W/C 5 October: Betting on pubs
Investment in pubs has continued across the sector this week, with major acquisitions, new openings and growing demand for hospitality assets, with operators and investors continuing to put money behind pubs and hospitality businesses despite a challenging cost environment.
Common Table takes 57 Whitbread sites
Common Table Group is set to acquire 57 former Whitbread restaurant sites and one Premier Inn hotel, creating 700 new jobs alongside transferring team members.
The group plans to invest in refurbishing the venues and aims to have all 57 sites operational by the end of February 2027, with the first expected to reopen from mid-November.
Admiral expands community estate
Admiral Taverns has acquired Mountain Pub Company’s entire 10-strong portfolio of wet-led community pubs across the north of England.
The sites will join Admiral’s Proper Pubs division, which operates 245 pubs across England, Scotland and Wales, as the group continues to expand its national footprint and invest in community pubs.
Daniel Craig enters the trade
Daniel Craig has become co-owner of the Horseshoe in Clerkenwell alongside Soho House founder Nick Jones, hospitality operator Charlie Carroll and Justin O’Shea.
The new owners plan to refurbish the historic London pub while retaining its traditional character, with Craig describing the intention as keeping it “a boozer”. The move follows continued interest from high-profile figures in the sector, including Jeremy Clarkson and James Blunt.
Amber Taverns pushes further south
Amber Taverns has invested a seven-figure sum in Cooper & Co in Salisbury, its first pub in Wiltshire.
The substantial conversion forms part of the operator’s continued expansion across southern England, following a year in which it opened 16 pubs and invested £15.3m in new sites. Further openings are planned, including its first pub inside the M25.
Pub property market strengthens
Christie & Co reported a 22% increase in pubs and restaurants brought to market between January and August, with more than 360 properties listed and more than 230 deals agreed.
The property adviser said resilient trading, motivated buyers and sustained demand for quality hospitality assets were driving activity, with traditional wet-led pubs and premium destination sites among those attracting particular interest.
W/C 28 September: Investment gathers pace
Strong trading, expansion plans and new openings have provided further signs of confidence across the pub sector this week. While operators continue to face significant cost pressures, established groups are investing in their estates, expanding into new markets and, in some cases, new businesses are entering the pub sector.
Shepherd Neame breaks records
Shepherd Neame hailed a “very, very strong” performance from its pubs after retail like-for-like sales increased 3.8% during the year, rising 10.1% inside the M25.
Trading strengthened further over the summer, with like-for-like sales up 6.7% in the 13 weeks to 26 September and a number of sites repeatedly breaking sales records. The group invested £14.6m during the year and plans further investment across its pub and accommodation estate.
Young’s raises expectations
Young’s expects full-year performance to exceed previous expectations after revenue increased 10.4% during the first half and like-for-like sales rose 6.4%.
Warm weather and major sporting events helped drive trading, while pubs with gardens and riverside locations performed particularly strongly. The group has also completed the integration of Cubitt House as it continues to focus on premium, well-invested pubs and selective acquisitions.
Ardent expands in Soho
Ardent Pub Group is preparing a multi-million-pound investment in its fourth pub after securing the former BrewDog Seven Dials site at Cambridge Circus.
The Magpie will open in early 2027 following more than 25% year-on-year sales growth and a 40% increase in group EBITDA. Further openings are planned across London and beyond over the next three to five years.
Amber Taverns pushes south
Amber Taverns is continuing its expansion drive after opening 16 pubs and investing £15.3m in new sites during its latest financial year.
Revenue increased 9.6% to a record £131.5m, while EBITDA rose 11.5% to £28.1m. A pipeline of further openings includes Bromley, which will mark the group’s first pub inside the M25 as it increases its presence in southern England.
Investment spreads across sector
Investment activity extended well beyond the major pub groups this week.
Individual Restaurants is entering the sector with new venture Publican Estate, while TL Inns is investing £723,000 across three pubs with Star, and NEOS is putting £600,000 into a Leeds conversion. Elsewhere, Nancy Spains, Leisure Works and the team behind restaurant Sune are preparing new pub openings, while operators including Punch, Butcombe, Admiral and Proper Pubs continue to acquire or invest in existing sites.
W/C 21 September: Celebrating Britain’s best pubs
The Great British Pub Awards (GBPA) took centre stage this week, bringing together operators from across the country after months of judging. From community pubs and food destinations to beer specialists and outstanding inns, the winners demonstrated the breadth of businesses continuing to make the British pub sector distinctive.
The stage is set
Some 96 pubs were visited during the judging process before finalists across 16 categories gathered at Leeds’ First Direct Arena for the GBPA 2026.
This year also saw the introduction of Best Inn, recognising pubs with rooms, while the overall Great British Pub of the Year title returned after last year’s winner, the Crown Wharf, reported a significant uplift in footfall and sales following its victory.
Tamworth Tap takes top prize
The Tamworth Tap in Staffordshire was crowned Great British Pub of the Year as well as taking home the Best Beer Pub title.
The former tourist information centre turned microbrewery taphouse impressed judges with its drinks offer, including eight cask ales and 20 keg lines, alongside its focus on local causes and industry campaigns.
Winners celebrated nationwide
Success was spread across the country and across different parts of the pub offer. The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman’s Rest took Best Pub for Food, the Swan in Clewer won Best Community Pub and the Tichborne Arms secured Best Pub Garden, while GOAT in Nantwich was named Best Pub to Watch Sports. The newly introduced Best Inn award went to the Lion Malpas in Cheshire.
Industry celebrates in Leeds
Winners and finalists shared their celebrations across social media following the ceremony, which was hosted by comedian Suzi Ruffell at the First Direct Arena.
After the awards were handed out, the celebrations continued with the Rick Parfitt Jnr Band taking to the stage for the GBPA afterparty, bringing this year’s event to a close.
W/C 14 September: Cask at a crossroads
Cask Ale Week begins amid a mixed picture for the category. Volumes and distribution remain under pressure, but record participation from pubs and signs of growing interest among younger consumers are providing reasons for optimism.
Cask volumes fall
Cask volumes fell 19.7% year on year in the 12 months to August, significantly outpacing the 3.9% decline across total draught beer.
Distribution also dropped 8.2%, leaving cask available in around 24,000 outlets. However, value has proved more resilient and pubs continuing to stock cask have seen a slight improvement in rate of sale.
Record Cask Ale Week uptake
More than 10,000 pubs and hundreds of breweries are taking part in Cask Ale Week, which runs from 17 to 27 September, marking record participation for the event.
There are also signs of opportunity among younger consumers, with 16% of cask drinkers now aged between 18 and 34 and growth reported in occasions, frequency and spend among Gen Z and Millennials.
New cask ale launch
Hall & Woodhouse has teamed up with pub owner and former Top Gear presenter James May to launch the Spanner, a new 3.8% ABV traditional cask ale.
Brewed using British ingredients, the beer has been introduced across Hall & Woodhouse’s managed estate and May’s Royal Oak in Wiltshire. The launch adds to signs of continued investment in the category as brewers look to put traditional cask styles in front of new drinkers.
