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Epicurean Digital Consultants
The Pass
UK hospitality and AI news for operators, every Tuesday
No. 4 · 10 November 2026
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Several stories this week touch day-to-day running: smaller card tips, mixed spending for restaurants, free harassment training under the Employment Rights Act, and plans to put pay in every job advert. On the AI side, ChatGPT is testing verified business agents.
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UK hospitality
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Card tips at restaurants have roughly halved since 2022, SumUp data suggests
Restaurant Online · 10 Nov
The average tip has fallen sharply, although a growing share of card payments now include one. Check how your card machine asks for a tip, and that your written tipping policy is current and shared with staff. Read at Restaurant Online → |
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Hospitality spending grew in October, but restaurant and café transactions fell
Restaurant Online · 10 Nov
Barclays data shows pubs, bars and takeaways growing, while restaurants, cafés and bakeries saw spending barely move and fewer transactions. If your covers are slipping, look at what brings regulars back rather than relying on price rises alone. Read at Restaurant Online → |
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Free sexual harassment training for operators until 4 December
The Caterer · 6 Nov
Access Hospitality has made its course free to help businesses keep up with the Employment Rights Act. Check your harassment policy covers guests as well as colleagues, and keep a record of who has been trained. Read at The Caterer → |
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Fats, oils and grease charges: get kitchen kit in order to avoid fines
The Caterer · 9 Nov
The Caterer looks at how to stay clear of penalties for sending too much fat, oil and grease down the drain. Check your grease trap is the right size and serviced on schedule, and that plates are scraped before washing. Read at The Caterer → |
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London venues warned of tube strikes in the festive run-up
Morning Advertiser · 9 Nov
The Night Time Industries Association says strikes would hit trade at the worst possible time. If you trade in London, plan how staff will get to work, and be ready to tell booked guests about travel options. Read at Morning Advertiser → |
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This week’s lesson · EDC Academy
Profit comes from the customers who return
Why repeat custom matters to profit, and three profit checks to run on your own business.
▶ Watch the lesson · 2:27
Made with AI · YouTube labels this video “Content was made with AI”.
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Rules & tax
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AI for operators
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One thing to try this week
Find out what brings your regulars back
Look back over the last month and pick out the guests you see again and again. What do they order, and when do they come in? Ask a few of them what would bring them in more often, then choose one change you can make before the Christmas rush. Read the restaurant financial metrics guide → |
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