CLH News

Proper Pubs Raises Nearly £100,000 for Local Charities in Three Months Proper Pubs has successfully raised almost £100,000 in just three months to donate to local charities across the UK. As part of Proper Pubs’ ongoing work to support its local communities, each pub is encouraged to host regular fundraising events and initiatives – everything from family fun days to music festival s– throughout the year in aid of local charities and causes close to their hearts. Community spirit shone across the estate over the last three months with pubs in Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Derby, Lancashire and Glasgow raising over £2,000 for a local charity of their choice. The Strawberry Gardens in Manchester raised almost £8,000 in aid of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) – a meaningful cause to the operator and the local community after a popular local resident was diagnosed with MND earlier this year – whilst in St Helens, the Boar’s Head raised an amazing £2,100 for the Willowbrook Hospice. Meanwhile, in Oswaldtwistle, the Rhoden Inn successfully donated over £6,000 to the Ronal McDonald House Charities which provides free accommodation and support to families with children in hospital. In honour of the pub’s mammoth fundraising efforts, the Manchester House branch named a room after the Rhoden Inn to recognise its contribution. Mark Brooke, Managing Director at Proper Pubs, commented: “I would like to thank everyone who came together to make this happen. As always, I’m absolutely blown away by the creativity of our incredible operators for organizing these fundraising events and of course by the generosity of their communities. We believe pubs are so much more than just a place to drink, but rather social hubs that support all aspects of community life, and I think this stands testament to that.” Read More:

Small Luxury Hotels Name RAW Charging As EV Charging Provider RAW Charging, the leading EV chargepoint operator for the hospitality and leisure sectors, is now a preferred electric vehicle (EV) charging provider for Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH). SLH is a portfolio of over 570 independently spirited luxury boutique hotels spanning 90 countries. United by a shared commitment to exceptional service, each property offers a unique and intimate guest experience in a beautiful and characterful space. The preferred partnership will provide SLH’s portfolio with preferential terms for new installations of RAW’s reliable and convenient EV charging solutions. It shines a light on SLH’s commitment to developing exceptional guest experiences by offering sustainable and seamless services, such as EV charging, which modern travellers increasingly expect. Jason Simpson, CEO of RAW Charging, commented: “We are thrilled to be working with Small Luxury Hotels of the World. This partnership highlights our commitment to delivering first-class charging solutions to the hospitality sector and aligns with our mission to support the transition to electric mobility at luxury destinations. We look forward to helping SLH meet the needs of their eco-conscious guests by providing world-class, user-friendly charging services.” Richard Hyde, Chief Operating Officer, Small Luxury Hotels of the World said: “We continually seek ways to enhance our guests' stay with the most cutting-edge and sustainable amenities and RAW Charging's commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with ours.” The new preferred partnership with SLH further strengthens RAW Charging’s position in the hospitality industry, alongside existing collaborations with AA Hotel and Hospitality Services and HOSPA, and client partnerships with major brands such as Exclusive Collection, National Trust, Merlin Entertainments, Greene King, and more. RAW Charging is dedicated to supporting these high-end destinations with EV infrastructure that aligns with their commitment to sustainability, convenience, and guest satisfaction. For more information on Small Luxury Hotels, visit slh.com and for further information on RAW Charging, visit rawcharging.com. Read More:

Blenheim Palace Named Sustainable Tourism Provider Of The Year Travel trade association UKinbound has awarded Blenheim Palace the accolade of Sustainable Tourism Provider of the Year at its Awards for Excellence ceremony on Thursday 26 September. The award was presented in front of over 320 travel and tourism professionals at the association’s 2024 Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner, which took place at Liverpool Cathedral. Following self-nomination, the winners were decided by a panel of independent judges from across the tourism industry – Kay Greenway, Director, Cruise Britain; Richard Toomer, Executive Director of the Tourism Alliance; and Professor Iis Tussyadiah, Dean, Surrey Business School, University of Surrey. Heather Carter, Managing Director, Visitor Attraction at Blenheim Palace, said: “Our goal is to be one of the UK’s greenest attractions. We’re striving and have the necessary interventions and initiatives in place to reach Net Zero by 2027, and sequestering 230,000 tonnes of CO2 by 2050. “Winning this award truly means a lot to us as it is testament to the hard work, dedication and passion of each and every department to achieve the highest standards of sustainability to make Britain’s Greatest Palace all that it is today. It’s an honour to come together as an industry at these awards to celebrate our world-class tourism businesses.” Joss Croft OBE, CEO UKinbound said: “Our industry has worked incredibly hard over the last 12 months and the Awards for Excellence recognise and celebrate the companies and organisations that have made a significant contribution to the continuing success of the inbound tourism industry. We are delighted to name Blenheim Palace as our Sustainable Tourism Provider of the Year!” Read More:

