Monday 23/11/15
Propelinfonews.com: BBPA – pubs are carrying one of the heaviest tax burdens in UK economy: Britain’s pubs are carrying one of the heaviest tax burdens in the UK economy, according to a new report published today (Monday, 23 November). The report from Oxford Economics for the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) shows the industry’s total tax bill amounts to £7.3bn, or £140,000 for every pub, representing 34 pence in every pound of turnover. In terms of the total tax bill, “costs were £800m larger than the ‘gambling and betting’ sector,” the report said. It concluded: “The pub industry was found to have a tax burden which was larger than a large proportion of the sectors studied in this report”. VAT, excise duty and business rates are the main burdens, the report found. Along with beer duty, the bill for business rates has been causing pubs particular problems. Rates are intended to reflect the rental value of properties, and for pubs this is based on their expected turnover. However, the current valuations are based on 2008 trading performance. As pubs have struggled, this has led to them being massively overburdened, paying six times (£600m) more than they should be paying (£100m) per year, if their bills were in line with sales. Indeed, the Oxford Economics report found in terms of per pound of turnover, pubs pay the second highest business rates bill among the 67 sectors studied. The BBPA last week wrote jointly, along with other trade associations, to the Chancellor calling for a range of immediate reliefs on business rates in this week’s Autumn Statement. BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: “This new report sets out the stark reality of the disproportionate tax burden bearing down on pubs. Without action to reduce this burden, more of our much loved community pubs will be under threat. The Chancellor has taken action on beer duty, and to relieve the burden of business rates on pubs in his previous two Autumn Statements, but there is no doubt that more relief and reform is needed.”
Morningadvertiser.co.uk: CAMRA: Top UK pubs named in Pub of the Year hunt
By Oli Gross, 23-Nov-2015
The top four pubs in the UK have been named by the Campaign for Real Ale in its hunt for the National Pub of the Year. Read More
Propelinfonews.com: Mitchells & Butlers plans conversion from budget carvery brand to new concept: Mitchells & Butlers is converting its Gap Inn, in Church Lane, Muston, between Nottingham and Grantham, from its budget Crown Carvery brand to its new hybrid concept Sizzling Pizza and Carvery pubs. It will create 12 full-time and part-time jobs when it reopens on 27 November. General manager, Richard Jenkins, said: “The pub has been given a fantastic new look, great products and a brand new menu, incorporating pub favourites from the UK and around the world. At Mitchells & Butlers we’re constantly reviewing our portfolio to make sure we have the right brand in the right location and we think this Sizzling will make a great addition to the local area.”
Propelinfonews.com: Bill’s to open new restaurant in Bishop’s Stortford at end of month: Bill’s will open its new restaurant in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, on Monday, 30 November. The company is launching the venue in North Street on part of the former Pearsons department store, creating 40 jobs. The restaurant will have capacity for 176 diners – 120 seats inside and 56 outside. Founder Bill Collison told the Herts & Essex Observer: “We are absolutely delighted to be opening our first site in Bishop’s Stortford. We’ve wanted to open there for a while now so we can’t wait to welcome the people of Bishop’s Stortford to enjoy our food, drink and lovely retail products. We hope we will fit right in and that they are as pleased to have us as we are to be here.”
Tuesday 24/11/15
Propelinfonews.com: Pieminister secures Nottingham site as it targets 30-strong estate: Gourmet pie company Pieminister has added a site in Nottingham. The Bristol-based business, represented by Williams Gunter Hardwick, has taken over the 3,186 square foot premises at 57 Long Street, vacated by Boots 12 months ago. The prime city centre location is close to Nottingham’s Market Square and in the heart of the city’s dining offer. In total, Pieminister is looking to triple its current number of restaurants to 30 by 2020. Other targets include Bath, Brighton, Cambridge, Edinburgh and Liverpool, as well as further locations in London – such as Brixton, Clapham, Earls Court and Tooting. “Pieminister is offering something unique to every new location,” said William Gunter Hardwick director Stuart Williams. “Yes, they serve up some great food which pulls in the customers, but if you compare their different restaurants you’ll see that each new premises is designed differently and to fit seamlessly into the locale. They even vary the menu to take account of local tastes. It’s hardly surprising that each new outlet they’ve opened has exceeded initial turnover targets. You don’t get the sense of yet another brand imposing themself on the High Street, and I think that’s an interesting approach that other big names could learn from at a time when our society is consciously moving away from conformity.” Pieminister is continuing to seek ground floor premises of 1,800-4,000 square foot in a target list of over 20 locations. The next outlet is likely to be in Liverpool and options are also being investigated in Brixton and Edinburgh amongst others.
