Wagamama and Upper Crust restaurant firms warn of worsening inflation

Market researcher Kantar also reported UK grocery price inflation of 7%, its highest level since May 2009

The UK-based Restaurant Group, operator of Asian food chain Wagamama, projected food and drink inflation to reach 9% to 10% this year, compared with a 5% estimate given in March.

The owners of restaurant chains Wagamama and Upper Crust have warned inflation would worsen this year as the war in Ukraine exacerbates a rise in food, commodity and energy prices.

The warnings come as households face a major cost-of-living squeeze from the highest inflation in decades and restaurant operators attempt to recover from the havoc wreaked by the pandemic.