Jamie Oliver Restaurants global director – first Jamie’s Italian back on the UK high street ‘very different site to anything we have’: Ed Loftus, global director of Jamie Oliver Restaurants, has told Propel the first Jamie’s Italian site back on the UK high street “very different site to anything we have”. Loftus currently oversees a portfolio in excess of 70 sites across more than 20 different countries – including circa 30 Jamie’s Italians. Last year, Prezzo Italian operator Brava Hospitality signed a partnership agreement to bring Jamie’s Italian back to the UK high street, with the first new Jamie’s Italian opening in Irving Street, near London’s Leicester Square, tomorrow (Wednesday, 11 March) – seven years after it initially closed here. Loftus said: “This is a very different site to anything we have. The food is about 50% new, 50% of stuff that we've tried and tested over the years. It’s been rapid as well. It’s been a fast-paced project. We signed the partnership in November, and we’re here in the first week of March with all that work done. So, it's been fast, but it’s been good.” Meanwhile, Brava chief executive James Brown told Propel that when it comes to the possibility of opening more Jamie’s Italian sites in the UK, the focus is “getting this one right”. Brava’s backer, Cain International, let slip at the start of the year that the development agreement allows up to 40 sites to be opened over an initial ten-year period. Brown said: “Obviously we discuss it, but it's 1% of our conversation; the other 99% is about getting this one right.” Brown also said Brava doesn’t want to amalgamate the two businesses. He said: “Jamie’s IP is something we respect. I’m very conscious that we’ve got to manage our entire business. The ability of my team to have the capacity to do multiple different things is important. How we then attribute time and development capex in the future will really be based on what's working and what's not. I always say that competition for capital inside the business is really healthy. I think we're pretty optimistic that we will have a good competition for investment capital business, but it's very much about doing this one and getting this right.” Loftus and Brown were speaking to Propel chief operating officer – editorial Mark Wingett in a Premium Club Opinion Special, sent yesterday (Monday, 9 March) to Premium Club subscribers. A Premium Club subscription costs an annual sum of £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

 

Propel Multi Club unveils its first Parallel Session – Decency: This year’s Propel Multi Club Conference series has gone bigger and better with more content. Each conference will feature Parallel Sessions at each event, which has now moved to a new, larger premises, The Victoria Plaza, Victoria. Aside from the full speaker schedule for our next event on Wednesday 25 March, each conference will host Parallel Sessions of content, which we are unveiling day-by-day. The first one is: Margin of decency. Elton Mouna, founder of The Good Apple Effect, is joined by Bharti Radix, founder of BloomsYard, and James Nye, managing director of Anglian Country Inns, for this interactive session. Together, they will make a strong commercial case to operators, leaders, owners, financial directors and sceptics for something your nan probably told you at age seven – be decent. In hospitality, decent leadership is neither soft nor sentimental. It is a competitive edge. Hear how the Ebitda presented in finance meetings is directly influenced by another Ebitda: Earnings By Investing in Trust, Dignity and Accountability. There are more than 450 attendees already booked. Operators can claim free places by emailing kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com.

 

Premium Club subscribers to receive two updated databases this week: Premium Club subscribers will receive two updated databases this week. The latest Propel UK Food & Beverage Franchisor Database will be sent on tomorrow (Wednesday, 11 March), at 12pm. The database will feature ten new additions plus updates to existing entries. The database now has 390 entries and more than 239,000 words of copy. Among the new entries are premium fast food brands Zen Doner and Burgermeister – both looking to make their entry to the UK market – and Brighton’s Pommy’s Pizza. Also included are experiential, karaoke and food and drink brand Lucky Voice. Premium Club subscribers will then receive the next Turnover & Profits Blue Book on Friday (13 March), at 12pm. The database will feature 13 new companies and 59 updated accounts. The database now features a total of 1,244 companies, with 759 in profit and 485 making a loss. The Blue Book is updated each month and ranks companies by turnover, profit and profit conversion, listing directors’ earnings for the past five years. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to four other databases: the Multi-Site Database, the New Openings Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database and the Who’s Who of UK Hospitality. All Premium Club subscribers will be offered a 20% discount on tickets to Propel paid-for events and discounts on specialist sector reports. Operators that are Premium Club subscribers are also able to send up to four members of staff to each of our four Multi-Club Conferences for free. Premium Club subscribers receive their daily Propel Info newsletter 11 hours earlier than standard subscribers, at 7pm the evening before. They also receive videos of presentations at eight Propel conference events two weeks after they are held. This represents around 100 videos of industry insight over the course of the year. Premium Club subscribers also receive exclusive opinion columns every Friday at 5pm, which include the thoughts of Propel chief operating officer – editorial, Mark Wingett, and a host of industry leaders from across the sector. A Premium Club subscription costs an annual sum of £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

