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Caterer Licensee & Hotelier News, 3, Carlton Mount, 2 Cranborne Road, Bournemouth (2025)

25/11/2025

Marston’s Reports Strong Profit Growth with 71% Surge in Full-Year Results

Pub operator Marston's has reported robust financial performance for the year ending 27 September 2025, marking its second consecutive year of significant profit expansion.

The company's underlying profit before tax climbed to £72.1 million, representing substantial growth from the previous year's £42.1 million figure. Management attributes this performance to strategic initiatives across multiple operational areas.

Revenue improvements came through several channels, including operational efficiencies in labour management and procurement processes. The company enhanced its scheduling technology while streamlining maintenance operations and central administration costs. These savings enabled increased investment in marketing activities and specialist personnel.

Format innovation played a key role in the company's strategy, with 31 pub conversions completed during the period. These conversions generated average revenue increases of approximately 23 percent, according to the company.

Several new concepts entered the market this year, including Two Door venues, Grandstand Locals Sport outlets, and Woodie's family-oriented establishments.

The operator enhanced customer engagement through promotional partnerships and seasonal events. A collaboration with games manufacturer Hasbro featured Trivial Pursuit-themed activities, while the company hosted Oktoberfest celebrations and offered a limited-edition pie creation from chef Tom Shepherd. Management reports these initiatives contributed to improved guest satisfaction metrics.

Technology adoption accelerated across the estate, with enhanced mobile ordering and payment systems now operational in all managed properties. The company reports this digital infrastructure generated a 10 percent increase in transaction values.

Early indicators for the festive season appear positive, with Christmas bookings currently running 11 percent ahead of the comparable period in 2024.

Justin Platt, CEO of Marston’s PLC said:
“We’ve delivered another strong year ahead of plan, executing on our strategy to be a high-margin, highly cash-generative local pub company,". "For the second consecutive year, we’ve delivered significant growth in profit, margin and free cash flow, underlining the strength of our market-leading pub operating model and the outstanding work of our teams.

“Guest satisfaction has reached record levels – a fantastic endorsement of the passion and dedication of our people and the quality and consistency they deliver every day. Our new pub formats are performing exceptionally well, clearly demonstrating the growth opportunity ahead and giving us real conviction to scale further.

Read More:

Pub operator Marston's has reported robust financial performance for the year ending 27 September 2025, marking its second consecutive year of significant profit expansion. The company's underlying profit before tax climbed to £72.1 million, representing substantial growth from the previous year's ...

25/11/2025

Passion4Hospitality: The Future Leaders Conference Inspires Next Generation of Professionals

The Institute of Hospitality welcomed more than 750 hospitality students, apprentices, and graduates alongside educators, employers and industry leaders, including The Rt Hon the Baroness Morgan of Cotes and Sacha Lord FIH, to the re-launched Passion4Hospitality: The Future Leaders Conference at the Novotel West earlier this month.

With funding secured from The Savoy Educational Trust, coachloads of hospitality, leisure and tourism students travelled from across the UK by coach to access the free event; the largest, free student, graduate and apprentice Careers Exhibition & Conference in the UK Hospitality Industry.

Delegates took part in a range of leadership debates, a live recording of the Institute’s official podcast with guests tackling the subject of: ‘To include people with learning disabilities and neuro-diversity whilst still delivering top class service’, and a vibrant and very popular careers fair with over 50 employers including hotels, restaurants, venues, events, contract catering, training, the Ministry of Defence, leisure and professional services, amongst others, all offering diverse pathways into hospitality in the UK and internationally.

A series of career workshops also provided valuable and practical career guidance, employability advice, and practical skills, including tailored CV support, all aimed at helping students secure future hospitality roles.

IoH CEO, Robert Richardson FIH MI, hosted a lively on-stage chat with Sacha Lord FIH, Founder of The Sacha Lord Foundation, Former Nighttime Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester and Chair of the NTIA, exploring the realities of leadership, influencing policy the nighttime economy, with Lord concluding that young people could ‘go all the way in hospitality with graft, determination and a mentor’.

The Different Paths in Hospitality panel sparked animated debate both on stage and across the floor, as candidates from all parts of the hospitality profession shared candid reflections on their careers and their progression, while students asked practical questions on how best to build a career in hospitality.