Hospitality Businesses Exposed To New Regulations As Home Office Immigration Audits Increase Specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell are warning hospitality businesses about increased risks relating to immigration compliance due to recent regulatory changes. The firm reports that the Home Office has intensified immigration audits for hospitality businesses with sponsorship licences, exposing them to potentially damaging new licensing rules. According to lawyers at the national firm, this increased scrutiny can lead to severe repercussions, including substantial financial fines, business closure orders, and potential prosecutions. Mandeep Khroud, Partner and Head of Immigration at Irwin Mitchell, said: “The recently introduced increase in civil penalties for employers from a maximum of £20,000 to £60,000, highlights the increased scrutiny businesses are facing when it comes to immigration enforcement. “The issue is particularly acute in the hospitality sector where since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Home Office’s Immigration Enforcement has increased the frequency of audits on businesses in sectors like hospitality.” Mandeep also highlights significant recent regulatory changes: “Section 36 and Schedule 4 of the Immigration Act 2016 amended the Licensing Act 2003, introducing immigration safeguards relating to licensing applications and already licensed premises. “Notably, the Secretary of State for the Home Department (SSHD) has been incorporated into the list of Responsible Authorities within the regulatory licensing framework. “This development allows the Home Office’s Immigration Enforcement division to provide feedback and make representations regarding the grant, full variation, transfer, and review of premises licences. “In addition, as stipulated in Section 179 (1A) of the Licensing Act 2003, immigration officers are permitted to enter licenced premises to ascertain whether any offences under the Immigration Acts are being committed in relation to the carrying on of the licensable activities. “We are seeing a lot of businesses being caught out by these changes. It’s vital organisations in the hospitality sector ensure they are fully compliant with the new regulations and immigration laws to avoid severe penalties, including financial fines, business closure orders, and potential prosecutions.” Read More:

Montgomery Group Set To Launch Oxfordshire Pub With Rooms, The Bat And Ball, In November The Montgomery Group has announced the launch of The Bat and Ball, a charming country pub with rooms, set to open in Cuddesdon, Oxfordshire, in November. This will be the second opening from owner Ben Moss, who successfully took over 15th-century pub The Lamb Inn in 2022, and marks the beginning of the Oxfordshire pub group, The Montgomery Group. The Bat and Ball drives forward the group’s mission to revive the traditional British community pub experience, transforming the previously empty site into a cosy village pub that celebrates the best of the local Oxfordshire area. Ben Moss, founder of The Montgomery Group said: “It brings me so much joy to be bring this community pub back to life in the form of The Bat and Ball and continue our mission of creating inclusive spaces where everyone can come together and enjoy great food, drinks and hospitality. “The pub will preserve the essence of a classic British pub, where people can either pop down for a pint with their dog in tow or indulge in a proper dining experience with serious bottles of Bordeaux. ” The kitchen will be overseen by Michelin-star-trained Executive Chef Nat Berney,  previously of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and now Head Chef at The Lamb Inn. Read More:

Drinks Sales Down Again In Soggy End To September Widespread wet weather pushed On Premise drinks sales back into negative year-on-year performance last week, CGA by NIQ’s Daily Drinks Tracker shows. Average sales in Britain’s managed venues in the week to last Saturday (28 September) were 6% down on the equivalent period in 2023. Trading across the month was well behind September 2023, with a weak first fortnight followed by modest growth during a burst of better weather in the third week. The Tracker shows sales were down year-on-year on all seven days of last week. With heavy rain and floods hitting much of the country, Sunday and Monday (22 and 23 September) were particularly difficult, and sales were down 10% and 13% respectively. Trading perked up a little on Tuesday (down 5%) and Wednesday (down 2%), and slightly higher temperatures and the Premier League combined to make Saturday (down 1%) the high point of the week. All five main drinks categories recorded negative trading over the course of the week. Beer (down 3%) fared best, ahead of wine and champagne (down 4%). Cider (down 8%), soft drinks (down 9%) and spirits (down 15%) all found trading tougher. “A sunny September in 2023 was always going to make year-on-year growth in drinks sales difficult,” says Rachel Weller, CGA by NIQ’s commercial leader UK & Ireland. “Consumers, venues and suppliers will all be cursing the disappointing weather of the summer and early autumn, and hoping for much better as we enter the crucial final quarter. After a challenging first eight months of 2024, improvements in both the conditions and consumers’ spending confidence will be needed to help make up some of the ground that has been lost.” Read More:

