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

30/07/2025

Cheers to 25 Years! Arkell’s Celebrates John Honeyman’s Milestone at the Swiss Chalet

Arkell’s Brewery raised a glass to one of its most dedicated and much-loved licensees, John Honeyman, who this week celebrates 25 years at the helm of The Swiss Chalet pub in Gorse Hill, Swindon.

John’s career in the pub trade began in 1992 at The Liden, just a stone’s throw from where he lived at the time. After running The Liden and also taking on relief work across the Arkell’s pub estate, John briefly left the industry for a role in sales, but it didn’t take long before he realised how much he missed pub life.

“I asked the Tied Trade Director back then, to let me know if anything came up,” John recalls. “Then Margaret Leech got in touch and said I’d be a great fit for the Swiss Chalet, a fantastic community pub. She was right. I haven’t looked back since.”

Over the past quarter-century, John has maintained a true hub for the local community. He and his customers have raised over £200,000 for charities through countless fundraising events. And the community spirit continues; the pub is home to the Swindon Youth Darts League, with six dartboards buzzing with activity every Monday night.

“I absolutely love it here. I never want to retire,” John says. “My target was always to reach 25 years and I’m so proud to have done that. You wouldn’t believe I was the quiet kid at school because I took to running pubs like a duck to water. This is more than a job, it’s my life.”

Reflecting on changes in the trade, John explained how customer habits may have evolved, but his love for the pub and its people hasn’t wavered. “The community keeps me going. I’m really proud of the Swiss Chalet and everything we’ve achieved together.”

James Arkell, Chairman of Arkell’s Brewery, added:
“Isn’t it wonderful that we can celebrate 25 years of a landlord like John? It’s people like John who bring a pub to life. It hasn’t got any easier for landlords in recent years, and with so many changes in the trade, to see John still loving it after all this time really deserves celebration. 25 years is a real landmark.

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Arkell’s Brewery raised a glass to one of its most dedicated and much-loved licensees, John Honeyman, who this week celebrates 25 years at the helm of The Swiss Chalet pub in Gorse Hill, Swindon. John’s career in the pub trade began in 1992 at The Liden, just a stone’s throw from where he live...

30/07/2025

Government Signals Relief for Pub Industry with Planned Business Rates Reform

The Treasury has confirmed plans to introduce permanently lower business rates multipliers for pubs and other hospitality venues, delivering welcome news to an industry that has endured years of mounting financial pressure since the pandemic.

The announcement, which will form part of the Government's Autumn Budget later this year, represents a significant shift in policy that could provide crucial relief to pub operators struggling under what industry leaders have described as an "unfair" taxation system.

The Treasury confirmed plans to introduce permanently lower multipliers for retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties, including those on the high street, with the new approach taking into account recent property revaluations alongside current economic conditions.

The move comes as pub giant Greene King has issued an urgent plea to the government for help, highlighting the severity of challenges facing the sector.

Greene King CEO Nick Mackenzie has been particularly vocal in criticising the current system, arguing that business rates tax should be charged on profits, rather than on property.

The business rates system, which calculates bills by multiplying a property's rateable value by a government-set multiplier, has long been criticised as disproportionately penalising hospitality businesses. Unlike online retailers, pubs cannot easily relocate to lower-rated premises, making them particularly vulnerable to rate increases.

Nick Mackenzie said reduced property tax payments were needed to drive investment and new jobs amid rising pub closures across the UK. His calls for reform have been echoed throughout the industry, with operators arguing that the current system fails to reflect the economic realities facing traditional hospitality venues.

The Government's new approach will consider revaluation outcomes as well as the wider economic and fiscal context when setting future multiplier rates. This represents a more nuanced approach than the current system's rigid application of standard rates across different business types.

Crucially, the Treasury has indicated that the new RHL rates will not be subject to the existing £110,000 per business cash cap that currently limits relief, potentially offering more substantial support to larger operators.

The announcement has been cautiously welcomed by industry observers, though many stress that the detail will be crucial. The pub sector has endured multiple challenges since 2020, from pandemic closures to rising energy costs and changing consumer habits.