The Rt Hon the Baroness Morgan of Cotes engaged delegates with a powerful keynote address on ‘Bridging the Gap Between Education and Employment’, calling for closer collaboration between educators and employers, more high-quality work experience placements, and clearer pathways to help learners transition confidently from study to meaningful hospitality careers.

Speaking after the Conference, The Rt Hon the Baroness Morgan of Cotes said:
“It's been a fantastic day at Passion4Hospitality and a great atmosphere. With so many students finding out about all sorts of careers and opportunities to work in hospitality. I have been delighted to be able to talk to so many delegates today about the importance of the hospitality sector.”

Reflecting on the day, IoH CEO Robert Richardson FIH MI said:
“Passion4Hospitality: The Future Leaders Conference is designed to be practical, progressive and people first. Today, our future leaders heard honest stories, asked excellent questions and connected directly with expert professionals and employers who are ready to invest in their talent. Having our special guests, Sacha Lord FIH and the previous Education Minister, The Rt Hon the Baroness Morgan of Cotes, join us, has been a highlight of the day.”

Read More:

The Institute of Hospitality welcomed more than 750 hospitality students, apprentices, and graduates alongside educators, employers and industry leaders, including The Rt Hon the Baroness Morgan of Cotes and Sacha Lord FIH, to the re-launched Passion4Hospitality: The Future Leaders Conference at the...

25/11/2025

As Autumn Budget Looms – 73% Say Government Failing Uk Nightlife Says Survey

New research from Obsurvant, in partnership with the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), paints a stark picture of Britain’s nightlife under pressure. The nationally representative survey of 2,009 UK consumers aged 18–64 captures behaviours, attitudes, and perceptions across theatres, restaurants, bars, clubs, and late-night events.

It forms the first wave of the Quarterly Consumer Tracker: Navigating the Night, providing a clear, data-driven snapshot of public confidence in the night-time economy, from affordability and safety to transport access and cultural value.

Key Stats:

- 73% don’t feel the Government is supporting the night-time industries sufficiently
- 76% believe people are priced out of nights due to rising costs
- 65% say nightlife boosts mood; 59% say it enhances quality of life
- 68% would go out more if transport were safer
- 61% say night-time events provide personal cultural experiences
- Only 33% agree that the government understands the challenges facing the hospitality sector

Brits still want to go out. Nightlife is vital for wellbeing, social connection, and community: 65% say it lifts their mood, 59% say it enhances quality of life, and 61% value night-time events as personal cultural experiences. But rising costs are shutting many out, with 76% citing high ticket and drink prices as a barrier, hitting families and lower-income earners hardest.

Safety is a major concern. Only 60% of people feel safe late at night, with poor lighting, isolated streets, and minimal policing leaving many at risk. Transport options are scarce after midnight, and the Taxi Tax is making even private options expensive. 68% say safer transport would make them more likely to go out.

The situation is worse outside London. Regions such as the South West and South East report the lowest confidence scores, highlighting uneven access to culture and social experiences across the country.

Public expectations are clear: 66% want Government support for the sector in the Autumn Budget, 70% say hospitality is becoming less affordable, and 64% back lowering VAT for hospitality businesses. Yet trust is low — just 23% in the South West believe ministers understand the challenges the sector faces.

Michael Kill, CEO of NTIA, said:
"Our survey shows the night-time economy is at a tipping point. People value the social connection, community, and wellbeing it provides. Venues are generally safe, but streets, transport, and policing are insufficient, and rising costs put nights out, out of reach. Without urgent investment, we risk losing not just nightlife, but the cultural and social heartbeat it provides across the UK."

Alex Morrison, Co-Founder of Obsurvant, added:
“The importance of the night-time economy really shines through in our data, but so do the pressures it faces. Supporting it means removing barriers, managing rising costs and ensuring it’s accessible to everyone, yet the public doesn’t feel confident that is happening. As the study continues, we’ll be able to add more context and see how opinions change over time, bringing valuable insights to those working to defend and strengthen this critical sector.”

