Amuse-bouches: The latest restaurant news bites

In restaurant news this week: one third of hospitality businesses in the UK fear collapse, chef Sven-Hanson Britt unveils his new project in east London and Tommy Banks teams up with Lord’s on a new venture.

Wine List Confidential 2020 is here: We are delighted to announce the launch of the digital edition of Wine List Confidential 2020, published by the drinks business. We present our round-up of the top 100 restaurants in London for wine that you can visit once restrictions are eased. You can purchase the online edition for £10 here.

One third of hospitality businesses warn of permanent closure: Over a third of businesses in the accommodation and food service industries said they had little or no confidence that their business would survive the next three months, a survey by the ONS has found. These industries were the most downbeat about their chances of survival, the study also noted.

Northern Ireland hospitality shutdown extended for two weeks: Restaurants, bars and pubs in Northern Ireland that were expecting to reopen next Friday (27 November) were told this week that the lockdown would be extended for a further two weeks. Non-essential retail must also remain closed, and off-licences can open until 8pm. The lockdown will be lifted again on 11 December.

72% of hospitality and pub businesses could become unviable and close in 2021: A survey commissioned by trade bodies British Beer & Pub Association, the British Institute of Innkeeping and UKHospitality, and conducted by analyst CGA, has revealed that 72% of sector businesses expect to become unviable and close in 2021.

HMRC issues compliance checks for Eat Out to Help Out: HMRC will be contacting around 4,000 businesses to recover money paid out incorrectly as part of the EOTHO scheme. Over 84,000 companies took part, offering 50% discounts on eligible purchases from Mondays through Wednesday in August. Those who claimed money incorrectly have 60 days to respond to the HMRC request.

Sven-Hanson Britt unveils Homestead: Ex-Ritz chef Sven-Hanson Britt is to open the first restaurant in new east London development London City Island. Called Homestead, it is currently operating as a deli and pantry, with takeaway meals available, and will transform into a dine-in site next month. Launched with business partners partners Tris Hillier and Scott Ward, Homestead will offer all-day dining, focusing on ethically-sourced, high-welfare British produce.

Tommy Banks to head up Lord’s Cricket Ground restaurant: Tommy Banks of Michelin-starred the Black Swan at Oldstead is open a new restaurant at Lord’s Cricket Ground next year as part of a three-year partnership with the MCC. Called Edrich after the stand in which it’s based, the menu will be curated by Banks who once dreamed of becoming a professional cricketer.

Adam Handling’s Eve Bar launches bottled cocktails for home delivery: Chef and restaurateur Adam Handling’s zero waste Eve Bar has launched a pre-batched bottled cocktail delivery service. Available nationwide in 500ml bottles, options include signature serves No ‘X’ in Espresso and Pandan Old Fashioned as well as new offerings Lemon BonBon, Eve ‘Grounded’ Negroni and alcohol-free alternative Maple Salted Nogroni.