Today’s news in brief – 18/06/24

Whitbread’s F&B outlets reported a slow start to FY25, as sales were 1% behind the same period last year due to softened trading. This comes despite the group experiencing “strong” breakfast sales thanks to high occupancy in Premier Inn sites. Nevertheless, the group is confident in its full-year outlook. 

Drinks sales in the UK fell 3% for the week ended 8 June 2024, as the week struggled against tough comparisons with June 2023 when temperatures touched 30 degrees. Sales were down on all five days from 4 to 8 June after year-on-year growth on 2 and 3 June. 

Rhubarb Hospitality will be the caterer for Bottaccio’s new venue in Camden’s Town Hall under a 30-year contract. The 55,000 sq ft project follows an extensive seven-year refurbishment and will see the landmark re-open in Winter 2024 as an event venue with “modern” coworking amenities and conference facilities.

Bobo Social has opened a new restaurant in Ealing at 3/4 Filmworks Walk, marking the third opening for the group. Located in Ealing’s new Filmworks development, Bobo Social will be a 120-seater restaurant, extending to 160 seats courtesy of its summer terrace.