The scheme delays business rates increases for one year after certain property upgrades. But it only covers structural changes and requires the same tenant throughout the works and for a year after - a major barrier in a sector with frequent turnover, highlighting how current relief mechanisms often fail to address practical industry needs.

The Government plans to publish an interim report in the coming weeks that will outline the detailed proposals ahead of the Autumn Budget. This document is expected to provide clarity on the scale of reductions and implementation timeline.

Read More:

The Treasury has confirmed plans to introduce permanently lower business rates multipliers for pubs and other hospitality venues, delivering welcome news to an industry that has endured years of mounting financial pressure since the pandemic. The announcement, which will form part of the Government'...

30/07/2025

The Ship at Bishops Sutton to Reopen This August with Michelin-Starred Chef at the Helm

This August, The Ship at Bishops Sutton, will reopen its doors following a top-to-bottom refurbishment, reviving the 16th-century pub as a modern countryside destination.

At the helm is first-time publican Kelly Shaw, a former cybersecurity consultant turned interior designer, who brings a fresh, highly considered perspective to hospitality operations. To lead the kitchen, she has brought in Michelin-starred chef Tristan Lee, returning to the pass after a two-year sabbatical. Emma Riddell, a seasoned hospitality professional known for service leadership, joins as Head of Customer Experience.

The 44-cover pub and adjoining 22-cover private dining room have been entirely redesigned by Ivy House Life, Kelly’s interior design company, transforming the historic site into an inviting, multi-use space that caters to everything from weekday coffees to milestone celebrations. Thoughtful zoning, soft textures, and calm, natural palettes create an environment where locals can work, relax, gather, and dine throughout the day.

Kelly comments:
“Although I kickstarted my working life pulling pints in Wi******er, I went on to pursue a decade-long career in global cyber security consultancy before deciding to unleash my creative side through interior design.”

“When I decided to take over The Ship, I knew my unique blend of experiences would come together, and I have been able to draw on my technical and business acumen while considering the sensory richness of dining and design, all of which are in constant dialogue with each other. As we approach the opening date, I am excited to see The Ship’s calm confidence come to life through thoughtful hospitality.”

Read More:

This August, The Ship at Bishops Sutton, will reopen its doors following a top-to-bottom refurbishment, reviving the 16th-century pub as a modern countryside destination. At the helm is first-time publican Kelly Shaw, a former cybersecurity consultant turned interior designer, who brings a fresh, hi...

30/07/2025

Greene King Pours Almost £42m Investment Into Its Pubs And Smokehouses During The First Half Of 2025

Greene King has invested almost £42m into 130 of its pubs and smokehouse restaurants in the first six months of the year.

Around £24m has been invested in 62 pubs in the Greene King managed estate, comprising Greene King pubs and Destination Brands, despite the challenging economic environment facing the pub sector.

Stand out projects include a £1.1m investment at the historic Railway pub by Liverpool Street station in London, which saw a full refurbishment to accommodate customers for all occasions from breakfast through to the night, for business meetings or to enjoy live TV sports; showing pubs are more than just a place to have a drink. Over the period, Greene King also invested in its second Farmhouse Kitchen site in the UK, Silkwood Park in Wakefield, bringing an elevated dining experience for customers.

The rollout of Hickory’s continues, with plans to open a total of 10 restaurants throughout 2025. This builds on the six new smokehouses which were opened throughout 2024.

Across Greene King Pub Partners - Greene King’s leased, tenanted and franchise division – almost £9m has been invested across 63 pubs – 18 of which are newly opened franchise sites. Notable franchise site refurbishments include the Anchor in Walsworth and the Turf & Feather in Birchwood.

The beginning of 2025 also saw Pub Partners launch its franchise businesses in Scotland, with the first Nest pub at the Tarbet, Edinburgh and first Hive pub, and largest spend to date, at the Stables in Stenhousemuir.

Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King, said:
“We are determined to offer our customers the best pub experience and so it is important to maintain momentum in our investment plans despite the challenging wider economic environment.”

