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All MCA Insight articles in May 2026
View all stories from this issue.
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NewsWhitbread: ‘Our branded restaurants have faced material challenge’
The group has blamed the impact of inflation and tax rises, combined with lower financial returns, for its decision to exit its branded restaurants division
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Analysis & InsightSixes looks to future under new ownership
The experiential cricket concept has been acquired by a new vehicle, Sixes Entertainment Limited, backed by its secured lenders: Aurora Leasing and Vantage Capital
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NewsPizzaExpress moves into QSR with new restaurant format
The group has launched a new site in Brixton that features self-ordering kiosks and an emphasis on takeaway, with further openings planned for the new format
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NewsInflationary pressures hit margins at Pizza Union
The Bobby Hashemi-led Roman pizza bar brand has reported a drop in both turnover and profit in its 2025 financial results, following the closure of one of its London sites
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NewsMarket Halls appoints new sales & marketing director
Emma Weekes joins during a busy period of growth for the food hall operator, which plans to reach 10 sites by 2028 and deliver £100m revenue within two years
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NewsHeston Blumenthal eyes growth following strategic investment from COMO Group
The investment, made into The Fat Duck Group’s holding company, SL6 Limited, comes as it looks to build on recent growth and explore expansion opportunities
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NewsTossed: ‘Central London isn’t the focus for current growth’
Neil Sebba, managing director of the healthy eating brand, tells MCA the group sees more interesting expansion opportunities outside of London, as underscored by its newly announced Gatwick Airport location
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OpinionTrailblazing Beefeater faces the chop
With owner Whitbread long ago losing interest in branded restaurants in favour of more proftiable hotels, it was surprising Beefeater and Brewers Fayre lasted as long as they did, their dependency on Premier Inn maintaining the brands on terminal life support
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Weekend PressGreene King boss says landlord applications are still pouring in
Demand to run bars is strong in the face of rising costs, Nick Mackenzie says, with occupancy rates of 98% across his company’s estate, The Times reports
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Weekend PressFood inflation over past five years to hit 50 per cent
Impact of Iran war means prices of staples will have risen four times more quickly since 2021 than in the previous two decades, The Times reports
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Weekend PressForget oil, fertiliser is the shortage that will cause the most suffering
The Strait of Hormuz blockade is causing a fertiliser crisis. The consequences for global food supplies could be catastrophic, The Sunday Times writes
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Weekend PressUK pub groups betting on World Cup to counter sluggish consumer demand
Optimism comes as a result of early bookings despite the sector enduring tepid sales growth in March, the FT reports
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Weekend PressRestaurants lean on AI to cut waste and reduce costs
Hospitality sector has been slower than others at adopting the technology, the FT writes
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Weekend PressCost of a pint hits £10 in London for first time
High-end bars now charging double-digits for draught as high taxes hammer hospitality sector, The Telegraph reports
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Weekend PressHeineken plans huge investment in hundreds of UK pubs ahead of World Cup
The Dutch brewing giant has revealed plans to invest more than £44 million into improvements for hundreds of its UK pubs, which will create around 850 jobs, The Independent reports
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Weekend PressFormer trade minister quits as chair of Groucho Club-owner Artfarm
Lord Davies, the former trade minister and one of Britain’s most prolific corporate figures, is stepping down as chairman of the company which owns London’s Groucho Club, Sky News reports
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NewsThe Real Greek rescued by Cote Brasserie-owner
Karali Group, which also operates the Côte Brasserie chain, has bought 19 out of 28 restaurants from Japanese restaurant group Toridoll, which owns The Real Greek’s parent company Fulham Shore
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NewsGreene King reduces loss with strong operating profit growth in FY25
The pub and brewing group reported a set of improved numbers for the 53 weeks to 4 January 2026, increasing group revenue by 3.6% and narrowing its losses to -£23.4m, driven by strong peak trading and disciplined cost control
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NewsPubs closing at rate of two per day
Around 161 pubs permanently closed their doors in the first three months of the year – a 26% increased compared to the same period last year, according to the BBPA.
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NewsBAO managing director to step down
Tom Ward joined the Taiwanese restaurant business in 2018, as operations manager, before being promoted to MD in 2024