30/11/2021
Hospitality trade bodies rally to combat drink spiking
Four leading trade bodies have joined forces to help try and ensure customer safety amid growing concerns about drink spiking at hospitality venues across the UK, reports Big Hospitality. UKHospitality, the British Beer and Pub Association, the British Institute of Innkeeping and Hospitality Ulster have teamed up to produce a suite of resources aimed at supporting operators in combating drink spiking.
Staffing levels 'still down 18% against 2019'
For the first time since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, all sectors within hospitality saw staff headcount increase in October, compared to last year, but staffing levels were still down 18% in comparison to the same period two years ago. The number of staff employed in the hospitality sector increased by 4% in October 2021, compared to the same month in 2020, according to Morning Advertiser.
Staycation boom drives third quarter revenue at Travelodge
Budget hotel group, Travelodge, has reported a 9.9% increase in revenue to £229.5m in its third quarter financial results. This was driven by a strong domestic leisure market and good recovery in 'blue collar' business offsetting a more gradual recovery in 'white collar' corporate demand, reports The Caterer. However, the business said it was "not immune" to supply chain pressures and warned there was "some short-term uncertainty around cost headwinds".
Nightcap expands their portfolio
Nightcap has acquired London based Barrio Familia Ltd, taking control of its five bars. The purchase, which is reported to be for £4.9m, includes Barrio's four bars and the Soho members' club Disrepute reports Pub & Bar. Nightcap, which was founded during the 2021 lockdown period by ex-Dragon's Den entrepreneur Sarah Willingham and entrepreneur Michael Toxvaerd, recently announced a Q1 performance that included a recent cash position of over £12.2m.
Butlin's to be put up for sale as staycations boom
The owner of Butlin's is preparing to put it up for sale amid a boom in British staycations, sparking a potential bidding frenzy for the country's best-known chain of holiday camps. Sky News has reported that Bourne Leisure, which also owns Haven and Warner Leisure Hotels, recently picked investment bankers to conduct an auction of Butlin's next year.
Pret A Manger to expand in the Middle East
Pret A Manger is expanding in the Middle East with a new franchising agreement with One PM Franchising. The move is part of the company's plan to double the size of its business within the next five years, and follows an agreement in October with A&W Food Services of Canada to introduce the Pret brand and products to A&W restaurants reports Big Hospitality.
And Finally...
Storm Arwen has left staff and guests trapped in the Tan Hill Inn in the Yorkshire Dales since Friday. ITV News reports that they have been trapped in by the heavy snowfall but have been enjoying the inns hospitality along with entertainment from Oasis tribute band - Noasis who were also stranded following their gig there on Friday.