18/08/2020
Sector Reopenings
As of Saturday 15th August, live indoor performances (with socially distanced audiences), bowling alleys, casinos and soft play centres have been allowed to reopen in England (except for areas subject to local lockdowns).
Pubs and Restaurants Year on Year Sales down 50.4%
Coffer Peach Business Tracker has reported sales data for managed pub, restaurant and bars for the first month of trading since reopening. Overall sales for July across these groups were down 50.4%. London was worst hit with sales down 58.3%, whereas outside the M25 sales were down 48.5%.
Eat Out To Help Out Drives Sales
The Government's Eat Out To Help Out scheme is reaping its rewards for operators with sales reported as being up 95% on Tuesday 4th August and 106% on Wednesday 5th August compared with the previous week before the scheme commenced, according to CGA.
Soho Summer Survival
Following the temporary pedestrianisation of 17 streets throughout Soho, enabling outside dining and for operators to take advantage of the warm and sunny summer weather, it is reported that 90% of hospitality businesses have been able to reopen. Source: Evening Standard.
Restaurant Sector Job Losses For 2020 Already Exceeding 2019
The Centre for Retail Research has reported job losses for 2020 at 22,039 across the restaurant sector, with the majority coming from the casual dining sector. This compares with a total of 11,280 in 2019 as a whole says Big Hospitality.
Yo! Becomes the latest restaurant casualty
Yo! Sushi is set to become the latest casual dining brand casualty with a CVA proposed that will result in 19 of its 69 sites close and 250 job losses.
And Finally...
After two fires severely damaged Grosvenor Pubs' Cricketers on the Green in Pirbright, Surrey, last week, it is good to hear that the pub is able to reopen some of its undamaged areas from Monday this week. We wish you well and hope to see you fully reopen as soon as possible.