Britain’s restaurant and managed pub groups recorded another month of steady growth in August, with collective like-for-like sales up 1.3% on the same time last year, latest data from the Coffer Peach Business Tracker shows. Chillier than average weather had an impact, but the sector still delivered a 17th consecutive month of positive growth. Restaurants fare … [Read more...]
Not just a Gem, but a trophy winner!
West Country brewer and pub operator Bath Ales’ flagship beer Gem has won one of the most prestigious international brewing awards. The International Beer Challenge considers over 500 brews from more than 30 countries and Bath Ales’ Gem received not only a Gold Medal but also went on to win the highly coveted trophy for its category – the ‘Best Ale up to 5% abv’. Robin … [Read more...]
McHattie steps down, Nicholls steps up at ALMR
David McHattie, CEO of the ALMR has announced that he is going to relinquish his current role as an executive for the association and take up a position on the Council as from the end of September. This coincides with his move to the North of England to develop his pub operation, the Devonshire Arms in Baslow, and the desire to develop more sites. David has been responsible … [Read more...]
Strong sales growth at Whitbread – up 12.8%
Strong sales growth at Whitbread - up 12.8% Whitbread PLC, the UK’s largest hotel and restaurant group, has reported strong trading performance to 14 August 2014, leading Numis to comment: “Whitbread's half year pre-close update is very strong and may lead to some upgrades in consensus numbers. Total sales growth in Q2 was 12.7% with LFL sales growth of 6.9% (Premier Inn … [Read more...]
Horsemeat scandal: Elliott Report action and reactions
The Elliott report on food integrity and assurance of food supply networks was commissioned in the wake of the horsemeat scandal and has now been published. Professor Elliott’s recommendations are: giving top priority to the needs of consumers in relation to food safety and food crime prevention, including through targeted testing, intelligence gathering and surveys. a … [Read more...]