Whitbread has announced the closure of nearly 200 restaurants across the UK, including 106 Beefeater locations on Thursday and 89 Brewers Fayre branches on Monday. This decision is part of a strategic shift to focus on an integrated food and beverage offer, as detailed by CEO Dominic Paul.

Frances Connolly launched the 60 for 60 Challenge at Middlesbrough Velodrome, urging seven athletes to collectively run, swim, and cycle 60 miles to raise funds for her charity, the PFC Trust. This initiative honours her 60th birthday and supports local causes in the North East of England.