‘Scotland’s first Subway’ destroyed in Glasgow Central Station blaze: A Subway branch which the owner claims was the first in Scotland has been destroyed in the Glasgow Central Station blaze. The BBC reports that Wahid Sadiq and his brother Shahid own the Subway sandwich shop which was one of the businesses destroyed in the fire. Sadiq said the branch was the first Subway in Scotland and had operated from the site for more than 25 years, but the facade is all that is left of the shop. One of his other shops, on Sauchiehall Street, was affected by a 2018 fire at the Glasgow School of Art. It was six months before he was able to reopen that branch, and he expects the wait to be longer this time but remains optimistic that the shop will open again. “Most people think it’s a big chain and doesn’t affect anybody, but it’s a franchised brand and most shops around the world are owned and run by small business owners like me,” he added. Meanwhile, Alessandro Varese, who owns the Blue Lagoon chip shop and neighbouring Sexy Coffee, said both were “completely destroyed” in the blaze but said he wanted all the business owners in the block to “stick together” and rebuild. He added: “It’s so important that we stick together; that everybody comes together to rebuild and reopen so we can all try and get back to business.”

 

Digital food supply marketplace raises €20m to aid expansion: Digital food supply marketplace Saltz has raised €20m (£17.3m) to aid its expansion across Europe, invest in technology and grow its team by more than 100 people. Saltz currently operates across 20 countries, offering chefs access to thousands of meat and seafood products through a single interface that unifies catalogues, payments and logistics. The funding round was supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Inovo, Lifeline Ventures and Change Ventures, with participation from Vinted founder Mantas Mikuckas, Wolt founder Miki Kuusi, several Shopify executives and other strategic angels. “Our team spent years building global business-to-business marketplaces, first at Oberlo, and later at Shopify,” said Andrius Slimas, Saltz co-founder. “When we looked at food distribution, we were surprised by how little infrastructure exists for direct cross-border transactions. Restaurants and suppliers still rely heavily on intermediaries, wasting time and inflating margins. We see a clear path to establishing Saltz as the leading infrastructure for food distribution in Europe and beyond. This funding will allow us to build at speed, invest in better experiences for chefs and suppliers, and set higher standards for transparency and efficiency in the food supply industry.”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a branded hotel group in London that is searching for a cluster director of sales. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The role will lead, motivate and inspire a high-performing sales team, build and nurture strong relationships, develop and execute strategic account plans to drive business growth and profitability, and oversee forecasting, planning and performance across multiple hotel properties. The individual will have two to three years of experience in a senior sales leadership role within the hotel or hospitality sector.” The salary is up to £70,000. For more information, email ed@corecruitment.com

 

Bill’s MD – ‘Heathrow launch can be springboard for international opportunities’, launches biggest menu overhaul in five years: Tom James, managing director of Bill’s, the Richard Caring-backed restaurant group, has told Propel that the company’s upcoming debut site in a transport hub, at Heathrow airport, can act as a “springboard for international opportunities”. The company, which recently opened its largest site to date, and its 49th, at Westfield Stratford, will open a site on the upper level of Heathrow Terminal 2, partnering with Avolta, next month. James said he sees travel hubs as a natural fit for the brand’s all-day dining model, particularly its strong breakfast and brunch offer. He added the restaurant can also serve as a calling card for the brand’s international aspirations. He said: “I do think the airport will be a springboard for international opportunities. The more new-look Bill's we do, and the more people see the brand growing, then the more those conversations open up, and I think travel hubs and international sites will come from that. International will be the same rule we have for everything. It is around finding the right partner. We’re not pushed to do international. We’d love to see Bill's go global, but it’s finding the right partner who loves the brand as much as we do; who will again be another success story in the journey.” Bill's is also rolling out a major refurbishment programme. The company’s Birmingham site, which reopened in January with a fully motorised, year-round terrace, is already trading up more than 20% year-on-year. The group’s 25th anniversary year also brings the company's biggest menu overhaul in five years, with 36 new dishes and a refreshed set menu built around the brand’s heritage, launched last week. James also said the business has “a very exciting celebrity chef and influencer collaboration” launching in April. James was speaking to Propel chief operating officer – editorial Mark Wingett in a Premium Club Opinion Special, sent yesterday (Monday, 9 March) to Premium Club subscribers. A Premium Club subscription costs an annual sum of £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

