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Blind Tiger Inns is a wet-led, community pub operator based in the north-west of England. The company has experienced consistent growth over the past seven years through the acquisition of additional sites and investments in the existing estate. They recently opened a venue in Greater Manchester, which has been successful after undergoing extensive renovations. Blind Tiger Inns aims to create a standout experience in local pubs by adding unique elements such as well-designed beer gardens and offering unique entertainment. The company is optimistic about the sector and is exploring new opportunities for expansion. They acknowledge the challenges of increasing costs, particularly utilities, but are overcoming them by investing in their pubs and training their staff to provide the best experience possible. Blind Tiger Inns has a high retention rate for their managers and teams, offering generous bonus schemes and incentives. They also adapt to changing consumer behavior by offering a variety of experiences and activities in their pubs. [Extracted from the article]

According to a recent survey by CGA by NIQ, 33% of operators in the hospitality industry have reduced their trading hours due to increased costs and a decrease in footfall. The survey also found that 49% of business leaders were confident about the prospects for their business in the next 12 months, down from 53% in May. While there were some glimmers of optimism, such as a reduction in energy bills for 50% of leaders, challenges in areas like labor and food costs have impacted confidence. Operators expressed a desire for policy changes, including business rates reform and targeted VAT reduction, to support growth in the industry. [Extracted from the article]

The Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs One to Watch award is now open for entry. Pubs have until September 29th to nominate themselves for a chance to be on the prestigious gastropubs list. The judging panel will assess each application and shortlist six finalists, followed by an in-person site visit and interview. The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony in January. Last year's winner, the Victoria in Oxshott, Surrey, saw increased exposure and recognition after winning the award. The Bull's Head in Holymoorside, Derbyshire, won the title for 2024 and expressed pride in their achievement. [Extracted from the article]

A snap poll conducted by The Morning Advertiser found that 85% of operators would not support an outdoor smoking ban if it were to be implemented. The majority of the 559 respondents were against the reported ban, while 15% said they would support it. Trade bodies such as the British Beer & Pub Association and UKHospitality expressed concerns about the potential move, citing potential economic harm to hospitality venues. However, some operators, like Piers Baker, owner of the Sun Inn and Church Street Tavern, were in favor of the ban, stating that it would help protect non-smokers in tight outdoor spaces. A YouGov survey also found that 58% of consumers would support a ban on smoking in pub gardens and outdoor restaurants. [Extracted from the article]

London-based multiple operator Urban Pubs & Bars has acquired 11 former Antic sites, including eight trading leasehold businesses and three vacant freehold sites. The acquisition includes popular pubs such as the East Dulwich Tavern, the Antelope, and the Sun. As part of the transfer, 150 employees will join Urban Pubs & Bars. This acquisition is in line with Urban's ongoing growth strategies, and the company now has a total of 52 trading sites. [Extracted from the article]

Legal experts have expressed concerns about the potential impact of an outdoor smoking ban on licensing laws. Leaked documents suggest that the ban could extend to pub gardens, restaurant terraces, and other outdoor areas. Licensing solicitors have warned that if the ban becomes law, it could have significant implications for the sector. They highlight the need for operators to adapt their smoking and management policies, potentially leading to additional staff monitoring and signage. There are also concerns about where customers would go to smoke if it is not permitted in outdoor areas, as well as potential issues with noise and smoke entering nearby properties. The experts question whether the ban would achieve its aim of reducing smoking or simply relocate it to other areas. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the possibility of a ban on outdoor smoking in various public spaces in the UK. The government is considering extending the indoor smoking ban to include pub gardens, restaurant terraces, sports stadiums, children's parks, and other areas. The British Beer & Pub Association and some pub owners express concerns about the potential impact on the struggling hospitality sector. However, other operators support the ban, citing the negative effects of smoking on non-smokers and the difficulty of managing designated smoking areas. [Extracted from the article]

