Hotel cycle, delivery, demographics, Dalata, Powerleague & other:

A DAY IN THE LIFE:

I think there are two main approaches to trying to communicate in a foreign language.

Well, three if you include not doing it at all but the first is to worry yourself senseless and lose sleep at night trying to get the grammar and pronunciation right, and be treated like a moron for your pains or, alternatively, babble at double speed, trample on grammar and make your listener doubt their own sanity rather than yours.

And, as far as the latter is concerned, what could go wrong? A bit of structure, a distant nod to grammar, stitch on a bit of vocabulary and bosh, there you go.

And, if nothing else, at least you have the satisfaction of seeing your listener’s expression evolve from snooty contempt to utter bafflement.

Hence, go for the latter. Your listener probably won’t think you’re an idiot but they may push you gently away with a big stick. On to the news:

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PUBS & RESTAURANTS:

Delivery & takeaway:

CGA reports that delivery and takeaway sales were flat again in April as sunshine persuaded more people to eat and drink away from their homes. It reports that ‘delivery and takeaway sales at Britain’s leading restaurant groups slipped by 0.6% year-on-year in April’ and adds that this is ‘the Tracker’s second negative number of 2025 and the fifth consecutive month of below-inflation growth….’

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Other news:

The Guardian reports that dessert cafes and ice-cream parlours are hoping to play a role in a revival of UK high streets and the night-time economy, as people seek an alternative to going to the pub or an expensive meal out….

Demographics: First-time buyers are now taking out mortgages intended to last an average of 31 years. Some of these may be repaid early but others will continue to require servicing long after the borrower has retired. This is likely to have an impact on disposable incomes.

The growth in WFC (working from the Café). Startups.co.uk reports that ‘cafés and restaurants have become the new office.’ It says ‘nearly one in five microbusinesses and sole traders are now working from food and drink hotspots in central London – a savvy way to avoid rising office rents while still enjoying social interaction (and far superior coffee)….’

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COMPANY NEWS:

AG Barr is today holding a Capital Markets Event in London for analysts and institutional investors….

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The MCA reports that Richard Lewis, group CEO of RedCat Hospitality, will take to the stage at its Pub Conference 2025 where he will ‘explore how RedCat is consolidating its estate, investing in people, and building a scalable, top-performing business that blends entrepreneurial spirit with operational discipline.’

HOLIDAYS & LEISURE TRAVEL:

Dalata – possible offer. A consortium formed of joint offerors Pandox AB and Eiendomsspar AS ‘confirms that it has submitted a non-binding proposal to the Board of Directors of Dalata regarding a possible all-cash offer by the Consortium to acquire the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Dalata, other than those Dalata shares in the beneficial ownership of the Consortium….’

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The Travel Trade Gazette reports that Hays Travel has confirmed the acquisition of 12-branch agency Spear Travels Group and its homeworker network for an undisclosed sum. Dame Irene Hays says ‘Spear Travels is an excellent fit for us – their product mix of land, cruise, and touring holidays aligns with our core objectives, and we have much to learn from each other.’

The Advantage Travel Partnership has reported the revenue grew in its 2023-24 financial year. The grouping reports PBT up by 12% to £1.3 million in the year. Advantage CEO Julia Lo Bue-Said comments ‘as we navigate the evolving landscape of an interconnected global world, our global network partnerships have become even more crucial…’

UKH comments on the cruise industry and its impact on the Scottish economy saying it is ‘a key part of regional growth, supporting businesses across the country, as well as thousands of jobs.’ It adds that ‘many hospitality venues have adapted their offer to tap into this lucrative market’ and says it is ‘therefore essential that the Scottish Government considers what might be at stake if a levy, or series of local levies, were to be introduced….’

Amadeus is reported to have taken an unspecified minority stake AI specialist Acai Travel. The AI company reports that the investment will speed its development.

UK hotel market: Accountant RSM reports that UK hotel margins fell in April as costs rose and room rates came under pressure…

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US hotel industry. In the US, STR reports ‘with almost half of 2025 in the rearview mirror, the travel and hospitality industries have faced a bevy of challenges. As proposed and enforced tariffs fluctuate — even on a daily basis at times — hoteliers have lived in a purgatory of uncertainty when it comes to making big business decisions.’

OTHER LEISURE:

Five-a-side football company Powerleague has been acquired by UK-based PR house Broadsword Investment Management Ltd. Powerleague’s existing management team will remain in place. Powerleague CEO Christian Rose says the company will grow and aims to offer sport for all ages. It is looking to expand further into padel….

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Disney is set to make several hundred more people redundant around the world including layoffs in its film, television and finance departments….

Games publisher TinyBuild has updated on trading ahead of its AGM later today saying that ‘sales are slightly ahead of expectations for the first five months of the year, excluding the contribution of Red Cerberus which was sold in April 2025….’

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The UK government may sue former Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich to ensure that the c£2.5bn in proceeds from his sale of the club go to Ukraine….

Meta Platforms has said that it will have AI in place to help advertisers structure their ads by the end of next year.

Tesla sales in Europe fell again in May…

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FINANCE & MARKETS:

Bank of England former Chief Economist Andy Haldane has said that chancellor Rachel Reeves’ first near-full year performance has been “disappointing”. He says the government is not doing enough to push growth.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has said that rising U.S. national debt could create a “tough time” for the bond market with spreads likely to widen….

The Nationwide has reported that annual growth in the UK house market rose to 3.5% in the year to May, compared with 3.4% in the year to April. The Nationwide points to a sharp rise in property transactions in March, as buyers rushed to beat stamp duty cost increases.

The Bank of England meanwhile has reported that mortgage approvals for house purchases fell by 3,100 to 60,500 in April. This is the third month of declines in a row. 

S&P has reported its PMI for UK manufacturing in May saying that it rose to a three-month high of 46.4 in the month, up from 45.4 in April and above the earlier flash estimate of 45.1. Any number below 50.0 still implies contraction…

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Sterling mixed at $1.3522 and €1.1839. Oil higher at $64.82. UK 10 year gilt yield up 1 basis point at 4.66%. World markets mostly better yesterday and London set to open around 10 points higher as at 6.30am.

RETAIL WITH NICK BUBB:

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