 

Tilray Brands acquires BrewDog Australia: US-based Tilray Brands, which last week acquired the global intellectual property rights of BrewDog, its Aberdeenshire brewery and 11 of its bars in a £33m deal, has completed the acquisition of the Scottish brewer and retailer’s Australian business. The deal includes BrewDog’s Australian brewing and production facility in Brisbane, Queensland, along with a portfolio of owned and franchised BrewDog bars across Australia. The acquisition includes two owned BrewDog bar locations in Brisbane, DogTap Brisbane and BrewDog Fortitude Valley, as well as three franchised BrewDog locations in Pentridge (Victoria), South Eveleigh (New South Wales) and Perth (Western Australia). Irwin Simon, chairman and chief executive of Tilray Brands, said: “The acquisition of BrewDog’s profitable Australian brewery operations and flagship bars represents another important milestone in advancing Tilray’s global beverage and consumer products strategy. Australia is a highly attractive craft beer market with a strong beer culture and serves as a strategic gateway to the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific region. Together with our recently announced acquisition of BrewDog’s profitable UK operations, this transaction further expands Tilray's international brewing footprint and strengthens our scaled global beverage platform. BrewDog’s brewing capabilities, production infrastructure, and hospitality locations in Australia provide a strong operational base to invest in the brand’s next chapter, while also creating a strategic hub to introduce Tilray's portfolio of leading US beverage brands across the Asia-Pacific region.” Tilray is also in talks to acquire BrewDog’s US operations. 

 

San Carlo Group to make US debut with Signor Sassi opening: San Carlo Group will make its US debut on Saturday (14 March) with an opening under its Signor Sassi brand in Florida. The business will open the site in Hallandale Beach in partnership with the Victorem Hospitality Group. “Signor Sassi brings something new, special, and exciting to Hallandale Beach, and we’re confident the area has not seen anything like this,” said Victorem Hospitality Group chief executive Daniel Alberto Rodriguez. “We look forward to sharing our passion for exceptional food, warm hospitality, and the unmistakable Signor Sassi atmosphere with locals and visitors. We’re confident Signor Sassi will make every guest’s experience unforgettable.” The expansion into the US marks a notable milestone for a brand that first opened its doors in London's Knightsbridge Green in 1984 and has since expanded into Dubai, Qatar and Egypt. Last autumn, Marcello Distefano, chief executive of San Carlo Group, told Propel that the company’s immediate focus was expanding overseas, as the “government is not giving us anything to make us want to grow in the UK”. The company, which was founded in Birmingham 34 years ago, currently operates 25 sites across the UK and ten under franchise internationally. The group plans to open further restaurants in Morocco, Cairo and Bahrain.

 

Three-Michelin-starred Indian restaurant Trèsind to open in London this spring: Dubai-based Passion F&B group is to bring its three-Michelin-starred Indian restaurant brand Trèsind to London this spring, with an opening in Mayfair. The business is set to open a Trèsind in Hanover Street. The company currently operates the two-time, three-Michelin-starred Trèsind Studio in Dubai, which opened in 2018, and the original Trèsind site that opened in 2014, also in Dubai. Passion F&B also operates a site under the Trèsind name in Mumbai, India. Tresind Studio in Dubai became the first Indian restaurant to be awarded three Michelin stars. The fine-dining venue, led by chef Himanshu Saini, will begin with a multi-course tasting menu only, highlighting seasonal ingredients and regional Indian flavours. The ground floor will be home to the main dining room and a private dining space, with the bar anchoring the basement, alongside an experiential private room conceived for curated tastings, special events and immersive culinary moments. Originally launched in 2018 as an experimental offshoot of Tresind, the venue now operates from an exclusive 20-seat rooftop location at The Palm Jumeirah. The London restaurant plans to offer a “new chapter in modern Indian cuisine, focusing on creativity and elegance”. Passion F&B, which was formed 11 years ago, operates several concepts in Dubai and India “showcasing contemporary Indian food to a global audience”, including Avatara, Maison De Curry, Bistro Aamara, A Cappella, Nonnaverse, Viva La Goa and Gala By Tresind. Suyash Nath, chief executive of Passion F&B UK & US, said: “Trèsind began as my father’s passion project – a modern interpretation of Indian cuisine rooted in creativity and hospitality. Over the years it has grown into a global story and bringing it to London feels like a natural next chapter.” Taylor Gershon, of TCPW, acted on the Mayfair deal.

