Tube strikes planned for this week suspended
Tube strikes that were due to take place on Tuesday and Thursday this week have been called off by the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT).
Business & Legislation
Bunsik to open final company-owned site as its looks towards franchising
Bunsik will open what it says will be its final company-owned site, with future expansion expected to focus primarily on franchise-led growth.
Comment
Comment: is Pizza Express’ new QSR format a masterstroke or pie in the sky?
The casual dining pizza giant’s new, smaller format in Brixton targeting on-the-go eating has divided opinion...
Creative Restaurant Group sells Japanese restaurant NIJŪ
Creative Restaurant Group has sold its Japanese restaurant NIJŪ in Mayfair to investment group DMIG.
Dirty Bones closes Carnaby restaurant
New York-inspired restaurant brand Dirty Bones has announced the closure of its Carnaby site.
70-year-old restaurant group Spaghetti House closes
One of the UK’s oldest restaurant groups has closed all of its sites after falling into administration.
UKHospitality slams ‘nonsensical’ holiday tax decision
The inclusion of a holiday tax bill in the King’s Speech yesterday (13 May) will make UK staycations more expensive, UKHospitality has warned.
Shaftesbury Capital says demand for space remains high in 2026
Shaftesbury Capital says there continues to be competitive demand for space in its high-footfall destinations as it reported a ‘positive start’ to the year.
Rosa’s Thai reports sales increase as it secures new finance deal
Rosa’s Thai has reported a rise in annual sales that push it past the £50m mark.
Coppa Collective sees revenues rise, led by its Coppa Club brand
Coppa Collective has reported a rise in like-for-like sales and group revenue in its half-year trading update.
Evolv Collection reports ‘transformative period’ of growth
The Evolv Collection has reported revenue of £151.6m for the 15 months ending 31 December 2025 with ‘healthy’ life-for-like growth across its 28-strong UK and US estate.
Mark Selby: " I would get into a cold sweat whenever I read about a new Mexican restaurant opening"
The Wahaca co-founder has moved from CEO to the less hands-on role of chairman, but he’s no less focused on its evolution and growth.
Big Table gets green light to proceed with Las Iguanas restructuring plan
The future of the Las Iguanas group is to go to a creditor vote after its owner received approval from the High Court.
Thinking outside the box: how big pizza is embracing sourdough
The UK’s largest pizza chains are adding artisan-inspired products to their core range amid intense competition from smaller-scale, on-trend brands
Carl Clarke steps away from Chicken Shop
Carl Clarke, founder of Chicken Shop (formerly Chik’n), has stepped away from the business following the announcement that Kitchen Ventures has acquired a majority stake in the brand.
Majority of The Real Greek sites saved as Côte owner makes purchase
The Real Greek will continue to have a presence on UK high streets following the purchase of 19 of its 28 restaurants.
Heston Blumenthal eyes expansion following strategic investment from COMO Group
Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck Group says it is looking build on recent growth and explore expansion opportunities following a strategic investment from COMO Group.
Beefeater and Brewers Fayre restaurants to close with 3,800 jobs at risk
Premier Inn owner Whitbread is to close its Beefeater and Brewers Fayre restaurants, with the loss of around 3,800 jobs.
Karali Group in ‘advanced talks’ to buy part of The Real Greek restaurant estate
The group behind Côte Restaurants is reportedly close to buying a bulk of The Real Greek’s restaurant estate as part of a pre-pack deal.
Uncle Hon’s BBQ launches crowdfund for first permanent restaurant
Man Hon Luk has launched a crowdfund campaign to open his first permanent Uncle Hon’s BBQ restaurant in London’s Hackney Wick.
Government support called for as rising fuel prices push up inflation
UKHospitality has called on the government to reduce the cost of doing business for sectors including hospitality as rising fuel prices push up inflation.
Restaurants return to growth in March
Britain’s restaurant groups reported modest like-for-like sales growth of 2.5% in March against the same month the previous year, according to new data.
Matt Abé: “Once I set my mind to something I will see it through”
His debut solo restaurant may have won two Michelin stars in a matter of months, but Bonheur’s chef-patron is not stopping there.
Comptoir Group reduces its losses as cost efficiencies take effect
Comptoir Group says operational efficiencies and a push for covers has helped decrease its losses in its current financial year.
Crowd pleasers: how food halls became hospitality’s not-so-secret weapon
The UK food hall sector is booming, with 65 sites currently in development and average revenues on the increase. What’s behind the growth, and is it sustainable?
