Today’s news in brief – 16/09/24

The end of business rates relief could cost the industry £928m in April, UKH has warned. Data from UKH found that A local pub could see an increase of £11k, a town centre restaurant an additional £30k, and a seaside hotel could be left with an increase of £40k. As a result, the trade body is calling for a permanent and universal rate.

Experiential venues have emerged as “increasingly compelling” to customers, according to research from CGA by NIQ, which found that 35% of consumers that go out for competitive socialising activities do so every week. Meanwhile, 60% of consumers now say they are more likely to visit a pub or bar if it offers these sorts of competitive socialising activities. 

Pizza Express has opened a new site at The ICC, Birmingham. Alongside serving up its pizza and dough balls, the company is bringing live music back to the city of Birmingham by launching its first record store outside London inside the pizzeria. Pizza Express Birmingham ICC’s Live Sessions will be held on Thursday evenings from 6pm.

Craft Union Pub Company has raised £500k for charities in six months. Having raised around £800k last year, it now aims to raise £1m by February 2025. Fundraising activities in Craft Union pubs across the UK have included everything from charity auctions and raffles to sponsored events and themed parties.