Nik Antona, the chairman of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), has stepped down from his position due to a serious illness. Antona has been a volunteer for CAMRA for over 20 years and has served in various roles within the organization. The national executive of CAMRA will now conduct an election process to choose a new chair. Antona expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as chairman and thanked the members and volunteers for their dedication. Vice-chairman Ash Corbett-Collins wished Antona a speedy recovery and expressed appreciation for his leadership during challenging times. Chief executive Tom Stainer also thanked Antona for his hard work and wished him well in his treatment and recovery. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports on leaked documents suggesting that the UK government is considering extending the indoor smoking ban to include outdoor areas such as pub gardens, restaurant terraces, and children's parks. The potential ban has raised concerns from the hospitality industry, with fears of serious economic harm and the potential closure of venues. Some industry representatives argue that the ban would be difficult to enforce and could lead to further burdens on businesses already facing challenges. Others question whether the proposed ban is an over-regulation that infringes on personal freedom and business viability. [Extracted from the article]

The Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) has expressed concerns about a proposed 5% visitor levy by the City of Edinburgh Council. The trade body argues that the tax will not support accommodation providers and will be an additional cost on top of the 20% VAT already paid by visitors when booking accommodation in Scotland. The council expects the levy to raise between £45m and £50m a year by 2028/29, with the revenue being reinvested in initiatives that benefit residents and enhance visitor experiences. The SLTA questions whether businesses' concerns will be taken into account during the consultation process. UKHospitality Scotland has also called for the levy to be kept to a reasonable minimum. [Extracted from the article]

The proposed visitor levy for Edinburgh is expected to generate millions of pounds annually to invest in the city's infrastructure and sustainable tourism. The levy will involve visitors paying a 5% fixed fee of the accommodation cost per night, capped at seven consecutive nights. However, UKHospitality Scotland has warned against setting the levy at an unsustainable level, as it could increase costs for visitors and businesses and potentially harm Edinburgh's reputation as a leading destination. The levy scheme will undergo a 12-week public consultation to gather input from residents, visitors, and businesses before being finalized in January next year. [Extracted from the article]

The Morning Advertiser article discusses the upcoming MA Leaders Oxford study tour, which will explore the vibrant venues in the city. The venues include Cosy Club, a restaurant with a varied cocktail menu; The Store, a luxury hotel with a rooftop terrace; The Grapes, an independent beer house with retro board games and vinyl records; The Slow & Steady, a neighborhood pub set to open next month; and Sixes, a cricket-inspired party destination. The article also mentions that the conference during the tour will feature speakers from Loungers and Sixes discussing their success and the importance of experiential venues for younger demographics. [Extracted from the article]

Hall & Woodhouse (H&W), a South-east based business, has reported a significant increase in underlying profit before tax, rising by 50% to £6.5m. The company's total profit after tax also increased to £9.5m, with net debt reducing to £37.1m. H&W expressed confidence in further progress despite challenges faced by the industry, and highlighted the success of its managed houses and beer arm. The company also emphasized its commitment to its purpose and values, including paying the real living wage and raising money for charity. [Extracted from the article]

Jeremy Clarkson, the TV presenter, has announced that his new pub in the Cotswolds is called the Farmer's Dog. The pub will serve Hawkstone Brewery beer and cider, which Clarkson is also a part of. Clarkson had previously purchased the pub, which was originally named the Windmill, and stated that he aims to bring fun back to the establishment. He has reached out on social media for support and opinions, including asking for help in finding black pepper grown in the UK and what kind of flag should be flown in the pub's garden. [Extracted from the article]

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has announced the shortlist for its Pub of the Year 2024 competition, consisting of 17 pubs from across the UK. The finalists were chosen based on criteria such as atmosphere, décor, service, and the quality of beer, cider, and perry. The overall winner will be revealed in January next year. CAMRA emphasizes the importance of supporting local pubs, especially in light of the demolition of the Crooked House pub in Staffordshire last year. [Extracted from the article]