Lincolnshire Echo: New £100,000 Cask Restaurant and Brewhouse creates 12 jobs in uphill Lincoln: A new eatery which will produce craft beers as diners watch is opening in uphill Lincoln. Around £100,000 been poured into the Cask Restaurant and Brewhouse, which sits next to the outskirts of Lincoln Castle. It is the former Roman’s Place restaurant space on Drury Lane, and is due to open on Friday, November 27. Diners can order pizzas cooked with an Italian brick pizza oven, watch its microbrewery in action and taste beers at different points of brewing. The new business has created 12 jobs and could be the start of further ventures for managing director Lee Thomas. “In around 1900 there was a small brewery on the site where the restaurant now stands,” the 29-year-old from Lincoln said. “It was called Ellis’ brewery and so it is nice I feel that the site has somewhat come full circle.” Mr Thomas has had help from a team of people brought together by the idea, who have offered both expertise and investment. “We probably spotted it about five months ago,” Mr Thomas said. “We knew what we were looking for and it seemed to fit the bill. We have taken it on a lease, but long-term.” Work started on transforming the space in September using local tradespeople. Walls which previously shut away the kitchen from view have been taken down, and stainless steel-clad tanks will contain the micro-brewery. The building – which is in view of Lincoln Castle – has also had its original stone entrance put back into use as a main entrance. However Mr Thomas said he hopes people will fall in love most with its real ales, food – and sense of fun. Diners can order games to be brought to their table, there will be football tables to play, and people can even pick the songs they’d like to hear on a virtual jukebox phone app. “Wine is fantastic and is traditionally matched with food but ales have so many more flavour profiles and can actually be used to match so much better,” he said. “I think what we are really looking to do is to try and be somewhere that is a little bit fun. “Dining isn’t just something formal you do, it is very much experiential and we want them to come and have an experience as much as just be fed.” And if it goes well, there could be potential for more jobs such as seasonal staff. “We want to make sure we get this one right,” Mr Thomas added. “Obviously nothing stands still and you need to stay on your toes, but once this is up and going we will be looking at other ventures.”
Wednesday 25/11/15
Lincolnshire Echo: It’s Electric! Lincolnshire restaurant and bar in top 10 per cent of eateries in the UK: Lincoln’s Electric Bar and Restaurant on the fifth floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lincoln has been awarded its first AA Rosette for culinary excellence. It means the offering to customers is now ranked in the UK’s top 10 restaurants. And the management have said that it reflects the dedication of the team. “They show ambition, passion for excellence and the continued evolvement in our food offering,” the DoubleTreehotel said in its statement. “With a desire for exploration and improvement, we have set our goal to achieve a two-rosettes AA accreditation in 2016.” Electric Bar food and beverage manage Scott Dunn said: “The team is absolutely ecstatic to have received these prestigious awards. “To quote the AA – this puts us within the ‘top 10 per cent restaurants across the UK”. “This is a huge achievement and something that we are extremely proud of. It’s the seal of approval that we have been striving for. And we will be looking to build on this in the future as we push to gain more rosettes and continue delivering a fine dining experience at exceptional value”. Executive chef Daryl Jackson said: “We are delighted to achieve our first rosette and have already set the goal to gain our second, taking our food quality and presentation to new levels of excellence. “And we are extremely proud to receive this accreditation – which the whole team have enjoyed being part of”. The Electric Bar and Restaurant is owned and run by Brayford Hotels Ltd, opened in December 2011. Its location high above Brayford Wharf North provides a panoramic elevated perspective. And it boasts unrivalled views of the marina, Lincoln Cathedral and part of the castle.