Wetherspoon Sales Increase 5.7% As Revenue Tops £2bn Pub group JD Wetherspoon has revealed that strong customer demand helped boost revenues. Total sales in FY24 were £2,036 million, an increase of 5.7%, compared to FY23. The company revealed that pre-tax profits jumped by 73.5% to £73.9 million for the year to July 28, compared with the previous year. Tim Martin, the chairman of JD Wetherspoon, said: “Sales continue to improve. In the last nine weeks, to September 29 2024, like-for-like sales increased by 4.9%. The company currently anticipates a reasonable outcome for the current financial year, subject to our future sales performance.” The companies trading summary revealed that: •LFL sales were stronger than total sales due to a small number of pub disposals and lease terminations. •Operating profit, before separately disclosed items, was £139.5 million (2023: £107.1 million). •The operating margin before separately disclosed items, was 6.9% (2023: 5.6%). •Profit, before tax and separately disclosed items, was £73.9 million (2023: £42.6 million). •In the period, the company sold eighteen pubs and terminated the lease of an additional nine pubs. •This gave rise to a •cash inflow of £8.9 million. •There was an exceptional loss on disposal of approximately £13.4 million, recognised in the income statement, relating to these pubs. The company also highlighted in its preliminary statement the disparity between VAT in pubs and supermarkets, saying: “As we have previously stated, the government would generate more revenue and jobs if it were to create tax equality among supermarkets, pubs and restaurants.” “Supermarkets pay virtually no VAT in respect of food sales, whereas pubs pay 20%. This has enabled supermarkets to subsidise the price of alcoholic drinks, widening the price gap, to the detriment of pubs and restaurants.” “Pubs also pay around 20 pence a pint in business rates, whereas supermarkets pay only about 2 pence, creating further inequality. Pubs have lost 50% of their beer sales to supermarkets in the last 35 or so years. It makes no sense for supermarkets to be treated more leniently than pubs, since pubs generate far more jobs per pint or meal than do supermarkets, as well as far higher levels of tax.” “Pubs also make an important contribution to the social life of many communities and have better visibility and control of those who consume alcoholic drinks.” “Tax equality is particularly important for residents of less affluent areas, since the tax differential is more important there – people can less afford to pay the difference in prices between the on and off trade.” “As a result, in these less affluent areas, there are often fewer pubs, coffee shops and restaurants, with less employment and increased high-street dereliction. Tax equality would also be in line with the principle of fairness – the same taxes should apply to businesses which sell the same products.” Read More: https://lnkd.in/eavD5SJv

Coming Soon: The £1 Pub With A £1 Million Makeover A Grade II listed building on the corner of Oxford Road and Grosvenor Street in Manchester is set to make a comeback and reopen next month as ‘The Grosvenor’, a cutting-edge hybrid hospitality & social space, following a £1 million transformation. The 800 capacity venue, acquired by North West multiple operator, Blind Tiger Inns, for just £1, is set to offer the ultimate adult escapism experience in central Manchester, complete with huge sports screens, outrageous interiors, and even a slide to transport guests from the cinema’s original balcony! Built between 1913 and 1915, the Grosvenor Picture Palace was originally the largest cinema outside London and has since taken on numerous identities, from a bingo hall and snooker venue to, most recently, a legendary student pub, The Footage. Now in 2024, the doors will open again as an adult playground where visitors can expect to find an immersive concept with over 30 beer taps and filled with pool tables, beer pong tables, and a photobooth to capture the memories–continuing its iterations as a legendary entertainment venue for over 100 years. The Grosvenor will operate from 12pm-to-12am, effortlessly catering to Manchester's lively daytime and nighttime crowds. Whether it's a bottomless brunch, after-work drinks with friends, or an exciting evening event, the space offers something for everyone. Chris Tulloch, Managing Director of the independent local operator behind the transformation, shared his enthusiasm: "The Grosvenor is in the midst of an incredible transformation, and we're creating something truly special for Manchester. Our vision is to blend the best aspects of a sports bar, social venue, and nightclub into one vibrant, unforgettable space where memories are made. “As we breathe new life into this iconic building, we’re excited to continue its legacy as a cornerstone of Manchester’s entertainment, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone in to eat, drink and have fun in the adult playground.” Read More:

