All MCA Insight articles in November 2025
View all stories from this issue.
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NewsVulnerable Diageo could be forced to spin off Guinness
The UK-listed drinks giant is braced for a swoop by an activist investor that would force it to sell its Guinness brand after a profits alert sent its shares to their lowest level in a decade, The Mail on Sunday reports
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NewsIs Britain falling out of love with Starbucks?
Property sources say Starbucks has closed about 80 underperforming stores in the UK as it seeks to refocus on profitable locations, The Times reports
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Weekend PressFried chicken wars shake up fast-food pecking order
Jumping on sizzling new trends and catering to Gen Z taste buds is not without its risks, the Financial Times reports
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NewsFive Guys hunts for new investor to flip stake
Jointly owned by the entrepreneur Sir Charles Dunstone’s investment vehicle, a deal could value Five Guys’ European operation, which trades from nearly 300 sites, at up to £600m, Sky News reports
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OpinionTrouble at the top
A war of words is brewing between two of the premium restaurant sector’s top CEOs, whose musical chairs seem to have contributed to a growing sense of acrimony
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NewsMcDonald’s to introduce further measures to protect staff from sexual harassment
Under an extended agreement with the equality regulator, the fast food giant will introduce a new safeguarding policy and refreshed sexual harassment training for restaurant managers
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NewsMartin Williams hits back at Gaucho in restaurant ‘greenwashing’ row
The steakhouse group’s former CEO says the new leadership team was made aware of the charity partnership with Not For Sale despite claims to the contrary
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NewsPapa Johns UK records strongest quarter since Covid
The pizza chain’s sales saw high single-digit growth in Q3 2025, attributed to a recent brand relaunch, new partnerships with aggregators, and a stronger focus on customer experience and loyalty
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NewsRick Stein: ‘Putting national insurance up just stopped growth’
The chef and restauranteur has told The Standard he would like to see a moratorium on VAT in this month’s budget
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NewsBrighton Pier up for sale as revenue drops
Brighton Pier Group said it is ’actively exploring opportunities for the potential sale of some or all of its remaining assets’ as a result of the the impact of last year’s budget
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Analysis & InsightIs it time at the bar for The Revel Collective?
Having launched a formal sales process and warned it’s at risk of running out of cash, MCA examines what the future may hold for the beleaguered pub and bar operator
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NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up the week’s biggest openings stories, featuring a new venue from Asahi, Loungers’ latest Cosy Club relaunch, and Dal Fiorentino’s fourth site
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NewsThe Ivy MD steps down
Laura Mills, who oversaw The Ivy, Ivy Asia and Harry’s, has left the Richard Caring-backed restaurant company after more than eight years
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Analysis & Insight‘Deep-rooted inflation continues to define foodservice prices’
Food and drink prices in the hospitality sector increased by 0.7% in September, taking the taking the Foodservice Price Index from CGA by NIQ and Prestige Purchasing to a record high of 151.1.
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NewsChristmas classics return to food to go
From Subway’s Ultimate Festive Sub to Costa’s Dubai-style pistachio tiffin, food to go chains are rolling out Christmas menus packed with festive flavours and trendier twists
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InterviewsLaine: ‘We’re built by young people for young people’
The Brighton-based pubco has launched its first site in Norwich under its Dead Wax brand as it continues to place greater emphasis on the Gen-Z market and data-driven expansion
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NewsMcDonald’s: Chicken Big Mac exceeding expectations in UK
CEO Chris Kempczinski said the brand will continue to go after the broader chicken opportunity, by expanding its portfolio and with limited-time offers to meet evolving consumer tastes
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NewsRestaurant Conference returns in one week
Leaders from Azzurri Group, Fulham Shore, Bill’s, The Evolv Collection, JKS, KFC and Wahaca are among the headline speakers
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Analysis & InsightAre drinks the way to Gen Z diners’ hearts?
The surge in popularity of drinks such as matcha and bubble tea among younger consumers has led QSR brands to give their beverage offers a glow up. Is it enough to entice them into their venues?
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NewsArc Inspirations delivers £48m revenue ahead of London launch
The bar group reported a resilient performance and has secured new funding of £4m to support further expansion, with its recent debut in the capital to be followed by further openings in Liverpool, Cardiff, and Edinburgh