Amuse-bouches: The latest restaurant news bites

In UK restaurant news this week: Data shows there have been 500,000 hospitality job losses since January, the first arrests are made in relation to Eat Out to Help Out fraud, and St. John restaurant banishes the lockdown blues with a pie delivery service.

Lockdown leads to £11.1bn drinks loss in on-trade: The recently published Fentimans Market Report, using data from CGA, has assessed the impact of the first lockdown on the UK on-trade. From 22 March to 8 August 2020, drinks sales in pubs, bars and restaurants fell by £11.1 billion, compared to the previous year.

500,000 job losses in hospitality since January: Data from Fourth has also demonstrated the effect Covid-19 has had on jobs. 500,000 hospitality job losses have been recorded since January, with over a fifth fewer roles held in the sector compared with October 2019.

First arrests made for EOTHO fraud: HMRC officers in London have arrested three men aged 43, 48 and 37 for fraud in connection to the Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

Camino secures jobs in rescue deal: Spanish restaurant group Camino has secured 77 jobs, four restaurants and two bars after being bought out of administration. It has been bought by a newly-incorporated company owned by its founders Nigel Foster and Richard Bigg.

Welsh restaurants reopen: Welsh hospitality outlets have been given permission to reopen this week after the country’s 16-day ‘firebreak’. Groups of four people from different households can now dine together indoors, while larger groups can also meet so long as they are from the same household.

Top Cuvée launches Take Cuvée: The team at Highbury’s Top Cuvée are using every pun in the book. Having previously launched Shop Cuvée, it has now unveiled a delivery service, which will soon be available across London.

St. John launches London pie service: Nose-to-tail specialist St John. is bringing is suet crusts to the masses with the unveiling of a pie delivery service across London. It will be offering different pies each week, with the inaugural pie being pheasant and trotter.

Diogenes The Dog launches new gift box and online shop: Elephant & Castle shop and wine bar Diogenes The Dog has launched a new gift box for the festive season as well as an online shop featuring wines for national delivery.

67 Pall Mall prepares a virtual Christmas masterclass series: London members’ club for wine lovers, 67 Pall Mall, is launching a Christmas masterclass series throughout December. Head chef Marcus Verberne and the club’s sommeliers will guide viewers through Christmas wine pairings and dishes.

Ampéli launches finish at home meal kits: London Eastern Med-inspired restaurant Ampéli has entered the meal kit market with a series of seasonal feast boxes feeding groups of up to four, accompanied by a selection of seasonal Greek wines from Ampéli’s latest list.

Closures: 

Meatliquor King’s Cross: Meatliquor announced on social media this week that it would not be reopening its King’s Cross site after the second English lockdown.