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There certainly were, yes, not sure about now. I remember as a kid the Liverpool city centre one was McDs style, counter service and served in polystyrene/cardboard, whereas the one on Lord St in Southport served at the table on a plate.
There certainly were, yes, not sure about now. I remember as a kid the Liverpool city centre one was McDs style, counter service and served in polystyrene/cardboard, whereas the one on Lord St in Southport served at the table on a plate.
Yes, there are two types - but just to blur the lines further some of the counter service only ones ( eg Southsea ) also have a seated area. They just don't come over to take your order or serve a laid place etc etc.
Last Beefeater and Brewers Fayre restaurants to close, with loss of 3,800 jobs, Premier Inn owner says | Hospitality industry | The Guardian https://share.google/QWG7hmqWvXFD8jmZp
Beefeater and Brewers Fayre to disappear... Used to rather like Brewers Fayre pubs aswell...
Premier Inn owner Whitbread is to cut about 3,800 jobs in the UK and Ireland and shut its remaining Beefeater and Brewers Fayre restaurants as it resets its five-year business strategy, amid tax rises and pressure from a US activist investor.
The cuts will affect about 12% of Whitbread’s 30,000-strong workforce in the UK and Ireland working in its Beefeater and Brewers Fayre restaurants, which are usually located next to, or inside, Premier Inn hotels. The company said consultations with affected employees would begin immediately. Whitbread said it expected to retain a “significant proportion” of staff affected and would try to find them alternative roles, given it hires about 15,000 people each year.
The cuts come after Whitbread began a new review of its business in November, a year after it first announced its five-year plan, after it was hit by higher costs in the chancellor’s budget.Britain’s largest hotel operator had already started converting some of its underperforming Beefeater and Brewers Fayre restaurants into hotel rooms and now intends to continue the policy across the remaining 197 restaurants.The move will involve Whitbread selling and leasing back £1.5bn of its freehold properties. Unusually for the hotel sector, the company owns a significant proportion of its hotels, although it said it now intended to “recycle” £1.5bn to “fund future growth” and would increasingly hope to lease its hotels.
Dominic Paul, Whitbread’s chief executive, said: “We plan to convert all our remaining branded restaurants to an integrated food and beverage offer that is preferred by our hotel guests and will unlock the addition of more highly profitable extension rooms. Our continued efforts to drive our commercial plan and efficiencies will extend our market-leading position and allow us to take share from our competitors, many of which are struggling to grow.”
Whitbread warned in late 2025 that Rachel Reeves’s 2025 budget tax policies would cost it an extra £50m this year, amid changes to the way business rates are calculated. This came hot on the heels of an earlier cost squeeze from higher wage bills and rising food prices.The FTSE 100 company, which has more than 800 Premier Inn hotels in the UK, has been under pressure from American activist investor Corvex, a New York-based hedge fund, to rethink its business strategy.
The hedge fund said in December it had taken a 6.05% stake in Whitbread, making it the company’s second biggest single shareholder. It said at the time Whitbread’s share price undervalued some of its assets, including its UK portfolio of leasehold properties.Whitbread’s new strategy means it will become a pure hotel business, about seven years after it sold the Costa Coffee chain to soft drinks company Coca-Cola in a near-£4bn deal.
This means that as it stands, the Beefeater restaurant brand – established in 1974 and known for serving steaks and classic pub dishes – as well as the Brewers Fayre chain will disappear from UK high streets.
The announcement came as Whitbread reported that its revenues for the year to 26 February were flat compared with the same period a year earlier.
Whitbread shares fell by almost 7% in early trading and have fallen by more than 20% in the past six months.
Sale and leaseback arrangements at the behest of a US-based hedge fund. What could possibly go wrong?
Give it eighteen months and I reckon Premier Inn will be joining the list of companies you expect to disappear soon. And nobody will be able to understand how such a thing could happen. Still, the taxpayer through the NI fund will mop up the mess.
Last Beefeater and Brewers Fayre restaurants to close, with loss of 3,800 jobs, Premier Inn owner says | Hospitality industry | The Guardian https://share.google/QWG7hmqWvXFD8jmZp
Beefeater and Brewers Fayre to disappear... Used to rather like Brewers Fayre pubs aswell...
