Today’s news in brief – 08/12/23

The Carlsberg Marston Brewing Company has announced the closure of the Ringwood Brewery. Founded in 1978 and known for its craft ales, the brewery faced a decline in production and employment over recent years. Despite efforts from a consortium aiming to revitalise the brewery as an independent craft ale producer, the decision to shut down profoundly impacts local employment and the town of Ringwood, losing a longstanding community hub and employer. There’s hope within the community that this decision might be reconsidered to salvage jobs and preserve the brewery’s legacy.

Comptoir Group’s expansion continues with the upcoming Comptoir Libanais restaurant at London’s Southbank Centre, slated for Easter 2024. Positioned strategically opposite the Royal Festival Hall entrance, the eatery aims to cater to a diverse crowd of visitors and locals, benefitting from the Centre’s high footfall of 19 million annually. Offering an all-day dining experience with both indoor and outdoor seating, this venture marks the 23rd opening for the group. 

Brits are gearing up to spend £7.4bn on Christmas outings, according to research from Double Dutch and OnePoll, with Londoners leading the charge. This significant spending boost bodes well for the struggling hospitality sector, with venues set to reap rewards, particularly as 44% of consumers prioritise visits to bars and restaurants. Interestingly, younger adults plan a ‘hangover day,’ stepping away from the ‘hustle culture.’ Their enthusiastic spending, averaging over £200 per night out, hints at substantial gains for the hospitality industry.