06/10/2020
Recent local lockdowns increase people affected to 16.6m
The BBC report local lock down measures in Liverpool, Middlesbrough, Warrington and Hartlepool took the total number of people covered by local lockdowns to around 16.6m - roughly one in four people in the UK.
Curfew drove sales down by 12.9%
S4Labour says 'sales over Thursday to Sunday when comparing the week prior to the curfew show a 10.9% decrease in food sales and a 14.7% decrease in drinks sales.'
3 City Councils warn Government of damage being caused
Leaders of Liverpool, Leeds and Manchester Councils have warned they face mass redundancies and "boarded-up high streets" amid a collapse of the hospitality sector unless coronavirus restrictions are reviewed. The Councils said restrictions in place in the regions were threatening a "huge, disproportionate" economic impact.
Hancock - 10pm curfew is a 'necessary' measure
Despite increasing demands for a U turn on this unscientific and ill-thought out policy the Health Secretary has said "We have had to take difficult, but necessary decisions to suppress the virus. While I know many of the individual rules are challenging, they are necessary. We will keep all our measures under review and we'll closely monitor the impact of this policy."
East Coast Concepts acquired out of administration for £520,000
The five-strong Manchester based group was acquired in Sept in a pre-pack administration by Naveen Handa of The Cairn Group. The business generated turnover of £13.7m in 2019 and had plans to continue to roll out both the Victors and Neighbourhood concepts. The Handa-led group is understood to have committed £1m investment in the business.
Greene King close 11 of its 21 Loch Fyne restaurants permanently
The closure of the 11 sites (as they are no longer viable) leaves the brand with 10 restaurants, 9 of which have been reopened.
Staycation boom
Pubs with rooms are benefiting from a boom in sales. Stay in a Pub recorded a 24% increase in traffic to its website in August compared with last year and a 41% rise compared with the previous month. "The sector has invested significantly in accommodation provision, which has become an important third income stream alongside food and drink."
Tasty has appointed advisers to assess its options
While no decision has been made, the board is working with KPMG to assess the strategic options available. including a potential CVA. The company will open negotiations with landlords and other creditors shortly and anticipates this process will be completed by the end of November.
BrewDog joint venture with Red True BBQ on 5 sites
The two groups have teamed up at:- Call Lane & Headingley in Leeds, Lincoln, Huddersfield and Bradford. In each, BrewDog will open a bar, with Red's overseeing the kitchen operation.
Star Pubs & Bars is to fund membership of the BII
In a move designed to give licensees access to additional services, professional impartial advice and sales building support, the national Pubco will pay the for the membership for its leased and tenanted licensees. (representing a value of £155 each).
Côte acquired by Partners Group in pre-pack administration
The 98-strong French brasserie chain has been sold to three companies all of whom are ultimately owned by Partners Group. The deal has secured the future of 94 outlets. Limeyard and Jackson & Rye brands were not included in the transaction. Prior to lock-down, Côte recorded sales of £156.6m and Ebitda of 18.4m.
And Finally...
Robinsons - increased investment in managed estate fuels growth. The North west brewer and retailer has reported an increase in turnover of £4.4m to £75m for the year to 31 December 2019. The company operates 257 pubs, inns and hotels across the north west and acquired the Individual Inns business in 2019 helping towards the doubling of the number of managed pubs to 20 by the end of the year, with 165 bedrooms.