Hospitality and brewing sectors see 52% reduction in energy emissions: Sector operators have seen a 52% reduction in energy emissions and recovered £5m in profits over the past five years, according to the Zero Carbon Forum. The not-for-profit organisation representing over a third of the UK’s hospitality and brewing sector across 35,000 sites, convened 30 chief executives and senior leaders from the hospitality and brewing sector last week, alongside the government, to review progress against net zero targets and build resilience to climate change impacts. In a five-year progress report to be published in November, emissions have reduced by 825,000 tCO2e a year across the Forum’s members enabled by the measurement, reduction plans and coaching provided by the not-for-profit organisation. The panel brought together Greene King’s Nick Mackenzie, Adnams’ Jenny Hanlon and Faber’s Anthony Pender to share how they’re driving down emissions, cutting costs, and strengthening business performance through sustainability. Adnams have reopened the brewery’s anaerobic digestion plant, funded through a new investment partnership, which will cut 20% of their carbon footprint while lowering energy costs and powering both the brewery and local communities. “It’s a win-win for us, our investors and our customers,” said Hanlon. “Brewery waste becomes energy, and eventually fuel for our trucks and CO₂ for our drinks.” Faber’s Pender revealed how electrifying kitchens has delivered unexpected value through improved staff welfare and retention: “We haven’t lost a chef in three years – the working environment is cleaner, safer and easier to run.” Meanwhile, Greene King’s Mackenzie highlighted how embedding sustainability across the business is driving measurable returns: “Every team has net zero in their KPIs. From building a new brewery using 30% less water to supplier bottle reuse and voltage optimisation, we’re scaling what delivers the strongest ROI.” Forum founder and chief executive Mark Chapman praised the practical, innovative approaches being shared across the sector: “From rethinking menus, reinvesting in waste-to-energy and embedding action into each function, these leaders are proving that sustainability is a driver of profitability and resilience, not a cost. My personal favourite is Faber’s twist on a classic to create the beef and oyster pie – the oysters offset the beef’s carbon to create a delicious, carbon-neutral favourite.” 

Gordon Ramsay bringing new British-style pub to Downtown Disney: Chef Gordon Ramsay is teaming up with the creators of Earl of Sandwich to open a new British-themed restaurant, Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby, at the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort, in California. According to the Disney Parks Blog, the restaurant “will bring the Brit pop energy of swinging ’60s London” and feature “Gordon Ramsay’s iconic and delicious British classic dishes”. The menu will showcase traditional British foods, including Ramsay’s signature beef Wellington, fish and chips, and sticky toffee pudding. Guests can pair their meal with an extensive selection of wines, beers and signature cocktails inspired by “London’s iconic pubs and lounges”. The Carnaby will also feature live music on select evenings, with themed performances “channelling the energy of 1960s London”. Construction is underway on a larger Earl of Sandwich location at the west end of the shopping district. The new building will include a quick-service restaurant on the ground floor and Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby on the second floor.

Businesses’ optimism on the wane before the budget: Britain’s “bruised” businesses are worried about the prospect of rising taxes and high inflation before next month’s budget, a survey has found. The Times reports that a quarterly measure of sentiment in the private sector from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) was unchanged in September, at similar levels to 2022. Of companies, 33% expected no change to their turnover in the next 12 months and 48% said they projected an increase. That is down from 49% in the second quarter and 58% in the same period last year, before Rachel Reeves’s first budget, while 20% said revenues were on course to fall. The survey measured responses from 4,600 companies. More than 90% of them were small and medium-sized businesses. The findings echo recent polls that reflect pre-budget nerves about the rising tax burden and concerns after Labour raised employers’ national insurance contributions this year. Tax changes were the biggest worry, cited by 59%. This compares with 36% in the second quarter of 2024, before the general election. Inflation has also returned as a source of concern: annual price growth is expected to hit 4% because of rising food and utility costs. The survey said 57% of businesses were worried about inflation. David Bharier, head of research at the BCC, said companies “remain bruised and are not ready for another budget battering”. He said: “The proportion of businesses expecting to raise prices remains worryingly high, driven primarily by labour costs.”

Casino approved for iconic central London building: Councillors have approved plans to convert an iconic central London building near Piccadilly Circus into a casino. BBC News reports that Genting Casinos UK applied to turn the Trocadero building on Coventry Street into a two-storey casino and restaurant. James Axelby, Genting’s chief financial officer, told Westminster City councillors on 30 September that this could create 350 new jobs. The council’s planning committee approved the plans unanimously, despite concerns from the Soho Society that the project would “encourage late-night drinking”. The first floor and basement of the building will be refurbished, replacing the former Bubba Gump restaurant and Opium nightclub, which closed in 2019 after a shooting. The space will be capable of catering for 1,250 people. The council’s planning officers said the casino would represent an improvement on the site’s previous life as a nightclub. They added that casinos do not typically attract “large, high-spirited” groups, and the venue’s 24-hour nature would avoid “mass exits” in the early hours. Westminster City Council does not approve new casino licences. Genting has asked to relocate its licence from the Crockfords Club in Curzon Street, which closed in 2023.