26/11/2024 10:13:00
House hunters are ranking a 'good local pub' as more important than schools, gyms and places of worship, according to new research from the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA). The data forms part of the BBPA's Long Live the Local campaign that is calling for the Government to protect pubs in light of the social and economic value they bring to local communities, reports the Morning Advertiser. It found that more than half (52%) of Brits say 'a good local pub' is a top priority when choosing a new home. In fact, nearly a quarter of respondents put the pub in first place (23%) when prioritising local amenities and 43% visit a pub to get a feel for the area's atmosphere before potentially committing to purchase a property in the neighbourhood.
Midlands-based Roseacre Pub Company has increased its estate to 10 sites, with plans to expand further. The Roseycombe in Binley Woods near Coventry is the latest to join the Roseacre portfolio, the company's seventh pub with Star Pubs, reports Pub & Bar. The two businesses are now undertaking a joint £350,000 refurbishment prior to reopening the pub in time for Christmas. The expansion plan will focus on premium properties in key Northern cities and the new additions would be across the BWH Hotels brands, offering opportunities for hotel owners at all levels to partner with the global group.
BWH Hotels has revealed a five-year plan to add 100 hotels to its GB portfolio, taking the group's nationwide room count to 20,000. The York-based British arm of the business, which encompasses Best Western and the luxury brand World Hotels, has unveiled plans to add 8,000 rooms over the next five years. The Group says it has enjoyed an 'exceptionally strong' 2024, with successes including adding its first long-stay property, the Liverpool Dockside Aparthotel, advises Boutique Hotelier.
Sector trade bodies have shared "deep concern" the increase to the energy price cap in 2025 will "compound" the already "severe pressures" faced by firms says the Morning Advertiser. On Friday 22 November, energy regulator OFGEM announced the energy price cap would be increased by 1.2% from January to March 2025. Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA) CEO Michael Kill said the increase from OFGEM "compounded" the already "severe pressures" faced by the night-time economy. He added: "While households will see a modest £21 annual increase, businesses in our sector continue to bear the brunt of skyrocketing energy costs. This coupled with a looming rise in taxation this April, is pushing many businesses toward a cliff edge."
Stonegate CEO David McDowall said Slug & Lettuce's peak drinking hour had shifted from 9pm to 10pm on Saturday night, to between 3pm and 4pm with bottomless brunches replacing happy hours advises The Times. "The night out has become the day out". Day drinking is one of several new trends' pubs are trying to embrace in the run-up to Christmas, with younger customers also demanding more low or non-alcoholic drinks. For those not willing to forgo alcohol altogether, "zebra striping" or "zebra-ing", is gaining popularity, where drinkers alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to mitigate the effects of a hangover. One in four drinkers regularly practise "zebra-striping", according to research by KAM Insights in conjunction with Lucky Saint.
Whitbread has appointed a project and programme manager as it looks to expand Premier Inn's London footprint, advises The Caterer. Premier Inn's owner has appointed Sam Murphy as project and programme manager as it looks to reach 98,000 rooms by 2030, with a particular focus on the capital. Murphy will lead the delivery of newbuild Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn hotels within the capital and the wider south-east. The company operates more than 100 Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn hotels within the M25 and is targeting a further 40 locations across the capital.
The Sly Old Fox in Birmingham has been urged to change its name by animal rights activists who claim it's offensive to foxes, reports the Metro...