29/06/2021
Staff shortage leads to a rise in wages
According to The Morning Advertiser, the average wages of pub and restaurant workers have risen by as much as 14%, driven by a shortage of staff in the hospitality sector. Pay increases vary around the country, with Greater Manchester and Chershire experiencing the biggest pay hikes.
Hawksmoor are opening a new Canary Wharf restaurant
Hawksmoor are expanding as they get ready to open their seventh restaurant, this time in Canary Wharf, report Hot Dinners. Their latest addition will be an eco-friendly floating pavilion in the docks of Wood Wharf, and customers can expect steaks, cocktails, lots of outside seating and one of their biggest bars to date.
Tony Macaroni eyes franchise expansion across England and Wales
Glasgow-based Italian restaurant group Tony Macaroni is looking to its 'next chapter' by expanding its franchise model in England and Wales advises Big Hospitality. He currently operates in 19 restaurants in Scotland and Northern Ireland, with five more openings planned by the end of the year.
Quirky boutique hotelier, Kaleidoscope Collection announces new acquisition
Known for their eclectic and spirited style, the company has announced the acquisition of a third hotel in Warminster, Wiltshire, to add to its collection, reports Business Leader. This will lead to the creation of almost 30 new jobs in what is one of the most significant hotel acquisitions in the South West over the last 16 months.
Greggs report a strong increase in sales
The Financial Times have reported that bakery chain Greggs has seen recent weeks sales rise as much as 3% from 2019 levels. Greggs have said that "this level of sustained sales recovery is stronger than we had anticipated and, if it were to continue, would have a materially positive impact on the expected financial result for the year".
Mandatory calorie labelling timing 'counterproductive and damaging'
The introduction of mandatory calorie labelling is set to come into force in April next year, which would "badly damage the sector at a time when the focus must be squarely on recovery", one trade body has said, as reported by The Morning Advertiser.
Under new proposed law, restaurants could be forced to give all tips to staff
In recent years, several pledges have been made to stop employers pocketing money left for staff by customers. However a new Tip Bill, brought forward by Conservative MP Dean Russell could prove to progress the issue and put protections in law report the Independent. The Bill would prohibit employers from retaining tips intended for staff and also enable arrangements to be made about how tips are divided between staff.
And Finally...
A miniature Santorini-on-Thames has popped up just south-west of Tower Bridge. The temporary village is part of London Bridge City's Summer by the River event. The Riverside Terrace bar will be open until 30th September along with a host of other summer-long events.