All news articles for October 2019

More than pulling pints: recruiting and retaining staff in the hospitality sector is an ongoing problem but pub companies are going above and beyond to help

Spotlight

Busting the myths around jobs in hospitality

By Nikkie Thatcher

Guest editor Simon Longbottom sets the brief for this issue’s Spotlight feature, which looks at debunking the myths surrounding jobs in the hospitality sector.

Planted-based patty: pubs are exploring a variety of avenues to satisfy vegan trends

The vegan wave: how has it affected the pub trade?

By Alice Leader

The Economist predicted 2019 would be the year veganism went mainstream. And, with ever-growing, free-from options and a new wave of vegan hospitality, it looks like the forecasters are correct.

Local news round-up: pubs including sites in York and London made headlines this week

In local news: pizza challenge and development battles

By Emily Hawkins

Local newspapers writing about their community’s pubs this week reported on sites including a pizza-eating challenge and several campaigns to save pubs from the brink of plans to convert them into homes.

Feeding the 90,000: From hand-held grub to chic meals, many mouths need to be fed

Create a fan-friendly food offer

By Stuart Stone

Wembley Stadium head of culinary Harry Lomas MBE BEM leads more than 250 chefs in feeding 90,000 visitors to the national stadium on a regular basis. We discuss what publicans can learn from this giant operation.

Popular choice: chocolate appeared on more than three quarters of selected Michelin-starred venues’ menus

How to create a Michelin-starred menu

By Nikkie Thatcher

Chocolate, potato and onion are three of the 12 most used ingredients on Michelin-starred menus, new research has found.

Stone-cold ambition: internal promotion is big at Stonegate with a focus on training and leadership

Big interview

'Please judge us on our track record' says Stonegate boss

By Ed Bedington

It’s been a tumultuous year in the pub trade on the acquisition front but the news that Stonegate was bidding for the much larger Ei Group still caught many by surprise. One of the leading architects of the deal Simon Longbottom reveals all.

Brexit stash: pub protects its Belgian essence by stocking up on goods

Pubs stockpile for a no-deal Brexit

By Alice Leader

A Belgian-themed pub in Norwich has stockpiled goods amid fears the business could be ‘flipped onto its head’ if the UK is left with a no-deal Brexit.

Approved: Greene King shareholders back CKA takeover

Greene King deal approved

By Nicholas Robinson

The £2.7bn deal for Hong Kong firm CK Asset (CKA) to take over Greene King’s almost 3,000 pubs portfolio has been approved by the pubco and brewer’s shareholders.

Get some distance: Gaming machines must not be next to ATMs

Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

Legal Q&A: A-board policy, gaming machines and ATMs

By Poppleston Allen

The latest legal Q&A from specialist licensing solicitors Poppleston Allen covers pub A-boards and placement of gaming machines and on-site cash points.

Revenue stream: in a time of reduced budgets for local authorities, you would think an additional revenue stream would be welcomed with open arms, however, on the whole, councils have resisted the temptation

Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

Law change may boost ‘failed’ levy

By Poppleston Allen

Although the late-night levy has been largely shunned, geographical changes may see more implementations.

Staff wellbeing: 'Anyone who works in hospitality will understand how going the extra mile can make your guests feel special. The same is true for your staff'

My Shout

Encourage mental health and wellbeing for staff

By Sarah Taylor

It is easy for tensions to fray and the mental health of employees to decline, says Sarah Taylor, content author and hospitality specialist at High Speed Training.

All aboard the Arc: Arc Inspirations claims its most recent financial year was its most successful

Arc Inspirations profits climb to £3.7m

By Stuart Stone

Premium bar operator Arc Inspirations recorded increased profits and like-for-like sales in what its chief executive has described as the ‘most successful year in the company’s history’.

What a cracker: Uphouse Pubs is on the front foot in the fight against plastic waste

Pub group cuts the crackers for Christmas

By Alice Leader

Family-run pub group, Uphouse Pubs, is breaking tradition by going crackerless this Christmas to help aid the battle against plastic waste by pubs.

Lead the way: Tom Bell aims to support alcohol brands in becoming strong

Opinion

Agile alcohol brands will fare best

By Tom Bell, We Hustle consultancy

We Hustle consultancy’s Tom Bell says alcoholic drinks brands leading the way in innovation will see the biggest and best cut through. Here is his analysis of what to expect in the coming months.

Precious pooches: Rover encourages pubs across the country to welcome four legs as well as two

Rover pushes for more dog-friendly pubs

By Alice Leader

The world’s largest network of pet sitters and dog walkers, Rover, is urging more landlords to become dog-friendly to help stop young pubgoers having to abandon their beloved pet at home.

Top billing: Lisa Sharkey acknowledges the hard work of the Poppleston Allen solicitors

Top ranking for Poppleston Allen licensing team

By Alice Leader

Alcohol licensing law company – Poppleston Allen – and its team of solicitors have been acknowledged for its licensing, achieving Tier 1 status in both the East Midlands and London, according to the latest results from Legal 500.

Pub heritage: ‘Despite continued economic and political uncertainty, the appeal of the community pub and its role has arguably never been more valid’

Opinion

Government help is vital for pubs

By Simon Longbottom

For centuries, pubs have constantly demonstrated their ability to evolve and adapt to reflect the changing needs of society, according to Stonegate Pub Company chief executive Simon Longbottom.

Current trading: 'Post year-end the group has continued to achieve year-on-year growth in a difficult trading environment', according to Joycelyn Neve

Seafood Pub Company sees losses increase

By Georgi Gyton

Seafood Pub Company has reported a group loss after tax of £2.73m for the full-year to 31 December 2018, compared to a loss of £1.15m the previous year, after higher administrative expenses and cost of sales impacted profits.

Online reputation: pubs need to manage their reviews right

Operators must respond to every review

By Nikkie Thatcher

Pubs should ensure they reply to all reviews they receive, regardless of whether they are positive or negative, one expert has told The Morning Advertiser.