Finance - Hospitality

Administrators appointed to former Wear Inns pubco

15-Nov-2023 By Gary Lloyd

The property company that operated north-east-based pub business Wear Inns after it was acquired in August 2018 has gone into administration meaning all 25 sites are now on the market.

Managed pubs provide bright spot despite sales growth slowdown

15-Nov-2023 By Gary Lloyd

Sales growth slowed at managed pubs in October due to poor weather, including Storm Babet.

Logistics staff contracted by Greene King to strike in Xmas run-up

14-Nov-2023 By Gary Lloyd

Lorry drivers and warehouse staff contracted by Greene King will take part in a series of strikes after a below-inflation pay offer was rejected.

WSTA: 'duty freeze only way to stop budget-busting price rises'

13-Nov-2023 By Rebecca Weller

A freeze on alcohol duty is the “only option” to prevent “inflation-stoking” and “budget-busting” price rises, The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has warned.

Drinks sales see strongest week since September

13-Nov-2023 By Rebecca Weller

Weekly drinks sales saw their best performance since September across the seven days to Saturday 4 November, data from CGA has revealed.

Loungers opens four sites, roll-out plans on track

13-Nov-2023 By Gary Lloyd

Loungers boss Nick Collins has expressed his joy at opening four sites since mid-September and confirmed the company’s fast-track roll-out plans are on track.

OPINION

Unfair tax system must be fixed

13-Nov-2023 By Andy Slee, chief executive, Society of Independent brewers (SIBA)

In a free market economy, Governments help things that are good for society and tax things that aren’t. Life should really be that simple.

Hospitality leaders call for ‘urgent action’ in Autumn Statement

10-Nov-2023 By Amelie Maurice-Jones

Publicans, chefs and pubcos are among those who have signed an open letter calling or 'urgent action' ahead of this month’s Autumn Statement.

Autumn Statement 2023: how can Gov support the sector?

10-Nov-2023 By Rebecca Weller

With the Autumn Statement due to take place in less than two weeks, The Morning Advertiser (MA) has looked at what voices across the sector want from the Chancellor.

Drinks sales up 15% on average during Rugby World Cup

10-Nov-2023 By Rebecca Weller

Pubs and bars scored double-digit growth in drinks sales during the final stages of the Rugby World Cup, data from CGA by NIQ has revealed.

Ollie Vaulkhard: 'It’s not the Government’s job to save you'

10-Nov-2023 By Amelie Maurice-Jones

The Vaulkhard Group is weathering financial challenges, but trade is strong and the director predicts great times ahead for hospitality.

Admiral Taverns posts improved turnover and EBITDA

09-Nov-2023 By Gary Lloyd

Despite economic headwinds creating a “challenging backdrop” for its licensees, Admiral Taverns has posted improved turnover and EBITDA figures in its 2023 financial year (FY23) results.

Plans to build office block next to music pub rejected

09-Nov-2023 By Amelie Maurice-Jones

Councillors have rejected an application for an office block next to a music pub in Sussex following a long-running community campaign.

PROPERTY: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Robinsons and Almond Pubs invest £500k into Manchester site

08-Nov-2023 By Rebecca Weller

In this week's property round-up, Almond Pubs director Vicki Williams discusses the new look for the Fletcher's Arms in Manchester and ongoing "conversations" about future partnerships with Robinsons Brewery.

Like-for-like sales up 9.5% at JDW

08-Nov-2023 By Gary Lloyd

JD Wetherspoon (JDW) has reported like-for-like (lfl) sales in the first 14 weeks of its financial year (FY24) were 9.5% higher than the same period last year.

JDW hikes Christmas dinner price by 13%

07-Nov-2023 By Amelie Maurice-Jones

JD Wetherspoon (JDW) has raised the price of its Christmas dinner by 13% for 2023, but the pub goliath claims it’s still “excellent value”.

Spending up but consumers 'cutting back' ahead of Xmas

07-Nov-2023 By Rebecca Weller

Spending in pubs and bars grew 5.9% in the year to October, data from Barclaycard has revealed.

BIG INTERVIEW

The Big Interview: Ollie Vaulkhard is playing the long game

07-Nov-2023 By Amelie Maurice-Jones

Light streams into the Newcastle-based eatery Bealim House as Ollie Vaulkhard logs on for our interview.

Oakman updates on challenges and improvements

06-Nov-2023 By Nikkie Thatcher

CEO of multiple operator Oakman Group Peter Borg-Neal has updated the company’s response to industry challenges and trading improvements in a recent shareholder letter.

Rate of site closures slows

06-Nov-2023 By Nikkie Thatcher

While the number of Britain’s licensed premises dropped by 3.6% over the past 12 months, the pace has slowed as the ear has gone on.

OPINION

Can't afford to save the planet?

06-Nov-2023 By Greg Pilley, managing director, Stroud Brewery

How often do you find yourself having to balance your values against cost?

Firms to reduce investment and staffing without rates help

04-Nov-2023 By Nikkie Thatcher

More than half of hospitality businesses will be forced to cut staffing levels and reduce investment without Government intervention on business rates, research has found.

FEATURE - Spirits

FEATURE: Get into the spirit of increasing sales at your pub

03-Nov-2023 By Nigel Huddleston

Cocktail culture and the popularity of classic mixer serves such as the G&T have made spirits one of the most dynamic sections of the on-trade drinks market in recent years.

Drinks sales hit by reduction in 'big nights out'

03-Nov-2023 By Rebecca Weller

Daily drinks sales hit by “negative” trading figures as consumers “restrict” big nights out.

Sector 'deeply concerned' as BoE keeps interest rates at 5.25%

03-Nov-2023 By Rebecca Weller

Industry leaders have expressed “deep concern” for the future of the sector as interest rates remaining at 5.25% “piles further pressure” on hospitality firms.

POLL

Should pubs allow non-paying guests to use the toilet?

01-Nov-2023 By Rebecca Weller

Should pubs allow non-paying customers to use the toilet? While it may be seen as the hospitable thing to do, there can be a cost to operators involved and rude guests to contend with.

Real Brewing Pub Company enters administration

01-Nov-2023 By Amelie Maurice-Jones

Real Brewing Pub Company, the pub operation arm of Derby Brewing Company, has entered administration due to Covid debts and soaring costs.

PROPERTY: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

BrewDog eyes Asia expansion after Hong Kong launch

01-Nov-2023 By Amelie Maurice-Jones

It's been a big month for BrewDog, with new sites launching in Hong Kong and Amsterdam, and now the operator is looking to further spread its wings into Asia.

Pub closure stats show 'uphill battle' faced by firms

31-Oct-2023 By Rebecca Weller

The growing number of business closures in the sector demonstrate the “sheer weight” of escalating costs and the “catastrophic predicament” faced by many hospitality firms, industry leaders have said.