19/05/2026 09:39:00
UKHospitality has hit out at the government after the King's Speech confirmed the inclusion of a holiday tax bill. According to the background briefing notes to the King's Speech, the Overnight Visitor Levy Bill, originally proposed in the 2025 Budget, would "bring England in line with Scotland and Wales, as well as international peers" that operate under a similar policy, citing France, Norway, New York, Amsterdam and Rome as equivalents. UKHospitality criticised the government U-turn and pointed out that there had been previous government commitments to the House of Commons not to introduce such a tax. Research from Oxford Economics suggests the bill would cost holidaymakers a £1.6b tax increase, 33,000 jobs, reduce GDP by £2.2b, lose the Treasury £688m, and reduce tourism spending by £1.8b, reports The Caterer.
Stockport-based brewer and pub operator Robinsons has smashed its own records by surpassing £100m in turnover in its latest financial year, writes the Morning Advertiser. The north-west business - led by joint managing directors William and Oliver Robinson - reported turnover if £103.5m for its 2025 financial year (2024: £97.7m) while EBITDA rose by 40% to £8.6m (2024: £6.2m). Meanwhile, the group's managed pubs delivered more than 10% like-for-like sales growth and beer volumes bucked industry trends. However, Robinson said operating costs have increased significantly with the Chancellor's Budget costing the business £1m more in employer national insurance contributions alone.
Spaghetti House has collapsed into administration and closed all of its restaurants after 70 years of trading, confirms The Caterer. The family-owned hospitality business ceased trading upon entering administration, with all sites closing and staff being made redundant. Spaghetti House was founded by two friends - Simone Lavarini and Lorenzo Fraquelli - in London's Goodge Street in 1955. At the time of its closure, Spaghetti House was operating five restaurants across London.
Marston's has announced its interim results for the 26 weeks ended 28 March 2026, writes Pub & Bar. The Justin Platt-led business says it has made strong strategic progress across its 1,300+ pubs, with underlying profit before tax up 7.9% year-on-year to £20.5m. Marston's says its new pub format investments are delivering real momentum, with 91 sites invested in over last 18 months and 60 complete in the half year. So far, 31 Grandstands and 29 Two-Door concepts have been delivered. As a result, the group is evaluating an expanded rollout programme of c.100 sites for its financial year 2027.
Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão has announced the unification of its UK restaurants under a single global brand, following its 2024 acquisition of Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill. The transition brings existing Fazenda locations in London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, and Birmingham under the Fogo de Chão. The move follows a two-year planning process for the brand's integration, aligning operations, culinary standards, technology, and brand identity, reports Restaurant.
Daniel Thwaites has announced the completion of a £1.2m investment into The Royal Oak in Keswick, with the venue now reopen for the summer season, says Boutique Hotelier. The property in the Lake District has relaunched with 18 new-look bedrooms and bathrooms, alongside a refreshed restaurant and bar following a brief closure to undergo the long-term project, which has been ongoing since 2025. The Royal Oak was acquired by Daniel Thwaites in 2020. The Lancashire-based, family-owned Thwaites is a collection of inns, hotels, and spa hotels across England.
The Telegraph celebrated the on-trade over the weekend, with a National Pub Day, joining forces with Renegade brewery to create its' own 'Telegraph Ale', which was served at more than 250 pubs on Saturday. Telegraph's reported National Pub Day had the punters pouring in by midday, with Landlords declaring the inaugural event a 'huge success'.