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Robin Alway
Editorial Director
INDUSTRY NEWS
Pub and restaurant sales up despite Brexit and retail woes
Britain’s managed pub and restaurant groups saw collective like-for-like sales grow 1.2% last month, which recorded the worst September trading for the retail sector since 1995, according to figures from the Coffer Peach Business Tracker.
Retail sales were down 1.3%, with like-for-like trading falling 1.7%, against the same month last year. The figures were from the British Retail Consortium, which blames uncertainty about a no-deal Brexit for the downturn.
“If Brexit worries put the public off shopping on the high street, they don’t appear to have stopped them going out to eat and drink,” said Karl Chessell, director of CGA, the business insight consultancy that produces the Coffer Peach Tracker, in partnership with Coffer Group and RSM.
“Just looking at retail as a barometer of the nation’s well-being, you would be forgiven for thinking we were deeply depressed. But the eating and drinking-out numbers paint a very different picture. It may be that pubs and restaurants are providing welcome relief from the constant news of Brexit uncertainty,” Chessell added.
Pubs had the best sales during September with like-for-like sales ahead 1.9%, with restaurant chains also collectively (restaurants and pub restaurants) seeing positive like-for-likes, up 0.4%.
“The warm weather at the end of the month certainly boosted drink-led pubs and bars, which together recorded a 2.6% like-for-like jump in sales. But it wasn’t just about the weather, with both restaurants and food-led pubs seeing growth, if admittedly more modest,” said Chessell.
Paul Newman, Head of Leisure & Hospitality at RSM added, “Much to the relief of the embattled pub and restaurant sector, the spectre of a no-deal Brexit seems to have driven consumers to take solace in their local hostelry in September. With consumer sentiment set to be severely tested over the coming weeks, operators need to focus on operational excellence with only the leanest and most efficient likely to prosper in such challenging market conditions.”
Regionally, outside of London traded better in September, showing like-for-like growth of 1.3%, compared to 1.0% inside the M25. “The figures show generally encouraging trends across the sector; restaurants and bars, London and provinces,” said Trevor Watson, Executive Director, Valuations at Davis Coffer Lyons.
“The comparison with retail illustrates the extent to which consumers are opting for intangible experiences with their disposable leisure spend. This shows a move towards sustainable consumerism—where purchasers shun superfluous fashion goods in favour of experiences and are increasingly looking for sustainably-sourced foods and healthy eating menus, both away from the home and in the home,” said Watson.
Fullers acquire Cotswold pub and hotel group in £40m deal
Fuller, Smith & Turner have bought Cotswold Inns & Hotels Ltd in a £40m deal.
The acquisition includes a collection of seven freehold country inns and hotels, eight staff cottages in the Cotswolds and two leasehold bars in Birmingham city centre. All employees will transfer across to the new owners.
Founded in 1997, in the last financial year, Cotswold Inns & Hotels generated revenue of £17.5m and site EBITDA of £3.4m with a gross asset value of £31.5m.
Fuller’s chief executive Simon Emeny said: “The inns and hotels being acquired are all iconic, character properties in sought-after locations in the Cotswolds.
“They will further enhance our existing portfolio of premium hotel accommodation, adding 201 stylish bedrooms. A number of the sites have further development potential and Cotswold Inns & Hotels benefits from an established function business, spanning both leisure and corporate custom as well as weddings.
“We expect to realise further benefits from bringing the properties into Fuller’s and for the acquisition to be earnings accretive in the first year.
“Quintessentially English and renowned for a focus on fresh food, premium accommodation and an exceptional level of customer service, this collection of seven iconic country hotels is highly complementary with our existing strategy.”
The acquisition is expected to complete on 31st October 2019 and is being funded from existing banking facilities.
Dorset Tourism Award winners
The Dorset Tourism Awards saw a record 78 trophies given out to businesses across the county at the seventh annual dinner held on the 17th October at the Tank Museum in Wareham.
There were three “big surprises” among the winners, according to the organisers. Two Outstanding Contribution to Tourism awards went to Libby Battaglia of Light Up Poole and John Baker of Sherborne Abbey Festival, as well as the Customer Service Superstar award to Pete Abbott from the café at Upton Country Park.
The Winner of Winners trophy went to Bagwell Farm Touring Park for their consistency in winning the sustainable tourism Gold award for the third successive year. Other multiple Gold winners were The Grove Arms at Ludwell, Christchurch Harbour Hotel and the Jetty, Jurassic Coast Guides and the Tank Museum and Tankfest.
