Today’s news in brief – 07/03/24

Young’s Pubs has acquired City Pub Group for £162m. The deal has added 51 wet-led pubs to the group’s managed trading estate, taking its overall estate to 279. Young’s has also expanded into new markets including Norwich and Cambridge thanks to the deal.

UKH Scotland urged the Scottish government to use £295m for hospitality support. This follows news that Scotland will receive around £295m in additional funding through the Barnett formula. UKH Scotland believes business rates relief that is on par with what is being offered to English businesses is “a matter of urgency”. 

Gaucho has launched VAT-free lunches on Fridays during March in all 10 of its central London locations. It comes as the Mayor of London has launched a campaign to bring back Friday trading in the capital. Diners who visit any of Gaucho’s London venues will automatically enjoy a 20% off all ‘a la carte’ dining bills between 12-4pm.

The Guinea Grill in Mayfair has reopened following an expansion that has created additional dining space and two new private dining rooms. Located on Bruton Place, the pub has increased its ground-floor dining area by an additional 60 covers, whilst upstairs is now home to two new private dining rooms, The Gallery and The Wine Room, seating 12 and 16 respectively.