Morning Advertiser: Autumn Statement: £1,500 extra pub tax labelled “catastrophic”
By Oli Gross, 25-Nov-2015
Despite George Osborne’s extension of small business rate relief for another year in the autumn spending review, the majority of pubs could see a £1,500 tax increase. Read More
Leicester Mercury: Leicester city centre pub offering free Christmas meals to homeless people: A pub is inviting every homeless person in the city in for a free festive feast. The Bridle Lane Tavern, in Belgrave Road, Leicester, is throwing open its doors on Wednesday, December 9. Landlord David Bakewell said he expected to serve Christmas meals to about 300 people. “I’ve only been here for eight weeks, but it’s something I want to do and I’ve done at other pubs I’ve run,” said David, 50, who was previously landlord at The Square Bar, in Hotel Street, Leicester. “I think it’s a crime that in the 21st century there are still so many homeless people on our streets. “I don’t think, as a city, we do enough for them. No-one chooses to be homeless. It’s not a lifestyle decision. “Every single homeless person has a story, a reason they’re there. “I always think that could be me, one day. “There’s an old saying that all of us, whoever we are, whatever we do, are only two pay cheques away from the street. “We should remember that and try to help more and judge a little less.” The open invitation has been well received. If 300 homeless people do turn up, David said he would be out of pocket. He estimates it would cost him £700 to £800 to feed them all. “We have saved about £300 for this. If we do have 300 people, then I underestimated the interest slightly. “I might need more turkeys and veg,” he said. “It will be a busy day. The worst thing for us is the pub’s kitchens are upstairs so we’ll be up and down those stairs all day. “We can only sit about 40 people so we’ll have to stagger it. “We’ll be fit – and exhausted – by the end of it. But, still, it’s important we do it.” Free tea and coffee will be available on the day and those who cannot stop will be able to take away a sandwich or some warm soup. There will also be crackers and Christmas music all day. “I’m asking people to donate coats, jeans, jumpers, good-quality old clothes which we can give away on the day,” David said. “That would be a real help.” Bridle Lane Tavern will be open from noon to 8pm on December 9. There is no need to book, just turn up. Donated coats, socks, jumpers and jeans will be handed out on the day.
Thursday 26/11/15
Propelinfonews.com: Thai Restaurant Group opening new Thaikhun site in Nottingham today: Thai Restaurant Group will open its new Thaikhun site in Nottingham today (Thursday, 26 November). The company is opening the restaurant in the new food quarter at the Victoria Centre. Thaikhun group operations director Ian Leigh told the Nottingham Post: “We are incredibly excited to bring Thaikhun to Nottingham. Our passion is to share a real taste of Thailand’s ‘street food scene’ with the people of Nottingham by serving traditional Thai food and educating customers on the culture surrounding our cuisine.” Victoria Centre general manager Nigel Wheatley added: “We’re very much looking forward to Thaikhun opening in our Clocktower dining area as it will be completely new to the city.” Thaikhun literally translates as “your Thailand’” but is also a play on the word “tycoon” after its founder Kim Kaewkraikhot, who started the company by selling food on the streets of Bangkok.
Golfclubmanagement.net: HMRC agrees to pay golf clubs over VAT claims: HMRC has agreed to pay private members’ golf clubs VAT claims over their green fees that could amount to millions of pounds. However, accountancy firm KPMG is advising clubs that if they cannot confirm that the claims comply with the latest HMRC guidance, they should do nothing for now.The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled in December 2013 that, in a case taken by KPMG, green fees at private members’ golf clubs should have been exempt from VAT. This meant that scores of ‘private members’ clubs’ were able to reclaim VAT previously declared on green fees. HMRC subsequently announced that they were going to invoke a defence of unjust enrichment amounting to 50 or 67 percent of the VAT overpaid on green fees. However, until recently, HMRC had not decided on how to allocate private members’ clubs to the 50 and 67 percent unjust enrichment categories. A First Tier Tribunal hearing took place in June in respect of unjust enrichment and a hearing took place in July in relation to several technical matters, with the decisions for both expected soon. The appeals were heard in relation to three lead appellants represented by KPMG. Earlier this month HM Revenue & Customs released Brief 19 (2015) stating that ‘although the question of unjust enrichment is still before the courts, HMRC has decided to pay or credit, subject to conditions, 50 or 33 percent (depending on certain criteria being met including the amount of green fees charged in the claim period) of the value of valid claims ahead of any court decision.’ Read More
Bighospitality.co.uk: What does the Autumn Statement mean for hospitality?