Timothy Taylor’s targets new drinkers
Timothy Taylor’s has unveiled its first major brand refresh in more than a decade as part of its long term investment in cask. New pump clips, glassware and clearer beer descriptions are intended to improve visibility and make the range more accessible to new drinkers. The refresh sits alongside £9m of brewery investment over five years and £3m in annual marketing spend.
Education key to cask growth
Operators have identified education, quality and visibility as crucial to converting younger consumers.
Bunch of Grapes licensee Nick Otley said younger drinkers often have limited awareness of what cask is or how it differs from other beer styles, but can become enthusiastic supporters when introduced to it properly. He also argued cask should be positioned as a premium product, backed by strong cellar management, knowledgeable staff and consistent quality.
W/C 7 September: Investment despite uncertainty
Major acquisitions, estate changes and production growth have provided signs of continued investment across the pub and brewing sector this week. But while businesses push ahead with expansion, questions remain over whether further Government support will follow at the Autumn Budget.
Fuller’s buys 10 pubs
Fuller’s has exchanged contracts to acquire ten pubs in a £35.25m deal involving Stonegate and an institutional property investment company.
The acquisition includes nine sites in London and one in Bath, with Fuller’s saying the pubs complement its existing estate and will provide further momentum to earnings growth. The deal follows a strong start to the group’s financial year, with like-for-like sales up 5.1% during its first 16 weeks.
Stonegate reshapes estate
Stonegate has identified around 100 more pubs to transfer into its Pub Partners business as it continues to reshape its estate around different operating models.
The move follows the conversion of its 200th pub last year and plans to invest £30m in Pub Partners sites during 2026. A smaller managed estate has also prompted consultation over proposed changes within Stonegate’s support teams.
C&C expands through Asahi deal
C&C Group has agreed to acquire Asahi UK’s wholesale interests, including Nectar Imports and its direct distribution operations, with the businesses set to join Matthew Clark Bibendum.
C&C said the acquisition would bring new customers into its network while delivering greater scale and efficiency. The deal follows its £4.5m acquisition of Innis & Gunn earlier this year as the group pursues a more stable platform for growth.
Thornbridge ramps up production
Thornbridge Brewery is increasing production capacity after reporting 15% year-on-year growth across its lager portfolio and almost £1m of lager sales over the summer.
The brewer has added tanks to its Bakewell operation, doubling capacity on its smaller plant and freeing space at its larger facility. It plans to increase production further in 2027 as demand for premium and world lager styles continues to grow.
PM says support must go further
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the Government needs to “go further” in supporting hospitality after being challenged over the sector’s tax burden at PMQs.
Burnham highlighted the Government’s planned business rates cut but stopped short of committing to a VAT reduction, telling operators to wait for the Autumn Budget. The sector continues to push for action on VAT, business rates and employment costs.
W/C 31 August: Backing Britain’s pubs
Government support for the pub sector has moved further up the agenda this week, with new funding, renewed promises of help and further business rates support all in focus. At the same time, operators are continuing to invest in their estates.
Government launches £10m pub fund
Independent pubs, restaurants and cafés will be able to apply for a share of a new £10m Hospitality Grant Scheme aimed at helping businesses open, grow and create jobs.
The three year fund will also support hospitality training and skills projects, while £3m has been earmarked for rural venues through Pub is The Hub. The announcement follows the Government’s planned 20% business rates cut for pubs, clubs and live music venues from April.
Burnham promises further support
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said pubs “need support” and “will get it” from his Government during the first edition of People’s Major Questions, a new initiative on social media where he answers questions from the public.
Burnham highlighted the importance of pubs to British heritage and reiterated his commitment to cutting business rates.
Tax uncertainty remains
Burnham again pointed to the 20% pub business rates cut during his first PMQs, arguing the Government was lowering both the cost of living and the cost of doing business.
However, he refused to rule out further tax rises at the Budget on 28 October, saying the Government would remain committed to its fiscal rules. The sector is therefore still waiting to see how its early support will sit within the Government’s wider tax plans.
Greene King invests £15m
Greene King is set to invest around £15m in its London pub estate this year, up 33% year on year. More than £6m has already been invested across 20 sites, with another 19 refurbishments planned before the end of 2026.
Chief executive Nick Mackenzie said continued investment also depended on the right trading conditions, including fairer taxation and a supportive licensing environment, linking operator confidence directly back to the wider policy debate.
W/C 24 August: Policy promises face the test
Business rates, VAT and wider tax pressures have dominated the week, with the Government signalling reform while operators and trade bodies continue to question whether the measures on the table will go far enough.
Government launches rates review
The Government has launched an independent review into how pubs and hotels are valued for business rates, with recommendations expected to feed into the 2029 revaluation.
While the move was broadly welcomed, UKHospitality warned it would not address the immediate financial pressures facing operators, with chief executive Allen Simpson calling for additional action at the October Budget.
BBPA calls for fairer system
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) said the review must prevent a repeat of what it described as the “chaotic” 2026 revaluation. Particular concern centres on fair maintainable trade, with operators arguing turnover based valuations can push bills higher during periods of inflation even when profitability is not improving.
The BBPA is calling for a system that is more accurate, transparent and reflective of real trading conditions.
Treasury cools VAT hopes
Calls for hospitality VAT to be cut to 10% faced fresh uncertainty after Treasury minister James Murray warned a reduction would come at a significant cost and would need to be fully funded.
The Government has not ruled out action at the Budget, but trade bodies continue to argue VAT reform is essential to stimulate investment, protect jobs and reduce closures. Support for the #VATsTheProblem campaign has now passed 345,000 signatures.
Brakspear calls for long term change
Brakspear chief executive Tom Davies said repeated reviews would mean little without “actual long term policy change from government”. He argued ministers should focus on why pubs are becoming unviable rather than only protecting buildings from closure or conversion.
His comments came as Brakspear reported turnover growth of 16% to £47.9m, underlining the contrast between strong trading businesses and the wider tax pressures facing the sector.
Government confidence doubles
Hospitality confidence in Government has more than doubled following Andy Burnham’s business rates pledge, with optimism rising from 18% to 37%. However, 76% of operators still identified tax as the biggest barrier to investment, while 92% backed a VAT reduction.
Trade bodies said the improved sentiment showed the impact of early Government action, but warned wider rates reform, VAT changes and action on employer national insurance would be needed to unlock sustained growth.
W/C 17 August: Sector confidence despite pressure
Pub businesses have continued to report growth, invest in their estates and attract new operators this week, despite inflation and wider cost pressures remaining firmly in focus.
Joseph Holt grows sales and profit
Joseph Holt reported turnover of £78.3m for 2025, up 3.2% from £75.9m, while pre-tax profit increased to £5.1m.
The Manchester brewer and pub operator achieved the growth despite limited improvement in consumer confidence and continued pressure from energy, food and supply chain costs, ending the year with net assets of £115.3m.
Shepherd Neame continues estate investment
Shepherd Neame has disclosed at least £530,000 of investment across recent pub and hotel projects as it continues to upgrade its estate.
Projects include a £280k refurbishment of the Coach & Horses in Mayfair, more than £200k at the George Hotel in Cranbrook and further investment in function, events and private hire spaces.
