11/01/2022
Omicron grant cash lands with local authorities in England
Yesterday, the Government delivered funding to councils across the country towards one-off Omicron grants for hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses. The grant is for those that saw a decline in footfall and increased cancellations ahead of Christmas due to the new variant. Businesses have been encouraged to apply to their council for the funding, which will be administered "over the coming weeks", reports The Caterer.
Deliveroo reports 'huge increase in demand' for plant-based food as Veganuary 2022 kicks off
Deliveroo has reported another huge increase in demand for vegan food in the last twelve months, with orders of plant-based dishes up 117% on the previous year, reports Big Hospitality. Coming at the start of this year's Veganuary campaign, which encourages people to follow an exclusively plant-based lifestyle for the month of January, Deliveroo says that more restaurants than ever have introduced plant-based menus and dishes to their regular offering.
Nearly 8M pints of no and low alcohol to be sold this month
Just under 8m pints of low and no alcohol beer are expected to be sold this month, as some consumers look to abstain from alcohol for Dry January, reports Pub & Bar. The British Beer & Pub Association has revealed it expects 7.8m no and low pints to be consumed in the first month of the year. However, as the vast majority will be sold in shops and supermarkets, the trade association is urging consumers to support their local by enjoying their non alcoholic pint at the pub.
Restaurant group losses increase by eye-watering 174% in one year
Losses at the UK's 100 biggest restaurant groups increased by 174% in the year to September 2021 reaching £673m, according to data from accountancy group UHY Hacker Young, reports The Caterer. The pandemic drove several chains, including Prezzo, Byron and Carluccio's into insolvency, while others were forced to reduce their estate or pursue CVAs to ensure their survival.
Burger King launch UK's first vegan nuggets
Burger King has become the first fast food restaurant chain in the UK to launch vegan nuggets, reports the Independent. The launch follows the release of their plant based Whopper burger two years ago. Burger King's new plant based offerings are part of its pledge to make its menu 50% meat free by 2030, which the company said would help it achieve a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 41%.
And Finally...
A University of Northampton student has revealed how she has saved over £4,300 a year by staying in hotels. The 20 year old shared her story via TikTok along with her money saving tips reports Manchester Evening News.