 

Bread Ahead eyeing Greater London expansion: Bread Ahead, the independent bakery and baking school business, is planning to extend its London footprint. The business, founded by Matthew Jones in 2013, currently has nine sites in the capital, alongside 11 in the Middle East. But while it gears up to make its US debut this summer, along with further overseas expansion to Thailand and the Philippines, Bread Ahead is not taking its eye off its home market. Jones said: “What started at Borough Market has grown into one of the UK’s best-known bakery brands, with a loyal following built on quality, craft, and experience. Today, we are ready to grow further across Greater London, with the right franchise partners. This is not about putting a logo on more shopfronts. It is about partnering with experienced operators who understand hospitality, believe in standards, and want to build something special in their part of London. From our iconic locations in Borough Market, Chelsea, South Kensington, Bromley, Leicester Square and Wembley, we have seen what happens when great product meets the right location and the right team. Now we are looking to bring that same energy to new neighbourhoods across Greater London.” Jones told Propel in October that a three-month pop-up site in Manchester would also be “only the beginning” of regional expansion in the UK.

 

Swiss-born bakery business to make its UK debut next week, with flagship London store to follow: Swiss-born bakery business Bear St Bakery will make its UK debut next week, in Bicester Village in Oxfordshire, with a flagship London store to follow later this year. Founded in Zurich, and with two sites in the Swiss city, Bear St Bakery will open in Bicester Village on Tuesday, 17 March, offering a signature range of cookies, drinks and desserts. Cookies including pistachio white chocolate and raspberry, roasted tahini chocolate chip and brown butter miso salted caramel will be available alongside seasonal rotations and limited-edition monthly varieties. There will also be speciality coffee, matcha drinks and a signature hot chocolate range with distinctive cacao origins such as Maracaibo and Suhum. Bear St Bakery was founded by Max Friedrich, who built his career in hospitality with groups including the Dorchester Collection, Zuma and Shangri-La. “Bringing Bear to the UK means bringing a piece of what we’ve created in Switzerland with us,” he said. “We’ve shown everyday products can carry the same care, craftsmanship and ingredient quality typically reserved for special occasions. From our dough to our use of exceptional Swiss chocolate, every detail reflects our commitment to quality that people can taste, trust, and return to daily.”

 

Boparan Restaurant Group makes further management team changes, CFO steps down: Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG), the Slim Chickens UK, Ed’s Easy Diner and Carluccio’s operator, has made further changes to its management team, Propel has learned. The business, which earlier this year saw Satnam Leihal step down as chief executive after six years in the role, confirmed that David Sayer has moved on from the business after three and half years as its chief financial officer. On the back of Sayers’ departure, Jo Burroughs has been promoted from head of commercial finance to finance director and will oversee the financial strategy and performance moving forward. At the same time, BRG has promoted Meg Finlay to brand director. Finlay, who has been with the business for more than eight years, will join the company’s leadership structure. BRG said Finlay, who spent the past three years as head of operations, has played an important role in “helping shape and grow the group’s brands during a period of significant development for the business”. She will continue to lead the strategic development and positioning of BRG’s portfolio of brands. Rich Pigott, managing director of BRG, said: “We are focused on building a strong and experienced leadership team that can support the next phase of growth for Boparan Restaurant Group. Meg’s promotion is thoroughly deserved and reflects the significant contribution she has made to the business over many years. Alongside Jo stepping into the role of finance director, these appointments demonstrate our commitment to developing talent within the organisation and ensuring we have the right team in place to continue strengthening and growing our brands.”

 

Hero Brands opens first site for new Professor Green-led concept: Hero Brands, the backer of German Doner Kebab and Sides, has opened its first site in partnership with the English pop artist and rapper Professor Green. The concept – PG Fast Food – has launched in Glasgow, with two more openings planned in Scotland this year. Green, real name Stephen Manderson, has opened the site in Byres Road. The menu offers a “naughty but nice twist” on fast food, serving up “signature filled and sealed ‘UFOs’ or salad and rice loaded with delicious nostalgic recipes, including all day cheesy beano, barbecue chicken and pot roast beef”. As previously reported, the business has been structured with long‑term scalability in mind, through franchising supported by Hero Brands’ expertise in building and expanding culture‑led food concepts. Rebecca Tye, managing director at PG Fast Food, said: “The opening of our first site represents the start of something unique. We set out to build a brand that brings something new to the market, fast food that feels fresh, playful and real and with a menu that everyone is happy to eat from. This launch gives us the foundation to grow and to build a brand that champions quality, community and operational excellence.” The rapper previously operated Giz & Green, with chef Gizzi Erskine.