Record demand to run Greene King pubs
Greene King Pub Partners received a record 1,449 applications from prospective operators during the first half of 2026, up 26% year on year.
More than half came from people looking to run their first pub, while the business received an average of 26 applications for every available site. Greene King has also invested almost £10m in partnership pub upgrades so far this year, with another £17m planned.
July delivers sales growth despite fewer pubs
Pubs and bars recorded one of their strongest months of the year in July, helped by the World Cup and prolonged hot weather. Draught volumes increased 3.9% year on year, average rate of sale rose 5.2% and spend per head reached £26.91.
However, the number of operating venues fell from 100,436 to 98,795 over the same 12 month period, highlighting the continued pressure beneath stronger trading figures.
Cubitt House grew ahead of Young’s acquisition
Cubitt House reported turnover growth of 7.3% to £21.5m in its final accounts before its acquisition by Young’s, while its pre-tax loss narrowed from £1.9m to £1.2m.
The group achieved the improvement despite higher employment costs, inflation and consumer uncertainty, with Young’s subsequently acquiring its eight central London pubs as part of its strategy to grow selectively through premium, well invested sites.
Investment continues across the pub estate
Operators are continuing to put money behind individual sites despite the difficult cost environment. This week’s property activity included £350k from Joseph Holt to expand the Angel in Knutsford, £490k from Punch at the Buck Inn in North Yorkshire, £170k from Admiral Taverns and its licensees at the Vulcan Inn and £134k at the Drum & Monkey.
Elsewhere, operators are testing new propositions, with Brewhouse & Kitchen launching its hyper local Merchant of Cotham concept and NEOS preparing to convert its Leeds Revolución de Cuba into Barbara’s Bier Haus.
W/C 10 August: Estate segmentation
Pubcos are moving further away from a one size fits all approach, using clearer formats and targeted investment to make individual sites work harder, across accommodation, community, experience, sport and food.
Accommodation:
Pubs with rooms are becoming a more deliberate growth area as operators seek stronger margins, more reliable food and drink trade and additional reasons for customers to visit.
Coaching Inn Group, Chestnut, Heartwood and Butcombe are all investing in accommodation, with operators pointing to higher room margins, resident spend and stronger weekday trading as key commercial benefits.
Community:
Community pubs are also being treated as a more deliberate investment category, with operators giving sites greater freedom to respond to local demand.
Oak Taverns, Proper Pubs, Punch and BrewDog are all using local events, entertainment and community engagement to build loyalty, with Punch research finding socially valuable pubs can generate almost 30% higher turnover than less engaged counterparts.
Experience:
Experience-led operators are investing in entertainment, technology, design and programming as consumers become more selective about where they spend.
Flight Club, Little Door & Co, Incipio, Vagabond, Inception and BOXPARK are using everything from darts and karaoke to self-pour wine and immersive events to differentiate venues, increase dwell time and encourage repeat visits.
Sport:
Live sport is increasingly being built into the pub proposition rather than treated as an add-on.
Marston’s Grandstand format has delivered around 30% like for like sales growth year to date, while operators including Star Pubs and Greene King are investing in larger screens, sound systems, darts, pool and other games to strengthen the wider sporting occasion and drive repeat visits beyond major fixtures.
Food:
Food is becoming another key tool for differentiating estates, with operators tailoring menus and formats around specific audiences and occasions.
Ardent, Marston’s, Greene King and Urban Pubs & Bars are all taking different approaches, from premium dining and family formats to chef-led menus and branded concepts, but the aim is consistent: giving customers a clearer reason to choose one pub over another.
W/C 3 August: Sector takes centre stage at Westminster
From protecting standing at the bar to potential new support measures, licensing reform, holiday tax concerns and calls for reduced business pressures, hospitality has been a cross-party focus this week.
Khan criticises Soho drinking proposals
London Mayor Sadiq Khan criticised proposals to encourage more seated drinking in parts of Soho and the West End, warning they could damage London’s hospitality economy.
Operators have since raised concerns the plans could reduce capacity, increase costs and change the character of traditional venues.
No.10 vows to protect standing in pubs
Following concerns over Westminster City Council’s proposed “vertical drinking” guidance, Downing Street pledged to protect the tradition of standing at the bar.
The Government said pubs are an important part of British culture and confirmed plans to strengthen licensing powers where decisions could impact hospitality businesses.
Burnham hints at further hospitality support
This week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham also suggested more support for hospitality could follow the planned 20% business rates cut for pubs, clubs and live music venues from April 2027.
He said the sector remains central to economic growth and thriving high streets, raising hopes of further measures.
Badenoch highlights pubs’ economic role
Earlier this week, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described pubs and small businesses as key drivers of economic growth, calling for policies that reduce costs and support operators.
Her comments added to growing political recognition of hospitality’s contribution to jobs, communities and local economies.
Holiday tax powers raise industry concerns
UKHospitality (UKH) this week warned expanding holiday tax powers across England could place further pressure on hospitality businesses and increase costs for consumers.
The trade body said additional taxation risks undermining tourism, investment and growth at a time when operators are already facing significant cost challenges.
W/C 27 July: Growth masks sector fragility
Growth figures have offered some encouragement this week, but a closer look at closures, estate changes and operator sentiment shows the continued fragility beneath the headline numbers.
Rapid churn reveals underlying pressure
The number of licensed hospitality venues remained broadly stable during the second quarter of 2026, but the headline figure concealed substantial movement across the market. Almost 1,840 venues closed between March and June, equivalent to around 20 a day, while a similar number opened.
NIQ said the rapid turnover reflected both investor confidence and the continued vulnerability of businesses facing weak consumer confidence and persistent cost inflation.
Market value rises as estate contracts
The UK pub and bar market is forecast to grow by 2% to £24.7bn this year, despite outlet numbers falling by around seven sites a week.
Lumina Intelligence said growth was being driven largely by pricing, increased spend and higher value occasions rather than estate expansion. Operators are increasingly focusing on stronger sites, clearer formats and improved productivity as broad, scale-led growth becomes less viable.
Whitbread exits branded restaurants
Whitbread has confirmed all remaining Beefeater, Brewers Fayre, Table Table and Cookhouse + Pub sites will close across three dates in September. The group is replacing its branded restaurants with integrated food and drink offers inside Premier Inn hotels as it concentrates on accommodation growth.
Around 3,800 roles were expected to be affected when the restructuring was announced, although Whitbread said it would seek to redeploy as many employees as possible.
Former pub sites find new uses
Former pubs have become the most commonly repurposed type of commercial or community building, according to analysis of more than 800 planning applications. Pubs accounted for 276 approved or conditionally approved applications since 2021, with residential use the most common proposed conversion.
Operators demand broader support
Operators have urged the Government to extend its recent business rates intervention into wider reform for the hospitality sector. While the increase in relief for pubs, clubs and live music venues was welcomed, businesses warned restaurants, hotels and cafés face many of the same pressures.
Calls continue for a VAT reduction, lower employment costs and structural support capable of protecting jobs, encouraging investment and preventing further closures.
W/C 20 July: Burnham takes power
The appointment of Andy Burnham as Prime Minister has dominated the week, with his first policy announcements giving the pub sector an early indication of the Government’s direction on taxation and business rates.
