CGA and UKHospitality set out the industry’s road to recovery
New report from the sector’s leading research consultancy and trade body reveals the scale of COVID-19’s impact and what hospitality can do to reclaim sales.
Footfall nudges up after hospitality returns
Footfall in town and city centres has started to edge up following the reopening of the hospitality sector, with pubs faring better than restaurants as people venture out to eat and drink.
Sunday drink sales pick up on second weekend back, but trading still down
Total drinks sales in England’s managed pubs and bars remained around half pre-COVID levels on the second Saturday after reopening, but Sunday trading picked up.
It always comes back to the economy
The Government is preparing a major overhaul of the planning system in England to speed up approvals for new developments. It’s all part of its strategy for kick-starting the economy, or so we read in the press. We are now used to ministers testing out the popularity of ideas in the media before either pushing ahead or simply denying they were ever being considered in the first place.
Bars and restaurants are not just a business: supporting the industry
COVID-19 has been an extremely challenging time for our industry, with hospitality businesses and their staff impacted beyond what any of us could have imagined.
At their core, bars, restaurants, coffee shops and clubs (and many other on-premise businesses) are the result of organically grown passion projects. As a frequent visitor to many of them, and as someone who has developed a strong working relationship with many key brands and businesses in this industry, it’s hard to even contemplate that some of these establishments may never open their doors again. Read Amy Warren’s latest commentary.
Time for some serious gardening
Some good may yet come out of the Dominic Cummings chaos. In a move that could be interpreted as a way to win back public popularity, the Prime Minister has hinted tantalizingly that pubs and restaurants may be allowed to reopen earlier than first suggested – with pub gardens and restaurant terraces earlier still. Read Peter Martin’s latest commentary.
Who needs ‘wow’ in post-COVID Britain?
Experience used to be everything. Going out at the weekend was all about finding something new and different – somewhere that would impress your mates. But, no longer it seems. When Britain’s pubs and restaurants start to reopen in July, consumers say they’ll be looking for something more sedate – and safe. Familiarity, reliability and trust will be the watchwords, says Peter Martin.
Peter Martin: Options in a crisis
There is a well-worn business saying that in times of crisis, there are only really three options: get big, get niche or get out. Latest opinion piece from Peter Martin.
CGA to shed light on changing consumer lifestyles at Casual Dining 2020
CGA’s Karl Chessell will discuss how changing consumer lifestyles and tastes are changing the out of home food landscape at the Casual Dining show.