The Morning Advertiser

12/01/2026

London-based Urban Pubs & Bars has announced the acquisition of five venues in the capital.

Read more here:
https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2026/01/09/urban-pubs-bars-acquires-five-london-pubs/

Urban Pubs & Bars expands with five new London venues, strengthening its position in the London pub scene.

12/01/2026

Inflation and high taxes weigh heavily, but Wetherspoon will keep investing’

JD Wetherspoon has appointed John Herring as a non executive director with immediate effect, marking a return to the business more than a decade after he last served on its board.

Read here:
https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2026/01/12/wetherspoon-appoints-john-herring-as-non-executive-director-as-sales-remain-resilient/

J D Wetherspoon has appointed former board member John Herring as a non executive director and audit committee chair, as the pub group reports continued like for like sales growth. Tim Martin warns of rising wage and energy costs but confirms new openings, rapid franchise expansion and the company.....

12/01/2026

FEATURE 🍺 | What’s shaping pub food menus in 2026?

The past year hasn’t been easy for pubs. Rising costs and food inflation continue to squeeze margins, while getting customers out of home and into pubs is tougher than ever.

Today’s diners are more unpredictable than ever too, balancing value, confidence, experience, health and disposable income when deciding where (and whether) to eat out.

So in a market under pressure, how can pubs adapt their food offers to overcome current challenges and stay ahead of the trends shaping 2026?

https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2026/01/12/how-pubs-can-attract-diners-in-2026/

Discover strategies for pubs to boost food sales in 2026 with value-driven menus, trending dishes and smart pricing to entice customers.

12/01/2026

An Unmissable Year of Sport is Here!

2026 is packed with incredible sporting moments – and Sky Sports brings them all to your venue. From Premier League clashes and Scottish Premiership battles to exclusive Formula 1 coverage, darts tournaments, and the Super Bowl, make your business the ultimate destination for fans this year. https://skyforbusiness.sky.com/sb/portal/business/uk/campaigns/comingupskysports?utm_source=morningadvertiser&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=2026allsport0126&utm_content=prospecting_

12/01/2026

BII CEO Steve Alton says two Budgets have hurt the sector and without urgent action, more pubs will close

Read here:
https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2026/01/09/bii-welcomes-business-rates-u-turn-slams-gov-stance/

BII hails business rates rethink for pubs but criticises Government’s lack of understanding, warning urgent tax reform is vital to prevent widespread closures.

12/01/2026

Clarkson warns Labour policies could “kill pubs” as pressures escalate

Read more here:
https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2026/01/12/jeremy-clarkson-warns-labour-policies-could-kill-pubs-as-business-rates-and-tax-pressures-escalate/

Jeremy Clarkson says Government tax rises, drink drive proposals and soaring business rates are pushing pubs “towards collapse”, citing huge valuation hikes at his own site. Sector leaders including Tom Kerridge and Jonathan Neame share similar fears, warning that current policies threaten the l...

12/01/2026

Pessimism remains high over claims the Government is doing a U-turn on rates, with one trade association leader warning it won’t be enough...

Read here:
https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2026/01/09/governments-rate-u-turn-sparks-frustration-in-hospitality-sector/

UKHospitality CEO warns Government’s proposed rate changes are likely to fall short, leaving most of the hospitality sector disappointed. Calls for continued reform and greater clarity remain urgent.

12/01/2026

Diageo denies Guinness shortage despite operator fears...

It insists stock is being replenished after the busy festive period.

Read here:
https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2026/01/09/are-there-guinness-shortages-in-pubs-in-2026/

Diageo has denied reports of a Guinness shortage despite operators experiencing delays and restrictions in receiving orders of Guinness Draught and Guinness 0.0.

11/01/2026

The Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA) has demanded Government investment be made into improving or creating “realistic night-time alternatives” if the drink-drive limit is to be reduced.

Read more:
https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2026/01/07/ntia-urges-transport-boost-amid-drink-drive-limit-review/

NTIA calls for late-night transport investment as Government considers lowering drink-drive limits to protect safety and support the night-time economy.

11/01/2026

PROPERTY ROUND UP 🚨

Greene King’s Beehive Inn to undergo major refurbishment

Spotted Cow reopens in Bloxwich following £390k refurbishment

NEOS to enter London with Tiger Tiger Haymarket acquisition

Lane7 confirms three new sites as work set to start in early 2026

Read here:
https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2026/01/07/major-pub-refurbishments-new-openings-and-acquisitions-across-uk-hospitality-in-2026/

11/01/2026

BIG INTERVIEW 🚨

Butcombe Group CEO Jonathan Lawson loves the dynamic hospitality sector

Read here:
https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2026/01/06/butcombe-ceo-jonathan-lawson-on-vision-and-leadership/

Jonathan Lawson shares insights on leadership, communication and career lessons, highlighting why vision and adaptability matter in hospitality and beyond.

11/01/2026

Tom Kerridge outlines the impact of business rates on his four sites and the industry:

The chef told LBC Kyle looked at the numbers with “concern and understanding”.

Read more:
https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2026/01/07/tom-kerridge-warns-business-rates-hike-could-force-pubs-to-close/

Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge reveals business rates at his pubs have more than doubled, calling the increases “unsustainable” and warning they could rip the heart out of the pub sector.