24/05/2022
The upcoming Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend could result in an estimated 90m pints sold, providing a £105m boost for hospitality businesses, according to the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA). With opening hours extended until 1am across the extra-long weekend from 2 - 6 June, the record bank holiday sales hoped for could see £29m paid into the economy in duty and VAT, reports Morning Advertiser.
Sales across the Young's managed house estate are up 2.9%, with the brewer and pub operator's latest full year results showcasing the success of its move away from the leased and tenanted model, advised Pub & Bar. Total revenue from continuing operations for the 52 weeks ended 28 March 2022 was £309m, up 251.1% against the prior year. In June 2021, Young's completed the sale of 56 tenanted businesses to Punch Pubs & Co for £53m, cementing its move to a model entirely focused on the development of premium managed pubs and hotels in the south of England.
Falling consumer confidence and slowing demand growth has started to weigh on output across the hospitality and tourism sector, according to the first Lloyds Bank UK Sector Tracker. The sector - which includes pubs, hotels, restaurants and leisure facilities - posted its third consecutive month of output growth, with firms recording the second fastest rate of growth (65.0) of all 14 UK sectors monitored by the Tracker in April, reports Big Hospitality. However, there were early indications that inflation has started to erode purchasing power and dampen consumer demand, threatening the outlook for the sector.
C&C Group has announced it is selling its entire minority interest in Admiral Taverns to Proprium Capital Partners for £55m. The drinks company, which manufactures and distributes brands including Bulmers, originally invested into Admiral Taverns with Proprium in September 2017, advises The Caterer. The sale of the shares will be completed during the group's 2023 financial year. As part of the divestment, C&C has negotiated a long-term supply agreement into the Admiral estate including its owned and agency brands.
The hospitality industry, including pubs, has been urged to ensure they are compliant with building regulations. Data from facilities management firm Cloudfm revealed many restaurant chains may only be compliant across less than a third (30%) of their estates, advises Morning Advertiser. Not only do companies have a duty of care to ensure the safety of customers and staff but as building testing and certification is a legal requirement and failure to adhere to the standards could end in fines, disqualification and imprisonment.
Bar and restaurant owners say Wednesday is the new Thursday, and Thursday the new Friday, because the overwhelming majority of office staff stay at home on Friday, reports EG News. Hospitality bosses say the midweek return to the office is resulting in bustling pubs and restaurants.