Sacha Lord, Chair NTIA, added:
"This survey confirms what we see every night: unsafe streets, poor transport, and rising costs are preventing people from accessing nightlife. Desire to engage remains strong, but without action on infrastructure, safety, and affordability, we risk cutting off a generation from vital cultural experiences."

As Christmas approaches, the message is clear: continue neglecting nightlife and risk empty streets, unaffordable nights out, and eroded culture, or invest in safety, transport, affordability, and infrastructure to protect the social, economic, and cultural heartbeat of the nation.

Read More:

New research from Obsurvant, in partnership with the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), paints a stark picture of Britain’s nightlife under pressure. The nationally representative survey of 2,009 UK consumers aged 18–64 captures behaviours, attitudes, and perceptions across theatres, rest...

25/11/2025

South West Publicans Urge The Government To Support The Pub Industry

Publicans across the South West are calling on the government to take positive action and ease mounting financial pressures on pubs ahead of this week’s Budget, warning that the sector is at a critical tipping point.

They say rising costs and increased taxation are threatening the survival of thousands of pubs - many of which are the beating heart of their communities.

Kevin Georgel, Chief Executive of St Austell Brewery, which operates 164 pubs across the region, said:
“Our sector contributes tens of billions to the economy, yet pubs are under increasing pressure from unsustainable tax burdens.

“Business rates are the most pressing issue - relief was cut from 75% to 40% at the last Budget, adding thousands of pounds to annual rates bills. We need meaningful reform that works for businesses, not against them.

“The government must act now to keep a pint of great British beer affordable, protect jobs and ensure pubs remain open for generations to come - they are a vital part of British life.”

The warning comes as the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) predicts more than one pub will close every day in 2025 - an estimated 378 closures across England, Wales and Scotland.

Damian and Miranda Knight have run pubs with St Austell Brewery for 12 years and are the current publicans of the Cornubia Inn and the Royal Standard Inn in Hayle, two pubs which form part of St Austell Brewery’s 120+ strong leased and tenanted estate. Despite bouncing back after COVID, Damian says the current financial strain is unprecedented.

“The spring budget changes, with business rate relief decreasing and National Insurance increasing, has been extremely tough. Our sales are up year on year but turning that into profit is the struggle.

“Everywhere we look, costs are rising. At the Cornubia, our live music nights are popular, but hiring a band costs more, karaoke fees have gone up, and our wage bill has soared.”

Adam Holland and Natalie Radford run the Blue Ball Inn in Exeter, another pub in St Austell Brewery’s leased and tenanted estate. Adam, who has been a publican for 20 years, said: “We have 33 staff on the payroll, so National Insurance increases have been really challenging.

“We’re not like supermarkets that can raise prices and people will pay because they need essentials. We can’t keep hitting our customers with higher costs. Pubs are the centre of communities, and these are very challenging times.”

St Austell Brewery is backing the BBPA’s Long Live the Local campaign, which is calling on the government to ease financial pressures on pubs, including beer duty, business rates and VAT.

To sign the petition and contact your MP, visit: www.longlivethelocal.pub/staustell.

Read More:

Publicans across the South West are calling on the government to take positive action and ease mounting financial pressures on pubs ahead of this week’s Budget, warning that the sector is at a critical tipping point. They say rising costs and increased taxation are threatening the survival of thou...

$Pontefract Community Pub Reopens Following £320,000 Makeover The Travellers Rest in Featherstone, Pontefract has reopen...$

24/11/2025

Pontefract Community Pub Reopens Following £320,000 Makeover

The Travellers Rest in Featherstone, Pontefract has reopened following a transformational investment of nearly £320,000.

Inside, The Travellers Rest has been completely refreshed to breathe a new lease of life into the pub and create a vibrant, welcoming space across its separate lounge and games areas.

To celebrate the reopening, the pub hosted a champagne reception and buffet followed by a live performance from Andy and Tracey Lewin from the band ‘Face the Strange’.

Simon Davies, Operator of The Travellers Rest, said:
“We’re thrilled to have reopened the doors to the Travellers Rest and the response from the community has been incredible. Thanks to the refurbishment, we’ve been able to create a fantastic hub where people can come together to enjoy brilliant live sport and entertainment. We’re extremely grateful to everyone who has supported us on this journey, including the team at Proper Pubs, and we’re excited for all that’s to come.”

