environmental health team uncovered a serious rat infestation, marking another cautiona … read more

Takeaway owners fined after repeated food hygiene breaches in Newcastle

Posted by Emma on 1st Nov 2025       Reading Time:

The owners of a former Newcastle takeaway have been fined after repeated and severe food hygiene breaches revealed filthy conditions, decaying food, and a complete disregard for public safety. Enviro … read more

TGI Fridays UK sold to Sugarloaf in global consolidation move

Posted by Emma on 31st Oct 2025       Reading Time:

In a significant restructuring of one of Britain’s most recognisable casual dining brands, Sugarloaf TGIF Management — led by former TGI Fridays chief executive Ray Blanchette — has … read more

Leon’s founding vision reborn: John Vincent buys back the fast-food chain from Asda

Posted by Emma on 31st Oct 2025       Reading Time:

John Vincent, the co-founder of Leon, has officially repurchased the healthy fast-food chain from Asda, marking a remarkable full-circle moment for a brand once hailed as a pioneer in the “natur … read more

Starbucks’ “Back to Starbucks” plan delivers first growth in two years

Posted by Emma on 30th Oct 2025       Reading Time:

Starbucks has recorded its first sales increase in almost two years, a sign that CEO Brian Niccol’s ambitious turnaround plan is beginning to bear fruit. The coffee giant reported a 1% rise in g … read more

‘Enough Is Enough’: Grocers urge treasury to halt business rate hikes

Posted by Emma on 29th Oct 2025       Reading Time:

Shoppers already grappling with high grocery bills could soon face another blow. Britain’s largest supermarkets have warned that Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ proposed tax rises could drive fo … read more

Nineteen struck by food poisoning after welsh pub carvery sparks investigation

Posted by Emma on 29th Oct 2025       Reading Time:

A Sunday carvery at one of Cwmbran’s most popular pubs has resulted in a confirmed outbreak of food poisoning, leaving nineteen people ill and prompting an extensive environmental health investi … read more

UK street food vendors fear the future ahead of budget

Posted by Emma on 29th Oct 2025       Reading Time:

Across Britain’s markets and festivals, the vibrant hum of street food — once a symbol of entrepreneurial spirit and culinary creativity — has begun to quieten. New research has reve … read more

The £50,000 fan that cost £2.5 million: When bureaucracy becomes a weapon

Posted by Emma on 29th Oct 2025       Reading Time:

A £50,000 kitchen extractor fan has left one of South London’s best-loved Turkish restaurants fighting for survival — and ignited a national debate on whether local councils have gon … read more

Pricing jobs out of existence: Hospitality warns against 50p living wage rise

Posted by Emma on 28th Oct 2025       Reading Time:

The UK’s hospitality sector has sounded the alarm over reports that Chancellor Rachel Reeves plans to lift the National Living Wage by 50 pence in next year’s Budget — a move busines … read more

Gaucho faces backlash over cuts to waiters’ service charge

Posted by Emma on 23rd Oct 2025       Reading Time:

The Argentinian-inspired steakhouse group Gaucho has become the centre of a tipping controversy after reports revealed that the restaurant chain has significantly reduced waiters’ shares of the … read more

From Pints to Flat Whites: Greene King Boss Warns Cafés and Apps Are the New Rivals

Posted by Emma on 21st Oct 2025       Reading Time:

Cafés and delivery apps are stealing a march on Britain’s pubs, warns Greene King Chief Executive Nick Mackenzie, as consumers increasingly trade pints for flat whites and home deliveries … read more

Storm Clouds Behind the Sunshine: Hospitality Insolvencies Dip, but for How Long?

Posted by Emma on 21st Oct 2025       Reading Time:

The UK hospitality sector enjoyed a brief respite over the summer, as insolvencies fell by 19% following a surge in consumer spending driven by warm weather and seasonal footfall. Yet, behind the sunn … read more

Pizza Hut’s UK Woes: A Slice of Struggle in a Changing Dining Landscape

Posted by Emma on 21st Oct 2025       Reading Time:

Pizza Hut, once synonymous with the family dining experience in Britain, is closing 68 restaurants and 11 delivery sites after its UK dine-in operator, DC London Pie Limited, fell into administration. … read more

Whitbread Expands Thrive Programme to Support Young People with Learning Disabilities

Posted by Emma on 15th Oct 2025       Reading Time:

Whitbread, the UK’s largest hospitality company and owner of Premier Inn, has expanded its Thrive programme by launching a new training centre at Lincolnshire County Council’s InspireU cam … read more

Honest Burgers Returns to Profit and Eyes Expansion of Its Smash + Grab Concept

Posted by Emma on 15th Oct 2025       Reading Time:

