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NEWSWIRE

Hospitality sees modest growth pre-Christmas

07/01/2025 09:22:00

Hospitality group see modest growth in pre-Christmas trading

Hospitality groups saw sales growth of 2.7% in the week running up to Christmas as trading was steady, reports The Caterer. According to a snapshot of the Hospitality Business Tracker, produced by CGA by NIQ in partnership with RSM UK, bars were the main beneficiaries of additional business, with 20.5% growth as revellers prioritised drinking and socialising. Food-led operators reported like-for-like growth of 3.4% in the on-the-go sector, and 2.1% in restaurants, while pubs saw only minor growth of 0.7%. The overall growth echoes progress made in November, in which year-on-year sales also grew 2.7%. Marginally above inflation, it was the first positive real-terms growth since June.

JW Lees results show a year of recovery

Pre-tax profits at north west pub operator JW Lees increased by over 100% during its recent financial year, as the business recovered from a tough 2023. Filing its accounts for the year to 31 March 2024, revenues were up 9% at £95.8m (+£8.3m), with pre-tax profit up 104% to £7.1m. In the previous year to March 2023, pre-tax profit was down by 56% from £8.1m to £3.5m, with JW Lees citing a number of reasons for this, including the cost of energy, reduced government support and increased levels of investment in the business, advises Pub & Bar.

Number of pubs in England and Wales falls below 39,000 for first time

More than 400 pubs in England and Wales shut their doors for good this year against a backdrop of rising costs and cautious spending among consumers, reports The Guardian. The number of pubs has fallen below 39,000 for the first time, as 412 were demolished or converted for other uses in the year to December, according to an analysis of government figures by the property data company Altus Group. Most of the closures happened in the first half of the year. More than 34 pubs shut every month on average, the sharpest fall in numbers since 2021, when the hospitality sector was hit hard by Covid-19 lockdowns and soaring energy prices after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Boxpark 'positive' about further extension to Shoreditch lease

Boxpark has secured a short-term lease to continue trading at its original site in London's Shoreditch and says that 'negotiations are positive' about a further extension. The group had expected to have to close its Shoreditch outpost last summer after its landlord announced its intention to trigger a break clause in the lease, advises The Restaurant. However, in its latest accounts for the year ended 30 April 2024, the group confirmed that the site continues to trade.

Plans to relaunch Karen's Diner as Indian restaurant concept

The theatrical entertainment company that helped create Karen's Diner, known for their deliberately rude waiters, in the UK is looking to relaunch the brand under a new Indian restaurant concept. Viral Ventures UK opened Karen's Diners in cities including Brighton, Manchester, Birmingham and Sheffield, but appointed liquidators last year owing £400,000 to creditors. It is now looking to move away from diner concepts to create Karen's Bombay, which it describes as 'the rudest Indian restaurant in the world'. Showon Group is seeking Indian restaurants interested in transforming their venues into a theatrical dining experience, says The Caterer.

A Taste of Tradition: New Pub to Open in Camden

The team behind the renowned restaurants Le Bab and the Kebab Queen is set to launch a new venture, a traditional British pub named The Dark Horse, opening in Camden's historic stable block this January. More than just a pub, The Dark Horse aims to become a community hub, embracing Camden's rich artistic and cultural legacy says Caterer Licensee Hotelier News. With its combination of traditional food, great drinks, and dynamic live events, it's set to become a new favourite for locals and visitors alike.

And finally...

More than 30m pints of draught beer and cider was sold in pubs over the key five festive trading days of 2024, with sales up 2.6% year-on-year, says the Morning Advertiser.