OPINION: Clock is ticking on rates support
The comments by the Chancellor out in Davos, rather than back in the UK fixing her own messes, that the “situation the pubs face is different from other parts of hospitality” should concern us all.
Archives for January 21, 2026
PUBLICAN AWARDS 2026
Publican Awards 2026 host unveiled
The Morning Advertiser (The MA) is thrilled to reveal the host of the 2026 Publican Awards is…Rylan!
Starmer challenged over ‘tax attack’ on pubs during PMQs
Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced criticism in the Commons yesterday (21 January) after being pressed to justify what was described as a “2000% tax attack” on a rural pub facing steep business rates rises.
OPINION
OPINION: Brewers raising prices on draught not packaged
I often find myself frustrated by our trade’s reliance on stock arguments in times of trouble.
SBPA welcomes 3am pubs extension for World Cup in Aberdeen
Hospitality sites in Aberdeen are celebrating after the city’s licensing board granted a blanket 3am extension for the entirety of the football World Cup this summer.
‘There’s plenty of room for us to grow’ says Amber Taverns boss
Amber Taverns is eyeing further growth, particularly in the south-east of England, according to chief executive Mark Brooke.
PROPERTY ROUND-UP
PROPERTY: Portobello to reopen former JDW freehold as The Falconbrook
This property round-up includes mentions from Portobello Pubs, Brunning & Price, Urban Pubs & Bars, Shepherd Neame and more.
Pubs end 2025 on a high as December sales jump 5.1%
Pubs recorded a strong finish to 2025, with festive celebrations driving meaningful year end growth across the sector, according to the latest NIQ RSM Hospitality Business Tracker.
Hospitality sector sees almost 9,000 jobs cut in month after Budget
Almost 9,000 jobs were lost across hospitality in December 2025 as rising employment costs and the employer NICs increase continued to take hold, according to the latest ONS labour market data.
JDW eyes 15 new pubs as sales grow despite £45m cost hit
JD Wetherspoon (JDW) reported a 4.5% rise in like-for-like sales for the 25 weeks to 18 January and plans to open 15 pubs in FY26, despite a £45m increase in operating costs.