“We have some brilliant pubs in great locations and we want to make the most out of our bricks and mortar so our pub teams can thrive in the best settings and give our customers great hospitality and fantastic experiences.”

“Customers appreciate the efforts we go to in making their local the best it can be and we intend to keep investing in our estate and maximising the potential of our brands and assets. However, we can only continue to do this if the government supports the sector so it is given the potential to thrive.”

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Greene King has invested almost £42m into 130 of its pubs and smokehouse restaurants in the first six months of the year. Around £24m has been invested in 62 pubs in the Greene King managed estate, comprising Greene King pubs and Destination Brands, despite the challenging economic environment fac...

29/07/2025

Foodservice Price Index Rises In June As Inflationary Pressures Build In Hospitality

The UK foodservice sector saw a significant resurgence of inflationary pressures in June 2025, the latest CGA Prestige Foodservice Price Index reveals.

All ten categories of the Index recorded month-on-month increases, and nine experienced year-on-year inflation amid widespread uplifts in costs. The total basket saw a strong month-on-month increase of 2.0%.

The rise has been driven by a complex interplay of global and domestic factors, creating a challenging environment for hospitality businesses. Critically, the impact of significant increases in staffing costs introduced in April is now clearly translating into higher food and beverage pricing. Notable movers in the Index included the Mineral Water, Soft Drinks & Juices category, where year-on-year inflation rose to 6.4% thanks to soaring packaging costs, with polymer plastic prices more than doubling since November 2024. Persistent inflation in raw materials like sugar and fruit concentrates have added to the pressures impacting essential beverage lines.

The latest Index also reflects the significant impacts of climate change on the UK’s fresh produce supply. While the Vegetable category recorded a slight year-on-year reduction of -0.6%, both this and the Fruit category saw month-on-month increases of 1.0% and 0.9% respectively. These upticks are largely a direct consequence of adverse climatic conditions, including severe heatwaves and prolonged dry spells across Southern Europe, a critical source for around 65% of the UK’s fresh fruit and a high proportion of its vegetable imports. Such extreme weather events drastically reduce yields and tighten supply, inevitably driving up prices in the UK market.

Elsewhere, persistent supply chain challenges continue to affect key protein and dairy products, with ongoing issues in beef due to reduced cattle supply, chicken impacted by higher feed costs and welfare initiatives, lamb influenced by smaller breeding flocks, and butter facing tight global milk supplies, all adding further complexity to procurement for the sector.

Shaun Allen, CEO of Prestige Purchasing, commented on the findings:
“The June FPI paints a stark picture of renewed inflationary pressures gripping the foodservice sector. The broad-based nature of these increases, with all categories showing month-on-month inflation, signals a challenging period ahead. Businesses must be acutely aware of these rising costs and adapt their purchasing strategies to navigate this volatile landscape effectively.”

Reuben Pullan, senior insight consultant at CGA by NIQ, said:
“The latest upswing in inflation adds yet another challenge to hospitality in the crucial Summer months. Alongside labour cost rises of their own, and hesitant consumer spending, it puts some businesses under severe pressure and will force them to push menu prices up further. The impact of climate change on fresh produce is particularly alarming, and extreme weather is very likely to make matters worse in the years ahead.”

Read More:

The UK foodservice sector saw a significant resurgence of inflationary pressures in June 2025, the latest CGA Prestige Foodservice Price Index reveals. All ten categories of the Index recorded month-on-month increases, and nine experienced year-on-year inflation amid widespread uplifts in costs. The...

29/07/2025

Hospitality Sector Gains Free Access to Anti-Trafficking Certifications Ahead of World Day Against Trafficking

The global Hospitality industry now has free access to the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance’s (the Alliance) World Academy for Sustainable Hospitality anti-trafficking certifications, as the world marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (30th July 2025).

The Academy, which launched in March 2025, offers transformational sustainability training for every hospitality department, developed by the industry, for the industry. It equips hospitality teams to translate the sector’s ambitious Net Positive vision into action, whereby more is given back to the destination than is taken.

The online training tool acts as a catalyst for behavioural change, building shared sustainability knowledge and understanding of how every worker should apply sustainability actions within their role, through tailored masterclasses for every department. This comes after Alliance members called for the development of a holistic, practical training platform.

