19/11/2024 10:01:00
Draft legislation to permanently cut business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties from 2026 has been published reports the Restaurant. The Government says the introduction of legislation in Parliament last week 'begins the delivery of its promise to reform business rates', as set out in Labour's manifesto. The tax cut will be funded by a tax rise for the top one percent of high-value properties, such as large warehouses used by online giants. James Murray, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said "This is a major step towards our new system that will support and help retail, hospitality and leisure businesses on our high streets to succeed."
Stonegate Group has announced the launch of two new pub formats within its managed estate, Heritage Pubs and Pubsmiths, reports Pub & Bar. The move, Stonegate says, marks the evolution of its food-focused offer and aligns each pub with the needs and preferences of its surrounding community. Both formats consist of a small batch of hand-picked pubs, 'passionate about the quality and variety of traditional home comforts'. Heritage Pubs focus is on pub classics served in a family-friendly and rural setting, while Pubsmiths offers a drinks-led experience, serving small plates and shareable dishes in town and city destinations.
A London tourist tax may be a step closer after the capital's mayor Sadiq Khan said he was "happy to look into" proposals. It was reported that his team would be examining evidence from other cities, including Manchester, where a levy of £1 per room, per night, plus VAT, was introduced in April 2023. If introduced in London, the tax is likely to be a fixed-price, per-night levy added to the price of every night booked in accommodation in the capital by overseas visitors. The proposals has received cross-party support, but Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, warned that such a move could deter tourists already stung by the UK's high VAT rate, says The Caterer.
Citizen M has announced that it is set to open two new sites in 2025; Dublin St. Patrick's and London Olympia reports Hotel Owner. The Dublin hotel will have 245 rooms, an open uncovered terrace, a 24/7 canteenM and four societyM meeting rooms. The company is preserving the "striking brutalist facade" designed by legendary Irish architect Sam Stephenson, and will feature a dedicated art collection for locals and travellers to enjoy. The London hotel is part of a £1.3bn regeneration project of London Olympia and will have 146 rooms. It will also have a 24/7 canteenM, three societyM meeting rooms and a living room open to the public. These new openings will bring citizenM's global portfolio to a total of 38 properties.
Lumina Intelligence's latest Eating and Drinking Out Panel (EDOP) data reveals improvement in the UK's eating and drinking out market for October 2024, as consumers return to more frequent outings and spend more on average per visit. The findings highlight that with easing financial pressures and stable autumnal weather, market performance metrics have seen considerable growth across key indicators reports Caterer Licensee.
Roxy Leisure has announced it will be bringing its multi-format competitive socialising concept to the UK capital next year, says Pub & Bar. Roxy Ball Room, London, will be located at St Mary Axe, opposite the Gherkin, and will feature the brand's array of signature activities including tech darts, basketball, beer pong, duck pin bowling, ping pong, shooting pods, pool, tech shuffle, karaoke, ice-free curling and crazy pool. Founded by brothers Matt and Ben Jones, Roxy Leisure opened its first Roxy Ball Room on Leeds' Boar Lane in December 2013. Since then, the group has continued to expand with 11 Roxy Ball Room and eight Roxy Lanes sites across the estate.
Singh returns to Montigo Resorts as CEO advises Boutique Hotel News.