This doesn't actually surprise me. Most of the times I've been into a Beefeater/BF in the past few years they've felt a bit tired and been quite empty.
I went to one a couple of months ago which has an indoor play area which is £1 per child. There's no way they're making money on that when the maintenance is considered, or even just daily cleaning. The restaurant was not busy at all, the outdoor looked abandoned, and the service was all round a bit poor with lots of mistakes.
We go there for the combo of indoor play area and cheap food, but wouldn't go otherwise.
This doesn't actually surprise me. Most of the times I've been into a Beefeater/BF in the past few years they've felt a bit tired and been quite empty. I went to one a couple of months ago which has an indoor play area which is £1 per child. There's no way they're making money on that when the maintenance is considered, or even just daily cleaning. The restaurant was not busy at all, the outdoor looked abandoned, and the service was all round a bit poor with lots of mistakes. We go there for the combo of indoor play area and cheap food, but wouldn't go otherwise.
Yeah I've been getting buy one get one free vouchers for Beefeater only valid at the weekend, thats very telling as most other places exclude voucher use on Saturdays.
I guess M&B might take some and turn them into Harvester, Toby Carvery or Miller & Carter if they are in an area M&B don't have many other restaurants. Others inside the Premier Inn will just be retained as breakfast rooms I guss.
Yeah I've been getting buy one get one free vouchers for Beefeater only valid at the weekend, thats very telling as most other places exclude voucher use on Saturdays.
I guess M&B might take some and turn them into Harvester, Toby Carvery or Miller & Carter if they are in an area M&B don't have many other restaurants. Others inside the Premier Inn will just be retained as breakfast rooms I guss.
I think turning the 'external' ones into something like Miller & Carter would probably keep them afloat, yeah. At the moment if I'm thinking of somewhere to eat, we would go there for the play area, but not the food (which I find pretty... crap). If they could turn it into a destination more for the food itself, it could turn around.
Personally, if I'm travelling, I'll make the effort to head out to some local indy place for food, but I can see that in some locations people might take advantage of the Premier Inn Meal Deal etc. My nearest one is so close to the town centre though that people just go and get something they want.
Jamie Oliver has just relaunced his Jamies Italian chain this month. I have no idea how that will be successful this time considering that he had to shut down the business six years ago. Business these days is even more difficult than six years ago. I can not see that lasting long. It would not surprise me if it closes down within a year or two.
Jamie Oliver has just relaunced his Jamies Italian chain this month. I have no idea how that will be successful this time considering that he had to shut down the business six years ago. Business these days is even more difficult than six years ago. I can not see that lasting long. It would not surprise me if it closes down within a year or two.
Last Beefeater and Brewers Fayre restaurants to close, with loss of 3,800 jobs, Premier Inn owner says | Hospitality industry | The Guardian https://share.google/QWG7hmqWvXFD8jmZp
Beefeater and Brewers Fayre to disappear... Used to rather like Brewers Fayre pubs aswell...
Oh wow I didn’t realise things were going so bad for them. It’s actually quite a shame; as a child we used to go to both of these restaurants often. My local Beefeater which was attached to a Premier Inn closed down about two years ago (although the Premier Inn remained open) and has just been sat vacant ever since. Brewers Fayre was quite reasonably priced, although Beefeater was quite expensive in comparison.
I don’t know if it’s just my local area, but a lot of the lower end chains seem to be closing down but there is obviously still demand as more expensive restaurants keep popping up. M&B in my area have recently replaced a Harvester with a Brown’s Brasserie, and a Stonehouse Carvery with a more expensive joint.
I don’t know if it’s just my local area, but a lot of the lower end chains seem to be closing down but there is obviously still demand as more expensive restaurants keep popping up. M&B in my area have recently replaced a Harvester with a Brown’s Brasserie, and a Stonehouse Carvery with a more expensive joint.
Isn't this just a symptom on the ongoing 'K shaped' economic recovery from Covid?
