‘Stabbed in the back’
The MA’s Ed Bedington catches up with Brewhouse & Kitchen boss Kris Gumbrell for his take on the week’s news.
Independent Operators
Urban Fun expands to Kingston
Urban Fun has opened its second site in Kingston as the competitive socialising brand prepares to expand across the UK.
Gov policies ‘destroying’ pubs after ‘stabbing sector in the back’
A Buckinghamshire operator has accused Labour of “stabbing hospitality in the back” with empty promises, after praising village pubs during a pre-election visit to his site.
‘UK pub culture is the most revered in the world’
The MA’s Ed Bedington caught up with Ardent Pubs MD Dom Jacobs to get his take on the week’s news.
How one Bristol pub is thinking outside the box to drive footfall
Almondsbury Creative in Bristol has evolved from a traditional social club into a multi use hospitality and events venue, hosting everything from sports groups and dance classes to themed parties and large scale community events.
Pub boss takes on Government over 123% biz rates hike
A Cambridgeshire pub operator has urged the Government to not “bite the hand that feeds you” in the wake of the Autumn Budget.
The 2026 Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropub list revealed
The list is confirmed and the best food pubs in the country will soon be revealed - but who will be this year’s number one in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs 2026?
PROPERTY ROUND-UP
PROPERTY: Mulligans upgrades Cheltenham site and launches in Romford
This property round-up includes mentions from Mulligans, Star, Brunning & Price and more.
Pub and bar spending dips as younger consumers cut back on nights out
Pub and bar spending fell in November as overall consumer card spend dropped for the first time since 2021, according to the latest Barclays Consumer Spend report.
Perfect Pint Promise launches to raise national draught standards
A major new quality initiative aiming to standardise and improve the serve of draught beer and cider across the UK has been unveiled at the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) Council meeting.
Life-changing pub operation launches in Brighton
A ground-breaking pub designed to prepare young people with learning disabilities and autism for employment has opened in Brighton.
Pub where diners fell ill after Sunday lunch receives zero hygiene rating
A South Wales pub where dozens of customers reported falling ill after eating a Sunday roast has been issued a zero food hygiene rating following an investigation by environmental health officers.
NITAs 2025: Sector leaders recognised for excellence in people development
The BII revealed the winners of the 2025 National Innovation in Training Awards (NITAs), celebrating pubs and operators who place people, skills and development at the core of their businesses.
Operators warn of tipping point on pricing as sector looks to sharpen its beer offer
Operators from Bristol and the wider region shared a mixture of optimism and realism at a Morning Advertiser roundtable last week, exploring how pubs can sharpen their beer offer in a changing market.
Consumer confidence is biggest challenge says Butcombe CEO
A lack of confidence in consumers is the biggest challenge for hospitality currently, according to Butcombe Group CEO Jonathan Lawson.
‘The old financial model for pubs doesn’t work anymore’
The MA’s Ed Bedington met up with Arc Inspirations boss Martin Wolstencroft to get his take on the week’s news.
RedCat boasts strong Q2 led by Coaching Inn Group sales
RedCat Hospitality like-for-like (lfl) sales have risen 4.3% with the group’s Coaching Inn Group arm bringing the lion’s share of takings to the business.
DISH DECONSTRUCTED
How to make the Dog at Wingham’s Bovril braised pork cheek
In this Dish Deconstructed, the Dog at Wingham shares how to make its Bovril braised pork cheek with caramelised artichoke purée.
Gosnells targets expansion after taking over John the Unicorn
Honey-based drinks producer Gosnells has acquired John the Unicorn from the Portobello Pub Company, confirming plans to use the pub as a springboard for wider growth.
Young’s reports record half-year performance
Young’s has announced a record half-year performance with total revenue up by 5.4% to £263.6m.
35% of pubs face closure without immediate Gov intervention
British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) CEO Steve Alton has written to Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of the upcoming Budget, warning that more than a third of UK pubs could close without immediate Government intervention.
PROPERTY ROUND-UP
PROPERTY: Loungers opens fourth reimagined Cosy Club in St Albans
This property round-up includes mentions from Loungers, Star Pubs, Punch Pubs and more.
BIG INTERVIEW
BIG INTERVIEW: From little acorns, Oak Taverns grow
The advantage of being part of a family-run pubco is you and your siblings can take care of every part of the business and you’re never left high and dry by yourself.
The year of the black pint: Stout finds fresh energy and new fans
With International Stout Day today (6 November), few categories are fizzing with as much momentum as stout. Once a winter comfort, it’s now a year-round staple, and, for the first time, it’s not just the “old boys” drinking it.
Lightning-struck Kent pub up for sale after rebuild plans collapse
Plans to rebuild the Green Man in Hodsoll Street, Kent, have been abandoned after the owners said spiralling costs had made the project “commercially unviable.”