By Sophie Witts, 25-Nov-2015
The Autumn Statement brought good news for the hospitality sector with a slashing of business rates, but failed to mention a cut in tourism VAT. Read More
Friday 27/11/15
Propelinfonews.com: Plans submitted to convert former Tolly Cobbold brewery into mixed use scheme including restaurants: Plans to convert the derelict Tolly Cobbold brewery in Ipswich into a new hub for homes, businesses, a conference centre and a range of cultural and leisure facilities have been unveiled. Pigeon Investment Management has submitted an outline planning application to Ipswich Borough Council on behalf of Cliff Quay Developments. The old fermenting hall inside the brewery building will be converted into a 250-seat auditorium, which will host lectures, entertainment and conferences, and there will also be an outdoor performance area. There will also be room for business start-ups and the existing Brewery Tap will be integrated into the conversion. In addition, more than 220 new homes will be built on surrounding land in a style designed to complement the brewery building along with small retail, restaurant and café facilities and a health club. There will be a new home for the Ipswich Transport Museum and a tourist attraction hosting the Cobbold family brewing archive. The brewery opened in 1896 but ceased operating in 2002.
Boutique Hotel News: Southend care home set for boutique hotel transformation: Developer Sadiq Chikte is teaming up with his brother-in-law Omar Rahimi and father-in -law Jawed Rashid for the project and hope to have it open by late summer 2016. Chikte said: “There are a lot of hotels in Southend, but there aren’t enough to keep up with demand, and there is a lack of boutique hotels here. Tourists from Europe flying into Southend Airport will be very, very interested to stay in a luxury hotel. We’ll be bringing that London feel of luxury to Southend. Why would tourists go all the way to London when they can stay here?” The development will include a total refurbishment of the 1970s care home, and will create around 20 jobs. The trio also hope to appoint a local contractor and start work on it in January in they get planning approval before then. Rashid, who runs two properties in the area, Boscombe Lodge and Fernbrook House, said: “The location is fantastic. It will have estuary views and we’re opposite the Cliff Lift in a historic part of town. We have seen a trend, in people not only wanting accommodation, but high quality accommodation. That’s why hotels need to be built.”
Morningadvertiser.co.uk: Mandatory pub inspection fees may not be passed amid fierce opposition
By Oli Gross, 23-Nov-2015
A proposal to demand food inspection fees from hospitality businesses may not be passed after facing fierce opposition. Read More
Sunday 29/11/15
Sky News: Curry Chef Shortage Creates Closure Crisis: Two curry restaurants a week are closing because there are not enough qualified chefs to cook the food. It’s as synonymous with British cuisine as fish and chips but the much loved Indian curry is in crisis. Restaurants up and down the country are complaining of a shortage in tandoori chefs, meaning two a week are closing their doors. Raju Sattar owns one of the thousands of curry houses that are facing closure and he says the problem isn’t due to a lack of demand. “We are simply finding it very difficult to fill the vacancies,” he says. “We can get people for front of house roles or kitchen staff but not to be a chef. “The learning process is perhaps too long and sometimes people only come here for three months. The job is too much for them.” Enam Ali, MBE, a Bangladeshi businessman who runs an award winning Indian restaurant in Epsom, blames several factors for the turmoil in the industry. Firstly, attitudes among second generation Indian and Bangladeshis are changing. They are shunning a career in the kitchen and enjoying the opportunity and education their parents worked hard to provide. Another reason is the UK’s immigration policy, which Mr Ali says is too strict. He is calling on the Government to allow two-year working visas so experienced chefs can fly in from abroad. “The gap is huge,” he says. “There are 12,000 restaurants. If they need two chefs then that means a gap of 24,000. How do we fill this? “French restaurants are suffering too but they are lucky. Every year they get a graduate – I don’t have that. ” Ali says the situation has worsened recently. Britain puts a cap on skilled migrants arriving from outside the EU and chefs coming in must be paid at least £29,570 a year. That is £5,000 more than the average salary in the industry. Since most of Indian restaurants are small, family run businesses many are struggling to meet this demand. But critics argue that the shortage in specialised chefs has nothing to do with immigration. Rather, it is a reluctance on the part of Bangladeshi restaurants to hire female chefs or those resident to the UK. The Home Office says it wants to “nurture more home grown talent… and recruit resident workers to meet staffing needs”. The question is whether this will be enough to stop the number of Indian restaurants disappearing from Britain’s high streets.