Today’s news in brief – 15/04/25

The Non-Domestic Rating Act has become law. This new legislation aims to provide a permanently lower level of business rates for the hospitality sector. Following the news, UKH has asked for the maximum discount to be applied to hospitality properties with a rateable value of less than £500k. For those with a value over £500k, UKH is also calling for them to be exempt from the surcharge in line with the government’s intention to level the playing field for the sector. 

Average drinks sales in the first week of April rose by 5% thanks to bright weather. According to CGA’s Daily Drinks Tracker, growth would have been even stronger without comparisons being distorted by the long Easter weekend, which fell in late March in 2024. This pushed daily sales down by 15% and 28% on Sunday 30 and Monday 31 March. However, trading then surged back into growth of 19% and 22% on the next two days, Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 April. 

Stonegate Group has brought 220 pubs under one umbrella, known as The People’s Pub, as the operator continues to evolve its brands and formats. Starting from today (15 April), The People’s Pub is being rolled out with a new food and drink menu. Every pub in this portfolio will also focus on offering “great beer, live sport, proper food and top-tier entertainment”. While each of the 220 pubs within The People’s Pub will keep its own name and unique personality, they will be united by a consistent food and drink offer. 

Thwaites has reopened The Bull’s Head in Solihull after a £600k refurbishment. The pub now benefits from an enhanced outdoor space, which features an outside bar, heating and fire pits for year-round dining, and table tennis and interactive games. Inside, the property has been completely transformed with a new bar, a large space ideal for private dining, and a new restaurant area. The project has seen five new jobs created within the local community, with a 40-strong team now working at The Bulls Head.