Top Gold awards were presented to Durlston Country Park for Accessible and Inclusive Tourism, Cumulus Outdoors for Active and Sporting Experience, Marsham Court Hotel for Business and Wedding Venue, West Bay Discovery Centre for New Tourism Business and Mellulah Therapy and Yoga Retreats for Spa and Wellbeing. Amongst accommodation providers Gold awards went to Wooden Cabbage for B&B and Guesthouse of the year, The Green House for Small Hotel of the year, South Lytchett Manor Caravan and Camping Park for Camping and Caravanning, Highlands End Holiday Park for Holiday Park of the Year, Farmstead Glamping for their glamping business and Greenwood Grange for self catering.
Other food and drink Golds were collected by Three Horseshoes Pub and Kitchen in Burton Bradstock and the Yellow Bicycle Café in Blandford Forum, while further attraction Golds went to Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park and the Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum.
Organiser Robin Barker said: “Tourism is a global industry and no-one can afford to stand still. It is so rewarding to see so many Dorset tourism businesses take on this challenge, investing so much in their businesses and in being the best. Huge congratulations to everyone!”
The full list of winners can be seen at www.dorsettourismawards.org.uk.
Cornish fishing business buys stake in trawler fleet
Ocean Fish, Cornwall’s oldest fishing and processing business dating back to 1740, has acquired a stake in the Cornish operator of a large trawler fleet, W Stevenson and Sons Ltd.
The deal was financed by a multimillion-pound package from HSBC UK and takes Ocean Fish’s fleet of vessels to 19. It is hoped this will help protect Cornwall’s historic fishing industry and secure the future of Newlyn Fish Market, for which W Stevenson and Sons is the auctioneer.
Leigh Genge, managing director of Ocean Fish, said: “The Lakeman and Stevenson families both hold very similar views on the importance of maintaining a vibrant and prosperous fishing industry in Cornwall. The support from HSBC UK, and in particular our relationship director Martin Rowe, has helped us achieve a long-held ambition to bring both families together to deliver this goal.
“We are very positive about the health benefits of eating seafood as part of a balanced diet and believe there is clear evidence of increasing consumer demand for this protein. The acquisition will help us to ensure Ocean Fish has a platform for continual development by offering a consistency in volume, range and quality of fish into UK and worldwide markets.
“We feel that Ocean Fish represents the best outcome for the local industry in terms of the long-term prosperity of Newlyn and we look forward to engaging with fisherman and other stakeholders to implement the required changes to this proud and historic business.”
Peter Aylott, chief executive of W Stevenson and Sons, said: “Our business is a historic and fundamental part of the Cornish fishing industry and the investment from Ocean Fish signals an exciting future for the largest beam trawler fleet in the United Kingdom, as well the prosperity of Newlyn as a UK fishing community. We look forward to working with Ocean Fish to generate a unique organisation which brings together two of Cornwall’s proudest catching and trading companies.”
South West Chef of the Year
Edward Marsh from The Manor House Hotel in Castle Combe won both the Professional Category and the overall Chef of the Year at the 2019 South West Chef of the Year competition.
To compete for the title, finalists had to cook a three-course menu using a surprise box of ingredients presented to them just 30 minutes before and a compulsory protein they were informed about one week before. Edward’s winning dish included pan-fried red mullet, confit fennel with pickled romanesco.
Other 2019 category winners include Jamaar Semper-House, Chef de Partie, Lucknam Park, Bath in the Young Professional Category; Rosie Nevill, Exeter College in Student/Apprentice Chef; Marie-Joelle West, Exeter, Devon was Home Cook of the year; and Munopa, Queen’s College, Taunton won the Junior Category.
Co-founder and head judge Michael Caines said: “The South West Chef of the Year is about celebrating what the West Country can produce, in terms of both talent and food. Over the past few months, we’ve seen such an array of talent and passion in the kitchen. All the judges have been extremely impressed with the skills and creativity the competitors have demonstrated. It’s great to see that, as the competition develops each year, so does the standard of culinary talent, particularly with those as young as 11 who create a dish by themselves all the way to our most experienced chefs, who can produce an entire menu with 30 minutes notice. Well done to all who took part in this year’s South West Chef of the Year Awards.”
