FRESH TODAY…

Thursday, 29 October 2026

The Palace of Westminster seen from across the Thames

Career story, 29 October

The Budget: more rates relief from April 2027, no VAT cut, and duty up from February

Chancellor John Healey left hospitality VAT at 20%, but pubs, music venues and smaller high street sites in England get business rates help from April.

Career

Career story, 29 October

Artal takes a majority stake in Mission Mars, owner of Rudy's and Albert's Schloss

BGF exits after eight years as the Manchester-born group, now 44 sites, gets new backing to keep rolling out both brands.

Bar staff serving a busy pub bar in Broadstairs, Kent

Career

Career story, 29 October

It's confirmed: the minimum wage goes to £13.21 an hour next April

Every rate goes up 3.9%, including for 16 and 17 year olds and apprentices. Here's what you'll be on.

Hickory's Smokehouse in Gateshead, which opened in June

Casual

Casual story, 29 October

Hickory's Smokehouse opens in Benton on Friday 13 November

The BBQ chain that drew queues in Gateshead this summer is crossing the Tyne, into what used to be The Newton.

The emptied Chatime unit in Eldon Square with barriers outside

Casual

Casual story, 29 October

Chatime and Wei's Malatang close at Eldon Square after ten years

The bubble tea and hot pot spot by the escalators in Grey's Quarter has shut.

Henrietta Street in Covent Garden, London

Casual

Casual story, 29 October

Lenny's brings New Haven pizza to Covent Garden

The Finsbury Park pub residency that built a following now has a permanent home on Henrietta Street.

Inside Coco Tang's Vietnamese restaurant

Casual

Casual story, 29 October

Coco Tang brings Vietnamese food, coffee and a late cocktail club to Spinningfields

Nottingham's favourite for 18 years opens its second site on Tuesday 24 November, across two floors.