Nikki Greenhalgh, Operations Director for Proper Pubs, said:
“I’m delighted to welcome Simon and Gail to The Travellers Rest, and it’s fantastic to see how supportive the community has been since the pub reopened. On behalf of the whole Proper Pubs team I’d like to thank everyone who came down last week to celebrate opening night and make it such a fantastic success. I wish our operators the very best of luck for this next chapter and look forward to seeing them continue to build momentum and create a vibrant social hub that can be enjoyed for many years to come.”

Read More:

The Travellers Rest in Featherstone, Pontefract has reopened following a transformational investment of nearly £320,000. Inside, The Travellers Rest has been completely refreshed to breathe a new lease of life into the pub and create a vibrant, welcoming space across its separate lounge and games a...

24/11/2025

IRO Sushi Signs Agreements To Open 10 New Locations In Next 12 Months

IRO Sushi has announced plans to open at least 10 new stores within the next year as the brand executes an ambitious expansion strategy to scale to 100 locations by 2030.

Founded in 2014, IRO Sushi has quickly scaled to operate more than 30+ quick-service restaurants across the UK.

After taking its first steps into franchising in 2019, IRO Sushi has scaled rapidly. Since August 2023, the Group has opened over 20 locations with a strong pipeline of commitments for new openings in 2026 and beyond. This has helped deliver strong commercial success for the group, with system sales of c.£16m in the year to end of March 2025, up 56% year-on-year.

Over the next 12 months, IRO Sushi has signed agreements to open at least 10 new stores, with two new locations in Woking and Tunbridge Wells due to open before Christmas. This will help strengthen its UK footprint and introduce more consumers to the brand in previously out of reach locations.

Chhong Sherpa, Founder & CEO of IRO Sushi, said:
“At IRO Sushi, we are on a mission to bring restaurant quality sushi to the masses. For too long, consumers have been getting shortchanged with inferior, tasteless sushi that uses cheap and unsustainable seafood. We want to change this with our menu of truly authentic, premium and restaurant quality sushi served at affordable prices.

“We believe our offer plays into the heart of major consumer trends. Consumers today want quick, protein rich meals that make them feel good, which has fuelled our rapid expansion with 20 openings in the last 18 months. Now, as we look to the next chapter with our evolved brand, we are looking for ambitious franchisees keen to scale with us and bring premium restaurant quality sushi to all.”

Read More:

IRO Sushi has announced plans to open at least 10 new stores within the next year as the brand executes an ambitious expansion strategy to scale to 100 locations by 2030. Founded in 2014, IRO Sushi has quickly scaled to operate more than 30+ quick-service restaurants across the UK. After taking its....

24/11/2025

NITAs 2025 Winners Announced

The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) has announced the winners of the 2025 National Innovation in Training Awards (NITAs).

The NITAs and People Conference celebrate the exceptional individuals and businesses in the pub sector who put people at the heart of hospitality. Each year, the awards recognise those who go above and beyond to champion training, development, sustainability and wellbeing within their teams, ensuring a thriving and sustainable future for the sector.

This year’s winners were revealed at the NITAs Awards Ceremony, held at Porchester Hall London on 20th November, where over 300 industry professionals, operators and colleagues, came together to share best practice, celebrate achievement, and honour those setting new standards in hospitality excellence.

This year, after an incredible raft of apprentices in the Hospitality Apprentice of the Year categories, the BII also recognised three Workforce Apprentice Heroes, hand-picked by the judging panel for their incredible attitude, determination and spirit, and presented by the BII’s new chair, Clive Price.

One of the evening’s most heartfelt moments was the presentation of the Franca Knowles Live Your Life Award, selected by a panel of previous winners and chaired by Keith Knowles OBE. This award celebrates individuals in the sector who embody Franca’s legacy of positivity, passion, and dedication to people development. Huge congratulations to James Nye, Managing Director of Anglian Country Inns for winning this incredibly special award in 2025.

Steven Alton, CEO of the BII, said:
“The NITAs recognise the incredible people and organisations who make our sector such an inspiring and rewarding place to work. Each of our winners has shown an exceptional commitment to nurturing their teams, supporting wellbeing, and driving innovation across their businesses. Their dedication and passion help ensure our pubs and hospitality venues continue to sit at the heart of every community.