Bath hotel sold three years after launch
Bath boutique hotel No. 15 Great Pulteney has been sold to Guest Holdings for an undisclosed sum.
Previous owners, Ian and Christa Taylor of the Kaleidoscope Collection, opened the hotel in December 2016 after buying three Grade I Georgian townhouses and transforming them into a hotel with 40 individually-designed bedrooms.
Co-owner Ian Taylor said: “Since purchasing the… townhouses in March 2016, No.15 has seen a complete transformation. With the help of its ‘luxury for the curious’ mantra it has certainly been brought back to life since its days as the Carfax Hotel, and now holds its own within the Bath landscape of luxury boutique hotels. We could not be more proud of what managing director Jonathan Walker and the Kaleidoscope and No.15 teams have helped us achieve in just three years!”
New owners, the Guest brothers, said: “We are very much looking forward to getting to know and working with the No.15 team and becoming a part of the Bath community.
“No.15 is a unique property and we aim to preserve all that is special about what the Taylors and the highly committed team at No.15 team have created and we will invest to ensure its continued growth.”
Ian and Christa Taylor say they have no plans to sell their other Bath hotels, Homewood in nearby Freshford and The Bird on Pulteney Road.
St Austell secures White Brasserie Co listing
St Austell Brewery’s flagship beer Tribute will be available in the White Brasserie Company’s collection of 19 pubs.
Primarily based in London and the home counties, the White Brasserie Company is a family of British pubs with a French brasserie twist, which serves seasonal French dishes and UK pub classics, alongside cocktails, fine wine and cask beers.
Bob Chard, national account manager, St Austell Brewery, said: “We’re very proud to see our flagship beer on the bar of White Brasserie Company outlets across the country. Tribute’s quality and consistent taste means that it has maintained its space as one of the UK’s top ten most popular cask ales.”
Paul van Zjil, operations director, White Brasserie Company said: “Tribute pale ale is a great fit for our pubs. It’s a premium ale which is well-known for its consistency and quality – attributes we know our guests expect and appreciate.”
Taste of the West 2020 open for entries
The Taste of the West Product Awards are now open for entries for 2020’s competition.
Two new classes have been introduced – Free From and Vegan. The organisers say they “observed the huge change in consumers’ eating habits and these classes have been added to accommodate the variety of nutritious, delicious and innovative products on the market”.
Early Bird entry is £38 per product for members, who also get one free entry. For more details go to https://www.tasteofthewest.co.uk/awards-2020-product-entry-form, email awards@tasteofthewest.co.uk or call the Taste of the West team on 01404 822012.
FOOD AND DRINK NEWS
Harry’s mulled cider comes in a flagon
Somerset-based producer Harry’s Cider launched a mulled cider in a traditional glass flagon for ‘Apple Day’ on 21st October.
Made at the family farm in Long Sutton near Langport, Harry’s Mulled Cider is 4% ABV, sweetened with cane sugar and the base cider is mulled for more than two hours with a selection of spices including ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg.
The new one-litre glass flagon format will sit alongside the larger three-litre pouch and 10 and 20-litre Bag-in-Box.
Cidermaker Harry Fry said, “The apples come from our own orchards and once we have our base cider blend, the spices are added and mulled to enable a gentle infusion. It’s an authentic way of making mulled cider, and we believe its outstanding aroma and taste is very much a result of this extra time and attention.”
Harry’s Mulled Cider is available from a wide range of stockists or directly from www.harryscidercompany.co.uk.
New non-alcoholic spirit from Cornwall
A new non-alcoholic botanical spirit, inspired by plants native to the Cornish coastline, has launched in the UK. Pentire Adrift includes rock samphire, sea purslane, sage, and sea rosemary. It’s distilled, bottled and labelled by hand.
Pentire Drinks founder Alistair Frost said: “Pentire is a celebration of the plant life found on our surrounding headlands. An incredible range of botanicals grow here due to a unique combination of favourable climate, soil pH, and air moisture.
“Through research and experimentation with local botanists, distillers and brewers, we have created our first non-alcoholic spirit, Adrift, which captures the botanical range, and the flavours they deliver through careful distillation.”
Since setting up Pentire in May 2019, the former surf instructor and drinks industry worker has soft-launched the drink with independent restaurants and retailers including Restaurant Nathan Outlaw, Prawn on the Lawn, and Paul Ainsworth at Number 6.
Pentire is priced at £26.80 for a 70cl bottle. For more details go to pentiredrinks.com.
