Sofia’s Chinese Kitchen -Stroud GL5

09/07/2026

The hospitality industry is in trouble. The last few years have seen an already low-profit, labour-intensive sector battle with a raft of spiralling costs.

Soaring energy and ingredient prices, the recent increase in minimum wage and employer national insurance contributions, punishing business rates, and the cost of living crisis have all contributed to the industry being on its knees.

✍️ Olivia Potts

Article | spectator.com/article/will-a-vat-cut-save-hospitality

05/07/2026

Kerridge is spearheading a nationwide campaign calling for hospitality VAT to be cut from 20 per cent to 10 per cent,

24/06/2026

🇬🇧 Support UK Hospitality – Sign the Petition

The UK hospitality industry is under more pressure than ever.

While many European countries charge 7–10% VAT on hospitality, the UK continues to charge 20%. At the same time, businesses are facing rising food costs, energy bills, wages and rent.

Independent restaurants, cafés, pubs and takeaways are closing at an alarming rate.

Reducing hospitality VAT to 10% would help:
✅ Protect local jobs
✅ Keep independent businesses open
✅ Support our high streets and communities
✅ Keep prices more affordable for customers

A UK Parliament petition is now calling for the Government to reduce hospitality VAT to 10%.

📌 Petition Number: 759116

Please sign here:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/759116

If enough people sign, Parliament will have to consider the issue for debate.

Whether you work in hospitality or simply enjoy your local cafés, pubs and restaurants, your signature can make a real difference.

Please sign, share and help us protect one of Britain’s most important industries.

Reduce VAT on hospitality to 10% to prevent closures & protect tax revenue. When venues close, HMRC loses 100% of its VAT, business rates, PAYE & corporation tax, reducing employment & supply chains. We believe a lower VAT rate would keep viable businesses trading, securing jobs & ongoing revenue.

04/04/2026

Wow, what a day! 👀

We did start a little later than planned (thanks for bearing with us!) – but once we got going, you guys really showed up.

Sold out,and so many kind words from you all. Honestly means a lot.

Huge thanks to Joe and Ian for having us, and to everyone who came down and supported.

If you missed it this time… we might be back 👀

03/04/2026

Chinese Pop up @ The Yard at No.8 Thornbury

03/04/2026

🔥 Thornbury – we’re back (for a limited time)!

Some of you might remember us from our home-cook takeaway days… well, we’re popping up again 👀

Tomorrow we’ll be at the Yard at No. 8 to bring you a Chinese comfort food pop-up – proper, flavour-packed dishes you won’t usually find around here.

🥡 Expect:
• Honey soy chicken
• HK Style BBQ pork belly
• Black pepper beef
• Sweet soy tofu puffs
•BBQ pork steamed buns & vegan buns
•And Sofia’s own Sichuan chilli crisps

All made fresh, fast, and perfect alongside a cold drink or even a slice of pizza 🍕

📍 Location: The Yard at No. 8, High Street, Thornbury
🗓️ Date: Saturday 4 April
⏰ Time: 12pm-9pm

It’s a short run only – once it’s gone, it’s gone.

If you’ve had it before, you know.
If you haven’t… this is your moment.

Bring your mates. See you there 👊