Burnham’s hospitality promises
Before taking office, Burnham pledged to cut business rates for pubs, review increases to employer national insurance contributions and reduce red tape for the night-time economy. He also backed calls for hospitality VAT to fall to 10%, although stopped short of making this a firm commitment.
Sector urges swift action
Trade bodies welcomed Burnham’s appointment but warned his campaign commitments must quickly become policy. The British Institute of Innkeeping called for action that was “swift, decisive and impactful”, while UKHospitality said lower taxes and employment costs could unlock investment, jobs and growth.
Rates cut welcomed
The Government confirmed pubs, clubs and live music venues will receive a 20% business rates reduction from April 2027. The measure is expected to benefit almost 32,000 venues and save the typical pub around £1,100 in the next financial year.
PM says support is first step
Burnham described the rates reduction as a “first step” and said pubs needed to know “the cavalry are coming”. He confirmed wider business rates reform would return at the Autumn Budget, with further detail expected on Small Business Rates Relief and the valuation system.
Leading operators call for more
Major operators welcomed the announcement but urged the Government to go further. Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin called it a “small move in the right direction”, while Greene King, Fuller’s, Punch, Young’s and Stonegate pressed for wider reform covering VAT, duty and employment costs.
Independent operators question impact
Smaller operators also welcomed the support but warned £1,100 would make only a limited difference against rising wages, national insurance, utilities, insurance and food costs. Tim Skinner said hospitality needed “structural reform” rather than gestures, while others renewed calls for VAT to be reduced to 10%.
Budget holds the key
The most significant outstanding question is whether Burnham will deliver his previous proposals to raise the threshold for full small business rates relief from £12,000 to £18,000 and extend the taper to £21,000.
Concerns also remain that hotels, inns, restaurants and other hospitality businesses will miss out, making the Autumn Budget the key test of how far wider reform will go.
W/C 13 July: Compliance and regulation
Regulatory responsibilities have come into sharp focus this week, with the sector facing scrutiny around tenant transparency, licence conditions and safety procedures.
PCA launches Stonegate investigation
The Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) has opened a formal investigation into whether Stonegate provided tied tenants with clear and accurate information between July 2021 and July 2026.
The inquiry will examine pub conditions, planned repair works, financial forecasts, rent negotiations and the conduct of business development managers. The PCA stressed no conclusions had been reached, but said it had a “reasonable suspicion” breaches may have occurred.
Transparency at heart of probe
PCA Fiona Dickie told The Morning Advertiser (MA) that reliable information was essential for prospective tenants deciding whether a pub was viable and negotiating an appropriate rent.
“Information is power,” she said, adding the Pubs Code was designed to rebalance the relationship between pub companies and tied tenants. Current and former Stonegate tenants have until 12 August to submit evidence to the investigation.
Consequence of licence breaches
Licensing solicitor Joe Harvey warned breaches of premises licence conditions remain common, often because operators misunderstand increasingly complex conditions or fail to ensure their licence reflects how the pub currently trades.
Breaches can result in prosecution, an unlimited fine or a licensing review, potentially leading to reduced hours, additional conditions, suspension or revocation. Operators were urged to review licences and floor plans regularly and ensure staff understand what is permitted.
Operators urged to review fire safety
Pub, bar and nightclub operators have also been urged to review fire safety procedures following a deadly blaze at a venue in Bangkok.
London Fire Brigade reminded duty holders to keep fire risk assessments current, maintain clear escape routes, monitor capacity and ensure alarms and emergency procedures reflect how venues actually operate. Operators were also advised to reassess pyrotechnics, decorations and other combustible materials, alongside refreshing staff training.
W/C 6 July: Changing beer market
Beer has been in the headlines in recent days, from calls for an investigation into the market, pint prices on the rise and brewers having their say on cask and craft.
Probe needed
The week started with the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) urging the Competition and Markets Authority to probe the beer market.
CAMRA boss Ash Corbett-Collins said beer drinkers were being “short changed” on quality and choice at the bar.
Pint prices
Perhaps unsurprisingly, London remains the most expensive place for a pint, according to fresh data from The Morning Advertiser‘s latest Beer Report.
Examples of this include a pint of Asahi in the capital now costing an average of £7.60 - up 95p from last year.
The report, which also looks at trends in the category as well as innovation, showed the overall average pint price was increased 3.3% in the past 12 months.
Cask saviours?
While cask beer has continued to decline in the on-trade, there’s lots of buzz about the segment and its potential, according to Damm UK category & insights manager Ellie Montgomery.
She went on to outline how the category is well-aligned to today’s consumer trends and the younger drinkers, citing data from SIBA, which found a quarter (25%) of those aged 18 to 24 tried cask last year - up 10% on the previous 12 months.
Craft ‘not dead’
Despite sales continuing to fall, craft beer is seeing growth in certain areas of the market, Northern Monk CEO Damian Guha told The Morning Advertiser.
He said: “If you look at the category numbers showing decline it’s not quite the full picture. Most of that decline is coming from a couple of the really big players. The overall category number isn’t the only number to look at. The brands that are growing are doing certain things very well and that comes back to quality and a relentless focus on experience.”
W/C 29 June: VAT campaign gathers pace
Pressure on the Government intensified this week as hospitality leaders, operators and consumers united behind calls to reduce VAT from 20% to 10%.
Consumer campaign launches
Tom Kerridge officially launched the consumer phase of the #VATsTheProblem campaign on 1 July, urging pubs, restaurants, cafés, hotels and bars to encourage customers to sign the petition.
Backed by new industry data showing one in six hospitality businesses are at risk of closure within the next year, the campaign argues a lower VAT rate would provide businesses with much needed breathing space.
Quarter of a million signatures
Support for the campaign continued to accelerate, with the petition surpassing 250k signatures the day after its consumer launch (2 July).
Operators are being encouraged to display campaign posters, beer mats and digital assets in venues as organisers target one million signatures ahead of the Autumn Budget.
Industry unites
Speaking to The Morning Advertiser (MA), Kerridge said a VAT cut would provide a “release of pressure” and help businesses survive.
Greene King chief executive Nick Mackenzie said the sector could rapidly create jobs if given the right conditions, while chef Paul Ainsworth said the campaign was about protecting businesses, investment and employment rather than increasing profits.
Tax debate widens
The VAT debate also broadened beyond hospitality rates this week after the Government launched a consultation on tightening VAT rules for online marketplaces.
Any additional revenue raised could be used to support business rates reform for high street businesses, with hospitality leaders welcoming the move as a potential step towards creating a fairer tax system for pubs and other operators.
W/C 22 June: Political change
Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation has sparked fresh debate over the future direction of hospitality policy, with trade bodies and operators urging Labour’s next leader to deliver meaningful reform on VAT, business rates and employment costs.
Starmer’s hospitality legacy
Starmer’s departure has prompted reflection on the impact of his Government on pubs. During his time in office, operators faced higher employer national insurance contributions, increases to the national living wage and wider employment reforms, while calls for VAT reform and fundamental business rates changes remained unanswered.
Reflecting on the outgoing Government, the Morning Advertiser (MA) editor Ed Bedington said it had “offered so much promise and delivered so very little” for hospitality.