Cornish Bakery launches first site of 2026 featuring brand’s first open-style bakery kitchen: Fast-growing independent brand Cornish Bakery has opened in Newbury, Berkshire, for its first new store of 2026. The site, in Northbrook Street, features the brand’s first fully open “Saturday Kitchen”-style bakery kitchen so visitors can experience the products being kneaded, shaped and baked in real time. Guests can chat with the Cornish Bakery team, take part in workshops and join in a programme of special events hosted throughout the year. Cornish Bakery managing director Mat Finch said: “We are delighted to have opened in such a prominent location. This marks an exciting investment in the high street, transforming a stunning, but previously ‘underplayed’ and more recently vacant property into a contemporary, premium bakery destination. This fully open kitchen is a first for Cornish Bakery and we’re thrilled to bring this special addition to Newbury.” Next month, Cornish Bakery will open its biggest site yet, at 2,500 square feet, and first in Wales. The store, in Betws-y-Coed, will also be the first site under the company’s new “RISE by Cornish Bakery” concept, which will expand its traditional coffee and bakery offerings to include small plates. The company is also set to open in Portsmouth, Lincoln, Wells and Witney in the coming months. Finch will be among the speakers at the first Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2026, which is open for bookings. Finch will talk about how the business has become one of the UK’s most compelling retail success stories – a brand that proves craft, culture and commercial performance don’t need to live in separate rooms, and how it has evolved from a regional favourite into a nationally admired operator. The conference takes place on Wednesday, 25 March, at the Park Plaza, Victoria. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Operators can book up to three free places per company while Premium subscribers who are operators can book up to four free places. To book, email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com.

 

M&B buys remaining Pebble Hotels site: Pebble Hotels, the business chaired by Ted Kennedy, has sold its remaining site – The White Swan in Arundel, West Sussex – to Mitchells & Butlers (M&B). The pub, in Chichester Road, features 20 bedrooms. Last summer, Heartwood Collection, the Alchemy Partners-backed business, acquired the 53-room Potters Heron pub in Ampfield, Hampshire, from Pebble Hotels, for an undisclosed sum, and earlier this year, Kennedy acquired Peach Pubs through his new vehicle Coral Pub Company. He subsequently told Propel that he was attracted to the 21-strong group because it has “great pubs and a great future” and he would put “operations at the epicentre” of the business. Kennedy, who was previously managing director of Whitbread’s managed pub division and former chairman of Dominion Hospitality, acquired Peach Pubs via a pre-pack administration after the collapse of The Revel Collective. Kennedy also built the 82-strong Mill House Inns portfolio, which was sold to Punch for £164m.

 

Pizza Pilgrims gearing up for Bristol and Glasgow openings: Pizza Pilgrims, the pizzeria brand backed by McWin-backed German pizza and pasta restaurant business L’Osteria, is gearing up to open in Bristol and Glasgow later this spring. The Gavin Smith-led Pizza Pilgrims, which currently operates 27 pizzerias across the UK, will open in the former Stanfords site in Bristol’s Corn Street. This will be followed with an opening in Glasgow, at the former Ting Thai site in West Nile Street. Pizza Pilgrims already operates a site in Scotland, in Edinburgh. In December, the company opened a new 92-cover, two-floor site at 278-280 Pentonville Road, in London’s King’s Cross. At the same time, the business, which was founded by brothers Thom and James Elliot, reopened its original site in Dean Street, Soho, after a full-scale revamp. The company previously said it planned to grow its portfolio to 38 sites by the end of 2027. Jake Bernstone, of Matta London, acted on the Bristol deal.