Until a couple of years ago, I used to enjoy eating out at least once a week,
but I simply can't afford to do that now, so it's more of an occasional treat.
In regards to Jamie's Italian don't mist places have an independent Italian restaurant that'll be miles better anyway, we have three independent Italian places in Weymouth and two restaurants and an Italian deli in Dorchester.
Interestingly what is now Al Molo, an independent Italian restaurant, was once a Prezzo.
Oh wow I didn’t realise things were going so bad for them. It’s actually quite a shame; as a child we used to go to both of these restaurants often. My local Beefeater which was attached to a Premier Inn closed down about two years ago (although the Premier Inn remained open) and has just been sat vacant ever since. Brewers Fayre was quite reasonably priced, although Beefeater was quite expensive in comparison.
I don’t know if it’s just my local area, but a lot of the lower end chains seem to be closing down but there is obviously still demand as more expensive restaurants keep popping up. M&B in my area have recently replaced a Harvester with a Brown’s Brasserie, and a Stonehouse Carvery with a more expensive joint.
Me neither and like you, I have frequented them since I was a child... The ones nearest me were always nice but we also have alot of Farmhouse Inns pubs too which may be drawing away custom with the "all you can eat" carveries... Coupled with people probably eating out less as a whole and rising costs, they may not be the last...
We went to Leamington Spa last Sat and visited the Loungers bar. (Salino Lounge) It was very quiet for a busy time around 17.30ish. Looking at the menu the near £7 for much of the draught pints keeping people away. The Blackpool loungersone was the same when I visited some time ago in fact practically empty. The one in my town Hinckley does do well however.
We went to Leamington Spa last Sat and visited the Loungers bar. (Salino Lounge) It was very quiet for a busy time around 17.30ish. Looking at the menu the near £7 for much of the draught pints keeping people away. The Blackpool loungersone was the same when I visited some time ago in fact practically empty. The one in my town Hinckley does do well however.
Loungers are an interesting group and also comprise of Brightside Diners (a more polished and posh Little Chef) and Cozy Clubs.
But the speed at which they've expanded worries me that they've opened in so many places that surely they all can't be profitable. Love the one in Hinckley and you're right, it's always busy but they do a decent breakfast and it's a nice atmosphere.
At the Post Office they were handing out these 25% off everything TG Jones discount vouchers this morning to everyone. I got one and everyone in front of me got one. It is probably a sign that TG Jones is struggling. They are clearly trying to encourage people to buy stationary and books and magazines with the 25% discount. Although their prices are so high anyway that 25% is not even that much.
Also i was queing up outside TG Jones this morning five minutes before the 09:00 opening and when it opened all sixteen people went straight to the Post Office in the back. Nobody had any interest in the actual TG Jones shop. Post Office seems to be the only major use of TG Jones nowadays.
I reckon that all the TG Jones shops without a Post Office counter will shut in the next year. I think the shops with the Post Office counter will survive for quite a while longer. Post Office counter is probably the only thing that is actually making money.
Well, the terms of the sale of WHSmith High Street to Modella had a clause that they couldn't shutter any stores for 12 months, I would imagine they're readying for the date ready to close as many as possible.
Well, the terms of the sale of WHSmith High Street to Modella had a clause that they couldn't shutter any stores for 12 months, I would imagine they're readying for the date ready to close as many as possible.
Yes, rather like VodafoneThree promising not to do certain things (following the merger) for a certain amount of time to appease regulators, so when that time is up you can be sure they'll do lots of things to the detriment of customers and staff alike. Very much a 'watch this space' thing for this thread.
Well, the terms of the sale of WHSmith High Street to Modella had a clause that they couldn't shutter any stores for 12 months, I would imagine they're readying for the date ready to close as many as possible.
As far as I can determine the deal was finalised on 30th June 2025, so I assume that's when the 12 months starts, and in that case I suppose the mass closures can be expected in just 2 months from today? I don't suppose they'll hang about.
At the Post Office they were handing out these 25% off everything TG Jones discount vouchers this morning to everyone. I got one and everyone in front of me got one. It is probably a sign that TG Jones is struggling. They are clearly trying to encourage people to buy stationary and books and magazines with the 25% discount. Although their prices are so high anyway that 25% is not even that much.
