21/09/2021
Top pub groups expected to see 7% growth in 2021
The 10 largest pub groups are expected to see 7% growth with further consolidation in the pub market, the latest data from Lumina Intelligence's Operator Data Index shows. According to the report, which looked at the top 10 pub groups by number of outlets, Stonegate is forecasted to remain the largest estate by the end of 2021, with just over 4,700 pubs, 60% bigger than the second largest pub group, Star Pubs & Bars, reports Big Hospitality.
Pubs face new shortage of CO2
The UK is bracing itself for a severe shortage of CO2 gas impacting supplies of beer, fizzy drink and meat, reports the Independent. Supermarkets shelves and restaurants are expected to be affected this week given that the gas is instrumental to the production of carbonated drinks and meat processing. The shortage comes following the closure of two major fertiliser plants last week and has the potential to be worse than the CO2 shortage in 2018.
Restaurant staff to keep 100 per cent of tips
Business secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng is expected to announce a change in the law this week that will entitle staff to 100% of their service charge, reports the Evening Standard. At present legislation prohibits restaurants from holding onto cash tips, but when a tip is given over card, it is at the restaurant's discretion as to how that money is spent. Kwarteng's new bill looks to change this, meaning that 1.7 million hospitality workers will receive the service charge in full.
3 in 5 operators to push prices up after VAT cut ends, flash poll finds
Some 63% of pub operators are looking to raise their prices once the temporary VAT reduction on food, soft drinks and accommodation ends, according to a snap poll from The Morning Advertiser. The data found that 56% of respondents will be increasing prices by a quarter or less, while 5% plan to push prices up by half. A survey carried out last year found that 90% of businesses felt that the VAT cut was "important, very important or crucial" to their operations.
Prezzo gives staff pay rise and Boxing Day off
Prezzo has announced it will be giving staff a pay rise and close all restaurants on Boxing Day, BBC reports. The news comes as many firms are scrambling to retain staff, with Itsu announcing that all of their in-store workers would receive an 11% wage increase, while Costa said it was handing out a 5% pay rise to 14,500 staff. The number of total vacancies in the three months leading to August rose above one million for the first time since the Office for National Statistics began such records in 2001.
And Finally...
Following its cancellation last winter, it has been announced that Manchester Christmas Markets are officially set to go ahead this year, advises Secret Manchester. Set across six locations, visitors can expect a range of food traders, gift stalls and pop-up bars.