Today’s news in brief – 15/11/23

Fuller’s reported a 12% increase in total revenues to £188.8m for H1 ending 30 September, with like-for-like sales up 12.7%. The group attributed the growth to an “excellent” customer experience. Food sales rose 15.5%, drink sales 10.9%, and accommodation sales 13.4%. Adjusted profit before tax increased 48% to £14.5m. For the 32 weeks to 11 November, like-for-like sales were up 11.7%, and Christmas bookings were 11% ahead of the previous year.

Restaurants, pubs, and bars experienced a slowdown in year-on-year growth to 3.2% in October, according to data from CGA. This represents the 13th consecutive month of like-for-like growth, but it marks a decline from the 5.9% rise in September. While pub sales rose 5% compared with October 2022, managed restaurants grew only 2.7%, and bars faced a difficult month with sales down 7.8%. London outperformed the rest of the country for the 18th consecutive month, with like-for-like sales within the M25 up 4.8%, compared with 2.7% elsewhere.

Young’s Brewery has acquired The Ship Inn, a freehold waterside pub in Noss Mayo, South West Devon. The property is located on the tidal Yealm Estuary and comprises a ground-floor pub and dining room with a private pier, garden, waterfront terrace, and a private dining room on the water’s edge. The Ship Inn will be Young’s fifth site in Devon. The pub was previously owned by the Bullock family for 16 years, and Young’s plans to retain its values and original features.

Italian bakery and wine bar Capilungo will open in Covent Garden on 13 December. Co-founded by brother and sister duo Gianluca and Asia Capilungo, along with their uncle Luca Capilungo and Asia’s partner Huzefa Sawajal, the venue will focus on Lecce’s local delicacies. Uncle Luca will serve as head chef, Asia will manage the venture, and Gianluca will bring his mixology expertise. The 15-cover venue, located on Long Acre, will offer a concise menu centred around ‘pasticciotto’ and ‘rustico’ pastries.