“Evenings like this remind us all just how incredible our sector is, filled with people who do amazing things every single day for their guests, teams and communities.”

Read More:

The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) has announced the winners of the 2025 National Innovation in Training Awards (NITAs). The NITAs and People Conference celebrate the exceptional individuals and businesses in the pub sector who put people at the heart of hospitality. Each year, the awards rec...

24/11/2025

Britain’s Late-Night Economy Could Lose 10,000 More Businesses and 150,000 Jobs by 2028

Industry Leaders Warn That Without Intervention, Hundreds of Thousands of Jobs, Businesses and UK Cultural Identity Are at Risk

Britain’s late-night economy is under severe strain. Rising costs, shifting consumer behaviour, and the potential for higher taxation in the upcoming Autumn Budget are pushing venues to the edge. Without urgent action on 26th November, 10,000 more businesses could close by 2028, putting 150,000 jobs at risk.

The crisis is particularly acute for grassroots and independent venues, which form the backbone of the UK’s creative and cultural ecosystem. These venues provide essential platforms for electronic music, counterculture businesses, festivals, and clubs, fuelling nightlife tourism and underpinning the nation’s cultural identity. Closure of these sites risks eroding local culture, creative careers, and the social fabric of towns and cities.

The latest Night Time Economy Market Monitor from CGA by NIQ and the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) highlights the scale of the crisis:

- Late-night venues - bars, nightclubs, casinos, and other high-tempo hospitality sites - have fallen 28% since March 2020, with 4.6% of that decline in the last 12 months alone
- Independent venues are hardest hit, down 30.6% since 2020, more than double the decline among larger operators

Access to Report :https://storage.googleapis.com/ntia-hosted-pdfs/night-time-economy-market-monitor-nov-25.pdf

Rising Operating Costs and Potential Budget Tax Increases Threaten Survival

The sector is being squeezed from all angles:

- Operating costs - energy, supply chains, and staff costs, particularly NIC hikes, have crippled operators
- Indirect pressures, such as the potential for higher fuel prices, alcohol duty, taxi fares, and gambling levies in the Autumn Budget, could reduce consumer disposable income and increase costs, limiting late-night spending

Many venues warn that, if the Budget is unfavourable, they may have no choice but to hand back keys or close doors at the start of the New Year

Projected Losses if No Intervention

- 7,000–10,000 additional venues could close by 2028
- A 15–20% contraction on top of the 28% already lost since 2020
- 150,000 jobs in hospitality, live music, events, security, and support industries at risk
- Grassroots and independent venues will suffer the worst losses, threatening cultural infrastructure and creative industries

Michael Kill, CEO of NTIA and Vice President of the International Nightlife Association, said:
“For too long, government policies and rising costs have suppressed a vital part of Britain’s cultural and social life. The late-night economy is an engine for jobs, tourism, and community vibrancy, and grassroots venues are at the heart of this ecosystem. These pressures are punishing young people, limiting job opportunities and social mobility, and disproportionately affecting independent operators. Local communities and economies suffer when venues close, streets become quieter, supply chains are disrupted, and essential jobs are lost. Beyond the economic consequences, these closures are eroding the social and cultural identity of the UK. The Chancellor must act in the Autumn Budget to protect this sector before it is too late.”

Sacha Lord, Chair of NTIA, said:
“The late-night economy is at a tipping point. Rising operating costs, NIC hikes, and the potential for further taxes in the Budget are already hitting both operators and consumers. Without immediate action, grassroots and independent venues will disappear, jobs will be lost, and a serious blow will be felt across local economies and communities. Many venues warn that an unfavourable Budget will force them to hand back keys or close at the start of the New Year. This sector isn’t just about nightlife, it underpins culture, tourism, and the social fabric of towns and cities. The Chancellor must step in to ensure these venues survive and continue to contribute to Britain’s economic and cultural life.”

