05/05/2021
Tao Group Hospitality acquires Hakkasan Group
Big Hospitality advise that the US-centric Tao Group Hospitality has acquired Hakkasan Group in a deal that will create a 'premium hospitality powerhouse' with significant potential for future growth.
SAGE admits risk of catching covid in a pub or restaurant is 'relatively low'
Analysis by SAGE found the chance of contracting the virus in hospitality settings appeared slightly higher than in gyms or shops, but concluded the risk was still small, according to the Daily Mail. The admission came in a review of studies and data from the UK and around the world into the threat of the virus in the hospitality, leisure and retail sectors.
Town Hotels to open two properties this year
Town Hotels, the hospitality division of Living Brick, has invested £11 million into the new developments, both located in Liverpool. The £4.2 million Duke Street Hotel is slated to open next month while the second hotel, located in Liverpool's Baltic Triangle, is scheduled to open in July. Around £7 million was invested into the project, according to Boutique Hotel News.
Prospect Pubs & Bars ramps up expansion with four new openings planned
Former Redcomb Pubs owners Dan Shotton and Mark Draper have announced four new additions to their Prospect Pubs & Bars portfolio, with further expansion expected, Big Hospitality has reported.
Covid modellers 'optimistic' third wave may not happen at all
According to the Telegraph, new modelling to be presented to ministers ahead of stage three of reopening on May 17 will show the risk of a "third wave" of Covid cases in the UK has diminished dramatically and may not happen at all, according to experts.
UK clubbers return to Liverpool for trial night
Sky News reported that there were tears of joy as hot and sweaty clubbers rave about finally getting back on the dancefloor as part of trials to see how venues can reopen. Some 6,000 partygoers attended the event at a warehouse in Liverpool across a two-day event over the weekend.
British non-alcoholic spirits firm valued at £100m after cash haul
The Telegraph has reported that Lyre's, a British company making non-alcoholic "spirits", will this week announce it has been at more than £100m, as it raises cash to tap into growing demand for alcohol alternatives. Forecasts suggest the no-alcohol drinks market will grow by 31pc by 2024, largely driven by those under 30 years old.
COVID-19: Pubs running low on certain beers after brewers underestimate post-lockdown demand
Brewers are reportedly struggling to fulfil orders as groups of up to six people are now allowed to meet in beer gardens, according to Sky News.
And Finally...
Sport Bible has reported that UFC superstar Conor McGregor, who managed to grab headlines in 2019 when he assaulted Des Keogh at The Marble Arch in Drimnagh, Dublin and was then subsequently convicted is now in the process of purchasing The Marble Arch for around £1.7m. The Currency broke the story, which prompted McGregor to both confirm the story and immediately bar someone... "Ye and your mans barred," he tweeted. Wonder who he might be thinking of?