BEFORE

Tuesday, 20 October 2026

Career

Career story, 20 October

Simmons Bars names Jason Thorndycraft chief executive, with like-for-likes up 14%

The 14-site London cocktail bar group has its first permanent chief executive since its founder stepped away in May, and it arrives on the back of strong trading.

Career

Career story, 20 October

Small business rates relief threshold set to rise to £18,000, but bigger operators say it misses them

Reports say the Budget on 28 October will lift around 75,000 properties in England out of business rates. Multi-site pub groups told The Morning Advertiser it changes little for them.

Career

Career story, 20 October

Brother Marcus swaps head office for a support office as it plans its next openings

The eight-site London group says growth past this size depends on general managers who can run their own restaurants, not on property.

Career

Career story, 20 October

Most hospitality job hunters have quit an application halfway. Here's what puts them off

New research from Sona and KAM found 84% of hospitality and retail candidates have abandoned an application, mostly over long forms and slow replies.

Career

Career story, 20 October

The Blue Star, opposite St James' Park, is up for lease

Trust Inns is looking for someone to take on the Barrack Road pub, refurbished and renamed last year, with an open day on 18 November.

Casual

Casual story, 20 October

George Clarke says Newcastle's Pure Knead is one of the best bakeries he's been in

The TV architect gave the bakery, with shops in Gosforth, Whitley Bay and Dean Street, a glowing write-up on Instagram.

Casual

Casual story, 20 October

El Gato Negro's little sister El Gatito opens at MediaCity on 6 November

Focaccia at lunch, tapas and sangria in the evening, and free coffee and bocatas at a pop-up on 29 October.