Abbeville Road’s Brooke to close as operators refocus on pub-led expansion
Abbeville Road restaurant Brooke is set to close after nearly three years of trading, as its operators shift focus towards a more pub-led model across the group.
Archives for April 1, 2026
NEW PRODUCTS ROUND-UP
NEW PRODUCTS: Monin Hot Honey and Maple Pecan Pie syrups
This month’s new products round-up features Butcombe, Monin, Grey Goose and more.
LICENSING HUB: LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN
Children in pubs: What does the law actually say?
Following recent headlines about pubs restricting access to children, it’s worth revisiting what the law actually says.
Operators warn Gov: We pay wage hikes not you as increases take effect
Pub operators have urged the Government to remember businesses – not ministers - pay wages as increases to the national minimum wage (NMW) and national living wage (NLW) come into force.
Confidence steadies but cost pressures weigh on smaller hospitality businesses
Hospitality leaders’ confidence has stabilised in early 2026 following a strong end to last year, but mounting cost pressures continue to weigh heavily on smaller operators.
Firms warn more jobs at risk as cost hikes bite
Almost two thirds of businesses fear they could be forced to cut jobs as significant cost increases take effect.
Biz rates set to rise as £3.4bn increase takes effect
Business rates bills are set to rise sharply from today, with total UK receipts forecast to rise by £3.4bn to £37.1bn in 2026/27 as the new revaluation cycle takes effect.
‘Quiet Hour’ law for pubs and bars introduced
Government plans to ensure pubs embrace a ‘Quiet Hour’ once a day are set to come into force immediately in a move it claims will be a major boost for operators.
PUBLICAN AWARDS 2026
The Publican Awards 2026 in numbers
On the biggest night of the year for the industry, The Publican Awards – often referred to as the pub Oscars – did not disappoint last week.