 

Robot chef cooking fried chicken among four new vendors across three Market Place sites: A concept involving a robot chef cooking fried chicken is among four new vendors across three locations for food hall concept Market Place, launching this month. SABA, which is opening at Market Place St Paul’s, will see the automated chef cooking crispy Korean fried chicken, “delivering both theatre and taste in one unforgettable street food experience”. Also launching at Market Place St Paul’s is Italian comfort food concept The Cheese Wheel, at the centre of which is an iconic 40kg wheel of Grana Padano, where freshly cooked pasta is tossed and coated inside the cheese itself, creating a rich, creamy sauce. Over at Market Place Harrow, May 10 Eatery will offer Caribbean and Jamaican cuisine, including jerk chicken yard boxes, patties and fried plantain. And at the newly opened Market Place Leicester Square, sizzling steak concept Argentinian Grill, already a favourite at Market Place Vauxhall and St Paul’s, will expand its presence – offering premium cuts of steak, flame-grilled meats and freshly baked empanadas.

 

Brett Parker joins Caprice Holdings as acquisition consultant: Brett Parker, who stepped down as property director at fast-growing bakery brand Gail’s in November, has joined Caprice Holdings, the Richard Caring-backed, high-end restaurant business that operates ten sites across the UK, as an acquisition consultant. Parker spent almost eight years with Gail’s, initially as head of property, before being promoted to property director five years ago. He previously held similar roles with Crew Clothing Company and Paperchase. Parker said: “I have always been passionate about the hospitality property market, and I am eager to bring my experience in acquisition, sustainability and growth to such a forward-thinking team. I look forward to diving into growing the London and wider portfolio.” In January, Propel revealed that Caprice Holdings had strengthened its management team after hiring Alix Pickard and Natalie Tait as its new chief marketing officer and chief people officer, respectively.

 

Midlands Nashville hot chicken concept Hotville to open sixth site: Midlands Nashville hot chicken concept Hotville is to open in Birmingham’s Alum Rock for its second site in the city and sixth overall. The business, which already has a store at 811 Stratford Road in Birmingham – alongside three in Leicester and one in Nottingham – will open the new location by the end of March. The site will be operated by franchisee Hijrat Safi. Hotville co-founder Usman Ganny said: “Following the success of the Hotville in Sparkhill, Hijrat was inspired to open in Alum Rock. Our diverse menu, using our range of tasty spices and proven preparation, has resulted in recent record sales, and we felt it was the ideal time to expand.” Ali Rajani, Hotville’s other co-founder, said last month that the brand will open six new stores this year, having enjoyed its highest-ever performing week between Christmas and new year.

 

Greene King hosts career events in female prisons to mark International Women’s Day: Brewer and retailer Greene King is hosting a series of dedicated career events at female prisons across the country this month to mark International Women’s Day. Members of Greene King’s senior leadership team, including chief operating officer Clair Preston-Beer, managing director of Destination Brands Jodie Tate,and managing director of Greene King pubs,Zoe Bowley, hosted events at HMP Drake Hall in Stafford and HMP Downview in Surrey last week. Further events are scheduled at HMP Styal in Cheshire, HMP Bronzefield in Surrey, HMP Peterborough and HMP East Sutton Park in Kent as part of the initiative in partnership with New Futures Network and the Ministry of Justice. The two-hour sessions provide female prisoners with the opportunity to learn about the career opportunities and support available to them through Greene King’s Releasing Potential programme. The programme was launched in 2019 to support prison leavers across the UK and has worked with more than 80 prisons across the UK, launched four prison training academies and supported more than 350 individuals – 19% of whom are women – into sustainable employment with Greene King to date. Preston‑Beer said: “International Women’s Day is a moment for us to champion the potential of women everywhere, regardless of their background. Through our Releasing Potential programme and events such as these, we are committed to ensuring prison leavers have equal access to skills and training they need to build long-term careers in hospitality.”

 

North east operator Kymel Trading secures sixth site: North east operator Kymel Trading, whose portfolio includes Trenchers Fish Restaurant in Whitby, has secured its sixth site. The company is to operate a new five-star boutique hotel and luxury spa opening in Yarm. Plans for the £25m-plus revamp of the former Judges Country House have been approved by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council. Chris Musgrave, who is behind the scheme, said: “This is a prominent site in a prime location, rich in history and local significance. Our vision is to celebrate its heritage while creating a destination of genuine regional and national appeal. The development will revitalise the area and deliver meaningful economic benefits for the wider community.” Musgrave has appointed Kymel to operate and help bring forward the transformation of Kirklevington Hall. Paul Mackings, chairman at Kymel, said: “Kirklevington Hall presents a rare opportunity to create a special destination, incorporating fine dining and luxury overnight stays to spa breaks, bespoke weddings and high-end events. This development will deliver a premium hospitality experience that addresses a recognised gap in the north east market.” As part of the wider masterplan and to support the overall viability of the scheme, an exclusive gated community will also be created, comprising a collection of luxury, premium self-build homes.

