A new survey has highlighted the devastating impact of pub closures on communities and isolated individuals.
The
Open Arms report was commissioned by The Campaign to End Loneliness and part of a collaboration between Heineken and Loughborough University.
Some 86% of survey respondents said when a pub closes the local community suffers.
Just over two third (64%) said their local was one of the main places that people living in their area can socialise.
Conversations between regulars and staff in pubs had a significant impact on alleviating feelings of isolation, the report found.
Pub staff posses a range of soft skills relating to customer service and communication, the report said.
Championing the trade: While the awards are certainly going to be different in 2021, following a year of almost total shutdown, the aim remains the same to celebrate some of the excellent work that operators have been doing despite the challenges The Publican Awards finalists have been revealed as the spotlight is turned on some of the best operations in the business.
Leading businesses from across the sector have been announced as finalists across 11 categories, ranging from Best Employer to Best Food Offer.
Ed Bedington, editor of
The Morning Advertiser, which organises the awards, said: “While the awards are certainly going to be different in 2021, following a year of almost total shutdown, the aim remains the same to celebrate some of the excellent work that operators have been doing despite the challenges.
Pub group Star Pubs & Bars is to continue to offer all its pubs on core leased and tenanted agreements a 90% rent reduction during the weeks in which hospitality businesses are required to close due to lockdown in England, Scotland and Wales.
Amuse-bouches: The latest restaurant news bites 8th January, 2021 by Phoebe French
This week in restaurant news: French chef Cyril Lignac prepares to make his London debut, Scottish hospitality reports an 80% reduction in Christmas trading, and a Welsh restaurant stalwart closes its doors for good.
Cyril Lignac is set to open a London version of his Paris eatery Bar des Prés.
Scottish hospitality reports 80% reduction in December trading: An update from members of the Scottish Hospitality Group revealed that trading in December was down 80%. SHG said members lost an average of £12,000 worth of revenue per week. Stephen Montgomery, spokesperson for SHG, said: “Without Christmas, when we earn around 30% of our entire annual income, most hospitality businesses just aren’t viable. We’ve had the worst December’s trading in living memory and we’re facing the worst start to a
Heineken UK has hired David Flochel as its new MD.
Flochel, previously CEO of European self-service retailer Selecta Group, will take the helm of the brewing giant from January.
He replaces Heineken’s long-standing former MD David Forde, who stepped down in June.
Heineken’s off-trade director Simon Amor has been interim MD since Forde departed. He will return to his previous role.
Flochel was “a proven leader with a deep and diverse experience in consumer goods,” said Heineken Europe president Søren Hagh. “His authentic leadership style, customer-centric approach and passion for developing talent are a great fit with Heineken as we continue our journey as Britain’s leading pubs, cider and beer business.