Today’s news in brief – 10/10/23

Pubs see increased spending in September as restaurants struggle. Consumer card spending in UK pubs saw a 6.1% rise in September, likely driven by the Rugby World Cup. Meanwhile, restaurant spending fell 10.8% compared with the previous month, and takeout spending increased by just 6.5%. In a survey, 44% of Brits said they plan to cut discretionary spending over the next few months to prepare for the holiday season, with eating out being the most common area where they plan to cut back.

Greggs has opened its first Greggs café inside a Sainsbury’s store at Crystal Peaks as part of a partnership with the supermarket. This marks the third Greggs shop to open in collaboration with Sainsbury’s, with previous locations at petrol forecourts. The partnership aims to launch more sites by the end of the year, encompassing both petrol filling stations and cafés.

Caravan is opening its flagship restaurant in Covent Garden on Drury Lane. The Grade II-listed Victorian granary spans two floors and offers alfresco terrace dining, private hire spaces, a basement cocktail bar with a vintage celestial sound system, and a romantic table for two in a subterranean light well. 

Sides is opening its first high street location in Dalston, offering its classic menu items available in Boxpark and Harrow. The new restaurant will accommodate approximately 40 diners and create 30 jobs in the local area. The brand initially operated through dark kitchens and food delivery apps before expanding to a physical location due to high demand.