09/02/2021
A pub with no beer - not likely
The prime minister is scheduled to reveal his road map to "unlock" the country on February 22nd, but in between time, there is continued speculation as to what it might include. Despite reports in other publications over the weekend to the contrary, the Daily Mail advise that an alcohol ban in pubs is no longer on the cards.
Carlsberg predicts surge in demand similar to Jazz Age boom
Carlsberg is expecting a surge in demand this summer similar to a boom seen a century ago as more people are vaccinated and lockdowns lift, the Danish brewer's chief executive Cees 't Hart has told the Financial Times.
Heineken takes full control of Brixton Brewery
Three years after taking a significant minority stake in the business, Heineken has taken full control of Brixton Brewery, reports The Drinks Business. The initial investment by Heineken at the end of 2017 allowed the brewery to remain in its eponymous home and increase its brewing capacity from 12,000 pints a week to 60,000 with the purchase of a new, 15,000 square foot brewery site.
Treasury urges councils to delay issuing business rates bills
According to the Local Government Chronicle, the government has urged councils not to issue business rates bills until after next month's Budget as pressure mounts on the chancellor to extend support measures for businesses into the next financial year.
Central London's economy hit hardest by Covid as tourist spending plummets £10bn
City AM have reported that research published by Mayor Sadiq Khan shows central London's economy has been hit hardest by Covid-19, largely due to home working and a sharp drop in tourism. Tourism spending fell by £10.9bn in 2020 compared to the year before, with more than 26,000 jobs at risk in arts and culture alone and the night-time economy also facing huge challenges.
Oaktree backs Rooney Anand's £500m swoop on Britain's pub
One of the world's biggest investment firms is backing a plan by former Greene King boss Rooney Anand to invest up to £500m on buying pub assets, the Daily Telegraph has reported. Los Angeles-based Oaktree, which has an investment portfolio worth £110bn, is providing the financial firepower behind RedCat Pub Company and the new venture aims to capitalise on pent-up demand from drinkers when Covid restrictions are eased.
Better burger brand Fat Hippo opens seventh site, in Leeds
Better burger brand Fat Hippo. founded in 2010 by Michael Phillips, has opened it's 7th site choosing Leeds for it's continued growth after enjoying success in it's other sites in Newcastle, Durham, Sheffield and Nottingham. The new venue will be based in Otley Road, Headingley, according to Leeds Live.
And Finally...
Essex Live is reporting that a restaurant popular with the stars of The Only Way Is Essex has had its licence stripped away for repeatedly breaking Covid-19 lockdown rules. TOWIE favourite Melin in Chigwell lost it's license after repeatedly hosting 100 person lockdown parties throughout 2020.