Honest Burgers has made a decisive return to profitability after years of losses, signalling renewed confidence in the UK’s casual dining market and laying out ambitious plans to expand its fast … read more

Hard Rock Café Feels the Strain as UK Sales Slide and Losses Mount

Posted by Emma on 15th Oct 2025       Reading Time:

Hard Rock Café’s UK division has reported a significant widening of losses, revealing the ongoing pressure on themed hospitality brands navigating a challenging post-pandemic and inflatio … read more

US Seafood Chain Anchors Its UK Debut in Broadstairs

Posted by Emma on 10th Oct 2025       Reading Time:

North America’s beloved seafood restaurant chain, Captain D’s, is set to cast its net across British waters with the launch of its first UK outlet in Broadstairs, Kent, later this month. O … read more

When the Factory Falls Silent, So Do the Fryers - The Butterfly Effect of Big Business on Local Trade

Posted by Emily on 10th Oct 2025       Reading Time:

When Jaguar Land Rover’s Solihull plant was paralysed by a cyberattack in late August, headlines focused on the £180 billion global giant brought to its knees. But in the quiet streets jus … read more

Tories Promise to Scrap Business Rates as UKHospitality Demands Urgent Reform

Posted by Emily on 8th Oct 2025       Reading Time:

The Conservative Party has pledged to abolish business rates for high street shops and pubs if it wins the next general election — a move that has reignited debate over Britain’s long-cont … read more

Beyond the Pass: The Human Cost of the Chef Shortage Hitting Britain’s Hospitality Sector

Posted by Emma on 8th Oct 2025       Reading Time:

A mounting shortage of chefs is crippling Britain’s independent restaurants, creating what industry leaders describe as a “perfect storm” for hospitality. The Oxford Guild of Chefs h … read more

Salt Bae’s UK Restaurant Arm Suffers £5.4m Loss After US Closures

Posted by Emma on 7th Oct 2025       Reading Time:

The UK division of Salt Bae’s luxury steakhouse group has posted a £5.4 million loss after closing several international restaurants, including sites in Boston and New York. Turkish chef N … read more

Chicken Cottage Spreads Its Wings: Hits 2025 Expansion Target Ahead of Schedule

Posted by Emma on 6th Oct 2025       Reading Time:

Chicken Cottage has announced that it has achieved its 2025 target of opening ten new locations — and with one quarter still remaining in the year, the brand shows no signs of slowing down. The … read more

Punk No More: How BrewDog’s Bold Ambitions Unravelled in a Tough Market

Posted by Emma on 6th Oct 2025       Reading Time:

BrewDog, once the poster child for Britain’s craft beer revolution, is facing its most sobering chapter yet. Following five consecutive years of losses totalling £148 million, the Aberdeen … read more

Wendy’s UK Records Turnover Growth Amid Aggressive Expansion Push

Posted by Emma on 6th Oct 2025       Reading Time:

Wendy’s UK has reported a rise in turnover following continued investment in its company-owned restaurant estate, signalling renewed momentum for the American burger chain as it deepens its pres … read more

Rising Costs Force Half of Hospitality Operators to Cut Back on Capital Spending

Posted by Emily on 6th Oct 2025       Reading Time:

Nearly half of Britain’s hospitality operators have been forced to scale back their capital expenditure (capex) programmes as spiralling operational costs take their toll on the industry, accord … read more

Has Leon Lost Its Way? Asda Owners Accused of Betraying the Brand’s Healthy Roots

Posted by Emma on 5th Oct 2025       Reading Time:

Henry Dimbleby, co-founder of the once trailblazing healthy fast-food chain Leon, has accused its current owners of abandoning the company’s founding principles in favour of profit-driven junk f … read more

A Knock at the Door: How One Café’s Ordeal Exposes the Human Cost of Immigration Crackdowns

Posted by Emma on 5th Oct 2025       Reading Time:

In the picturesque Surrey Hills, where winding lanes meet old stone cottages and weekend cyclists stop for tea, the tranquillity was shattered one September afternoon when immigration officers descend … read more

Karali Group Strengthens UK Dining Presence with Côte Takeover

Posted by Emma on 4th Oct 2025       Reading Time:

Côte Restaurant Group has officially been acquired by the Karali Group, marking a significant shift in the UK casual dining landscape. The sale comes just weeks after speculation that Côte … read more

Tax Burden Threatens Food Prices, Tesco Warns Government

Posted by Emma on 3rd Oct 2025       Reading Time:

Tesco has urged the government to resist imposing further taxes on businesses in the upcoming Budget, warning that any additional burden could push up prices for shoppers and threaten the stability of … read more

Costa Coffee’s Future in Question as Coca-Cola Prepares Sale

Posted by Emma on 3rd Oct 2025       Reading Time:

