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All MCA Insight articles in May 2026 – Page 7
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Analysis & InsightHospitality sees further dip in like-for-like sales
Britain’s hospitality groups experienced a 0.4% decline in like-for-like sales in April, as consumers continued to tighten their spend, according to the latest NIQ RSM Hospitality Business Tracker.
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Analysis & InsightPopeyes: ‘Our control of the basics has enabled us to scale’
The fast-growing fried chicken chain’s CTO, David Carey, told MCA’s Hostech Conference that the unification of different tech systems is a big focus as the group continues to scale
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OpinionWhitbread: Its next chapter as a pure-play hotel business
Less than two years since launching a new five-year plan for Premier Inn and Beefeater owner Whitbread, chief executive Dominic Paul has rolled out a fresh one. MCA columnist Dominic Walsh assesses the reasoning and impact of its latest strategy
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NewsGreene King sells Old Speckled Hen as part of new on-trade brewing strategy
The group says it will move away from the off-trade and export channels under the new approach, which has led to the sale of Old Speckled Hen to Damm UK
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NewsHospitality sees ‘some of the largest falls’ in payroll numbers as UK unemployment rises
UKHospitality has said rising unemployment and fewer job opportunities in the sector are the results of ’endless cost increases’
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NewsBow Street Group reports continued improvement to sales
In a trading update ahead of its AGM today, the Wildwood and dim t owner and operator said group revenue was up on a comparable basis for the four and a half months to 17 May 2026, with acquisition discussions ongoing.
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NewsJason Cotta steps down as Arcturus CEO
He leaves the group to pursue new opportunities after joining TriSpan in November 2024 to lead the formation of its Asian restaurant platform, Arcturus, which brought together its Pho, Rosa’s Thai and Mowgli brands
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NewsThe Real Greek set to change hands for £1.5m
The sale of the Mediterranean restaurant business to Karali Group was for an agreed sum of £1m, paid on completion, with a further consideration of £500k to be paid based on the successful assignment of ten leases.
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NewsUnstable systems: why supermarkets are changing tack on supply and what it could mean for hospitality
After a long series of supply challenges supermarkets are selectively moving away from transactional procurement towards longer-term supplier partnerships, writes David Read, founder of Prestige Purchasing
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News‘No easy route to recovery’ for hospitality as insolvencies remain high
Analysis of government figures by Buchler Phillips shows the sector remains near the top of the insolvency table with ‘experiential’ or themed chains and cocktail bars the most vulnerable formats
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Analysis & InsightLynx Purchasing warns of oncoming ‘inflation storm’ for hospitality
A sharp rise in inflation is inevitable as a result of the Middle East war, with meat, fish, and oils among the most impacted categories, according to the hospitality purchasing specialist
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Analysis & InsightHow hospitality is integrating AI assistants into the workplace
Virtual assistants to support staff and enhance the customer experience are becoming more prevalent across the sector, but, as delegates at MCA’s Hostech Conference were told, adoption remains a challenge
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NewsPuttshack revenues continue to decline
The experiential operator reported turnover of £18.9m for its UK business in 2024, declining from £22.4m in 2023
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NewsNightcap to launch new sports bar concept
The late night operator is planning to launch a sports bar called The Side Hustle in St Paul’s/Bank area, MCA understands
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NewsYoung’s delivers record performance
The premium pub operator has reported revenue of £508.2m for the year ended 30 March, supported by 4.7% like-for-like sales growth after a strong Christmas and excellent spring weather
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NewsPizzaExpress carries momentum into FY26
The pizzeria chain delivered like-for-like sales growth of 5% in Q1, plus sales of £112m during a period of “transformation and innovation” for the group
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NewsMitchells & Butlers ‘well placed’ to further grow market share
The pub and restaurant operator has reported revenue of £1,490m for the 28 weeks to 11 April, with 3.3% like-for-like growth during the period
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NewsVAT on children’s restaurant meals cut to 5% for summer
UKHospitality says the move, which will apply to eat-in restaurant dishes served from a children’s menu, reflects government recognition that a lower VAT rate delivers immediate benefits for the economy
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NewsDozens of hospitality companies recognised in Sunday Times Best Places to Work list 2026
Dishoom, Moto, Bella Italia and Ardent Pub Group are among the 60 hospitality businesses to feature on the 2026 UK list
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NewsFlight Club passes billion-dart milestone
The competitive socialising brand says growth momentum continues following the launch of its latest site, in Reading, and strong FY25 financial results