Latest news with #cafes
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Aussies urged to ask one question as US beef re-enters market
A woman who has vowed to boycott US beef is urging Australians to always ask where their meat is from before buying it at hospitality venues. Video transcript As soon as that American beef starts coming into Australia, we've all got to get really brave at asking cafes and restaurants and fast food places where the beef's coming from, if you get anything with beef in it, 'cos that's where it's gonna end up, is where you can't easily check the label. Because, of course, it's easy in the supermarket to check the label for Australian grown, but that's gonna sneak in, and it'll be big places that use a lot of beef. So, it's awkward sometimes. Well, I find it awkward to ask. The source of things, but we've got to do it. We don't want to eat that beef.
The Independent
a day ago
- Business
- The Independent
National Trust could be forced to ditch British favourite from menu due to job cuts
The National Trust is proposing to cut approximately 550 jobs, representing six per cent of its staff, as part of a plan to save £26m. The charity attributes the need for these savings to rising costs, including increases in employers' National Insurance and the National Living Wage. As part of the cost-cutting measures, some National Trust cafes may cease baking scones on-site, with the beloved British treats potentially being shipped in from a central source. These changes to scone provision are expected to affect less than ten per cent of the charity's cafes, specifically smaller, less financially sustainable outlets. The National Trust stated that despite growing visitor numbers and donations, increasing costs are outstripping this growth, necessitating measures to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Homemade scones in peril at National Trust cafes as job cuts loom
Visitors to some National Trust cafes could be forced to go without homemade scones as proposed job cuts are poised to hit kitchen staff. The beloved British bakes could be shipped in from a central source rather than being freshly baked in cafe kitchens in less profitable venues, leaving customers fearing for the traditional treat's quality, according to reports in The Times. It comes as the Trust is set to axe around six per cent of its staff – approximately 550 jobs – in a bid to reduce costs and find £26m in savings. In a statement, the charity blamed the recent employer's National Insurance increase and National Living Wage rise, which they said had added more than £10m to their annual wage bill. A spokesperson for the charity said the changes, if adopted, would affect just ten per cent of its cafes. 'The proposed changes would affect less than 10 per cent of our cafés, all of which are smaller outlets where rising costs are making it increasingly difficult to be financially sustainable,' they told The Independent. 'We would still have food and drink available at these cafés, however, and in more than 90 per cent of our cafés there would be no change to what we offer.' The charity, which cares for over 500 historic houses, gardens, castles, and natural spaces in the UK, previously said that it was struggling with rising costs, despite growing visitor numbers. 'To meet our aims and create a sustainable future for the organisation in a tough financial environment, our first step must be to ensure we are financially strong and properly resourced for the future,' they said. 'Although demand and support for our work are growing with yearly increases in visitors and donations; increasing costs are outstripping this growth.' The charity said that the proposed changes will enable it to 'keep on caring for and championing our shared historic and natural environment in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, long into the future'.
Sky News
3 days ago
- Business
- Sky News
Govt vows to protect 'pavement pints' and make it easier for pubs to extend their opening hours
"A wave of new cafes, bars, music venues and outdoor dining" could come to the UK - as the government unveils plans to overhaul planning rules and "breathe new life into the high street". Under the proposals, ministers also want to reform licensing rules to make it easier for disused shops to be converted into hospitality venues. In a statement, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she planned to scrap "clunky, outdated rules... to protect pavement pints, al fresco dining and street parties". The reforms also aim to prevent existing pubs, clubs, and music venues from suffering noise complaints when new properties hit the market. Developers who decide to build near those sites will be required to soundproof their buildings. As part of dedicated "hospitality zones", permission for al fresco dining, street parties and extended opening hours will be fast-tracked. The government says the reforms aim to modernise outdated planning and licensing rules as part of its Plan for Change, to help small businesses and improve local communities. The rough plans will be subject to a "call for evidence" which could further shape policy. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the proposals will "put the buzz back into our town centres". "Red tape has stood in the way of people's business ideas for too long. Today we're slashing those barriers to giving small business owners the freedom to flourish," he said. The hospitality industry has broadly welcomed the changes but argued tax reform was also essential. Kate Nicholls, chairwoman of UKHospitality, described the proposals as "positive and encouraging". However, she added: "They can't on their own offset the immediate and mounting cost pressures facing hospitality businesses which threaten to tax out of existence the businesses and jobs that today's announcement seeks to support." While supporting the reforms, Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), had a similar message. "These changes must go hand in hand with meaningful business rates reform, mitigating staggering employment costs, and a cut in beer duty so that pubs can thrive at the heart of the community," she said. In July, BBPA estimated that 378 pubs will shut this year across England, Wales and Scotland, compared with 350 closures in 2024, which it said would amount to more than 5,600 direct job losses. 2:03 Bar chain Brewdog announced this week that it would close 10 sites, partly blaming "rising costs, increased regulation, and economic pressures". Andrew Griffith MP, shadow business secretary, said: "Though any cutting of red tape for hospitality businesses is welcome, this is pure hypocrisy and inconsistency from Labour." He said the government was "crippling the hospitality industry by doubling business rates, imposing a jobs tax and a full-on strangulation of employment red tape".
