17/08/2021
KFC warns customers of missing menu items as the chain is hit by food shortage
KFC has warned customers that disruption is leading to food shortages at its restaurants across the UK, reports the Evening Standard. In a statement issued via their Twitter account, it advised customers that the drought is impacting packaging as well as food supplies. It said: "Just a heads up that across our country, there's been some disruption over the last few weeks - so things may be a little different when you next visit us." A shortage of skilled staff, particularly HGV drivers, has been exacerbated by enforced isolation from NHS Test & Trace rules leading to disruption across the food delivery sector.
RedCat acquires The Coaching Inn Group
Rooney Anand's RedCat Pub Company has acquired the 18-strong Coaching Inn Group for an undisclosed sum advises Big Hospitality.
Wendy's burger chain to open string of UK delivery kitchens
The American burger chain Wendy's is set to open a string of dark kitchens in the UK to serve growing demand from the home delivery market, reports The Guardian. Abigail Pringle, the president of Wendy's international business, said the dark kitchen sites, run via a franchise with specialist operator Reef, would form part of a plan to eventually have up to 400 outlets in the UK.
Hotels suffer 50% cancellation rates as Britons swap staycations for holidays abroad
Some establishments are seeing cancellation rates of up to 50 per cent, with hotels in city centres hit particularly hard by decisions to swap a domestic break for foreign destinations. Data from hotel booking service Avvio, showed that city centre hotels have been hit especially bad by a flood of abandoned bookings - particularly bookings coming from couples, driven by the return of foreign travel, bad weather and the 'pingdemic' reports iNews. Demand for accommodation at some UK venues remains strong, in particular for resorts and hotels catering for families, meaning that many cancelled rooms can be filled with new bookings.
Hospitality sector makes 'significant contribution' to UK economy growth
The hospitality sector has made a "significant contribution" to the latest Office of National Statistics (ONS) figures, which showed that the UK economy grew by 4.8% in Q2 2021 as coronavirus restrictions were lifted report the Morning Advertiser.
Beavertown Brewery to open its first pub next month
London based craft brewer Beavertown Brewery will make its debut in the pub sector with the opening of Corner Pin in Tottenham next month. The entire Beavertown range will be on draught, as well as the new Bones lager reports the Metro.
And Finally...
Aperol is hosting a pop up which is inspired by beach bars. "The Aperol Spritz & Spiaggia" features a white sandy beach setting, outdoor beach bar, a jet ski and an orange Fiat 500. Visitors can choose from cabana-style seating or the bar swings that will be available at the Isle of Wight Festival in September reports Campaign Live.