Geof Collyer – the weather will have hit all the pub groups: Deutsche Bank analyst Geof Collyer has forecast that the recent poor weather will have affected all the quoted pub companies. He said: “We have adjusted all of our pub sector forecasts to reflect the same negative impact from recent poor weather. It is possible that much of this has been factored into the share prices but our forecasts are now between 3% and 8% below consensus. With the UK consumer outlook seemingly more upbeat than that for many EU countries, we think the market could see through most of this short term bad news. As a consequence, we have retained our focus on those groups with the best longer term records, driven by sustained investment and operational focus. We recommend remaining buyers of Greene King and Enterprise Inns (the latter still being something of a special situation). Whilst it was very cold over the Easter long weekend in 2013, we did not get the torrential rain that arrived at the beginning of April last year. The performance in 2013 has also been helped by the earlier Easter versus 2012 when it came after many schools had already gone back to school, which suppressed trading. The soft comps of April 2012 were also partly created by a very buoyant April 2011 that benefitted from a heat wave and two double bank holiday weekends for a late Easter and the Royal Wedding. A cursory analysis of the UK weather map during February and March could lead one to conclude that the latest poor weather has been less disruptive for those in London and the south east. We would expect Greene King to lead the way again in terms of current trading – its retail like-for-likes were down in double digits in the last two weeks of April 2012 and it has the greatest southern bias of the major pub groups – though we may have to wait for the last bit of April to be reported with final results on 27 June. Mitchells & Butlers has been the sector’s like-for-likes laggard of late so it will be hoping that its poor comp (like-for-likes were -3.6% for the 5 weeks to 12 May ’12) and its greater food exposure could provide a pleasant surprise. We estimate that poor weather-related recent trading has been bad enough to impact full year numbers by around the equivalent of losing 1% of sales. As this is one of those rare moments when all groups are in the same financial year, we see this recent downturn as applying to all groups. Using our pub trading sensitivity model, we have adjusted all pub forecasts down accordingly – treating all groups as equally impacted so as to avoid any favouritism. We have downgraded earnings forecasts by between -3.5% and -8.2% due to differences in business mix, margins and capital structures.”

Douglas Jack – don’t dwell on poor weather: Numis Securities analyst Douglas Jack has issued a Buy note on Spirit with a Target Price of 85p and argued that “too much emphasis has been placed on recent poor weather”. He said: “If, as we expect, companies can absorb this impact (of poor weather) with minimal impact to forecasts, the growth implications for the next 12 months is positive (even if the weather is poor). Of the pub stocks, we estimate Spirit offers the strongest profit before tax growth. In our view, this and circa £70m of cash tax credits is not fully reflected in the valuation.”

David Singleton to present at the Propel Multi Club Conference on Thursday 20 June at Oxford Belfry: David Singleton, who oversaw the expansion of Premium Country Dining Group into the UK’s largest gastro-pub chain at Mitchells & Butlers, will give his overview of the ten key issues involved in creating and maintaining a multi-site premium offer at the next Propel Multi Club Conference. Multi-site operators can book up to two free places by e-mailing jo.charity@propelinfo.com

Luke Johnson – ‘Margaret Thatcher allowed my business career to flourish’: Sector investor Luke Johnson has praised Margaret Thatcher for creating a culture that allowed business to flourish. Writing for City AM, he stated: “I started my business career by accident the year after Margaret Thatcher was first elected as Prime Minister. She was not the reason why I became an entrepreneur, but she created the culture that allowed it to happen. If any post-war politician was heroic, it was Thatcher. She won all the big intellectual and electoral battles on behalf of everyone who runs their own business, but also those who believe in freedom, private property and self-determination.”

National minimum wage to rise by 12p an hour: The national minimum wage is to increase by 12p an hour to £6.31, the government has announced. The rate for 18 to 20-year-olds will rise by 5p to £5.03, and by 4p to £3.72 for 16 and 17-year-olds. Ministers said they had rejected a recommendation from the Low Pay Commission that the rate for apprentices should be frozen, announcing a 3p an increase to £2.68 an hour. Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “The independent Low Pay Commission plays a crucial role in advising the government when setting the national minimum wage every year. It balances wages of low paid workers against employment prospects if the rate was set too high.” The increases take effect in October this year.

Matthew Fort – restaurant critics have limited influence: Food critic Matthew Fort has argued that the influence of restaurant critics is severely limited. Writing in the magazine for journalism alumni of City University, he stated: “It may be true in London that the word of a critic can put a few thousand customers through the door of a restaurant when it first opens, but that’s about it. In the final analysis, restaurants stand or fall on their own merits. I’ve lost count of the restaurants that I and other critics have praised to the skies, only for them to go onto receivership shortly afterwards. In one memorable case the restaurant went into receivership before my review appeared. Equally numerous are the places given a right drubbing by the arbiters of restaurant taste, which are still doing a roaring trade years later. In the end, people decide for themselves whether or not they will go to eat in a particular place.”

