RedCat Hospitality reports 4.3% increase in second quarter like-for-like sales: RedCat Hospitality, the operator of Coaching Inn Group (CIG) and RedCat Independent Pubs, saw a 4.3% increase in like-for-like sales in the three months to the end of September, driven by accelerated accommodation performance and strategic investments. The company, which was founded by Rooney Anand, reported total sales for the period of £34.6m, with Coaching Inn Group contributing £20.9m and RedCat Independent Pubs £13.7m. Coaching Inn Group like-for-like sales up during the quarter were up 5.4%, while RedCat Independent Pubs like-for-like sales increased by 2.5%. The company said that total accommodation sales stood at £10.7m during the period, with Coaching Inn Group accommodation sales at £9m and its accommodation life-for-like sales up 10.1%. RedCat Hospitality chief executive Richard Lewis said: “This was another strong quarter for the business. Accommodation continues to pull ahead, lifting our group sales to £34.6m, with like-for-like sales up 4.3%. Within The Coaching Inn Group, accommodation like-for-like sales rose 10.1%, driven by both stronger rates and robust summer demand. A recent highlight for us was The Coaching Inn Group being named Large Hotel Chain of the Year by consumer champion Which? This is a major endorsement from one of the most trusted consumer organisations in the country. It reflects the work our teams put in every day to deliver stays that our guests love. Our investment strategy is continuing to land well. The Castle of Brecon Hotel in Powys has built on its reopening with growth accelerating to +105% and exceeding its business case expectations. We got back on the acquisition trail too. In July, we acquired the Warwick Arms Hotel, which has just reopened following a £1.7m refurbishment. RedCat Independent Pubs performed ahead of the market with drinks-led trading performing strongly, with like-for-like sales up 6%, supported by favourable summer trading conditions. Looking ahead, we remain acquisitive and committed to investing in our estate and people. We also add our voice to the wider sector in calling for a Budget that gives hospitality a fair break; lowering VAT, reform of employer NICs, and a fairer rates system. The sector needs longer term certainty in order to plan ahead and make investment decisions to grow and support new jobs and the economy.”

Number of late-night venues in Britain down 28.0% since covid: The number of late-night venues in Britain has declined 28.0% since March 2020, when the covid-19 pandemic triggered a wave of closures, the new Night Time Economy Market Monitor from CGA by NIQ and the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) reveals. There has been a 4.6% contraction in the last 12 months, with bars, clubs and casinos under pressure from soaring costs, safety concerns and poor transport, highlighting the “urgent need” for support in the Budget, industry leaders said. Sales data from the CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker earlier this week reinforced the fall in late-night spending. October’s sales in managed bars slipped 5.9% year-on-year. Across all hospitality channels, the 5pm-to-7pm slot has now overtaken 7pm-10pm as the biggest earning trading period of the average day. Data from the Night Time Economy Market Monitor shows around a quarter (24%) of high-tempo night-goers now consider security when planning visits, while even more (28%) weigh up transport options. These concerns have created sharp contrasts between the fortunes of Britain’s late-night and evening economies. While late-night venue numbers have tumbled, the monitor shows licensed premises in the evening economy increased 0.9% in the 12 months to September, and they now sit only 7.4% behind the level of March 2020. The number of independently-run late-night sites has fallen 30.6% since the start of the pandemic – double the decline of 14.5% among larger hospitality groups. NTIA chief executive Mike Kill said: “For too long, government policies have suppressed a vital part of Britain’s cultural and social life. The late-night economy is an engine for jobs, tourism and community vibrancy, but it is being systematically squeezed. The Budget is a chance to reverse this trend and recognise the late-night sector as the cultural and economic powerhouse it truly is.” Reuben Pullan, CGA by NIQ’s senior insight consultant, said: “Consumers remain eager to go out, and demand for hospitality experiences is changing rather than collapsing. Christmas and New Year trading will bring a much-needed boost, but we’re likely to see more closures into 2026 unless the late-night economy gets the support from central and local government that it deserves.”

Guinness World Records to open its first permanent entertainment venue, at London’s The O2: Guinness World Records will next month open its first permanent entertainment venue, at London’s The O2. The new 25,000 square-foot attraction, positioned on the lower level, will combine competitive socialising with the thrill of record breaking – giving visitors the chance to attempt more than 50 official Guinness World Record titles across six challenge areas. Visitors will also be able to explore the world of record achievements, enjoy themed food and drink and shop for souvenirs. The move into competitive socialising marks the latest diversification of the Guinness World Records business as it evolves from publisher to global media and entertainment brand. Alistair Wood, executive vice president real estate and development at The O2’s owner AEG Europe, said: “We are delighted to be the location of choice for Guinness World Records’ first permanent UK venue. The O2 has played a leading role in the emergence of competitive socialising nationally, and this new concept elevates our offer to another level.” Paul O’Neill, vice president of entertainment at Guinness World Records, added: “Guinness World Records: London doesn’t just celebrate record breaking, it gives every visitor the unique chance to step up, take part and potentially become a world record breaker themselves.” The O2’s leisure performance saw sales up 23% in the year to date (January to October) compared to the same period in 2024. LM acted on behalf of The O2 and Savills acted for Guinness World Records.