The tourism industry accounts for 1 in 10 jobs globally. Meaningful change starts with the decisions, actions and mindset of the millions of employees who work in hotels and resorts around the world. Over 80% of the Alliance’s Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality relies on the actions and behaviour of individuals and studies show that training is key to creating behaviour change; in turn, adding value to work, increasing efficiency, improving ROI and reducing staff turnover.

Within the Academy demo site, hospitality workers can now access free Human Trafficking in Hospitality certifications for both managers and frontline staff, generously donated by Marriott International.

The non-management training helps hotel staff recognise signs of trafficking and respond safely using a simple three-step protocol. It includes real-world scenarios and practical guidance for all frontline roles.

The management-focused course builds on this foundation, offering deeper insight into legal responsibilities, discreet reporting, and how to lead prevention efforts across teams using trauma-informed approaches.

These courses empower hotel employees at every level to identify and respond to trafficking risks, strengthening safety and awareness across the industry.

Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, comments;
“Human trafficking has no place in our industry or our world. By providing free, practical training to every hospitality worker, we’re not just raising awareness, we’re equipping individuals with the tools to take meaningful action.

Empowering frontline staff and managers to recognise and respond to trafficking is a critical step in building a truly sustainable and responsible hospitality sector. This is about protecting people, enhancing the integrity of our industry, and making a tangible difference where it matters most.”

Read More:

The global Hospitality industry now has free access to the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance’s (the Alliance) World Academy for Sustainable Hospitality anti-trafficking certifications, as the world marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (30th July 2025). The Academy, which launched in...

29/07/2025

Hotel Group Funds Play House Restoration For Nursery School

A Lake District primary school has a newly renovated outdoor play house for its nursery children, thanks to a local hotel group's offer to cover the cost of repairs.

The Wendy house restoration project was initiated by the nursery at St Martin and St Mary primary school in Windermere. The wooden play house in the nursery playground was no longer usable after 17 years and the school was looking for help in getting it restored to its former glory.

The team at the Sam’s Club charity at English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues heard about the project and stepped in to help with a donation of £840 to cover the school’s costs.

Local parent Sam Bell, who owns Yew Tree Joinery, undertook the maintenance and repair work along with his apprentice Connor. Repairs included waterproofing the leaking roof, installing new woodwork, replacing rotten window boxes and repainting the play house exterior.

Annabel Berry from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues explains:
“This has been a lovely project for us to get involved in through our Sam’s Club charity. When the school told us about their project to restore this beautiful play house, we were keen to help and make it all happen as quickly as possible so the children could play in it once again.”

The Sam’s Club charity supports local charities and good causes. The hotel group’s mascot Sam the Dog was invited to the school on a special visit to see the nursery pupils and the refurbished play house.

Liz Russell from the nursery explains:
“Our Wendy house was in obvious need of urgent repair, and we are extremely grateful to English Lakes Hotels and Sam's Club for stepping in with their generous donation to cover the costs of labour and materials. It’s wonderful to get the play house back into beneficial use again, as it’s been loved and enjoyed by so many of our children over the past 17 years.”

Read More:

A Lake District primary school has a newly renovated outdoor play house for its nursery children, thanks to a local hotel group's offer to cover the cost of repairs. The Wendy house restoration project was initiated by the nursery at St Martin and St Mary primary school in Windermere. The wooden p...

29/07/2025

Proper Pubs And Carling Join Forces To Back Local Foodbanks

Proper Pubs, is partnering with Carling to donate 5p of every pint of Carling sold across its estate throughout August to local foodbanks across the UK.

The initiative is part of Proper Pubs’ wider ‘Heroes of Hunger’ campaign which launched in September 2024 with its ‘FoodFest’ activation. To coincide with National Foodbank Day on 6th September, pubs were encouraged to host fundraising events, such as a family fun days, to collect as much food as possible.

As a result of the fantastic efforts from operators across the country, Proper Pubs successfully donated enough food to feed 1,300 people for a week.

