Amuse-bouches: The latest restaurant news bites

In restaurant news this week: the 10pm curfew cuts hospitality sales by over a third, the Polpo restaurant group reportedly files for administration, and the UK’s “first” orange wine bar opens its doors.

10pm curfew cuts hospitality sales by over a third: According to a report by The Guardian, sales at 7,000 chain outlets were down by 37% after the 10pm closing time was imposed in England, Wales and Scotland. Sales in London and Scotland were 47% and 44% behind levels seen in 2019 respectively.

Over a third of hospitality businesses won’t survive six-month 10pm curfew: A study conducted by Lumina Intelligence for Big Hospitality has found that 35% of businesses say they won’t survive the six-month restrictions. The poll collected responses from 358 board level members of pubs, restaurants and takeaway operations.

Restaurant group Polpo reportedly files for administration: Italian restaurant group Polpo has filed for administration, according to a report in The Times. The group operates restaurants in Chelsea and Soho and underwent a voluntary company agreement (CVA) last year.

Côte acquired by investment group: Brasserie chain brand Côte has been acquired by investment management firm Partners Group. The deal has saved 94 out of the brand’s 98 restaurants.

Northern Ireland introduces 11pm curfew: After a 10pm closing time was adopted in England, Wales and Scotland, Northern Ireland has now altered its guidelines. Hospitality outlets are not permitted to serve food or alcohol after 10:30pm and all customers must vacate the premises by 11pm.

Fuller’s to reduce workforce by up to 10%: According to the BBC, pub operator Fuller’s has said it may have to lay off up to 10% of its staff as home-working hits its city-centre pubs. Chief executive Simon Emeny said that this could affect as many as 500 jobs.

D&D to relocate First Dates restaurant: Restaurant operator D&D London said it is to relocate its Paternoster Chophouse restaurant, which has been used as the location for the Channel 4 Series First Dates, to a new address in Ludgate Hill. D&D, which said that the decision had been made due to a proposed refurbishment of the current building, said the new location was only a short walk from the restaurant’s former site.

Openings:

Silver Lining: Billed as the UK’s first dedicated orange wine bar, Silver Lining opened this week in London. With over 50 orange wines on the list, with all bottles also available to takeaway, the bar also has an ‘Orange Wednesdays’ offer with a selection of sips available at £5 per glass.

Berberè Pizzeria: Italian pizza chain Berberè, owned by brothers Matteo and Salvatore Aloe, is to open its first UK outpost on 15 October. Based in Bologna, the chain focuses on “honest” pizza with fresh dough made every day. It will be located just off Clapham High Street.

Imad’s Syrian Kitchen: Syrian chef Imad Alarnab is to open his first permanent restaurant called Imad’s Syrian Kitchen in Kingly Court, London, in early November, reports Richard Vines of Bloomberg. Alarnab is now crowdfunding a final £50,000 to get the restaurant up and running.