17/11/2020
"The UK will return to as close to a pre-covid normality by July 2021"
Propel have reported that The Lantern, a research and insights consultancy with a focus on the hospitality industry, has constructed a timeline which forecasts how the coronavirus crisis will play out in the UK. The study's author, George Davidson (former interim head of insights and analytics at Greene King) said "I wanted to address the confusion and uncertainty in the hospitality market over when we might emerge from this difficult time. This felt like an ambitious project but following my research, I feel confident about a forecast of around July 2021."
Treasury denies speculation Eat Out to Help Out could return for winter
The Caterer reports that the government has denied speculation the Eat Out to Help Out (EOTHO) scheme will be returning this winter. Rishi Sunak had told Sky News on Thursday that the government was considering measures to encourage consumer spending after England's national lockdown ends in December. But the government said there was no implication these measures could include the return of the discounted meal scheme that had been such a success in August when more than 100 million cut-price meals were claimed, at a cost of more than £500m.
Whitbread to row back on job cuts
After previously announcing 6,000 job losses in September, The Times reported last week that Whitbread were expected to tell staff that a "significant number" of the job cuts will no longer be needed. The move boosts boosts hopes that the extension of the government's furlough scheme and a breakthrough in the race to develop a Covid-19 vaccine could soften the job crisis facing the country.
Labour leader calls for 'staggered closing times' to replace 10pm curfew when blanket lockdown ends on December 2
According to the Daily Mail, Sir Kier Starmer has demanded that closing times should be spread out so people did not pour out on to the streets all at once, and indicated that off-licences should be shut at the same time to discourage after-hours partying. Sir Keir said he supported what the government had been 'trying to achieve' with the curfew, but it 'didn't work'.
Revolution Bars to advance with CVA proposals
Revolution Bars' plans to close 6 sites through a CVA have been approved, advise Insider Media. Revolution Bars outlined proposals last month to exit the sites and to secure "materially improved" rental terms for seven others. Chief executive Rob Pitcher said: "I'm grateful for the support of our creditors in approving the CVA of Revolution Bars, providing the opportunity for the business to move forward with much greater certainty for all its stakeholders. This is a positive step in the right direction."
Casual Dining exhibition postponed until September 2021
Boutique Hotelier has announced that the organiser of the Casual Dining trade show, has confirmed the exhibition has been postponed from next March due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and government restrictions. The event dedicated to the casual dining sector will now take place on 23-24 September 2021 at ExCeL London and run alongside sister show lunch! and Commmercial Kitchen.
Google searches for 'takeaway pints' rise 3,000% in a week
According to City AM, new research has shown that searches for reopening dates and takeaway pints rocketed during the first week of new restrictions. According to analysis of Google data, searches for "when can pubs reopen in England" soared 2,501 per cent. Meanwhile, the question "what pubs are doing takeaway pints?" surged 2,938 per cent in the first week since hospitality venues were ordered to close for the second time this year.
And Finally...
The Telegraph reported that TripAdvisor has hit back at a Thai hotel that filed a criminal complaint against an American holidaymaker, resulting in two days detention and a possible two-year jail sentence. The complaint was filed under the country's strict defamation law, after he posted criticism of his experience at the hotel. Tripadvisor got involved - paying the American's legal fees and helping to negotiate a resolution, which led to charges being dropped. As part of the agreement, Tripadvisor gave the hotel a written commitment that it would not post a "red badge"- its standard warning label - on the hotel's page. But once the charges were dismissed, Tripadvisor posted a new type of warning on the hotel's page. Tripadvisor commented that they "believe in the right of every traveller to write about their first-hand traveling experiences - good or bad."