Mark Brooke, Managing Director at Proper Pubs, commented:
“Supporting community initiatives such as local foodbanks is at the heart of everything we do here at Proper Pubs, especially in light of the current challenges affecting many people across the UK right now. I’m delighted that we have been able to continue the momentum of our ‘Heroes of Hunger’ campaign with this fantastic partnership and I look forward to being able to continue supporting individuals and families up and down the country with this latest activation.”

Lee Willett, Carling Brand Director at Molson Coors Beverage Company, added:
“This initiative with Proper Pubs will help many individuals and families who rely on vital foodbank services. At the heart of the Carling brand is a belief in bringing people together – a value we’ve celebrated through helping local communities and the people who make a difference within them. Pubs are a powerful force for good in their communities, and this campaign is a fantastic example of that spirit in action."

Read More:

Proper Pubs, is partnering with Carling to donate 5p of every pint of Carling sold across its estate throughout August to local foodbanks across the UK. The initiative is part of Proper Pubs’ wider ‘Heroes of Hunger’ campaign which launched in September 2024 with its ‘FoodFest’ activation....

29/07/2025

CrowdedHouse Announces Launch Date for Summer 2025

Leeds’ most anticipated new venue, CrowdedHouse, will open its doors on Thursday 31 July. Located in Trinity Leeds’ top spot, CrowdedHouse boasts multiple levels, rooms and an impressive terrace space.

Founder and owner John Quinlan said: “A sense of pride really characterises the launch of CrowdedHouse for me. It’s a true cultural moment for Leeds - a flexible venue that works with you and whatever you need. From coffee to cocktails, we’re here to offer you a haven above the noise of the city.

“CrowdedHouse will offer the very best of Leeds right in the heart of the city, enjoying dedicated dining spaces across floors five and six with unrivalled views from the terrace, and accompanied by live music as a regular feature. Sundays bring a rich offering of traditional roasts paired with a relaxed atmosphere to recharge for the week ahead.

“Leeds has a strong independent spirit, and no shortage of creativity - but it’s craving a venue to celebrate that. So, whether it’s a meeting, a quiet couple of hours to yourself or a catch up with old friends, CrowdedHouse moves with you through the day.”

CrowdedHouse has appointed double AA rosette winner Simon Jewitt as Head Chef. His menu will feature produce sourced from regional suppliers, championing Yorkshire provenance.”

Speaking ahead of the opening, Simon commented: “This menu has been an opportunity to really shout about what makes our region so special. Wherever possible, we’ve found suppliers who are close-to-home. Not only does this mean we’re serving the freshest produce, but it means we can shine a light on the region as a focal point for people who really know and love good food.”

Steven Foster, Centre Director from Trinity, Leeds, adds: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome CrowdedHouse at Trinity Leeds and work alongside the team as they welcome their first customers. This dynamic new venue will bring something truly special to the city – combining great food, vibrant atmosphere, and unbeatable views from the rooftop terrace. CrowdedHouse truly celebrates its authentic Yorkshire roots and passion and this new venture is the perfect destination to enjoy the best Leeds has to offer.”

Read More:

Leeds’ most anticipated new venue, CrowdedHouse, will open its doors on Thursday 31 July. Located in Trinity Leeds’ top spot, CrowdedHouse boasts multiple levels, rooms and an impressive terrace space. Founder and owner John Quinlan said: “A sense of pride really characterises the launch of Cr...

29/07/2025

Weekend of Sport Drives Major Uplift in On Trade Sales

New data from The Oxford Partnership’s Market Watch data reveals that the UK On Trade enjoyed a significant sales surge over the recent weekend, fuelled by a packed schedule of major sporting events. From Friday through Sunday, venues across the country recorded notable uplifts in footfall and drink sales, culminating in a 14.3% increase in pint sales on Sunday alone compared to the previous weekend.

Saturday brought early momentum, with the Rugby Lions’ test match and the England vs. India cricket test combining to keep fans in venues for longer. Draught Beer and Cider volumes rose by 8.3% compared to the previous Saturday, particularly in community and drink-led venues where dwell time and premium spend spiked.