JD Wetherspoon to open four pubs before the end of May: JD Wetherspoon will open four pubs before the end of May. The pubs are: Master Mariner, Union Terrace, Marine Promenade, New Brighton, Merseyside (Tuesday, 23 April) – a conversion of two former nightclubs called RJ’s and Darcy’s Bar, The Mardy Inn, Goseinon, Swansea, West Glamorgan (Tuesday, 30 April) The Clothiers Arms, Yeadon, Leeds (Tuesday, 7 May) and Smith Fold, Glossop, Derbyshire (Tuesday 21 May). Wetherspoon is also offering deals on Strawberry Pimm’s, Gordon’s Gin, Wadworth Ale and Brothers Cider through St George’s week – Monday 22 April to Friday 26 April. There’s also a deal for the week on an 8oz rump steak and drink. Prices vary around the country.

KFC looks to broaden appeal in the UK with “value” freshly ground coffee and breakfast offer: KFC has introduced freshly ground Lavazza coffee as it aims to broaden its appeal and take on coffee chains and fast food rival McDonald’s in the growing coffee market. The fast food chain will sell the premium coffee for £1.29, which it claims makes it the “best value” freshly ground coffee available. KFC is launching press and outdoor advertising to promote the new range and is introducing a loyalty scheme, which offers customers a free cup of coffee for every three purchased to encourage regular purchases. The campaign was launched yesterday (15 April). Speaking to Marketing Week last month, Jennelle Tilling, KFC UK vice president of marketing, said KFC’s is taking steps to encourage consumers, particularly women, to reappraise the brand and consider it for occasions beyond dinner time. As part of this strategy, it is refurbishing its store portfolio and introducing new ranges. It plans to introduce a new desert range in the coming months. The chain has also introduced a breakfast menu in a number of UK restaurants and is rolling it out across Scotland.

AB InBev closes Gloucester customer services department: Stella Artois brewer AB InBev closed its Gloucester site yesterday after moving its customer service department to Luton. A spokesman said: “In order to simplify our on-trade business model and remain competitive in a difficult market, we will be making changes to the structure of our second tier distribution network.” The site employed around 15 workers – in 1999 there were almost 400.

Whitbread to invest £11m in Glasgow: Whitbread is to invest £11m in a 180-bedroom hotel and restaurant opposite the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre and new Hydro arena at the Pacific Quay in Glasgow. Whitbread has acquired a 2.9 acre site next to BBC Scotland’s base on the south bank of the River Clyde. Kevin Murray, from Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, said: “We will be on site soon and plan to open the doors to customers in spring 2014 in readiness for the Commonwealth Games later that summer.”

New real ale pub to open in Cheltenham to create cask cluster: A new real ale pub in Cheltenham will open next week. The Sandford Park Alehouse, in the High Street, will open on St George’s Day, 23 April. The building was formerly home to gay club EXS. Grant Cook, who owns the venue, said: “April 23 is St George’s Day and we’re reviving a wonderful English tradition of real ale drinking, so it seems like a fitting day for us to open on.” The opening means that Cheltenham town centre will have four real ale pubs within a 30-metre radius including The Strand, The Swan and The Restoration. The Sandford Park Ale House will employ around ten people, stocking a variety of real ales from across the UK.

North Yorkshire entrepreneur plans extension to re-opened pub with deli: North Yorkshire entrepreneur Chris Smith, who has operated pubs and restaurants in the Cheshire area, has applied to add ten bedrooms to one of Calderdale’s best known pubs, The Hobbit at Norland, which he has re-opened with a deli – it already has 28 bedrooms. The New Hobbit, as it is now called, has a log burning fire in the middle of one room, a wall made up entirely of thick cut logs, and a deli counter. “I wanted the feel of a plush boutique bar/hotel and hope people walk in and think ‘wow’,” said Smith, who starts refurbishing the existing 28 bedrooms in May.

UK cheese producer recognised by Papa John’s, Domino’s UK and Pizza Hut: Cheese producer Glanbia has been crowned International Supplier of the Year 2012 by pizza takeaway company Papa John’s. The company, which produces nearly 75,000 tonnes of mozzarella cheese a year, taking 15% market share of the EU mozzarella market, was presented with the award jointly with its US sister company Leprino Foods. More than 200 UK dairy farmers supply Glanbia Cheese, which produces 60% of its products in the UK. It has manufacturing facilities in Llangefni, Wales and Magheralin in Northern Ireland. The award follows on from two recent awards from other pizza companies - Dominos UK gave the company the “1st for winning” award, while Pizza Hut presented the processor with its outstanding commercial supply award before Christmas last year.

Bramwell Pub Company site set to become convenience store: Supermarket firm Sainsbury’s has lodged plans to convert Varsity, in London Road, Leicester, into a convenience store. Paul Sellers, Sainsbury’s regional acquisitions manager, said: “Sainsbury’s is in negotiations to open a convenience store at the Varsity public house, subject to planning and licensing.” The site is not one of the nine currently on the market through agent Christie + Co.

Prezzo lines up former convenience store site in Letchworth: Prezzo is to take a former convenience store in Letchworth, in an area that is part of the town’s regeneration scheme. Prezzo has signed a 25-year lease for a site on the corner of Arena Parade and Eastcheap, a former Alldays shop. The restaurant will have pavement tables, a first floor roof garden, and seating for more than 100 diners. Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation secured the deal as part of its town centre rejuvenation strategy. The Heritage Foundation is also developing plans for a new arts centre nearby which will complement the Broadway Cinema and transform the area into a cultural and leisure hub. Prezzo will open in early 2014.

