John Lewis needs a retail chief to take charge and steer it back on track October 5, 2023 Sharon White's successor at John Lewis faces a difficult decision, writes George MacDonald, and must choose whether to follow her strategy or forge their own to bring the British retailer success again
Planet Organic rescued by founders but three London stores will close April 25, 2023 The founders of Planet Organic have bought the business back from administrators in a bid to keep the health-focused grocery store alive, but four stores will be forced to close as part of the process. Advisors Interpath sold the struggling chain to Bioren Limited, a business that was set up last month by the founders [...]
Top Christmas gifts for wine lovers, from hampers to subscriptions December 12, 2023 I have tried and tested a number of wine treats, so here are some of my favourites to avoid the last-minute present buying panic.
Rick Stein-owned group to open new restaurant in central London after return to profit August 20, 2024 The Stein Group, founded and co-owned by Rick Stein, has announced plans to expand to central London after making its way back into profit last year. Stein’s has reportedly begun the search for a central London site for its thirteenth restaurant. It currently operates twelve eateries across the south of the country, with one already [...]
John Lewis revamps marketing approach as it tackles losses July 28, 2023 John Lewis has created a ‘customer planning team’ to make the most out of its marketing budget in stores and online, as it struggles with huge losses. The upmarket British retailer, famed for its annual tearjerker Christmas ad, has appointed Andreas Nicolaides to lead the new team from October. John Lewis, which owns Waitrose, said [...]
Ocado shares tumble as retail partner Marks poised to hold back funds over poor performance February 26, 2024 Both Ocado and Marks and Spencer joined forces five years ago to create the digital grocery brand, in a £750m tie-up.
Marks and Spencer: Five charts revealing the remarkable turnaround of a British icon May 25, 2024 Wracked by poor sales figures, rickety online infrastructure and a general identity crisis M&S, the once darling of the British high street has pulled off a remarkable turnaround.
Veganuary wine tips: The best plant-based pairings January 9, 2024 A season of two halves, winter is first festive then frugal with many people spending January watching both their waistlines and pennies. The idea of Dry January makes me shudder to my core, but veganuary is quickly gaining in popularity, with more and more of us focusing on plant-based dining this month. January is bleak [...]
Piazza at the Royal Opera House is perfect for festive fun December 15, 2022 London is beautiful at Christmas and one of the most festive corners of our city is Covent Garden. Opening to the general public for the first time, Piazza is the fifth floor restaurant in the iconic Royal Opera House, boasting a huge terrace with panoramic views over Covent Garden’s holiday wonderland. The dining room is [...]
Kiss from a rosé: Why you need to drink the pink this summer May 31, 2023 Rosé season is finally here, and pink bottles can be seen glinting in the sun everywhere from rooftop ice buckets to picnic blankets. Rosé is a crowd-pleaser, perhaps the most accessible of all the wine styles – and it is on the rise. According to Wine Business Monthly, sales in the US are growing by [...]