Unsurprisingly, the real standout came on Sunday. With the England Lionesses clinching an historic 2nd European Championship title, fans gathered in record numbers to celebrate. The day’s sporting line-up - including the Belgian Grand Prix and darts sensation Luke Littler’s dramatic win - helped drive pint sales up by 14.3%, making it the strongest day of the weekend.

The Oxford Partnership estimates that the weekend drove an additional 1.33 million pints served across the UK, reinforcing the commercial importance of event-led trading.

Category-level insights reveal a growing consumer shift towards premium options. World Lager led the charge with a 19.9% uplift on Sunday, closely followed by World 4% Lager (+15.6%). Flavoured Cider saw a remarkable 28.1% surge, pointing to broadening appeal among younger and more diverse audiences. Craft Ale jumped 17.8%, while Ale and Stout recorded steady double-digit growth.

Alison Jordan, CEO of The Oxford Partnership, said: “This weekend’s performance is a compelling demonstration of how national sporting moments translate into real value for the trade. The energy generated by the Lionesses, combined with the rise of new fan favourites like darts, shows how the cultural sporting landscape is evolving. Pubs remain the heart of these celebrations, offering shared spaces where people want to come together.”

With the nature of sport and its audiences shifting, venues and brands have a clear opportunity: embrace broader sporting schedules, cater to premium preferences, and create inclusive spaces that reflect the changing face of fan culture.

Read More:

New data from The Oxford Partnership’s Market Watch data reveals that the UK On Trade enjoyed a significant sales surge over the recent weekend, fuelled by a packed schedule of major sporting events. From Friday through Sunday, venues across the country recorded notable uplifts in footfall and dri...

28/07/2025

The Wine And Sprit Trade Association Shines A Spotlight On The Trade

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has created a new brochure designed to highlight the economic importance and complexity of the UK’s wine and spirit trade.

The publication – entitled “The UK Wine and Spirit Trade In Focus” – is designed to help bring to life the value of the sector as we run into, what is going to be, a crucial Autumn Budget for the trade.

The industry continues to “lick its wounds” as businesses find themselves facing crippling rising costs and a stifling amount of new red tape, following the introduction of a new duty regime, historically punishing hikes and an excessively large new glass packaging tax.

The educational booklet reminds politicians and policy makers that the industry supports over 412,000 jobs of which 62% work in hospitality*. This works out approximately the same number of people working in agriculture, forestry and fishing combined.

The trade is a huge asset to the UK generating £76.3 billion in economic activity in 2022 – £43 billion of that from the spirit sector and £33 billion from wine.

The UK currently remains a global hub for the wine and spirit trade with the equivalent of 1.7 billion bottles of wine imported last year and the equivalent of 1.5billion bottles of spirits exported overseas. Making the UK the world’s second largest wine importer – by both volume and by value – and the largest spirits exporter globally.

As well as putting into focus the output of the wine and spirit trade the booklet takes us on a journey across the supply chain and highlights the importance of the jobs it brings to the UK.

It promotes the sector’s leading innovations in environmental practices and encompasses the depth of the industry from producers, importers, exporters, retailers and the supply chain.

Miles Beale, Chief Executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association said:
“It has been clear from our engagement with policy makers and politicians, many of whom are still relatively new in their roles, the value and complexity of the UK wine and spirit industry was not well understood.

As wine and spirit businesses lick their wounds after a brutal onslaught of rising business taxes, increased costs from alcohol duty hikes and new waste packaging taxes it is crucial that we make those who have influence understand and support our trade.

Further tax rises would be the final nail in the coffin for many businesses who have had to find painful ways to cut costs, including putting up prices for consumers and cutting jobs, just to stay afloat.

Our Wine and Spirit Trade in Focus booklet is available on the WSTA website to download and share. We aim to stand up for and to promote the value and importance of our fabulous, but threatened sector.”

Read More:

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has created a new brochure designed to highlight the economic importance and complexity of the UK’s wine and spirit trade. The publication – entitled “The UK Wine and Spirit Trade In Focus” – is designed to help bring to life the value of the se...

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