Wadworth rebrands IPA cask ale and gives 6X a new look
The independent Wiltshire brewer and pub operator, Wadworth, is bringing back the name of its founder Henry Wadworth in a rebrand of its IPA cask ale and created a fresh look for its famous 6X beer.
CEO for Wadworth, Chris Welham said, “6X and Henry’s IPA have been a firm favourite with drinkers of Wadworth beers for nearly 100 years and we wanted to celebrate their history and heritage as an award-winning original ale and IPA. The new-look 6X ensures it has real stand out presence on the bar, recognising its roots and heritage. By bringing back our founder’s name, Henry Wadworth on all of the IPA branding, we’ve re-emphasised the association his name has historically had with this great beer. People still refer to a pint of Henry’s so it was only right his name is back where it belongs on the pump clip.”
The new-look beer pumps can be seen in all Wadworth pubs this Autumn and will be rolled out nationally in the coming months.
RECRUITMENT SPOTLIGHT
Chef, Restaurant and Bar Jobs at The Hood Arms in Kilve, West Somerset
The award-winning team at the Hood Arms is looking for experienced and competent staff, who are qualified and committed. We have vacancies for both accomplished chefs to work in our kitchen and experienced restaurant/bar staff to work front of house. Full-time and part-time positions available. Accommodation available in the village or on-site if required at preferential rates, plus pension scheme and holiday benefits.
We have an exceptional pub/restaurant and require chef(s) who are capable of producing very high-quality cuisine, cooked fresh to order, from locally sourced ingredients. The ideal candidate will have experience in all aspects of the kitchen from creating menus to ordering and stock rotation, also health and hygiene compliance and inspections. We are happy to consider couples as well as individuals. To apply please forward your up-to-date CV, copy qualifications and any references. Please contact us at enquiries@thehoodarms.co.uk or call 01278 741114. https://www.thehoodarms.co.uk
INDUSTRY EVENTS 2019
November
Cornwall Tourism Awards Ceremony
7th November 2019
Truro Cathedral
“The prestigious tourism awards ceremony, following a record 207 entries from across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”
For more information & to book tickets, please visit https://www.cornwalltourismawards.org.uk/
Bellavita Expo London
7th – 8th November 2019
Business Design Centre, London
“Bellavita Expo London is the UK’s largest trade show dedicated to quality Mediterranean food & beverages.”
http://web.bellavita.com/gb/london
Food Matters Live 2019
19th – 20th November 2019
ExCeL, London
“The Food Matters Live 2019 exhibition will bring together a host of food and drink manufacturers and ingredients suppliers from both the UK and internationally.”
https://www.foodmatterslive.com/
Restaurant & Takeaway Innovation Expo
19th – 20th November 2019
ExCeL, London
“Europe’s leading event for takeaway and restaurant owners looking to boost their profits.”
http://www.takeawayexpo.co.uk/
Street Food Live
19th – 20th November 2019
ExCeL, London
“Europe’s only B2B event for street food and catering professionals.”
http://www.streetfoodlive.co.uk/
Coffee Shop Innovation Expo
19th – 20th November 2019
ExCeL, London
“Europe’s leading event for coffee shop business owners.”
http://www.coffeeshopexpo.co.uk/
Restaurant & Bar Tech Live
19th – 20th November 2019
ExCeL, London
“Europe’s leading event for the technologies driving the profits of restaurants & bars.”
http://www.restauranttechlive.co.uk/
Restaurant & Bar Design Show
19th – 20th November 2019
ExCeL, London
“The UK’s most comprehensive event dedicated to the very latest and most stylish designs for restaurants and bars.”
http://www.restaurantdesignshow.co.uk/
I.D.E – International Drink Expo
19th – 20th November 2019
ExCeL, London
“The UK’s only event dedicated to maximising your drinks sales.”
http://www.internationaldrinkexpo.co.uk/
Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards Ceremony
21st November 2019
Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre
“The prestigious tourism awards ceremony, where the winners will be announced by Laura Rawlings from BBC Bristol.”
For more information & to book tickets, please visit
https://www.somersettourismawards.org.uk/
Devon Tourism Awards Ceremony
28th November 2019
The Riviera International Conference Centre, Torquay
“The prestigious tourism awards ceremony, following a record 240 entries from across Devon.”
For more information & to book tickets, please visit
https://www.devontourismawards.org.uk/