25/07/2023 08:21:00
The downturn in inflation is "positive news" for the sector but firms are not "out of the woods yet", according to industry leaders. Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), released on Wednesday 19 July estimated the headline rate of inflation dropped to 7.9% in the year to June 2023, down from 8.7% in May. British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) chief executive Emma McClarkin said: "This will be welcome news to pub and brewing businesses, but we're not out of the woods as there is still a long way to go for the pressures on our customers and supply chains to feel the difference." Morning Advertiser reports that on a monthly basis, inflation rose by 0.1% in June, compared with a rise of 0.8% in June 2022.
The group behind London venues including The Prince, Pergola and Lost in Brixton, has announced plans to open bar The 411 in Angel this autumn. With a design inspired by Manhattan lofts, the 411 will bring 'the creative energy of New York's Soho district' to Angel and will feature exposed brickwork, bare concrete finishes, oversized artworks, and state furniture. The 411's menu 'will draw inspiration from the best of NYC's casual restaurant scene', while the drinks menu will include cocktails using American bourbons and whiskies, and craft beer, reports the Restaurant.
The prime minister has launched a new business council to hear the thoughts of sector leaders - but failed to include a hospitality representative. A group of 14 chief executives from companies including AstraZeneca, NatWest Group, Aviva, Barclays, Shell, and Vodafone met with Rishi Sunak last Tuesday (19 July). The only members from the food and drink sector were Diageo, which is behind brands including Guinness and Smirnoff, and Sainsbury's, advises The Caterer. A No 10 spokesperson confirmed the new group had replaced the 2022 business council set up by former prime minister Boris Johnson, which included then Whitbread chief executive Alison Brittain.
The Government has decided it will end automatic provision for pubs and bars to sell alcohol for off-site consumption and will halt the increased number of temporary event notices (TENs) permitted too. The move comes after a consultation on whether to make permanent the alcohol licensing provisions in the Business and Planning Act 2020 or to return to the pre-Covid provisions in the Licensing Act 2003, advises Morning Advertiser. Trade body UKHospitality (UKH) which had been a strong proponent of both measures being made permanent, after being temporarily introduced during the pandemic voiced its dismay over the decision.
The Botanist in Bath is to appear in the latest series of Channel 4's dating series, First Dates, reports Pub & Bar. The bar-and-restaurant brand owned by the New World Trading Company has an aligned target audience with First Dates, and the feature could well help continue to grow The Botanist's reputation as a 'date night' spot.