Hospitality insolvencies on the rise as tax burden increases and dip in consumer confidence takes hold
The number of accommodation and foodservice businesses entering insolvency increased by 22% month-on-month, according to the latest figures.
Benugo partners with The Clink Charity
Benugo has entered a five-year partnership with The Clink Charity to create a pathway for prison leavers into long-term hospitality careers.
MEATliquor appoints administrators
MEATliquor has officially appointed administrators, having closed more than half of its restaurant estate.
Franco Manca to close 16 sites under CVA
Fulham Shore is to launch a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) this week for its pizza brand Franco Manca that will result in around 16 of its 70 UK restaurants closing.
Naked ambition: inside the return of Jamie’s Italian
With the relaunch of Jamie’s Italian in the UK, Brava Hospitality Group and Jamie Oliver Restaurants are attempting to pull off one of the biggest gambles in the history of hospitality.
Comment
The deal for Caring’s empire is a game changer for hospitality
The £1.4bn price tag for The Ivy Collection is an eye-watering number, but the potential rewards are just as eye-watering.
Rob Roy Cameron to depart Basque restaurant ALTA to focus on new projects
Chef Rob Roy Cameron will leave his role as head chef of Basque restaurant ALTA this month.
Chipotle looks to grow UK estate by 20%
Chipotle has unveiled plans to grow its UK estate by 20% this year as the US burrito giant looks to expand across Europe.
Mission Mars reports strong progress as Rudy’s expansion continues
The group behind the Albert’s Schloss and Rudy’s pizza brands has reported positive half-year results as it looks to continue expansion across the UK.
Floating restaurant Caravel closes after four years
Floating London restaurant Caravel on Regent’s Canal has closed as well as its sister restaurant Studio Kitchen.
Young’s buys Cubitt House’s group of pubs
Young’s has acquired Cubitt House London Pubs in a deal worth around £30m.
Gareth Ward’s Gwen restaurant to close
Gareth Ward’s Machynlleth restaurant Gwen will close next month after three years.
The Clove Club slashes mid-week menu price
Two Michelin-starred restaurant The Clove Club has announced it has reduced the price of its menus mid week in the face of rising costs.
April 1st no laughing matter as cost increases force job cuts and closures
More than half of hospitality businesses will cut jobs and cancel their investment plans as a result of increases in employment costs and business rates that come into force today (1 April).
Confidence in hospitality sector rises but prospect of increasing costs remain a concern
Hospitality leaders have entered 2026 with the more optimism than the previous year, new data shows.
Just Eat and Pasta Evangelists among businesses being investigated in reviews probe
Just Eat and Pasta Evangelists are among a number of businesses facing investigation from the UK’s competition watchdog as part of a probe into fake and misleading online reviews.
Restaurant delivery boosted at-home sales in February
New delivery offers helped restaurants to strong at-home sales growth in February despite a sharp drop in takeaways, new data shows.
Sadiq Khan aiming for London’s ‘biggest ever summer for al fresco dining’ as Summer Streets returns
The Mayor of London’s ‘Summer Streets’ fund will return to the capital for a second year, in a bid to boost its bars, cafes, hospitality and nightlife economy.
Pizza Hut revamps reward scheme
Pizza Hut UK has its upgraded loyalty programme Hut Rewards so that customers are rewarded every time they order.
Market Halls secures £11m to fund its expansion
Market Halls has secured £11m in funding to support the next phase of its national growth.
London’s licensing rethink is a chance for the industry to make itself heard for the right reasons
A major rewrite of London’s licensing rules could benefit well-run hospitality businesses, but engagement from operators will be critical to getting it right.
Comment
Why hospitality keeps moving - even as the world grows more uncertain
The industry is facing some strong headwinds, but the sector’s ability to continue progressing is striking.
Prezzo Italian’s family dining subscription earns 4,000 signups in first month
Prezzo Italian’s family dining subscription, which entitles up to three children to a free three-course meal with an adult main purchase, has had 4,000 signups in its first month.
Industry encouraged to give feedback on the Mayor of London’s proposed licensing reforms
London operators are being encouraged to respond to a consultation that could bring about the biggest shake-up of licensing in the capital for decades.
Soho’s Shackfuyu to revert to Bone Daddies format, marking the end of ‘London’s longest pop-up’
Japanese restaurant Shackfuyu will close after more than a decade with its owner converting it into its Bone Daddies format.