Birmingham to Host Pioneering Night Time Economy Summit, Showcasing the City’s Nightlife and Cultural Scene The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has announced that the Night Time Economy Summit 2025 will take place in Birmingham at Hockley Social Club from Wednesday, February 5, to Friday, February 6, 2025. The summit, in partnership with the International Nightlife Association, will feature representatives from across Europe, Japan, the U.S., Canada, South America, and Australia, and will include dedicated stages for international speakers, hosted by VibeLab, and platforms aimed at expanding the cultural footprint of the Night Time Economy. Key themes will include queer spaces, sustainability, placemaking, well-being, security, theatre, cinema, comedy, live and electronic music, and more. Among the most anticipated additions is a full Queer stage, developed in partnership with Gay Times and Stonewall, which will address challenges surrounding diversity and inclusion. Earth Percent and AGF will lead crucial discussions on sustainability, with each admission contributing to the work Earth Percent is doing to advance the UKs sustainability efforts in the nightlife sector. The summit will kick off with the *shesaid.so* Brunch, a celebrated event featuring a very special keynote speaker, offering early insights into equality within the industry and key trends. This year's summit will deliver insights from key influencers and artists across the West Midlands, celebrating the region's rich and diverse cultural tapestry, coupled with some of the amazing work being done in London around Black Lives In Music in the plight to end the discrimination in music, while GigPig will explore the live and electronic grassroots music challenges and why supporting homegrown talent is more essential than ever. The Summit emphasises the critical role of collaboration, bringing together over 30 trade associations to shape the future of the sector. Key partners like BBPA, Institute of Hospitality, UKHospitality, UK Cinema Association, UK Crowd Management Association, IPSA, and the Live Comedy Association, alongside many others, will unite to share insights, address challenges, and drive innovation. Their combined expertise ensures a holistic approach, fostering a stronger, more resilient night-time economy through partnership and shared commitment. Michael Kill, CEO of NTIA and VP of the International Nightlife Association said: "We are excited to reveal that next year’s summit promises to be one of our most diverse events yet, with dynamic insights that will resonate throughout the industry. This gathering will unite influential voices to discuss a variety of important topics, addressing both long-term objectives and immediate challenges." "What truly sets this event apart is its commitment to accessibility, ensuring that everyone can take part. It’s about fostering knowledge and expanding networks while providing attendees the chance to assess t…

Punch Pubs & Co Acquires The Salmon Leap, Southampton Pub company Punch Pubs & Co has added to its growing portfolio with the acquisition of The Salmon Leap in Totton, Southampton. Having first opened its doors in 1962, the Salmon Leap has since gone on to become a local hot spot for events, food and drink as well as being a meeting place for guests and locals alike. The established pub will be taken on by Publican Shane Light, who has been working with his father and renowned former Publican Eric, for many years. Speaking about their latest acquisition, Punch Pubs & Co Head of Estate Development and Acquisitions Andrew Cannons commented: “The Salmon Leap is the definition of a community pub which has built up an excellent reputation within Totton. I am certain that under the helm of Shane and his partner, Sanna, the pub will continue to thrive with the support of Punch’s industry-leading investment and support for many years to come.” Eric Light, who is thought to be Hampshire’s longest-serving landlord, has built up an incredible rapport with the community of Totton during his 30-year reign and has led the Salmon Leap to victory through many industry challenges. Punch Pubs Operations Manager Jay Pearce added: “It’s wonderful to see the evolution of this fantastic pub, and I am thrilled that Eric has passed down his valuable hospitality traits to Shane, whom I know will continue to run an epic pub business. It is also great to hear that Shane and Sanna will retain The Salmon Leap’s existing team, and I’m excited to be working alongside them to continue building a successful future here.” Image ©Copyright Chris Downer and licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence. Read More: