WSET announces new Chair of the Board of Trustees
WSET, the global leader in drinks education, is delighted to announce that Tamara Roberts has been appointed Chair of its Board of Trustees. Tamara takes over from Simon McMurtrie, who has chaired the Board since December 2020 and has been a trustee since 2017. At the same time, WSET welcomes Andrew Paynter, a recently retired …
The Killingworth Castle: wrapping up 2025 on a high with a NEW head chef and other accolades
The Killingworth Castle (Glympton Road Wootton, Woodstock Oxfordshire OX20 1EJ) is ending 2025 on a high with a hat trick of celebrations. Recently listed as the 17th best pub in the UK by the Good Food Guide, a refreshed listing as one of the Top 50 Gastropubs in the UK for 2026 and the appointment …
Post-Budget: Lolly CEO on why hospitality must double down on efficiency and innovation
Comment from Peter Moore, CEO, Lolly “This Budget offers limited short-term support for hospitality. Labour costs will continue to rise with higher statutory wages and ongoing employer National Insurance pressures. Business rates relief is being reduced for 2025/26, with uncertainty ahead of the new ratings system in 2026/27. And with no new VAT or alcohol …
MULLIGANS, MANCHESTER’S OLDEST AND MOST FAMOUS IRISH PUB, LAUNCHES FIRST EVER MERCH LINE
Backed by huge customer demand, the new merch lands just in time for Christmas gifting Manchester’s most iconic Irish pub, Mulligans, has announced the launch of its first-ever merchandise collection, allowing regulars and visitors to take a piece of the beloved pub home. The line-up includes a beanie, hoodie, polo shirt, t-shirt, tote bag, and …
Chancellor’s Autumn Budget Confirms Alcohol Duty Rise In Line With Inflation: Whisky Industry Experts Reaction
“Today’s decision to increase the duty on alcohol once again is undoubtedly a serious mistake that will place further pressure on the UK’s whisky sector and the wider hospitality economy. “While Scotch whisky is a major global export, duty and VAT apply only to domestic sales, around 10% of total volume. This rise therefore falls …
Autumn Budget – Hospitality Industry Statement
“Today’s outcome from the Autumn Budget is deeply concerning for the hospitality industry. With the minimum wage set to increase and a freeze on income tax and NI thresholds extended, we expect entry-level hospitality roles to decrease and further job losses to follow. We also predict the long-term effects of this will mean in time, …
UKHOSPITALITY RESPONDS TO THE BUDGET
Business rates reform not delivered in full, with only a quarter of maximum discount offered. Kate Nicholls, Chair of UKHospitality, said: “Bricks and mortar hospitality businesses are being taxed out, and they have been penalised by the broken business rates system for far too long. “Today the Chancellor recognised the importance of hospitality and provided …
SCOTTISH BEER & PUB ASSOCIATION (SBPA) RESPONDS TO UK BUDGET ‘VERY LITTLE TO HELP’ BREWERS AND PUBS
The Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) has responded the UK Chancellor’s Autumn Budget, saying that it does ‘very little to help’ and changes to business rates in England means the Scottish Government must act. Commenting, SBPA President Andrew Lawrence said: “This budget does very little to help Scotland’s pubs or brewers. The increase in …
COSTLY BUDGET REALITY SETTING IN FOR HOSPITALITY
Wage rises, holiday taxes and steep increases in rateable values are ‘wiping out’ the 5p business rates discount for hospitality. Additional cost and tax increases are putting further pressure on businesses and reducing job opportunities, particularly for young people. This is all, ultimately, passed through to consumers and, as the Office for Budget Responsibility notes, …
