17/12/2024 10:48:00
October's GDP figures have been described as 'extremely worrying' for the sector as dwindling consumer confidence continues to impact pubs following the autumn Budget, reports the Morning Advertiser. According to the latest estimations from the Office for National Statistics, the UK economy shrank for a second consecutive month in October. The official figures showed a 0.1% downturn in GDP, attributed to concerns following the autumn budget impacting consumer confidence. Activity in pubs, restaurants and retail outlets had been particularly weakened, the data revealed.
Liberation Group has unveiled plans to rebrand to Butcombe Group to align with its strategic growth, says Foodservice Equipment Journal. Butcombe Group will be the new corporate identity with the existing operating brands remaining the same. Led by its food and drink offering, the expansion and development of the pub estate has been focused on the South of England. Its accommodation offer has continued to develop, growing to over 400 available rooms, with plans to increase this to over 700 within the existing estate. This year has also seen the successful launch of the group's premium room offering - Butcombe Boutique Inns.
Pubs and bars could be looking at a revolutionary change to business rates taxes, should government plans to overhaul the current structure come to fruition. When giving evidence to the Public Bill Committee on the Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill, UKHospitality's Kate Nicholls said the plan to introduce differential multipliers would help level the playing field for high street businesses. Under the proposals, properties with a rateable value below £500,000 could benefit from a multiplier that is 20p in the pound lower than the small business multiplier. UKHospitality has urged the government to implement that maximum discount, reports Pub & Bar.
Admiralty Arch Waldorf Astoria, London - which will mark the first location in the Capital for Hilton's luxury brand - will now open in 2026. The highly-anticipated hotel, which was originally due to open in 2022, will comprise 100 bedrooms, plus restaurants and bars from 'world-renowned chefs', advises Boutique Hotelier. The opening is part of Hilton's plan to expand the 34-strong Waldorf Astoria brand with 16 new properties around the world.
Levy UK & Ireland has signed a new multimillion-pound deal with Excel London as the events centre prepares for a 25,000 sq m expansion. Levy, the sports, entertainment and events arm of Compass Group UK & Ireland, has been Excel's food and beverage partner since it opened in 2000. Both companies extended the catering contract for a further 22 years in 2023, reports The Caterer. As part of the new deal, Levy has created a dining experience for Excel's new-look waterfront entertainment district, Immerse LDN, named the Waterfront Street Kitchen and Bar.
Almost 300 million pints could be sold in pubs in December, according to new calculations from the British Beer and Pub Association, reports Pub & Bar. The beer and pub sectors combined are expected to contribute a total of £3.3bn in gross value added (GVA) into the UK economy, meaning £1.7bn going into the treasury's coffers. The trade body says that sales of pints in pubs in December alone amounts to 9.5% of their annual beer sales, generating a turnover of around £1.4bn, assuming an average pint cost of £4.80.
A London pub has introduced 'ration cards' for customers in a bid to manage Guinness stock levels, says the Morning Advertiser.