Today’s news in brief – 19/09/24

Hostmore has fallen into administration, endangering some 4,500 jobs. While a total of 87 TGI Fridays restaurants have been put up for sale, they will continue to operate as normal during the administration process. The news comes after Hostmore’s plans to acquire the US operator of TGI Fridays for £177m fell through earlier this month.  

ASLEF has voted to accept a multi-year pay deal, bringing a two-year dispute with 16 train companies to an end. Members of the train drivers union voted 96% in favour of the deal, which will see drivers receive a pay rise of 15% over the next three years. UKH chief Kate Nicholls has stated that hospitality businesses will be “breathing a sigh of relief” as a result.

Managed pubs have outdone the licensed sector over the course of August with year-on-year growth of 2.9%, despite disappointing weather. Restaurants recorded a 0.8% increase, while the on-the-go segment achieved 5% growth. However, bars continued a long run of negative numbers with a drop of 9%. 

La Maritxu will open a second London site on Soho’s Kingly Street. The Basque cheesecake operator’s latest opening will be a 271 sq ft café at 10 Kingly Street, adjacent to the entrance of Soho’s renowned food hub Kingly Court. Also due to launch later this year is Donutelier on Carnaby Street which, like La Maritxu, will add a grab-and-go option at Kingly Court.