Sector demands action
Following the resignation, hospitality leaders called on the next Prime Minister to make the sector a priority. UKHospitality, the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) and others urged leadership candidates to reduce hospitality VAT, reform business rates, address rising employment costs and back skills and workforce development to encourage investment and protect jobs.
Burnham’s pledges under scrutiny
Andy Burnham’s victory in the Makerfield by election has also brought his hospitality commitments back into focus as he emerges as the frontrunner to succeed Starmer.
Burnham has pledged to cut business rates for pubs, clubs and music venues by 20%, raise rates thresholds for smaller businesses and back a reduction in hospitality VAT to 10%, although industry figures continue to call for wider structural reform.
Brexit prompts calls for practical reset
Ten years after the Brexit referendum, operators said the lasting impact had been felt most through labour shortages, recruitment challenges and increased trade friction.
While the sector has adapted by investing more in training and apprenticeships, leaders said hospitality now needs practical solutions, including youth mobility agreements, simpler recruitment routes and tax reform, rather than continued political debate over Brexit itself.
W/C 15 June: World Cup trading boost
The World Cup has officially kicked off and pubs are already seeing the benefit, with early fixtures driving bookings, pint sales and bar orders as operators look to maximise one of the biggest trading opportunities of the summer.
England win lifts midweek sales
England’s opening win over Croatia delivered a major midweek boost, with pubs selling 5.7m pints of draught beer and cider on Wednesday 17 June.
Oxford Market Watch data showed average rate of sale was up 55.5% against a typical June Wednesday, while Dojo reported a 330% spike in bar orders when the final whistle blew.
Scotland fixtures drive local uplift
Scotland’s opening win over Haiti helped drive 12.1m pints of draught beer and cider across Great Britain over the weekend. The impact was strongest north of the border, where Scottish pubs sold an additional 87 pints per outlet and recorded a 52.4% rate of sale uplift on Sunday, despite the 2am kick off limiting the wider opportunity.
Bookings surge for home nation games
Pub bookings surged ahead of England’s first fixture, with Zonal data showing bookings up almost 300% before kick off. Major operators also reported strong demand, with Greene King receiving 5,600 bookings for England v Croatia and Stonegate securing more than 280,000 bookings across its estate for World Cup games.
Matchday experience becomes critical
Operators are investing in service speed, connectivity and customer experience as fans increasingly expect venues to deliver more than just a screen.
Young’s has launched click and collect ordering across selected pubs, while Sky Business research found 62% of football fans expect to connect to WiFi when watching World Cup matches in pubs.
Operational challenges remain
Not every venue has been able to capitalise on the tournament. A small number of Ascot pubs voluntarily chose not to show England’s opening match following police advice linked to Royal Ascot closing arrangements, highlighting the operational and licensing considerations that can come with major sporting occasions.
W/C 8 June: Estate moves
Estate reviews, acquisitions and refurbishments have kept pub property activity in focus this week, as operators continue to reshape portfolios, invest in key sites and test investor appetite for pub assets.
Stonegate weighs options
Stonegate said “no decisions have been made” amid reports Terra Firma is considering a £300m bid for around 300 freehold pubs from its Platinum estate.
The group said it continues to review options for the portfolio, which could include a refinancing, partial sale or full sale.
Whitbread disposals attract buyers
Mitchells & Butlers has exchanged on a seven-site package from Whitbread, with the venues set to be converted to either Miller & Carter or Toby Carvery.
The move follows Whitbread’s wider plan to exit its branded restaurant estate and focus on a more hotel-led model.
New ventures and buyback ambitions
BrewDog co-founder James Watt said he hopes his new beer business, Second Best, could eventually be used as a vehicle to buy back BrewDog if the opportunity arises in future.
The comments follow BrewDog’s £33m sale to Tilray earlier this year and reflect continued movement across the drinks and hospitality landscape.
Property investment continues
This week’s property activity also highlighted continued confidence in the pub sector, with operators investing in refurbishments, reopenings and new concepts.
The reopening of Dartmoor’s Ring of Bells, Heartwood’s latest refurbishment project, Hydes’ £1.5m investment in The Boathouse and significant spend from Star Pubs and Proper Pubs all point to ongoing commitment to community, destination and premium pub assets despite wider market challenges.
W/C 1 June: VAT pressure
Calls for VAT reform intensified this week as operators, chefs and trade bodies warned the current tax burden is putting further pressure on hospitality businesses already struggling with rising costs.
High-profile pressure on Government
Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge said he felt “let down” by Labour over the sector’s treatment, arguing operators are facing “crippling” cost pressures across wages, utilities, food inflation and business rates. Speaking on BBC Newsnight alongside Yotam Ottolenghi, Simon Rogan and Ravneet Gill, Kerridge backed calls for hospitality VAT to be reduced from 20% to 10%.
VAT campaign gathers pace
Pressure for wider VAT reform escalated this week after Kerridge launched the #VATsTheProblem campaign, calling for hospitality VAT to be cut to 10% in line with many European countries. The petition surpassed 20,000 signatures within 24 hours and is backed by trade bodies including UKHospitality, the British Beer & Pub Association and the British Institute of Innkeeping.
Kerridge said “VAT is the one thing that affects all of us in hospitality”, while UKH chief executive Allen Simpson described a VAT cut as “the single most impactful lever the Government can pull to support hospitality, jobs and our high streets”.
Children’s meals VAT clarification
HMRC this week clarified to The MA that adults can order children’s meals under the temporary 5% VAT reduction, provided the item is clearly marketed and sold as a children’s meal. The guidance confirmed operators do not need to verify the age of the customer for the lower VAT rate to apply.
Pressure reaches Parliament
The #VATsTheProblem campaign reached Prime Minister’s Questions this week, when Canterbury MP Rosie Duffield challenged Keir Starmer on whether VAT was a problem for hospitality. Starmer pointed to business rates support and the temporary children’s meals VAT cut, but Duffield later criticised the response as “inadequate”.
Biz rates confusion adds to tax debate
Wider concern over hospitality taxation was also highlighted after reports of a so called “nice pub tax” prompted confusion across the sector. The Government confirmed no new policy had been introduced, but operators said the row underlined wider frustration with the business rates system and the need for broader reform.
Petition passes 100k signatures
The #VATsTheProblem petition passed 100,000 signatures within its first three days, after exceeding 20,000 in the first 24 hours. Kerridge said the milestone showed the “strength of feeling across hospitality”, with operators urged to keep sharing the campaign ahead of its consumer launch on 1 July.
W/C 25 May: Hospitality jobs
Rising employment costs, recruitment pressures and growing concerns around youth unemployment have pushed workforce issues back into focus across hospitality this week.
Employment costs ‘must fall’ to unlock youth jobs
UKHospitality warned the Government risks pricing younger workers out of hospitality after the interim Milburn review highlighted the growing number of 16 to 24-year-olds detached from work and education.
The trade body said rising employer NICs, wage increases and wider employment costs were already reducing entry-level opportunities across pubs, bars and restaurants.