Private equity giant Bain Capital, the owner of PizzaExpress and upmarket bakery chain Gail’s, has entered the race to acquire Costa Coffee from Coca-Cola in a deal that could reshape the UK&rsq … read more

Wetherspoon’s Balancing Act: Rising Profits Amid Soaring Costs

Posted by Emma on 3rd Oct 2025       Reading Time:

JD Wetherspoon, the pub giant operating nearly 800 venues across the UK, has reported a strong financial performance for the year ending 27 July 2025. Despite mounting cost pressures, the group delive … read more

Greggs Price Rise: The Cost of Wages, National Insurance, and a Shifting Economy

Posted by Emma on 3rd Oct 2025       Reading Time:

Greggs, the bakery chain synonymous with sausage rolls and affordable breakfast deals, is set to increase prices across a range of items as it grapples with the mounting burden of employment costs. Fr … read more

Wolseley Hospitality Group Records £64m Turnover as Expansion Plans Gather Pace

Posted by Emma on 3rd Oct 2025       Reading Time:

The Wolseley Hospitality Group has reported a turnover exceeding £64 million in its latest financial results, underscoring the resilience of London’s dining sector amid economic pressures. … read more

Tortilla Forecasts Strongest Year Yet Amid UK Growth

Posted by Emma on 1st Oct 2025       Reading Time:

Tortilla has announced that 2025 is set to be its most profitable year in the UK, following a strong first half marked by sales growth and record earnings. The Mexican restaurant chain reported a 5% … read more

German Doner Kebab Enters Value Menu Battle with £5 Line-Up

Posted by Emma on 1st Oct 2025       Reading Time:

German Doner Kebab (GDK) has joined the increasingly fierce battle for the quick-service restaurant (QSR) lunchtime market with the launch of its new Fiver Menu. Offering five dishes at £5, the … read more

KFC Profits Surge to £97.6m Despite Job Cuts in the UK

Posted by Emma on 1st Oct 2025       Reading Time:

KFC has reported a sharp rise in profit across its UK operations, despite shedding jobs and seeing a fall in turnover. Newly filed accounts show that the fast-food chain recorded a pre-tax profit of … read more

Popeyes UK Eyes 100 Sites by Year-End Amid Fierce Competition

Posted by Emma on 1st Oct 2025       Reading Time:

Popeyes UK has reported strong growth in its latest financial results, revealing turnover of £118.9 million for the year ending 31 December 2024. This figure marks a significant rise from £ … read more

Wingstop UK Breaks £100m Barrier with Ambitious Growth Plans

Posted by Emma on 1st Oct 2025       Reading Time:

Wingstop UK has reported a remarkable year of growth, with profits and turnover both reaching record highs. The company described 2024 as a “transformational year”, marked by soaring sales … read more

Meal Deals and New Ventures: Greggs Reports 6.1% Sales Growth

Posted by Emma on 1st Oct 2025       Reading Time:

Greggs, the UK’s high street bakery chain, has reported sales growth of 6.1% in the third quarter of 2025, despite a weaker performance during July. The company attributed the dip to unusually h … read more

Pret A Manger Joins the Drive-Thru Race in 2026

Posted by Emma on 30th Sep 2025       Reading Time:

Pret A Manger is preparing to open its first drive-thru location in early 2026, marking a significant step in the brand’s expansion into more travel-focused and convenience-driven formats. Chie … read more

Honest Burgers Expands with Acquisition of 12 GBK Sites

Posted by Emma on 30th Sep 2025       Reading Time:

Honest Burgers has acquired 12 Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK) restaurants for an undisclosed sum, signalling a significant step in its long-term growth strategy. The purchase was made possible through … read more

Jamie Russo to support Ceres customers in Scotland

Posted by Emily on 23rd Sep 2025       Reading Time:

We now have a dedicated presence in Scotland with the appointment of Jamie Russo as Field Training Specialist. For Jamie, it’s more than just a new role, it’s a chance to give back to the … read more

Government Proposes Overhaul to Business Rates System

Posted by Emma on 15th Sep 2025       Reading Time:

The UK government is contemplating pivotal reforms to the current tax system, aiming to facilitate the expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly within the hospitality secto … read more

Itsu Expands as Losses Deepen Despite Turnover Growth

Posted by Emma on 8th Sep 2025       Reading Time:

Itsu, the Asian-inspired quick-service chain, has reported widening losses despite an uplift in sales. For the 53 weeks ending 2 January 2025, the group posted turnover of £120 million, a 3.7% i … read more

Papas Group's New Franchise Venture with JD Wetherspoon

Posted by Emma on 8th Sep 2025       Reading Time:

In a significant development for the British pub industry, the family-owned Papas Group has entered into a notable franchise agreement with JD Wetherspoon. This new accord will witness Papas Group ope … read more

