Today’s news in brief – 19/03/24

Prezzo has reported a return to profitability following a strategic review of the business in April 2023, which saw it close almost a third of its restaurants. In the year ended 1 January 2023, the Italian casual dining group’s revenues also rose to £135m from £95m following an increase in menu prices and a focus on efficiency. 

Spending at pubs increased 23% year-on-year this Super Saturday, as the final round of the Six Nations saw Ireland taking home the title for the second year in a row, according to the new Barclays Consumer Spend data. However, growth in spending at bars, pubs and clubs in the month was at its lowest level (1.1%) since September 2022.

The government will be fully funding small business apprenticeships from 1 April by paying the full cost of training for anyone up to the age of 21. This news comes after UKHospitality lobbied for the government to allow for more freedom in how businesses use the apprenticeship levy in last year’s Spring Budget.

Pan-Asian restaurant UBA will be opening in Shoreditch. Opening on 2 April, the 275 sqm space will be located on Great Eastern Street and forms part of the Hart Shoreditch Hotel. It will also feature a 105-cover restaurant plus a private dining room seating 12.