According to a report by Lumina Intelligence, consumers in the UK are prioritizing quality over value when it comes to their choices in the on-trade. The report suggests that consumers are increasingly opting for premium craft or world beers and Guinness. Economic indicators, such as inflation, have normalized historic levels, leading to a shift in consumer priorities. The report advises operators to focus on providing added value through experiences and higher quality products. While there hasn't been a notable rise in any age demographic visiting the on-trade, older consumers, particularly those over 65, continue to be the most regular guests. However, the report also notes that consumers are reducing the number of times they visit pubs or bars each week. The closure of pubs is predicted to be steeper than pre-Covid levels, with factors such as business rates, alcohol duty, and staff wage hikes making sites unviable for operators. Consumers are increasingly choosing local and independent venues when they do go out. [Extracted from the article]

According to Lumina Intelligence's UK Pub & Bar Market Report, closures in the pub market are expected to be higher than pre-Covid levels this year due to various factors such as business rates, alcohol duty, and staff wage hikes. Consumer caution around spending has also contributed to the closure of weaker sites that cannot sustain quieter periods. The report shows a decrease in the number of pubs from 45,791 in 2019 to 41,729 in 2024, with closures peaking at 35 a week during the Covid pandemic. Additionally, the report highlights the growth of the managed model in the pub market and an increase in merger and acquisition activity, indicating improved investor confidence. [Extracted from the article]

According to official figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), the number of job vacancies in the hospitality sector has decreased to 100,000, with a drop of 9,000 vacancies in the accommodation and food services activities sector. The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) emphasized the importance of the sector in terms of employment, supporting 936,000 jobs. The CEO of BBPA called for flexibility on labor and a reduction in the cost of doing business to support job creation and economic growth. The trade body UKHospitality (UKH) welcomed the decrease in vacancies but highlighted the need for further action, as the number of vacancies remains above pre-pandemic levels. UKH has been collaborating with the Department for Work and Pensions on a hospitality skills pilot scheme to help unemployed individuals find new roles in the sector. The CEO of UKH suggested that the government should view hospitality as a sector that can assist people of diverse backgrounds and skillsets in finding employment. The skills pilot program has been successful in helping participants secure jobs, and a permanent rollout could contribute to the government's goal of achieving an 80% employment rate. [Extracted from the article]

Pub company and brewer Greene King has hired its 250th prison leaver as part of its Releasing Potential program, which aims to support individuals leaving prison in finding employment within the business. The company works with over 65 prisons nationwide, offering training in areas such as food preparation, customer service, and housekeeping to prepare prisoners for work in Greene King establishments. Greene King plans to hire 400 prison leavers through the program by 2025 and works with organizations like Only A Pavement Away and The Recruitment Junction to provide additional support for prison leavers. The partnership between Greene King and the prison system is seen as a way to promote rehabilitation, reduce reoffending, and contribute to the economy. [Extracted from the article]

Keywords: TrainingPHOTO (COLOR)More than a fifth of restaurant and bargoers never pay the optional service charge, research has revealed.When looking at the data in different regions, the figure jumps to 34% for those in the south-west, according to the latest Consumer Outlook from RSM UK, which surveyed 2,000 consumers.By Nikkie ThatcherReported by Author [Extracted from the article]

Recent disorder and the threat of riots in the UK have led to a significant drop in sales for hospitality businesses, according to UKHospitality. Operators reported sales drops of up to 40% in towns where protests were rumored to take place, and footfall decreased by 75%. City centers also saw mass events canceled and workers instructed to work from home. UKHospitality is calling for swift action from insurance companies to support affected businesses, and they are offering advice and information on compensation schemes for riot damage. [Extracted from the article]

A report from AAK Foodservice reveals that South-east Asian flavors are predicted to be popular on menus in the coming months. The report surveyed over 650 diners from the US, UK, and Sweden and found that over 80% of consumers were likely to try new cuisines when eating out. While Caribbean and Greek food were popular choices for future meals, Asian flavors, particularly Chinese and Indian, were currently the most enjoyed. Other trends to look out for include hot and spicy foods, barbecue variations, and fusion dishes. The report also provides advice on incorporating world food onto menus, such as using trend tools and swapping parts of dishes. AAK Foodservice managing director Rachel Neale highlights the influence of street food on diverse taste experiences and the importance of catering to varied tastes and dietary needs. [Extracted from the article]