Laine founder Gavin George joins board of Chickpea Group
Laine Pub Company founder and former CEO Gavin George has joined the board of south-west-based pub and pizzeria business Chickpea as a non-executive director.
Pub insolvencies climb as cost pressures mount
Pub insolvencies surged through the middle of 2025, reversing the fragile recovery seen at the start of the year, according to new analysis by accountancy firm Price Bailey.
Pubs are still a social engine – the question is how we keep them running
Pubs are evolving beyond the bar, they are social hubs that keep communities connected. But rising costs and reduced reliefs have pushed 209 sites to close in the first half of 2025, forcing operators to adapt with new events and services to maintain...
Tricks, treats and trade boosts: companies tap into Halloween
Operators across the pub sector are preparing for Halloween 2025 with a mix of themed menus, family events and late-night parties designed to boost footfall over the final weekend of October.
Kidd hits back over ‘pointless piece of journalism’ attacking pub
Model and publican Jodie Kidd has slammed a national newspaper for “trying to tear down” her West Sussex pub amid mounting pressure for hospitality.
FEATURE: How well have micropubs fared in 20 years?
When Martyn Hillier informed friends he planned to open a tiny pub with no lagers, no food, no spirits, no music, no smoking and no TV, they suggested he was mad but he ignored them all anyway.
Oak Taverns plans expansion but fears unclear rules on inheritance tax
Oak Taverns managing director Simon Collinson told The Morning Advertiser the great weather during summer led to an outperformance of the company’s expected budgets.
Oak Taverns MD calls for fairer tax and VAT cuts to support pubs
Oak Taverns boss Simon Collinson has backed trade bodies in their bid to fix the tax system that is causing so many problems for the on-trade.
Review of the Week
‘This is the last chance saloon for the Chancellor’
The MA’s Ed Bedington caught up with Shepherd Neame boss Jonathan Neame for his take on the week’s headlines.
OPINION
OPINION: Hospitality left on the tarmac
I was surprised to see Chancellor Rachel Reeves declare the Government’s promise to ‘kick-start the economy’ was underway after Gatwick Airport’s £2.2bn second runway plan was approved.
Jodie Kidd closes pub after staff suffer abuse
Jodie Kidd has shut her West Sussex pub, the Half Moon at Kirdford, for three days this week after staff faced “verbal and physical abuse” from customers.
Longbow Venues founder: We are not a cash cow
Longbow Venues founder and managing director Rob Hattersley has warned the Government the sector is not a “cash cow” and is making the industry “unviable”.
Hyde pub pays tribute to ‘friend’ Ricky Hatton
A Manchester pub frequented by boxer Ricky Hatton has paid tribute to him after his passing.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
‘There’s always opportunities out there, no matter how dark the day is’
As the hospitality sector continues to battle economic headwinds, one operator has urged others to look beyond the gloom and find the silver linings.
Jon Richardson helps revive Yorkshire pub in new TV show
Comedian Jon Richardson has joined forces with residents in a North Yorkshire village campaigning to save their local pub for a new TV show.
Clarkson loses £27k as ‘hackers’ target pub
Jeremy Clarkson has claimed to have lost £27,000 after his pub was targeted by hackers.
MY PUB
MY PUB: the Dragon Willington, Derbyshire
Situated on the banks of the Trent & Mersey canal, the 18th century building housing the Dragon Willington is a gem in south Derbyshire.
Trade body welcomes launch of BYOB nightclub
The introduction of a BYOB nightclub in Manchester has been hailed as an “exciting and innovative” step in protecting the city’s grassroots musical heritage.
Pub where Hollywood star pulls pints recruiting for new tenants
The Swan in Enford, Wiltshire, where famous actor Rupert Everett recently volunteered behind the bar, is looking for a new tenant to keep the rural pub at the hub of its community.
Sales up for RedCat in Q1
RedCat Hospitality has heralded a positive start for the first quarter of it’s financial year, with sales up 6.7% across the group.
‘Outstanding’ Hydes Brewery GM praised for 23 years’ service
Hydes Brewery general manager Iain Craig has been praised as “outstanding” after completing 23 years of service for the Salford-based brewer and pub company.
Anthony Demetre to oversee food at relaunched Belgravia pub
Wild Honey chef Anthony Demetre has joined The Lunar Pub Company’s soon-to-open Belgravia site, The Elizabeth, as culinary director.
Clarkson thanks pub staff for making Farmer’s Dog ‘roaring success’ a year after opening
TV presenter turned farmer and publican Jeremy Clarkson has marked one year since he opened his country pub.
Joseph Holt remains ‘strongly competitive’
Joseph Holt has reported turnover of £75.9m for the year to 31 December 2024.
Will licensing reform improve or damage the sector?
Is licensing reform good for pubs? Two operators share opposing views.