Evening Economy Outperforming Late-Night

While late-night venues continue to close, the evening economy is performing better:

- Licensed premises operating earlier in the day are up 0.9% year-on-year, now only 7.4% smaller than pre-pandemic
- Demand for hospitality still exists, showing the late-night sector is structurally under pressure, not a collapse in consumer demand

Call to Action

The NTIA urges the Chancellor to use the 26th November Autumn Budget to:

- Avoid introducing further direct or indirect taxes that impact operators or reduce consumer disposable income
- Introduce targeted tax and business rates relief for late-night venues, especially grassroots and independent sites
- Invest in safe late-night transport, urban infrastructure, and public safety
- Recognise the late-night economy as critical national infrastructure, supporting jobs, tourism, culture, and communities…

Industry Leaders Warn That Without Intervention, Hundreds of Thousands of Jobs, Businesses and UK Cultural Identity Are at Risk Britain’s late-night economy is under severe strain. Rising costs, shifting consumer behaviour, and the potential for higher taxation in the upcoming Autumn Budget are pu...

24/11/2025

Pubs’ October Sales Solid As Restaurants And Bars Feel The Squeeze On Spending

Britain’s leading managed restaurant, pub and bar groups extended a run of flat trading with like-for-like sales growth of just 0.1% in October, the latest CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker reveals.

It is a third successive month of fractional increases and means growth has been above 1% for only one month of 2025 so far. The numbers reflect the ongoing hesitancy of consumers about their discretionary spending.

The Hospitality Business Tracker—produced by CGA by NIQ in association with RSM—reveals fluctuating trends across hospitality’s different channels in October. Like-for-like sales in managed pubs were 1.9% up from October 2024, thanks to reasonable weather and a flurry of Halloween trading on the final day of the month.

By contrast, sales in managed restaurants were down by 1.4% year-on-year—the seventh negative number for the sector in the last eight months. Pubs have outperformed both restaurants and hospitality as a whole in every month of 2025 so far.

Pressure on people’s spending has also hit sales in managed bars, which slipped 5.9% year-on-year in October. This downward trend also reflects a steady shift towards earlier visits for drinking-out occasions, which has curtailed footfall in late-opening bars.

While sector-wide sales have been broadly flat, new site openings helped managed groups to achieve solid growth on a total sales basis in October. Including at venues opened by groups in the last 12 months, sales were 3.0% ahead of last October—a figure that is only marginally below the UK’s current rate of inflation.

This suggests that underlying demand for hospitality is stable, and that operators and investors remain optimistic enough to launch new restaurants, pubs and bars. There are more signs of confidence in the latest edition of the Hospitality Market Monitor, which shows Britain’s number of licensed venues increased by 0.6% in the third quarter of 2025.

For the third month in four, London provided slightly better growth for hospitality operators than the rest of the country. Like-for-like sales within the M25 were 0.5% ahead year-on-year, while they were exactly flat outside of the M25. This reflects the relative affluence and attractiveness of London’s hospitality scene and popularity for tourism, and the ongoing return of office workers after long periods of working from home.

Karl Chessell, director – hospitality operators and food, EMEA at CGA by NIQ, said:
“October’s dull weather was well matched to the subdued mood of hospitality. These latest figures show hard it is for businesses to achieve real-terms growth at the moment, and with footfall well below the levels of last year they will be pinning hopes on strong festive trading to replenish reserves. The sector is now looking to the forthcoming Budget for support to stimulate consumer spending and ease its very heavy burden of costs. This support can help build a strong sector that drives long-term economic growth and job creation.”

Saxon Moseley, head of leisure and hospitality at RSM UK, said:
“The hospitality industry continues to limp towards the budget with another set of disappointing results, with only pubs showing signs of like-for-like growth while the wider sector struggles with low consumer confidence and subdued demand. Attention now turns to the Autumn Budget, as operators look to the Treasury for meaningful support to offset last year’s damaging employment tax rises. Regardless of what’s announced, simply moving past the budget should provide a measure of clarity that has been lacking in recent months, enabling businesses and consumers to plan for the year ahead. With Christmas trade vital to the industry, the timing could not be more critical.”

Read More:

Britain’s leading managed restaurant, pub and bar groups extended a run of flat trading with like-for-like sales growth of just 0.1% in October, the latest CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker reveals. It is a third successive month of fractional increases and means growth has been above 1% for on...

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