Cafes & restaurants have creatively used outdoor space this Summer to aid social distancing. Be interesting to see how this evolves in colder months.

Definitely worth a trip to my local store. Cadbury UK

It might be due to the change of weather or perhaps frustration linked to new lockdown measures, but people definitely seem angrier. I am hoping this doesn’t lead to an increase in confrontation for front line retail and hospitality workers.

‘De-alcoholised’ Muscat - not bad. I am beginning to see the potential in the alcohol-free category

In our very first ‘new normal’ insight paper Blue Ananta and I talked about the moment when consumers return to their High Streets and realise the extent of the devastation. I think this summer is going to be that moment. globalconveniencestorefocus.co.uk/features/the-s…

Despite numerous government interventions, nudge programmes and high publicity, the UK really isn’t doing well in the arena of dietary health. Interesting that this article highlights cultural differences in the way mealtimes are perceived. bbc.co.uk/food/articles/…

Cutting edge retail tech isn’t just for big cities. Cashierless stores are being used in Sweden as a route to return retail to unviable rural locations bbc.com/news/business-…

Appreciate the intent but all the evidence suggest it’s the other way round. Employers that don’t offer some form of flexible working will struggle to retain and attract the best talent. bbc.co.uk/news/business-…

Seriously counting down the days before signs like this are removed...

America’s response to a global health pandemic has been to eat more unhealthy snacks (interesting video from CNBC featuring some truly awful graphs) youtu.be/PzImyUnLoOY

Feeling 🙁 for foodservice operators with no outdoor space or adequate internal ventilation. So many UK businesses still closed because they have neither of these.

Spoke to a coffee shop operator on Monday. Sales in their London suburban outlet are consistently up 30% vs pre-pandemic levels whilst sales within their London city outlet are -80%. Donut shaped recovery will influence investment and focus for 2022.

🧐theverge.com/2021/4/20/2239…

Just returned from Henley-on-Thames. Lots of happy folks enjoying the sunshine, struggling to find anywhere to eat because only a minority of the venues have outdoor seating. Thank you Bull on Bell Street for accommodating us with a last minute booking!

Finally. Almost there. #sitinside @GAILsBakery

😆