Jeremy Clarkson, the television presenter, has recently purchased a pub in the Cotswolds. In response to this news, other operators in the hospitality industry have offered their advice to Clarkson. They emphasize the importance of having a strong team, treating them well, and maintaining consistency in service. They also stress the significance of passionate staff and creating a pub that people would want to socialize in. Additionally, they suggest avoiding cash payments, taking card details for bookings, and not reading TripAdvisor reviews. [Extracted from the article]

Pub company and brewer Greene King is participating in a trial scheme to reduce the number of single-use glass bottles. The company is working with start-up firm Again, which collects and cleans the used bottles from 22 Greene King pubs in the north-west of England. Between 14,000 and 22,000 bottles a week will be collected, with 27% being reused immediately and 55% being reused by the end of the year. This initiative aligns with Greene King's sustainability goals and contributes to the industry's progress towards net zero. [Extracted from the article]

Trade bodies, including the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) and UKHospitality (UKH), have issued advice for pub operators who may be affected by riots and disorder in various towns and cities. The advice includes being mindful that protests can occur anywhere, securing or hiding high-value and portable goods such as alcohol stocks, and taking precautions such as clearing glass containers and street furniture that could be used as projectiles. The trade bodies also recommend collaborating with other businesses, police, and local authorities through partnership schemes, ensuring staff are briefed on risk assessments and plans, and checking emergency equipment and communication systems. They also mention the government's compensation scheme for riot damage. [Extracted from the article]

Trade body UKHospitality (UKH) has created a support hub for businesses and staff impacted by recent riots and disorder in towns and cities across the nation. The hub provides practical and economic support, safety and public area guidance, and wellbeing support for hospitality staff. It offers advice on compensation for victims of criminal damage or loss during a riot, collaborating with local authorities, and liaising with other businesses. UKH hopes that critical services like insurance providers and banks, as well as local authorities, will swiftly assist affected businesses in their recovery. [Extracted from the article]

Roxy Leisure Holdings, which includes brands such as Roxy Ball Room and Roxy Lanes, has rebranded to Professionals at Play. The company, founded by brothers Matt and Ben Jones, aims to create a group brand for Roxy Leisure and Pins Leisure. Along with the rebrand, the company has undergone a management restructure, appointing Colin Sadler as the new chief operating officer. The company is also launching a new family-focused arm called Star Pins, with the first site set to open in Coventry in November. The venue will offer ten-pin bowling, mini golf, darts, and other games, as well as food and drink options. CEO Matt Jones sees the rebrand as the next step in the company's growth. [Extracted from the article]

According to Barclays' latest Consumer Spend report, pubs, bars, and clubs in the UK experienced a 4.9% increase in consumer spending in July, the highest growth since January. This surge was attributed to football fans visiting hospitality venues to watch the final rounds of the Euros tournament. Despite England's loss in the final, payment transactions at pubs and bars nearly tripled on July 14th compared to the previous year. The report also revealed that confidence in the UK economy improved by five percentage points in July, reaching its highest level since February 2022. However, confidence in household finances and the ability to live within means both declined slightly. Barclays' head of retail, Karen Johnson, expressed optimism about the recovery of seasonal staples and the boost the Euros provided for the hospitality industry. Barclays' chief UK economist, Jack Meaning, also expressed optimism about the figures, suggesting that consumers' rising incomes and confidence, along with the Bank of England's interest rate reduction, will lead to stronger spending growth in the second half of the year and into 2025. [Extracted from the article]

London-based pub group Fuller's has acquired Lovely Pubs for £22.5m. The acquisition includes seven pubs located in commuter areas in Warwickshire. Fuller's CEO, Simon Emeny, expressed excitement about the acquisition, stating that Lovely Pubs is an excellent business with well-invested sites offering locally sourced food and a great drinks range. The pubs will continue to operate as they are, and the founders of Lovely Pubs will work with Fuller's to preserve the essence of the pubs. [Extracted from the article]