Also i was queing up outside TG Jones this morning five minutes before the 09:00 opening and when it opened all sixteen people went straight to the Post Office in the back. Nobody had any interest in the actual TG Jones shop. Post Office seems to be the only major use of TG Jones nowadays.
I reckon that all the TG Jones shops without a Post Office counter will shut in the next year. I think the shops with the Post Office counter will survive for quite a while longer. Post Office counter is probably the only thing that is actually making money.
If TG Jones started selling alcohol and cigarettes I think they would survive.
I am not keen on the above but I have had conversations with staff in two small corner/convenience stores and they both agree that without an alcohol licence they would not be open.
I agree a post office is also essential, it is one of those things you cannot do online (sending a parcel etc).
Alcohol seems to fit the bill as I have observed that some customers go in my usual corner shop daily for a small bottle of whisky - rather than buying a big bottle less often.
Shockingly it is becoming obvious that other "drugs" are available in corner shops judging by what we see on the news !.
That is a branch of business I doubt TG Jones would stoop to so I fear TG Jones is inevitably getting left behind by others' lawless trading.
If TG Jones started selling alcohol and cigarettes I think they would survive.
I am not keen on the above but I have had conversations with staff in two small corner/convenience stores and they both agree that without an alcohol licence they would not be open.
...
The problem is that most of them seem to be within a stone's throw of at least one of a Tesco Express, a Sainsbury's Local, or an M&S store with a foodhall, all of which sell alcohol *and* food so I'm not sure they could really compete, unlike local newsagents who have diversified into convenience stores who may have no such local competition.
If TG Jones started selling alcohol and cigarettes I think they would survive.
I am not keen on the above but I have had conversations with staff in two small corner/convenience stores and they both agree that without an alcohol licence they would not be open.
I agree a post office is also essential, it is one of those things you cannot do online (sending a parcel etc).
Alcohol seems to fit the bill as I have observed that some customers go in my usual corner shop daily for a small bottle of whisky - rather than buying a big bottle less often.
Shockingly it is becoming obvious that other "drugs" are available in corner shops judging by what we see on the news !.
That is a branch of business I doubt TG Jones would stoop to so I fear TG Jones is inevitably getting left behind by others' lawless trading.
The problem is that most of them seem to be within a stone's throw of at least one of a Tesco Express, a Sainsbury's Local, or an M&S store with a foodhall, all of which sell alcohol *and* food so I'm not sure they could really compete, unlike local newsagents who have diversified into convenience stores who may have no such local competition.
Not too bad as many of the "corner shops" I know of are similar distance from the Tesco locals etc as TG Jones is. But maybe the "corner shops" are nearer to the demographic that uses them.
I am reminded of the theory that many clothes shop chains fell victim to supermarkets starting to sell clothes.
Of course Marks and Spencer went the other way - opening up food halls.
Diversify or die.
WHSmith in High Street did start selling tobacco and vapes for a time - but their prices were so high that it was a failed trial and I think they were removed from most stores.
The issue has been long coming and for the past 20 years prior to the Modella sale WHSmith High Street was purely focussed on cost cutting as they'd struggled to increase sales so the only way to improve profits is to cut costs. It had got to the point where there was not really much left to cut.
But it's an age old story:
* Large estate that is difficult to overhaul all in one go, meaning stores feel shabby and this degrades the image of the company meaning people associate WHS as behind the times.
* A product mix that just isn't as relevant - magazines, books, stationery, music & DVDs - all areas where growth is low or negative.
* Price point issues - WHS had historically been seen as an upmarket retailer (previously paid above minimum wage, quality products, quality service etc.) so therefore when supermarkets cannibalised their market share by under cutting prices it was hard for them to pivot. This meant it was even harder to lower prices as they lost the scale.
I worked for the company in the Travel division for a number of years in early 2000/2010's and even then it was very clear that Travel was the way forward - that was an area where you could guarantee footfall and have contracts that allowed exclusivity over various product categories within the airport/rail station. If anything it's testament to WHSmiths adaptability that it didn't go the way of Woolies etc. already.