Whole Food Market makes 18 redundant in Cheltenham; plans health resort in the US: Whole Food Market has made 18 people redundant at its latest site in Cheltenham, which opened in November last year. A spokeswoman for Whole Foods Market said: “This was a necessary, but very difficult thing to do in order to get staffing levels right at the store.” When the market opened, one of only two outside London, it had 150 staff. The five Whole Good Markets in London are in Camden, Clapham Junction, Kensington, Piccadilly Circus and Stoke Newington – and there is also one in Giffnock, Glasgow. Meanwhile, Whole Foods Market, which has 346 outlets in the US and Canada, is looking into opening a health and wellness resort where guests would learn how to improve their eating habits. The company is looking into opening an upscale health resort bearing its name and logo within the next three years in Austin, Texas, where the chain is headquartered.

Michelin-starred Skye hotel targets the luxury market: The Kinloch Lodge hotel and restaurant on the Isle of Skye, owned by Lord Godfrey and Lady Claire Macdonald, has had a £750,000 upgrade to help it compete in the luxury market. The hotel has added six new suites, new bathrooms in the hotel’s 13 other rooms and it has more than doubled the size of the kitchen serving the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant. They have also added a private dining area, which can take 15 guests. Lord and Lady Macdonald’s daughter Isabella said: “In today’s highly competitive market, if you stand still, you fall behind and this venture ensures we stay ahead of the market. ‘Guests’ expectations are constantly increasing and we have to keep improving and giving visitors the luxury and standard of service they come to expect, at the same time continuing to give value for money.” The upgrade was funded with £500,000 from Bank of Scotland and £250,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

Three Ever So Sensible Bars freeholds on the market: The three freeholds owned by Ever So Sensible Bars, which went into administration in January, are on the market through Christie + Co and GVA. The three freeholds – Bad Juju, Dogma Nottingham and Dogma Lincoln - are worth an estimated £1.6m meaning that The Royal Bank of Scotland is likely to see a deficiency of around £1.88m on the £3,483,601 it is owed by the company. Unsecured creditors are owed £1,753,634, including a Company Voluntary Arrangement debt of £902,000. A fourth site operated by Ever So Sensible Bar, The Castle in Nottingham is due to have its lease surrendered to its landlord. A separate company Ever So Sensible Restaurants, which operates eight sites, is unaffected by the administration. Administrator KPMG has charged £125,000 so far.

Simon Rogan to close London restaurant and look for a permanent site: Simon Rogan is to close his London pop-up restaurant Roganic on Blandford Street, Marylebone on Thursday 20 June. He will seek a permanent site elsewhere in the city. However, a second Manchester site called Mr Cooper’s will open alongside his existing site The French at the Midland Hotel. His original Cartmel restaurant L’Enclume will close for a month in June to allow for a refurbishment.

Benugo adds Lincoln’s Inn Field site to portfolio: Benugo will open a new site at Lincoln’s Inn Fields in Camden, London, having secured a five-year contract with Camden Council. Benugo will invest £500,000 in the redesign and the refurbishment of the 88-cover restaurant, which will open in July in conjunction with Camden’s Sir John Soane’s Museum. Benugo currently operates Hyde Park’s Serpentine Bar & Kitchen, the Ashmolean Dining Room in Oxford, and a site at London’s Natural History Museum. 

Potato Merchant opens in London’s Exmouth market: A restaurant specialising in potatoes, The Potato Merchant, has opened in London’s Exmouth Market. It is owned by Ronnie Truss and David Miney, who also own Bincho Yakitori, and offers a menu that makes use of unusual varieties of potato in various guises, aiming to showcase more than 50 varieties throughout the year. The all-day menu will offer traditional breakfast alongside a choice of sautéed potatoes, bubble and squeak and potato breads, as well as afternoon tea including potato bread and butter pudding and sweet potato brownies. The daily-changing restaurant menu will offer a special potato dish of the day. There’s a traditional grocer’s shop on site too, allowing customers to take home potatoes and offering chutneys, flavoured salts, peelers and graters.

Wine drinkers baffled by experts’ descriptions: A survey of 1,000 wine drinkers by One Poll has found the most baffling descriptions. More than half of wine drinkers who took part in the survey (55%) said the descriptions given to wines failed to help them get an understanding of the flavour. Those expressions found most confusing were the phrases “firm skeleton” (designated least useful by 37%), “old bones” (35%), “nervy” (31%) “wet stone” (27%), “tongue spanking” (21%), “haunting” (21%), “spring hedgerows” (19%) and “brooding” (18%). Other terms found puzzling included: “vegetal”, “leathery”, “chunky”, “canny” and “minerality”. The most helpful terms were “fresh” (considered useful by 47%), “zesty” (43%) and “peachy” (31%). All the terms used in the survey were taken from the bottles or websites of leading wine brands, or recent reviews by leading wine critics.