The Bank of England has announced a cut in interest rates from 5.25% to 5%, which is seen as a positive step by trade bodies and industry representatives. The reduction in interest rates is expected to provide some relief for businesses that are still paying back Covid loans and encourage consumer spending. The Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA) CEO also welcomed the cut, stating that it will help alleviate financial strains and stimulate consumer spending, which is crucial for the survival of nightlife venues and associated industries. [Extracted from the article]

The Licensed Trade Charity (LTC) has launched a new website and podcast series to provide support and resources for individuals in the hospitality industry. The website offers advice on financial assistance, wellbeing tips, and specialist advice. The podcast series, LTC Talks, features industry professionals sharing their experiences and insights on caring for team members. The LTC aims to make support more accessible by consolidating information on their website and closing their app. The charity's CEO hopes that these digital resources will help individuals in the industry facing the cost-of-living crisis and other challenges. [Extracted from the article]

The Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA) is calling for immediate action to save Boxpark Shoreditch, which is facing closure due to a "planning requirement." The site, which opened in 2011 as a temporary use scheme, reached the expiration of its lease earlier this year and notice was served by the landlords for the development of the site. Boxpark founder Roger Wade expressed regret over the closure, highlighting the site's contributions to the local economy and job creation. The NTIA has initiated a campaign to save Boxpark Shoreditch, urging industry members to sign an open letter to Hackney Council. However, Hackney Council argues that the campaign is misdirected, as Boxpark was always intended as a temporary use for the site, and the council does not have the power to delay the development. The redevelopment of Bishopsgate Goodsyard is expected to bring significant benefits to the area, including affordable housing and workspace. [Extracted from the article]

Cask Marque has relaunched the Beer Sommelier program with support from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and Institute of Brewers and Distillers (IBD). The program, which was previously run by the IBD and the Beer Academy, aims to create beer sommeliers and has already produced over 200. Cask Marque has formed an advisory board to establish the Guild of Beer Sommeliers, which includes industry experts such as Annabel Smith, Natalya Watson, Ed Hughes, Paul Nunny, Alex Barlow, and Jonny Tyson. The guild's purpose is to promote and support its members as the best beer educators in their field. The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has also provided support for the program. BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin believes that the Beer Sommelier program is an important tool for educating and supporting individuals in the brewing and pub industries, and for promoting the diversity and heritage of British beer. [Extracted from the article]

Despite strong sales in the beer sector, the total number of breweries in the UK has continued to decline, according to data from the Society of Independent Brewers & Associates (SIBA). The report showed that there are now 1,748 active breweries, a net decline of 29 since the end of the first quarter of 2024. Financial pressures, including rising costs and legacy Covid debt, were cited as the main challenges for small independent breweries. SIBA called for more market access and help with financial pressure to stabilize brewery numbers. [Extracted from the article]

Christmas bookings for the 2024 festive period have increased by 54% compared to last year, with 52% of these bookings specifically for Christmas Day. The most popular days for bookings are Saturday, December 14th, and the first Saturday of the month, December 7th. Group bookings of 10 or more people have also risen by 38% compared to last year, accounting for 26% of total bookings for December. Last Christmas, managed pubs experienced a 9.6% growth in the last month of the year, and 290 million pints were sold in December 2023, with draught beer and cider sales up 8.8%. Zonal, a tech firm, advises operators to have a booking system in place to facilitate large party bookings and reduce administrative headaches. [Extracted from the article]

Punch Pubs & Co has acquired the White Swan, a traditional town pub in Market Rasen, Lincolnshire. The pub features a lounge bar, games area, six letting rooms, private function facilities, and an outdoor area. Macauley Bowers will be the new publican, and Punch is excited to work with him to ensure the pub's continued success. This acquisition is part of Punch's expansion, which includes recent acquisitions in Yorkshire, the north-east, and Leicestershire. In the second quarter of 2024, Punch reported £165.1m in revenue. [Extracted from the article]

