What The Papers Say: Whitbread’s call for last orders wins approval

Speculation surrounding the withdrawal of Whitbread from its historical brewing roots made a muted entry into the media spotlight. Coverage highlighted Whitbread’s plans to concentrate on its restaurants and leisure businesses rather than continue to milk a declining beer market - which has become overshadowed by its other divisions in recent years. The possibility of Whitbread’s departure came as little surprise, continuing a trend which began after the acquisition of Courage, sought by Whitbread, went to Scottish and Newcastle in 1995.