Today’s news in brief – 05/09/24

Confidence of hospitality leaders has fallen to 49% from 4% in May, spelling a third consecutive quarter-on-quarter drop, according to CGA by NIQ’s latest Business Confidence Survey. Hospitality’s confidence has been sapped by several years of high inflation, and challenges in several key areas continue. 

Boxpark has begun refurbishing its newest venture in Camden, which will open in late September. In anticipation of the reopening, Boxpark has also announced it has secured a licence to operate the three-floor market that will include 60 independent food and retail traders alongside two bars, complete with a rooftop terrace (subject to planning permission). 

Abuelo has launched its second café-restaurant on Cavendish Place in Marylebone. The new site is the second site in London for the mother and daughter team with the first being opened in 2018. During the day, the menu is “Australian style” brunch with a “twist of Latin American flavours”.

The Hero pub in Maida Vale has introduced The Grill, which will serve as an “elevated” dining experience within the newest venue from the team behind The Pelican in Notting Hill and The Bull in Charlbury. It will focus on specialty meats and fish with dishes such as Raw Beef with Hash Brown, Dressed Crab, Pork T-Bone with Apple and John Dory.