If TG Jones started selling alcohol and cigarettes I think they would survive.
I am not keen on the above but I have had conversations with staff in two small corner/convenience stores and they both agree that without an alcohol licence they would not be open.
I agree a post office is also essential, it is one of those things you cannot do online (sending a parcel etc).
Alcohol seems to fit the bill as I have observed that some customers go in my usual corner shop daily for a small bottle of whisky - rather than buying a big bottle less often.
Shockingly it is becoming obvious that other "drugs" are available in corner shops judging by what we see on the news !.
That is a branch of business I doubt TG Jones would stoop to so I fear TG Jones is inevitably getting left behind by others' lawless trading.
Alcohol and maybe even other convenience items (like bread and milk) might indeed help. Post Offices becoming banking hubs is also important, but when it comes to sending parcels, the Royal Mail is adapting post boxes and there are now lockers all over the place - some which can print labels. Not only might a locker be more convenient (they're open 24 hours for one), but some of these companies can be cheaper too.
I had to buy a card backed envelope to send off documents for a passport application and went to TG Jones as it was easier than walking to a supermarket that may or may not have one in stock, and I was charged £4.95. For one.
Suffice to say that's the first thing purchased there in perhaps the last ten years, and it was notable that nothing inside the store looked different to when I last went in there. No obvious layout changes, no upgrade to the more modern WH Smith look you'll see at some travel locations, still no visible staff, and of course the same carpet!
With no post office in this location, I cannot see it surviving. Before the takeover it was marking everything down and was reported in the local paper as closing. A big deal was made of it being 'saved' but all I can see is that the closure was delayed.
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Not too bad as many of the "corner shops" I know of are similar distance from the Tesco locals etc as TG Jones is. But maybe the "corner shops" are nearer to the demographic that uses them.
A great number of 'corner shops' these days are either run by Tesco or a franchise from Tesco (Premier, Budgen etc).
If you look at London where there's a Pret or Starbucks on every corner, it was very intentional to swamp places with stores because office workers tend to go to their nearest place. Thus you want to be the nearest to the most number of people, because a lot don't want to (or have time to) walk.
If you only want milk or a pack of cigarettes, yes, it will be more expensive at your local shop but likely almost quicker. People seem happy to pay for convenience, which is why Co-op and others can charge such ridiculous premiums in your local shop, often in areas where the customers aren't swimming in money either.
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I worked for the company in the Travel division for a number of years in early 2000/2010's and even then it was very clear that Travel was the way forward - that was an area where you could guarantee footfall and have contracts that allowed exclusivity over various product categories within the airport/rail station. If anything it's testament to WHSmiths adaptability that it didn't go the way of Woolies etc. already.
The new look stores at airports and train stations look more like Currys than any WH Smith most people grew up with. I never shop there as my own personal protest at being ripped off, but obviously many others do.
They look a lot nicer though. High street stores look very depressing and I am at a loss to imagine how any more costs could be cut. I mean, you have a store with no visible staff and a button to press for assistance. Nobody on the floor. Nobody at a till. No security at the door.
How do you cut costs there? Make the shutters open and close remotely and have a single member of staff on a video call point at the door?!
Loungers are an interesting group and also comprise of Brightside Diners (a more polished and posh Little Chef) and Cozy Clubs.
But the speed at which they've expanded worries me that they've opened in so many places that surely they all can't be profitable. Love the one in Hinckley and you're right, it's always busy but they do a decent breakfast and it's a nice atmosphere.
Exactly. I don't really like the Hinckley one, the one in my partner's home Kettering is lovely, very big, fairly well used and is a former Cinema or something so much more character.
Back on topic anyone used Footasylum much recently?
The store in Leicester City centre closed some time ago and almost every other day I get an email for 10% off my next online order. Must be getting desperate for custom?!
Back on topic anyone used Footasylum much recently?
The store in Leicester City centre closed some time ago and almost every other day I get an email for 10% off my next online order. Must be getting desperate for custom?!
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