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From 25 June to 1 September 2026, the UK Government is introducing a temporary 5% VAT rate on qualifying children’s meals. For restaurants, cafés, pubs, hotels, leisure venues and similar hospitality businesses, this is more than a VAT update. It is a useful opportunity to review your kids menu, improve family value, and create dishes that are simple for the kitchen, attractive to parents and enjoyable for children. Families are looking for better-value meals out this summer.

As we move deeper into 2026, the food and beverage landscape continues to evolve with fresh ideas, bold flavours and changing consumer habits. After a period of economic uncertainty and rising costs, diners and drinkers are seeking greater value, meaningful experiences and memorable flavours, not just another plate or drink. Whether you’re a chef, operator, or food brand looking to inspire menus or innovate products, understanding these trends can help you stay ahead of the c

A well-designed menu does more than list items, it shapes the way customers see your brand and what they order. But even small missteps can hurt sales or create confusion. Whether you run a cozy coffee shop or a busy takeaway, here are seven menu mistakes to watch out for. 1. Overloading the Menu with Too Many Items Trying to cover every possible taste often results in clutter. A coffee shop offering 25 different latte flavors overwhelms guests and slows service. Research fro