As pubs prepare to open fully from lockdown, a coalition representing Britain’s Brewers, pub companies, operators and beer drinkers have come together to demand a cut in duty paid on beer sold on draught at the pump in the UK’s pubs. The industry group has written to Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, to demand duty on draught beer sold in pubs should be halved. This shot in the arm for … [Read more...]
Archives for May 2021
Leading through recognition of hospitality’s greatest asset
People are the lifeblood of what makes hospitality so interesting and exciting. It’s people who promote aspirational brands, create unforgettable moments and nurture talent. We are also an eclectic industry: a five-star hotel, a digital conference suite, a school dining room and a food photography studio are all aspects of the same industry, with one common theme. … [Read more...]
PM jeopardises hospitality’s reopening through prejudiced travel decisions
The PM yesterday served warning to the hospitality industry of delays in ‘his’ reopening roadmap because of ‘his’ delay in adding India to the red list. The two are inextricably linked and there was no recognition of the fact. It was an audacious insult, ‘he’ chose to prioritise a new trade deal with India ahead of the nation’s health and economy. Now ‘we’ pay the … [Read more...]
Radisson appoints GM for Manchester hotels
Radisson Hotel Group has announced the appointment of Suzanne Graham Speak as City General Manager at Radisson BLU Hotel Manchester Airport and Park Inn by Radisson Manchester. Graham Speak has a career spanning over 20 years working in the hospitality industry, and her teenage years were spent gaining crucial experience working in hotels and restaurants. After … [Read more...]
Yorkshire Prose captures the nation’s emotional attachment to the humble pint
A poem, which captures the nation’s emotional attachment to the humble pint, was written in conjunction with Yorkshire dialect poet Ben Taylor, better known as Yorkshire Prose, has amassed over 180,000 views. In response to the reaction, the Yorkshire brewery has launched a limited run of posters for sale through its online web shop, in support of Pub is the Hub, a … [Read more...]
The UK’s largest golf resort operator invests in bringing more to the game
The QHotels Group has underlined its long-term commitment to golf by announcing £2 million investment across its golf resorts over the next three years. The UK’s largest golf resort operator will be rolling out an upgrade to its facilities and courses at its seven golf venues in England and Scotland over the next 12 months, with further significant investment to follow in 2022 … [Read more...]
PM gives roadmap Step 3 the green light, with Step 4 placed on amber
The Prime Minister at today’s press conference warned the Indian Covid variant might create "serious disruption" to easing his Step 4 lockdown restrictions on 21 June. He did emphasise on several occasions that Step 3 would progress uninhibited next Monday. The haste in arranging the press conference, called just after 2pm to take place at 5pm, sent out a sense of expectation … [Read more...]
Downing Street announces press conference today where PM will address Indian Covid variant
It has just been announced by Downing Street that the Prime Minister will hold an unscheduled press conference this afternoon. No official agenda has been provided but speculation across media reporting is he will address pressure to slow down his roadmap. The pressure comes from concerns the Indian Covid-19 variant is spreading faster than the cases identified to date. It … [Read more...]
BBPA reveal 2,000 pubs unable to reopen next week
The British Beer & Pub Association has revealed 2,000 pubs are unable to reopen on Monday due to continued restrictions. The Government’s next step in its roadmap to recovery starts on 17 May, enabling hospitality venues including 45,000 pubs to reopen for service indoors. However, pubs and other parts of the hospitality sector will still face heavy restrictions … [Read more...]
PM “ruling nothing out” to control Indian Covid variant
The Prime Minister spoke yesterday of his anxiety concerning the spread of the Indian variant of Covid-19 saying he is "ruling nothing out" to control it. Speaking to reporters he added that he will “consider all options" and did not rule out changing the roadmap, but, without saying as much seemed reluctant to even contemplate such a measure. If rules are to be changed … [Read more...]
Research from Virgin StartUp shows people increasingly want work independence
Virgin StartUp has released new research revealing that one in three Brits dream of becoming an entrepreneur and would like to set up their own business. Nothing new there, but some of the findings highlighted may shed some light on fewer hospitality people returning to work as hospitality reopens. The study reveals that circa two million people have started a side project … [Read more...]
Three Michelin Star Hélène Darroze at The Connaught reopening next week
Tuesday 18th May heralds the anticipated reopening of Hélène Darroze at The Connaught. After what has been an exceptionally challenging year for global hospitality, Hélène and her London team have emerged stronger than ever and are eagerly looking forward to welcoming guests back to the restaurant. Although 2021 began unpromisingly with ongoing closures in Britain and … [Read more...]
The Queens Speech promises vital boost in much needed vocational training
The Queens Speech and the State Opening of Parliament took place earlier today in the House of Lords, the Queen's first major public engagement since the death of her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh. The address to the house is of course delivered by HM The Queen, but the content and message is the government’s. The Queen set out government plans saying they would: … [Read more...]
The O2 to host 4,000 people at The BRIT Awards tonight
The O2 has announced that tonight, the arena will welcome a live audience of 4,000 to attend The BRIT Awards. The venue will host the UK’s largest indoor pilot event as part of the governments Events Research Programme without social distancing in place. The pilot event is a significant step for the venue, as well as the wider industry and associated supply chains who … [Read more...]
City centre worker footfall driving Pret into supermarkets
Reacting to city and town centres still devoid of the office workers that filled their sandwich shops, Pret a Manger will trial openings in Tesco supermarkets as people continue to work from home. The relocation tactic is being tested to counter workplace footfall and revenue decline. Many businesses were forced throughout the pandemic to encourage and adapt to people … [Read more...]