The Independent
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Here's where kids can eat for free over the summer holidays
With the summer holidays just around the corner, you might be on the lookout for activities to keep the family busy. There are few things as special as a delicious meal with your family, but costs can quickly add up. That's why we've compiled a list of the restaurants, cafes and supermarkets where your kids can eat for free or for a reduced price during the school summer holidays. However, view the term 'free' with some suspicion. Most locations require you to purchase an adult meal in order to get your child's meal for free. With this in mind, we've also done some digging to find out how much an adult meal costs so you can estimate your total bill. Whether it's a coffee break in the middle of your weekly shop or a lunchtime pizza treat, there is a range of cuisines and options that suit different budgets. As you plan a day out, don't forget to check our list below to see where your kids can eat free or for £1 this summer. Where can kids eat for free or £1 this summer: Free kids buffet at Pizza Hut Pizza Hut's lunchtime deal includes one free kids' buffet when you spend more than £10 at the restaurant. Using the code KEF1 when you book will secure you the freebie, which you can redeem from Monday 21 July to Thursday 4 September, up until 3pm each day. Kids can choose from a variety of pizza, pasta and salad options, so there's plenty for even the pickiest eaters. If your kids love pizza and pasta, you can get a free piccolo meal (aka the restaurant's kids' menu) when you order any main course from the standard menu. The offer runs from Monday 28 July to Sunday 10 August, so it isn't around for as long as others. Kids receive dough balls to start, a pizza, pasta or salad as a main, plus a dessert and bambinoccino. Keep in mind that if you're going as a group, you'll only get one free kids' meal per adult at the table. A classic margherita at a Pizza Express in London costs £12.25, so you won't need to spend too much to make the most of the offer. Free kids' meal at Prezzo Children up to 12 years old can get three courses from Prezzo's kids menu for free, with the purchase of one adult main meal from Monday 14 July to Friday 5 September. Kids can tuck into a starter, main and dessert with fried mozzarella, bolognese, pepperoni pizza, and lots mor e. A kids' meal at the Italian restaurant chain usually costs around £8.50, so you can make a decent saving with this offer. An adult meal will cost you £15 upwards, depending on the location. Free kids' meal at Bill's Whether it's a stack of buttermilk pancakes for breakfast or a bowl of meatball pasta for lunch, children can tuck into a free meal at Bill's this summer. Up to two kids can eat for free if one adult orders any main, so this beats most restaurants, which offer one free kids' meal per adult. The offer is valid all day from Monday 21 July to Friday 29 August, excluding weekends. Adults can get avocado on sourdough for around £11.25 or a Greek salad for £13.95, so you're looking at spending around £20 as a group of three, once you add on a service charge. Free kids' meal at Ask Italian When you sign up for Ask Italian's rewards app, you'll get a code that entitles you to two free kids' meals with the purchase of an adult meal. Kids can pick from carbonara, pizza, chicken goujons, and more, so there's plenty to cater to different tastes. The offer is valid from Friday 18 July to Sunday 31 August, so it can be used throughout most of the summer holidays. Free kids' meal at Las Iguanas You can save all year round at Las Iguanas, not just during the summer holidays. Kids eat free when you download the Las Iguanas app and can choose from quesadillas, coconut curry, guacamole and more. The cheapest main at the restaurant is the rainbow salad for £14, so even with a drink, your bill could come to less than £20. French-inspired cuisine might not be top of your child's list, but Côte Brasserie has options for little gourmands, such as steak frites or French onion soup, as well as classic comforts like tomato pasta bake and burgers. Parents have from Friday 18 July to Monday 1 September to redeem the offer and need to order a main to get the free two-course kids' meal. The cheapest main at a Côte Brasserie restaurant in London is a chicken salad, for £14.95. Free kids' meal at Subway For lunch on the go, head to Subway, where kids can enjoy a free meal when you buy a footlong sandwich. These can start from around £8.49, depending on the branch. The kids' meal includes a 4in mini sandwich, snack and drink. The offer is available in participating Subway restaurants from Monday 28 July to Sunday 17 August. £1 kids' meal at Asda cafes Asda's £1 cafe meal deal runs all year round, and you won't need to buy an adult meal or spend a certain amount to use the offer. Kids can choose from pasta with meatballs, chicken nuggets, fish fingers or pizza, and they'll receive a free piece of fruit with their hot meal. Babies don't have to miss out either, with the supermarket offering a free Ella's baby food pouch for children up to 18 months with any cafe purchase. Free kids' meal at Morrisons cafes When you spend £5 or more on an adult's meal at a Morrisons cafe at any point in the year, not just the summer holidays, you'll also get a free kids' meal for those under 16 years. If your child is picky, they can build their own breakfast or main meal, and they'll get a drink included too. Two adult meals with a drink each cost £15 in total, so if you're a family of four, you can all eat at Morrison's cafe for just £15. Free kids' meal at Tesco cafes and coffee shops You can spend as little as 65p on a piece of fresh fruit at a Tesco cafe or coffee shop this summer, and you'll be able to claim one free kids' meal worth up to £4 when you use your Clubcard. Breakfast options for little ones include pancakes and beans on toast, while the lunch menu has fish fingers, chicken goujons and tomato pasta shells with garlic bread. The offer is valid in England and Wales from Monday 21 July to Friday 29 August; in Scotland from Thursday 7 July to Friday 22 August; and in Northern Ireland from Monday 30 June to Friday 29 August. £1 kids' meal at Dobbies garden centre Take a break from garden centre shopping this summer with Dobbies's offer. Kids can get a meal for just £1 when you buy a traditional adult breakfast or main course lunch option, both of which start from around £9. Kids can choose from cooked breakfasts, jacket potatoes, fish fingers, pasta and more. Some Dobbies restaurants also have soft play areas, so you can relax while they play. Free kids' meal at Heathrow airport If you're flying from Heathrow airport this summer, there are restaurants across the airport's terminals where kids eat for free. When you spend £14.95 or more on an adult meal at a participating restaurant, such as Leon or Giraffe, you'll get one free meal from the restaurant's children's menu. You can claim a maximum of four free kids' meals per table, and the offer can be used all through summer from Friday 18 July to Tuesday 2 September.