Community pubs seen as route into work
Plunkett UK said community-owned pubs, cafés and restaurants could play a growing role in tackling youth unemployment, particularly in rural areas where access to work opportunities is more limited. The charity said hospitality has historically provided an important first step into employment, but warned many of those routes are now disappearing.
Chief executive James Alcock said community pubs were helping “bridge the gap” by offering first jobs, volunteering and flexible paid roles.
Pub groups recognised for staff culture
A number of operators were recognised in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work list, with businesses praised for apprenticeships, leadership programmes, internal progression and staff wellbeing initiatives.
Butcombe Group, Incipio, Urban Pubs & Bars, Drake & Morgan and Ardent Pub Group were among those highlighted for investment in people and workplace culture. The recognition reflects how operators are increasingly using career development and workplace culture as competitive tools in a tough market.
Workplace culture and retention
Pub operators are increasingly focusing on retention, training and progression as labour pressures continue across the sector.
Cheshire Cat Pubs & Inns said it had maintained staffing levels despite rising employment costs, with co-founder Tim Bird warning businesses risk damaging customer experience by cutting teams too aggressively. “Technology can’t help us serve the customer well… it’s people that serve customers well,” he said.
Bird added that they are “recruiting in a big way”, while continuing to prioritise internal progression, specialist training and long-term retention across its estate.
Training and retention pressures intensify
New research from Dojo found only one in four hospitality employees remain in role beyond 90 days, while training costs across the sector have risen by an average of 70% over the past decade.
For pubs and bars, training costs were up 60% during the same period, alongside continued rises in energy, insurance and technology costs. The report warned businesses are increasingly investing heavily in staff who leave before that investment can deliver long-term value, adding further strain to already tight margins.
W/C 18 May: Weather, dwell time and summer trading
Operators have been reminded this week of how closely pub trading remains tied to weather conditions, with warmer days driving longer visits and stronger engagement.
Wet weather hits pubs
Pubs recorded their first month of negative like-for-like sales growth this year in April, according to the latest NIQ RSM hospitality business tracker. Sales slipped 0.2% year on year as cooler and wetter conditions impacted outdoor trading across Easter and other key periods.
NIQ’s Karl Chessell said pub operators would now be “hoping for brighter weather to tempt people out and stimulate spending over the summer”, while RSM’s Saxon Moseley warned many businesses are “working incredibly hard just to stand still”.
Pub gardens remain key
Research commissioned by Kopparberg found 45% of consumers believe pub gardens make the UK feel “summery”, while almost half associated evening drinks with friends with the summer season.
The findings underline the continued importance of outdoor trading, local social occasions and experience-led visits for operators heading into summer.
Kopparberg said pub gardens create a “huge opportunity for operators to drive footfall, dwell time and sales” during warmer periods, with the brand launching a £6m summer campaign focused around pub and outdoor occasions.
Longer visits help sustain spend
New data from The Oxford Partnership showed pub visits became longer in April, with average dwell time rising by 11 minutes year on year to 157 minutes. Occupancy levels also improved, while spend per head remained close to record levels at £26.89.
However, drinks volumes continued to decline, reinforcing the moderation trend across the on trade. Oxford Partnership CEO Alison Jordan said consumers are “engaging differently once they are there”, with people staying longer while drinking less.
W/C 11 May: Estate investments
A number of operators have shared big investments into their estates this week, including Little Door & Co and Butcombe Group, while others, such as Marston’s, have shared how upgraded sites are performing.
Butcombe Group
This week saw multiple operator Butcombe Group re-open the Brown Cow in Fulham, west London, marking the company’s largest single investment in the capital to date.
After undergoing two months of renovation and expansion into a neighbouring site as part of Butcombe’s £1.3m cash injection, the pub reopened to the public on Saturday 9 May as a significantly larger venue.
The venue represents the group’s next phase in a busy period of growth, with plans for investment in three further sites this quarter, partly due to the recent strategic refinancing of its debt facilities.
Little Door & Co
Little Door & Co has said it is now prioritising expansion outside of London ahead of opening its largest venue to date in the capital this summer.
It follows Little Door & Co, which operates five London sites under its house party-inspired concept, securing additional funding from alternative lender ThinCats earlier this year to support expansion.
The comments came ahead of the launch of The Little Neon Door in Old Street, which will become the group’s sixth site and biggest venue so far.
Marston’s
In its latest trading update, published Tuesday 12 May, Wolverhampton-based pubco Marston’s said its new pub formats were exceeding expectations as it steps up investment into the divisions.
Launched in 2024, Marston’s sports-focused brand Grandstand and split concept arm Two Door, were reported to be performing well, delivering like-for-like growth of about a fifth (20%) across the 26 weeks to 28 March 2026.
The business further highlighted it had invested £39m and completed 60 new format transformations during the period - ahead of the initial target of 50 for the year (31 Grandstand and 29 Two Door).
W/C 4 May: Results season
Results season has offered a clearer view of how the sector is performing, with operators reporting sales growth and ongoing investment, but warning margins remain under strain.
JDW sales rise
JD Wetherspoon reported like-for-like sales growth of 3.4% in the third quarter, with total sales up 4.1% as the group continues to expand in high-footfall locations.
Chairman Tim Martin said the business had outperformed the wider market for 43 consecutive months, though warned “substantial increases in costs” could leave profits slightly below expectations.
Greene King profit grows
Greene King reported a 9.8% rise in adjusted operating profit to £217.4m, with revenue up 3.6% to £2.5bn as it invested more than £219m across its estate.
Chief executive Nick Mackenzie said the performance reflects the “strength of our operating model”, but cautioned that “significant headwinds” remain as inflation and employment costs continue to rise.
Punch growth supported by acquisitions
Punch Pubs reported revenue growth of 9.4% to £184.1m, supported by acquisitions, estate investment and expansion of its Pub Partnerships model.
Chief executive Andy Spencer said the results reflected the “resilience” of Punch’s community-focused estate, with the business continuing to target selective acquisitions and growth through its predominantly drinks-led pub model.
Guinness demand boosts Diageo
Diageo reported 8.8% net sales growth in Europe, driven by strong demand for Guinness in Great Britain and Ireland, particularly in the on-trade. However, chief executive Sir Dave Lewis described performance as mixed, noting cost-of-living pressures have weighed on spirits sales in key markets.
W/C 27 April: Closures, disposals and mounting pressure
Closures have come back into sharp focus for pub operators this week, with new data, research and major business decisions highlighting the ongoing strain across the sector.
Human cost of pub closures laid bare
New research from Loughborough University highlighted the deep social impact of pub closures, showing the loss of a venue can disrupt local identity, social networks and informal support systems.
Project lead Thomas Thurnell-Read said pubs act as “informal community hubs”, warning their closure removes a key social anchor where friendships are formed and support networks exist.
Premises numbers continue to fall
The number of licensed premises dropped by 305 in the first quarter of 2026, equivalent to 3.4 net closures a day, according to NIQ data.
The figures mark a second consecutive quarterly decline, suggesting closures are gaining momentum. NIQ’s Karl Chessell said “soaring costs have taken a heavy toll”, with many businesses nearing breaking point as inflation, energy prices and subdued consumer demand continue to weigh on trading.