Chick-fil-A’s Ambitious Return: US Fast Food Giant to Open Flagship Leeds Restaurant

Posted by Emma on 1st Sep 2025       Reading Time:

Chick-fil-A, the renowned American fried chicken chain, has confirmed the opening of a new restaurant in Leeds this autumn, signalling a determined return to the British market. The launch marks the c … read more

The ‘McDonald’s of the Sea’ Docks in Kent: Captain D’s Launches Its First UK Restaurant

Posted by Emma on 1st Sep 2025       Reading Time:

Captain D’s, the renowned US-based fast-casual seafood chain, is set to make its long-anticipated debut on British soil, with its inaugural UK location confirmed for the Westwood Cross Shopping … read more

Dave's Hot Chicken Announces Ambitious European Rollout

Posted by Emma on 1st Sep 2025       Reading Time:

Dave's Hot Chicken, a well-known American fast-casual restaurant chain, has announced plans to open 180 new outlets across Europe. The agreement marks a significant step in the brand’s internati … read more

Resignation Rocks Hospitality Council as Industry Voices Clash with Government Policy

Posted by Emma on 1st Sep 2025       Reading Time:

The chair of one of Britain’s foremost bar chains has resigned from a high-level government taskforce, citing pressure from civil servants after voicing concerns about Labour’s fiscal stra … read more

Leadership Shake-Up at McDonald’s UK: Alistair Macrow Exits, Lauren Schultz Steps In

Posted by Emma on 21st Aug 2025       Reading Time:

McDonald’s UK & Ireland is preparing for a significant leadership transition as Alistair Macrow steps down from his role as chief executive officer. After four years in the post and nearly t … read more

Burger King Targets Turnaround with $400m Modernisation Push

Posted by Emily on 21st Aug 2025       Reading Time:

Burger King is stepping up efforts to revive its struggling U.S. business, announcing major investment in remodels and a reshaping of its franchise model, as parent company Restaurant Brands Internati … read more

UK Hospitality Crisis: 7 in 10 Venues Struggling to Fill Seats

Posted by Emily on 20th Aug 2025       Reading Time:

The UK hospitality industry is grappling with a worsening financial squeeze, as new research reveals that most businesses are operating at well below sustainable levels. A nationwide survey of 14,300 … read more

Consumers Cut Back on Fast Food but Indulge in Branded Treats

Posted by Emma on 20th Aug 2025       Reading Time:

Britons are rethinking their relationship with fast food. Once seen as an easy and affordable indulgence, takeaway meals are slipping down the list of household priorities as grocery bills climb and b … read more

Domino’s Points the Finger at Planning Delays for Sluggish UK Growth

Posted by Emma on 14th Aug 2025       Reading Time:

Domino’s Pizza has become the latest high-profile brand to publicly criticise the UK’s planning system, warning that bureaucratic bottlenecks are undermining its expansion plans. Chief exe … read more

Hospitality Suffers Largest Job Losses Amid National Insurance Hike

Posted by Emma on 14th Aug 2025       Reading Time:

The UK hospitality sector has suffered a dramatic blow, losing over 100,000 payrolled employees in the past year, with the majority of losses occurring since the Government announced increases to empl … read more

Labour’s Youth Wage Reform Faces Industry Backlash

Posted by Emma on 8th Aug 2025       Reading Time:

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has instructed the Low Pay Commission to draw up plans to eliminate the £2-per-hour pay gap between 18–20-year-olds and older adults. Backed by trade un … read more

Profits Up, Donations Down: McDonald’s Balances the Books

Posted by Emma on 7th Aug 2025       Reading Time:

McDonald’s UK nearly doubled its profits in 2024 — yet behind the headline lies a stark shift in priorities. While pre-tax earnings surged to £120 million, the company slashed thousa … read more

Hospitality Sector on the Brink as Employment Costs Force Daily Shutdowns

Posted by Emily on 7th Aug 2025       Reading Time:

The UK's hospitality sector is facing a troubling crisis, with an average of two hospitality businesses closing their doors every single day during the first half of 2025. Recent research by CGA, NIQ, … read more

Papa John's UK Closes 74 of Its Outlets in Profitability Drive

Posted by Emma on 7th Aug 2025       Reading Time:

Papa John's, the renowned American pizza chain, has announced the closure of 74 restaurants across the UK in an attempt to stem increasing financial losses and refocus its business strategy on profita … read more

Minimum Wage Set to Rise Again: Will It Lift Incomes or Cost Jobs?

Posted by Emma on 6th Aug 2025       Reading Time:

The UK’s minimum wage could climb to £12.71 per hour from April 2026, according to the latest projections by the Low Pay Commission (LPC). This would mark a 4.1% rise f … read more