According to new data from the Oxford Partnership, the hospitality sector lost 84 outlets between June 1 and July 6, with suburban and urban areas being the most affected. However, closures have slowed in the past four weeks, with the rate falling below minus 1% for the year to date. The research also found that operators were cutting opening hours to control their outgoings, with venues trading 197,000 fewer hours compared to last year. Despite the closures, footfall and dwell time in pubs and bars increased, driven by football fans watching the Euros. Consumer spending in pubs, bars, and clubs saw modest year-on-year growth in June, while restaurants experienced a decline in spending. [Extracted from the article]

Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), a pubs, bars, and restaurants operator, has reported a 7.3% increase in total sales for the year to date. The growth in the third quarter was attributed to the movement of Easter and a progressive easing of the inflationary environment. M&B also completed 139 conversions and remodels and opened six new sites during this period. Despite anticipated net cost headwinds, the company expects to continue to rebuild margins and remain confident in meeting full-year expectations. [Extracted from the article]

Heineken UK has become an industry partner of the climate action platform Net Zero Now, joining other companies such as Coca-Cola Europacific Partners and Pernod Ricard UK in supporting climate action in the hospitality industry. The hospitality sector is responsible for up to 15% of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions, and Net Zero Now has developed the Net Zero Pubs and Bars initiative to help reduce emissions in this sector. Heineken UK is offering a free membership to the initiative for a set number of new SmartDispense customers, providing them with tools and resources to assess and reduce their climate impact. Net Zero Now's managing director expressed his delight at Heineken UK's support, noting that becoming net zero can benefit businesses financially as well as having a positive impact on employees, customers, and the planet. [Extracted from the article]

Greene King's leased, tenanted, and franchised arm Pub Partners has opened its sixth Nest Pub, with plans to have a total of 10 Nest Pubs by the end of 2024. The Marquis of Lorne in Stevenage, Hertfordshire received a £260,000 investment to become a Nest Pub. Nest Pubs are wet-led pubs located on busy high streets and in communities, offering great value, an excellent experience, and regular sport and entertainment. Greene King has invested almost £1.5 million into the six Nest sites so far. The franchisees of the Marquis of Lorne expressed their excitement about running the pub as Nest Pub franchisees. [Extracted from the article]

The 2024 Great British Pub Awards will be hosted by TV star and writer Ralf Little. The awards ceremony will take place on September 17th at Manchester's Victoria Warehouse. The competition received entries from hundreds of pubs, which were then narrowed down by expert judges through two rounds of judging and on-site visits. The awards are sponsored by various companies and pub partners. The article also lists the finalists in different categories, such as Best Beer Pub, Best Country Pub, Best Pub for Dogs, Best Pub for Entertainment, Best Pub for Families, Best Pub for Food, Best Pub Garden, Best Pub to Watch Sport, Best Sustainable Pub, Best Town Pub, Community Pub of the Year, Admiral Taverns Pub of the Year, Greene King Pub of the Year, Marston's Pub of the Year, Stonegate Group Pub Partners Pub of the Year, and Punch Pub of the Year. [Extracted from the article]

Be At One, a cocktail bar brand owned by Stonegate Group, is opening its second location in Liverpool after receiving an £800,000 investment. The new bar aims to provide an innovative and high-energy atmosphere for customers, with features such as a designated area for cocktail masterclasses and a party mirror in the ladies' toilets that changes music and reveals a hidden screen. The venue has created 14 new job opportunities and will open to guests on August 2nd. Stonegate Group acquired Be At One in 2018 and now has over 40 sites. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the launch of Skills England, a new government body that aims to address the skills needs of the next decade in all regions of the country. Skills England will bring together various partners, including government, businesses, training providers, and unions, to provide strategic oversight of the post-16 skills system. The body will also work with the Migration Advisory Committee to reduce reliance on overseas workers. The article highlights positive reactions from industry leaders in the hospitality sector, who believe that Skills England will help drive economic growth and upskill the workforce. The British Beer & Pub Association also welcomes the body's efforts to ensure a skilled workforce is available to employers in the sector. [Extracted from the article]