Estate reshaping gathers pace
Greene King has put 13 hotels up for sale as part of a wider estate review, with proceeds set to be reinvested into core sites. The move forms part of a broader strategy for the pubco that could also see hundreds of pubs converted or sold as operators continue to refine portfolios.
It reflects a wider trend across the sector, with businesses focusing on core assets, simplifying operations and reallocating capital to higher-performing parts of their portfolios.
Whitbread to exit restaurant brands
Whitbread confirmed plans to exit its branded restaurant estate to focus on its Premier Inn business, with around 3,800 roles at risk.
The group said the move would improve returns and create a simpler operating structure, but it also highlights the scale of structural change taking place across hospitality, with operators increasingly prioritising efficiency and long-term profitability.
W/C 20 April: Iran conflict, inflation and fresh cost pressures
Geopolitical uncertainty has moved back onto the radar for pub operators this week, with the ongoing conflict in Iran raising concerns over fuel, food and supply chain costs.
Iran conflict sparks new concerns
Operators and suppliers said there are no major shortages at present, but warned prolonged instability could lift costs across fuel, logistics, fresh produce and CO2 supply.
For many businesses, the bigger risk is another wave of inflation rather than outright disruption. UKHospitality chair Kate Nicholls said the sector is “directly exposed” to increases in fuel, food and logistics costs, leaving many operators concerned about another squeeze on already tight margins.
No room to absorb further costs
Trade bodies reacted to March inflation rising to 3.3%, warning hospitality businesses are already among the most heavily taxed sectors in the economy.
Nicholls said there is “no room to absorb further cost increases”, while the British Beer & Pub Association warned fresh pressures could threaten affordability for consumers.
What pubs need to know now
Industry figures urged operators to stay close to suppliers, review margins regularly and keep menus adaptable where possible.
Careful planning on promotions, stock commitments and lead times could help reduce exposure if costs rise further, with many businesses focusing on agility rather than long-term commitments.
Closures rise before latest shock
Hospitality insolvencies increased 22% month on month in February, showing the fragile position some operators were already in before the latest Middle East tensions.
RSM UK’s Saxon Moseley said insolvencies are “back on the rise”, with smaller independents often lacking the balance sheet strength of larger groups to absorb fresh cost increases.
Energy markets remain volatile
Analysts said wholesale prices have eased in recent weeks but remain above pre-conflict levels. Operators were advised not to assume lower prices will continue, particularly with gas storage, global supply routes and wider political tensions still in focus as businesses review upcoming contract decisions.
W/C 13 April: Charity and fundraising drive pub sector impact
Charity and fundraising activity has accelerated across the pub sector this week, with operators continuing to use their scale and local reach to support national campaigns and grassroots causes.
Stonegate raises £50k
Stonegate has raised £50k for Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) just 12 weeks into its partnership, with activity across its estate driving both donations and awareness.
CEO David McDowall said: “The level of fundraising and engagement we’ve seen in such a short space of time has been incredible, but it’s the conversations happening alongside that which really matter.”
Greene King’s respite breaks for carers
Operators are increasingly embedding charity into their business models, with Greene King doubling respite breaks for unpaid carers through its partnership with Carefree. Managing director Vincent Madden said the scheme offers carers “a well deserved break”, using excess capacity to support those in need.
Easter egg donations
Proper Pubs donated more than 21,000 Easter eggs to charities and community groups across the UK. Managing director Nathan Wall said the campaign reflects the sector’s ability to support local causes through collective action.
Charity impact at scale
Beyond individual initiatives, the sector’s wider contribution remains significant. Research from Punch Pubs found its estate generates around £4m annually in charitable contributions, alongside £1.7bn in combined economic and social value.
The findings highlight how pubs are not only supporting national and local causes through fundraising, but also embedding charitable activity into their day to day operations, from partnerships and events to ongoing community support.
W/C 6 April: Property moves
A wave of acquisitions, openings and investment activity has driven momentum across the pub property market in recent days, as operators continue to expand, reposition and strengthen their estates.
Strategic acquisitions
Young’s has agreed to acquire Cubitt House, adding eight premium London pubs and a further site in development as it continues to expand in the capital. CEO Simon Dodd said the sites “align perfectly with our strategy to selectively expand our business”, reinforcing a focus on affluent, high performing locations.
Scaling new concepts
Apprentice candidate Priyesh Bathia is set to open a third Elephant & Barrel site in Stockwell, as the group builds towards a scalable national pub business. The £495k investment will deliver a community led, wet led offer combining British and Indian menus. Bathia said: “Each site is a real local… we have big plans for the brand but are taking expansion steadily.”
Portfolio repositioning
Punch Pubs & Co has acquired eight community pubs from RedCat Hospitality as part of its ongoing investment strategy. CEO Andy Spencer said: “Each pub represents an opportunity to invest, innovate, and inspire,” as the business continues to target high quality, community focused sites.
Investment and redevelopment
Across the wider market, operators continue to invest in upgrading and repositioning sites. Beautiful Pubs Collective is reopening The Old Horse in Leicester following a £1m redevelopment, while multiple refurbishments, acquisitions and openings highlight ongoing confidence in both community pubs and destination led formats. Founder Sam Hagger said the project reflects “one of our most ambitious redevelopments to date”.
W/C 30 March: Wage and tax changes
A series of cost and policy changes came into force this week (1 April), increasing pressure on pub operators across wages, taxation and employment law.
Biz rates rise
Business rates bills have increased from 1 April, with total UK receipts forecast to rise by £3.4bn. The removal of relief and new valuation cycle mean most pubs will face higher bills, with some estimates suggesting average increases of up to 78%.
Wage increases take effect
The national living wage has risen to £12.71, adding around £900 a year per full-time employee. Operators warned the cumulative impact is significant, with hospitality facing an estimated £1.4bn increase in wage costs.
Barons Pub Company managing director Clive Price said: “It is not the Government that pay the wages, it is businesses.”
Jobs and investment at risk
New survey data suggests the cost increases could have wider consequences across the sector. Around 64% of operators said they may cut jobs, while more than half could cancel investment plans and 42% may reduce trading hours.
Trade bodies warned the combined impact risks “more lost jobs, less investment and business closures”.
Employment law changes ahead
Further cost and compliance pressures are expected, with changes to statutory sick pay coming into force next week (6 April). Employees will become eligible from day one of sickness, increasing employer liability and enforcement scrutiny.
Operators have been urged to review policies and prepare for a more proactive regulatory environment.
W/C 23 March: Publican Awards shine a light on sector
Record-breaking attendance
The hospitality sector came together to celebrate the best in the business on Wednesday 25 March 2026.
More than 1,500 people were in attendance at the event - a record-breaking number of guests in the 35 years since the awards began.
Held at Evolution in Battersea, London, the glittering ceremony was hosted by TV and radio star Rylan.
Best in the business
Some 17 gongs were up for grabs across a wide range of categories.
Two firms scooped a double win this year – London operator Urban Pubs & Bars took the title of Best Food Offer and Best Managed Pub Company (51+ sites) while Cornwall-based St Austell was named Best Sustainable Pub Company and Best Managed Pub Company (2 to 50 sites).
