03/06/2025 10:23:00
A new survey of hospitality operators has found one third of businesses across the sector are now operating at a loss, following the increases to employer NICS and changes to business rates that came into effect from April. The survey was undertaken by industry bodies, UKHospitality, The British Institute of Innkeeping, the British Beer & Pub Association, and Hospitality Ulster. The number of businesses operating at a loss represents an 11% increase on the last quarter. Six in 10 businesses reported having to cut jobs, while 63% have reduced the hours available to staff. The survey, which was undertaken in May, also found over half of operators have been forced to cancel investment, writes Boutique Hotelier.
Salford-based brewer and pub retailer Hydes is continuing its multi-million-pound investment programme, with its latest project being a £550,000 refurbishment of The Old Plough in Ashton on Mersey over the next six weeks. This follows the recent revamp of The Abel Heywood, a pub and boutique hotel in Manchester's Northern Quarter. Over the next year, Hydes plans further seven-figure investments across key sites, including the Boat House at Parkgate on the Wirral and smaller refurbishments at several pubs, according to Pub & Bar.
Adnams has reported a 3% increase in sales in the 12 months to 31 December to £68.1m, reports The Caterer. Operating losses shrank by more than half, from £2.5m in 2023 to £1.1m in 2024, while adjusted EBITDA grew from £568,000 in 2023 to £1.2m in 2024, delivered "through careful price management and cost control". Net debt stood at around £15m which the board described as "unsustainable". Trading in Adnams hotels and pubs saw "revenues remain relatively static", while room occupancy was up year on year, with a year average increase of 1% compared to 2023 and 18% increase on 2019.
A bumper May with two bank holidays and VE Day saw an estimated 14 million extra pints sold in pubs compared to a month without, the BBPA estimates. VE Day itself is estimated to have brought in up to one million extra pints sold in pubs thanks in part to the licensing hours extension which allowed them to stay open until 1am. The additional pints mean the sector delivered an extra £69 million in sales for the economy and generate £11.5 million in VAT and £6.5 million in beer duty compared to a month with no bank holidays or VE Day, says CLH News. The boost comes as the sector wrestles with a barrage of extra tax and fees following the April cliff-edge which is costing the industry an extra £853 million, the BBPA said.
Thwaites has purchased The Buck Inn, Malham, in the Yorkshire Dales. Dating back to 1874, The Buck is a historic village inn, comprising a bar and restaurant, outdoor covers and 11 bedrooms, reports Pub & Bar. The addition of The Buck takes Thwaites' portfolio of managed pubs with rooms and hotels to 23, with The Buck becoming its second site in Malham. Thwaites says the Grade II-listed inn will continue to trade as normal, providing food made from local, seasonal produce in one of the busiest spots in the Dales.
Pubs remain in high demand and at the heart of social culture in the UK, new research has found. A survey by snack brand Tyrrells found that half of people (49%) favoured the local pub over other types of venue, writes the Morning Advertiser. This was followed by 16% that favoured gastro pubs, 11% sports bars and 10% who preferred wine bar. The remaining did not favour any pubs or favoured other types of venues. It was also revealed that 51% of people go to the pub to catch up with friends and family. Customers highlighted food quality (56%), customer services (49%) and drink (47%) as the top three distinguishing factors that create a great pub experience, and beer gardens (45%), live music (41%) and sport screenings (24%), also proving to be important features for consumers as they continue to value traditional pub experiences.
The average UK pint now costs 34p more than in February, driven by rising taxes, utility bills, and staffing costs, according to the Drinks Business.