Insolvencies in the hospitality sector have increased by 20% in the 12 months leading up to May 2024, according to official figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). There were 3,752 insolvencies during this period, making the hospitality sector the third highest in terms of insolvencies. However, month-on-month insolvencies were down by 9%. The leisure and hospitality sector has faced significant challenges in the past year, including increasing wage costs, food inflation, and high interest rates. While sporting events like the Euros have provided some hope, other legal changes are expected to further pressure profit margins. The King's Speech mentioned potential reforms to apprenticeships, planning systems, and safety regulations, but there was no mention of VAT cuts or business rates reform. Many operators are hoping for support from the Autumn Budget to help reduce the rate of insolvencies. [Extracted from the article]

Loungers, an all day café-bar group, has opened its largest Lounge in Bristol, featuring an outside terrace, a 10.5-meter-long bar, and a private dining room. The site is decorated with the group's signature lighting, vintage sofas, upholstered chairs, and eclectic artwork. Loungers also recently opened its 36th Cosy Club in Sheffield, bringing its total number of sites to 266. The company reported record revenue and a 5% increase in like-for-like sales, allowing for further expansion. CEO Nick Collins emphasized the positive economic and social impact of the hospitality sector and called for tax reform. [Extracted from the article]

Stonegate Group has invested over £2.6 million in transforming four of its sites, including the newly opened Slug & Lettuce in Albert Square, Manchester. The refurbishment of the venue, which features a flamingo pink and jungle green color scheme, included new seating booths and photobooths. The general manager of the Albert Square location aims to make it a must-visit destination in the city. [Extracted from the article]

French drinks company Pernod Ricard has sold its portfolio of international wine brands to Australian Wine Holdco, the owner of Accolade Wines. The sale allows Pernod to focus on its premium spirits and Champagne brands. The deal includes well-known wine brands such as Jacob's Creek, Orlando, and Campo Viejo. The closure of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to take place next year. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. [Extracted from the article]

Trade body UKHospitality has outlined what the hospitality industry can expect from the King's Speech, which will be delivered during the State Opening of Parliament. The King's Speech, written by the Government, will outline the Government's priorities for the next session of Parliament. UKHospitality has highlighted several commitments from Labour's manifesto that they helped secure, including replacing business rates and reforming the Apprenticeship Levy. While it is uncertain what will be included in the King's Speech, UKHospitality will continue to engage with officials and ministers to ensure that the proposed legislation works for the hospitality industry. [Extracted from the article]

Huddersfield-based brewery Magic Rock has announced that its cask beer will now be suitable for vegans. Previously, the brewery used isinglass finings, derived from fish swim bladder, but has now switched to a vegan-friendly alternative fining agent called Super F. The change was made in response to a growing demand for gluten-free and vegan-friendly beers. Magic Rock's head of production, Ari Rovati, ensured that the majority of the brewery's range is now vegan-friendly, including their cask beer. The new fining agent will not impact the appearance, taste, quality, flavor, or aroma of the beer. Magic Rock was acquired by In Good Company in 2022, and the CEO expressed excitement about being one of the few entirely vegan-friendly cask beer producers in the UK. [Extracted from the article]

According to a report by Christie & Co, there has been an increase in merger and acquisition activity in the pub and restaurant market, indicating improved investor confidence. The report highlights that demand for lower-priced assets remains strong, with over 50% of activity occurring in the sub £600,000 market. Additionally, there has been a rise in demand for closed restaurant sites, with buyers preferring to purchase the property and add value. While the late-night sector continues to struggle, the report predicts a rise in M&A activity in the future, with tenanted pub companies remaining acquisitive. The report also suggests that a base rate cut later in the year could ease some financial pressures and stimulate the market. [Extracted from the article]