Elsewhere, Cheshire Cat Pubs & Bars was presented with the Best Drinks Offer trophy for the third time and Hickory’s Smokehouse was awarded Best Operations Team.
Other winners included Greene King, which was named Best Partnership Pub Company (501+ sites), while Laine Pub Company took the title of Best Partnership Pub Company (under 500 sites) for the second time.
In addition, North-west brewery boss William Lees-Jones of JW Lees was named Business Leader of the Year.
Social media highlights
Winners and attendees took to social media to share their highlights from the event, did your post make our round-up? Read more here.
Party pics
As the ceremony drew to a close, there was still time to party and our snappers were on hand to capture the celebration in all its glory.
Have you made it into our comprehensive line-up of party-loving people? Read more here.
W/C 16 March: Consumer behaviour
Key trading dates
Operators reported positive trading this Mother’s Day (Sunday 16 March) with some achieving record results.
Consumers are continuing to visit the on-trade earlier in the day while some were more cautious with ordering.
The weekend also saw pubs mark St Patrick’s Day early with celebrations including live music, themed menus and promotional offers.
Next generation
Pubs were advised to prepare for the habits and expectations of Generation Alpha (those born between 2010 and 2025).
Attest head of strategic research Nicholas White told delegates at The Morning Advertiser‘s MA Leaders Club conference earlier this month (4 March) as this cohort is growing up in a far more digitally connected environment, operators will not only compete against other venues but also with home entertainment platforms and gaming environments.
He advised that gaming nights, interactive formats and more immersive experiences could become increasingly important in encouraging this demographic into venues as they get older.
Dwell time
Hospitality customers spent longer in pubs - around 2.5 hours per visit - but kept spending low, data from Oxford partnership found, reflecting ongoing post-Christmas caution and a focus on value.
Despite this increased dwell time, operators aren’t seeing proportional rises in average spend as wider economic pressures and price sensitivity continue to shape behaviour across the sector.
Sporting success
Football matchdays deliver a £2.3bn boost to pubs in the UK and local economies, according to figures from Barclays.
The research found spending within 1km of football stadium rises by an average of 4.1% on matchdays compared with non matchdays with pubs, cafés and restaurants among the businesses benefitting from increased footfall.
Looking ahead, it’s clear consumers are arriving earlier, staying longer and spending more cautiously while the next generation will demand richer, more immersive experiences and with sport still delivering powerful spikes in footfall, the challenge remains to turn these shifting behaviours into sustainable, year-round growth.
W/C 9 March: Community
Ahead of continued discussion around loneliness and community connection, several recent stories have highlighted the role pubs play as vital social spaces across the UK.
Community hubs under threat
In Somerset, residents are working to raise £260k to save the 200-year-old Bell in Curry Mallet after it closed last year. Campaigner Chris Dale said losing the pub felt like “the beating heart had been ripped from the community”, highlighting how closures can remove vital places for people to meet and socialise.
Social value overlooked
Industry leaders speaking at the MA Leaders Club Conference last week said pubs must be more vocal about the wider role they play in communities. Jon Dale, strategic corporate affairs lead at Punch Pubs & Co and chair of communications at PubAid, described pubs as “the invisible glue that holds communities together”.
Research shared during the session suggested 62% of UK pubs support grassroots sport, generating between £160m and £300m in annual social value.
Tackling loneliness
Meanwhile, grassroots initiative Empty Chairs is using pubs as venues to bring people together and combat loneliness. Founder Dean Perryman said the campaign highlights the unique role pubs play in creating connection, adding: “The glory of the pub, especially in local communities, is you might know someone to talk to.”
What makes the ‘perfect local’
New research from Star Pubs suggests community connection remains central to the pub experience. The study found 75% of respondents view their local as the heart of the community, while 83% described it as their “happy place”.
Hance McPherson, head of licensee attraction at Star Pubs, said the findings highlight the importance of tailoring pubs to their communities. “The creation of the ‘dream pub’ needs to be a reflection of the community,” he said.
For operators, the message is clear: beyond their economic role, pubs remain central to social life in many communities.
W/C 2 March: Gender equality
Ahead of International Women’s Day this weekend (8 March), The Morning Advertiser (The MA) has spoken to senior women across the pub and wider hospitality sector, asking the same five questions on gender equality.
Across the responses published this week, several consistent themes have emerged.
Barriers remain
While many leaders said progress has been made, particularly in culture and awareness, several pointed to deeper structural issues around senior representation and progression.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “We’ve got so many fabulous women but not at C-suite level, and that’s just bad for equality and bad for business.”
Flexibility is central
Clear pathways, transparent pay and active sponsorship were repeatedly highlighted as essential to driving change.
Emma Heal, managing director of Lucky Saint, argued that flexibility must be reframed, adding: “Flexibility must be seen as a leadership enabler, not a lack of commitment.”
Progress is visible but uneven
Many leaders said the industry has moved forward in recent years, with more women leading pubs, breweries and hospitality businesses. However, progress is not consistent across the sector.
Jen Sloyan, chief financial officer at Valiant Pubs, said that while conversations around equality have become more open, representation still does not always reflect the talent available across the industry.
Inspiration across the sector
Leaders also reflected on the women who have influenced their careers, from mentors and colleagues to family members.
Georgina Young, brewing director at St Austell Brewery, said the shift in representation had been striking, adding she now meets “brilliant women across every part of the industry”.
Calls for action
Looking ahead, many leaders said the next year must focus on tangible progress, with clearer accountability around pay, representation and career progression.
Alice Bowyer, director of food and drink at Liberation Group, said: “Ideally, we’ll be measuring success through tangible outcomes rather than intent.”
Others emphasised the need for equality to move beyond discussion and become embedded in everyday business practice.
Charley O’Toole, chief of staff at Chestnut Group, called for “clear, transparent metrics around promotion, pay equity and retention to track real progress”.
For operators, the message is consistent: gender equality is not a standalone initiative. It is tied to culture, retention, leadership development and long term commercial performance.
W/C 23 February: Stout
Stout continues to outperform much of the wider beer category, but pricing, supply and competition are all shifting the landscape.
Pricing pressure
The average pint of stout reached £5.28 in February, with Guinness at £5.27, according to NIQ. Guinness has risen 16% since 2023 and will increase by a further 5.2% from April. Separate analysis from digital marketing agency Tank suggests even steeper increases in some venues, with a 31% rise in Guinness pricing since 2023.
Demand remains strong
Sales rose 7.9% year on year during the third week of the Six Nations, accounting for 18.1% of total draught volumes. Stout is gaining share during key trading occasions, reinforcing its year round appeal.
Brand momentum
Diageo’s latest interim results showed double digit growth in Guinness in the UK, with the brand gaining share every week in the first half of FY26, despite wider group revenues falling. Investment into Guinness production and supply is continuing.
Supply and distribution tensions
Some operators report restricted Guinness and Guinness 0.0 orders, although Diageo maintains supply is stable. Elsewhere, a London pub dropped Beamish following a dispute with its wholesaler, highlighting friction in distribution.
Challenger activity
Independent brewers are accelerating nitro stout production, with brands such as Anspach & Hobday and Titanic reporting strong growth as operators widen range.