23/02/2021
Cashless tipping system Tipjar cleared for use by HMRC
The Caterer advises that cashless tipping platform Tipjar has been cleared for use by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in a move it says could spell the end of the need for traditional tronc systems.
Deliveroo pencils in 8 March to unveil float
Sky News report that Deliveroo and its advisers have pencilled in 8 March to publish an expected intention to float announcement, meaning shares in Deliveroo could start trading just weeks later.
Red Oak acquires 10 pub package from Wells & Co
According to reports in the Morning Advertiser, multiple operator Red Oak Taverns has acquired 10 leased and tenanted pubs from brewer Wells & Co for an undisclosed sum. The ten sites are in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire, taking Red Oak's estate to 190 pubs.
Mitchells and Butlers' top shareholders unite in £350 million raise for pub chain
Major shareholders in Mitchells & Butlers, including Tottenham Hotspur owner Joe Lewis and horse-racing tycoons John Magnier & JP McManus, have joined forces to ensure Britain's largest listed pubs chain gets the cash injection it needs to ride out the Covid-19 pandemic, the Evening Standard has reported.
Mayor announces £5m plan to support safe reopening of central London hospitality
According to Big Hospitality, Sadiq Khan has announced proposals to invest £5m to support the eventual reopening of hospitality in central London.
Asda brothers make new bid to seize control of Caffe Nero
The Telegraph reports that the billionaire brothers behind Asda are attempting to seize control of Caffe Nero with a raid on the coffee chain's £350m debt. Mohsin and Zuber Issa are in talks with Alcentra and Partners Group to buy loans totalling £180m.
German Doner Kebab eyes 1,800 new jobs in expansion plan
Sky News are reporting that German Doner Kebab (GDK), which operates a franchise-based model, said it would open 47 new restaurants by the end of this year - building on its current 52 sites, creating up to 1,800 jobs.
33 English independent cinemas to benefit from £5m government support
A total of 33 independent cinemas in England are to benefit from £5m of government support, according to Screen Daily. The cinemas have received a financial boost from the UK government's Culture Recovery Fund, intended to support the sector during the virus crisis.
And Finally...
The Morning Advertiser reports that operator and model Jodie Kidd has implored Chancellor Rishi Sunak to slash beer duty in the Budget next month.