Sector sees sales increase 1.3% in August for second successive month of below-inflation growth: Britain’s leading hospitality groups achieved “modest” year-on-year sales growth of 1.3% in August 2024, the latest edition of the CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker reveals. Groups have now achieved like-for-like increases in every month of 2024 except April. However, it is a second successive month of below-inflation growth, and the tracker has topped 4% only once since the start of the year. Total sales growth in August, including new venues opened during the last 12 months, stood at 3.7%. The tracker – produced by CGA by NIQ in partnership with RSM UK – shows managed pubs outperformed the sector as a whole in August, with year-on-year growth of 2.9% despite disappointing weather. Restaurants recorded a 0.8% increase, but bars continued a long run of negative numbers with a drop of 9.0%. The on-the-go segment achieved 5.0% growth. Sales rose by 1.2% inside the M25 in August, while venues further afield fractionally outperformed with 1.4% growth. It is only the second time this year that the capital has recorded weaker figures than the rest of the country. Karl Chessell, director – hospitality operators and food, EMEA at CGA by NIQ, said: “August’s figures complete a modest summer for hospitality groups, and with the weather and consumers’ confidence both underwhelming, real-terms growth has been elusive. While some bars and restaurants have found it hard to sustain footfall, the picture has been brighter at pubs, especially given the impact of the cool temperatures on beer gardens and terraces. Consumers remain eager to eat and drink out when they can, but operators will be hoping they will feel confident enough to spend more freely as we move towards the crucial final quarter of 2024.”

Former Great British Menu winner develops menu for Manchester airport’s new private terminal: Chef Adam Reid, a two-time Great British Menu winner, has developed the menu for Manchester airport’s new private terminal. Launching on Monday, 4 November, passengers will have the opportunity to try Reid’s menu before or after their journey. Breakfast highlights will include hot smoked salmon and scrambled crumpet and stewed fruit with granola and yogurt, while lunch will feature a crumpet topped with shrimp and tomato butter and salad, and mincemeat gravy on toasted malt loaf. For dinner, guests will be able to enjoy roasted Cornish cod with brown shrimp and stewed beef cheek with crispy bits of sage. “We’ve crafted a delicious and thoughtful dining experience, marking a first for UK private terminals,” Reid said. Suzanne Orr, general manager of the terminal, added: “Our collaboration with one of the city’s top culinary talents perfectly complements our commitment to offering a high-quality, stress-free travel experience.”