 

Clays hires Michael Hay as new marketing director: Clays, the Imbiba-backed, indoor interactive clay shooting experience operator, has hired Michael Hay, formerly of Sixes and Topgolf, as its new marketing director. Hays joins the four-strong Clays after three years at Sixes, the cricket-based competitive socialising concept, including stints as its head of marketing and head of commercial. Before that, he spent 13 years at Topgolf, including four years as senior marketing manager, UK venues and international franchises. Clays opened a new flagship site in London’s Soho in September, joining its sites in Moorgate and Canary Wharf in the capital and Birmingham. In 2024, Clays completed a £6m fundraise, led by French leisure and entertainment group Hadrena (formerly Otium Leisure). Propel understands Clays saw year-on-year growth of 28% last year versus 2024, helped by a strong start in Soho and the extension of the private room in its Birmingham site last autumn.

 

IHG Hotels & Resorts hires new UK & Ireland MD: IHG Hotels & Resorts has hired a new managing director for its UK and Ireland estate. Neetu Mistry will oversee more than 400 open and pipeline hotels across 11 brands – including InterContinental, Kimpton, Vignette Collection, Hotel Indigo, Voco, Ruby Hotels, Garner, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites. She was previously chief commercial officer for Cyrus Hospitality and group director of revenue at RBH Hotels and also served as an owner representative for one of IHG’s regional councils. Mistry said: “I am honoured to join IHG at such an exciting moment for its UK and Ireland estate. As a vibrant and dynamic market, I see significant opportunities to deliver for our owners across all segments.” Karin Sheppard, IHG’s senior vice-president and managing director Europe, added: “Neetu is a highly respected leader with a strong track record of building inclusive, high-performing teams and delivering sustained results. As we looked to the future, Neetu will be invaluable in helping to unlock the full potential of our UK and Ireland business and further strengthening our partnerships with owners.”

 

Immersive ABBA-themed dining experience set to head to Manchester: Immersive theatrical dining experience Mamma Mia! The Party is set to head to Manchester. Investor and producer Pophouse Entertainment is working with Manchester City Football Club on the proposal. A planning application has been submitted to the city council for a new immersive event venue at the Etihad Campus that will host the experience as part of the new Medlock Square development, and builds on the club's long-held ambition to develop east Manchester into a year-round entertainment destination. Situated at the north east of the campus, the proposed three-storey event venue will complement Co-op Live and the Etihad Stadium's expanded North Stand. The proposed Mamma Mia! The Party venue would see up to 600 guests accommodated per show. Mamma Mia! The Party has been hosted at The O2 in London since 2019, while the Stockholm production recently celebrated its tenth anniversary. Pophouse chief executive Jessica Koravos said: “Manchester is known for its enthusiasm and innovation in music and entertainment, and we cannot think of anywhere better to bring one of the world's most popular and ground-breaking theatrical productions. Mamma Mia! The Party has been hugely successful in London, with audiences continuing to love the experience even seven years after its opening, and we are excited to be able to expand on that success.”

 

Lake District holiday park agrees long-term lease with Caravan and Motorhome Club: Park Cliffe Windermere Camping and Caravan Park has agreed a long-term lease with the Caravan and Motorhome Club (CaMC). The off-market transaction was advised by Colliers’ specialist parks team acting on behalf of the Dickson family, the owners of the park. Located three miles from Bowness-on-Windermere, the park accommodates touring caravans, motorhomes and tents alongside static holiday caravans and glamping pods. The owners, who have operated the park successfully for many years, sought an operator capable of preserving the character and reputation of the site while supporting its long-term future. CaMC was selected for its strong membership base, established national network and shared commitment to quality and sustainability. The park will now operate as Park Cliffe Windermere Camping and Caravan Park, as part of the club’s UK campsite network. Harvey Alexander, chief executive at the Caravan and Motorhome Club, said: “Park Cliffe Windermere Camping and Caravan Park is a fantastic addition to our UK Club Campsite network and a location we know our members and guests will value. The Lake District remains one of our most popular destinations, and this campsite offers an exceptional setting, high-quality facilities and a strong commitment to sustainability.”